Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Technique

Why do my clients' acrylic nails look discolored?

December 20, 2010

It sounds like moisture us getting underneath the gray nail. This happens when your product seal is not sealing properly. Check to see of there is a crack somewhere on the nail that is allowing moisture to get in. The yellowing could be caused by using a contaminated brush or brush cleaner, or from a product that is not “non-yellowing.”  — Tracey Stadamire


Yellowing can occur from using old acrylic product or from monomer that doesn’t have a UV protectant. Make sure you store monomer in a dark, cool place, always use a proper dispenser made for that product, and never mix old and new monomer together. — Michele Martinez

Discolored nails could be the result of several things, including exposure to contaminated liquid, powder, primer, or brushes. Another contributing factor is nail enamel. Make sure to oil buff the nails and use a good base coat prior to polish application. Also, acrylic that has not been sealed properly by oil buffing (or buffing with a three-way buffer) will be porous and can become stained by the pigments in enamel. — Marti Preuss

Most acrylic products will “age” and discolor. Yellowing is not unusual. A definite spot of yellow-orange on the nail could mean that the primer is touching the existing acrylic during a fill. Gray nails are usually caused by contamination or the use of a “dirty” compound. — Sue Roberts


You need to determine whether it is the natural nail or the acrylic that is discolored. Discolored natural nails could either indicate poor circulation (gray-purple) or surface stains from nicotine, polish, etc. (yellow-orange). Discolored acrylic product indicates either the use of inferior product (old liquid or no UV protectors) or poor technique (mixing liquid with primer or not using fresh liquid with each service). — Jaime Schrabeck

You may also like Enhancement Troubleshooter.

More FAQ

I am having a continuous problem with my clients’ nails lifting around the cuticle.

I am currently a nail student and I am having a continuous problem with my clients’ nails lifting around the cuticle. I am using good product so I know that isn’t the reason. I was wondering if using too much or too little liquid could cause them to lift.... read more

Is there anything I can do for my client who is allergic to acrylics?

I have a client who is allergic to most acrylics. She has also had chemotherapy, which has left her nails deformed. I’ve tried just about everything to help her, but silk wraps don’t stay on and she reacts to most acrylics — even the ones made for sensitive clients. Is there anything I can do for her?... read more

Is it OK to put tea tree oil in the soak to soften dry cuticles?

I do a lot of natural nail manicures and I like to put a few drops of tea tree oil in the soak to soften dry cuticles. Is this effective or is it too diluted? Does it have any other positive effects?... read more

Can you apply acrylic on the underside of the nail to prevent the product from lifting at the free edge as the nail grows out?

Can you apply acrylic on the underside of the nail to prevent the product from lifting at the free edge as the nail grows out?... read more

Is it OK to file a callus all the way down, or should I leave some?

Is it OK to file a callus all the way down, or should I leave some?... read more

Why is my top coat wrinkling on toenails?

Why is my top coat wrinkling on toenails? This only happens when the feet are cold. Do the feet have to be a certain temperature?... read more

Why is an air pocket appearing in the middle of my clients' acrylic nails?

I have been a nail tech for five years. In the last several months when my clients return for their fill I find a large air pocket in the center of some of their nails and the acrylic is sealed around the air pocket. When I finish the fill there is no air pocket. When they come back for their fill that’s when I notice it. Is my technique incorrect all of sudden? I just can’t figure it out.... read more

Why do tiny “hairs” of lint show up only after the gel has been cured? How do you fix this?

Why do tiny “hairs” of lint show up only after the gel has been cured? How do you fix this?... read more

How can you keep lines from showing once you do a fill?

How can you keep lines from showing once you do a fill? I have used a fill line eraser, but they still seem to show.... read more

What is the secret to that high-gloss shine I see on some acrylics?

What is the secret to that high-gloss shine I see on some acrylics? Are they using a special top coat? Or can you just buff the acrylic and not put anything else on?... read more

Are odorless acrylics more prone to yellowing?

I’m having a huge problem with the yellowing ofmy clients’ nails. Because I work in a spa atmosphere, I have no choice but to use odorless acrylics. I have tried a few different methods, including using a gel overlay (which sometimes peels right off), however I end up with the same results: yellowed nails. Sometimes they are yellow even before the client leaves the salon. The other problem with odorless acrylics is that they never seem to set. When I file them the acrylic just clumps off.... read more

Can you offer any advice on how to keep my pink-and-white sculpts from turning out too thick?

Can you offer any advice on how to keep my pink-and-white sculpts from turning out too thick?... read more