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

Problems with edges when doing acrylics?

I am still having a problem with my edges when doing acrylics. I would like to just get it right so I am not touching the sides and the cuticle.... read more

What is the best way to clean gel brushes?

I just started using gels. What is the best way to clean gel brushes?... read more

LED lamp efficacy across gel brands

Will the new LED lamps work with regular UV gels such as IBD, CND, or Star Nail, or does it only cure hybrid gels such as Gelish, Shellac, Gellac and other soak-off gels?... read more

How do I convince clients to try GelColor by OPI?

How do I convince clients to try GelColor by OPI?... read more

Can humidity cause lifting?

I live in central Florida. Every year when the humidity rises, natural nails start separating from the enhancements on the sides of the free edge. This leads to the enhancements chipping away. Every year, all summer long, I’m rebuilding free edges using forms and product. I’ve tried using a dehumidifier, but it does not seem to be helping.... read more

How can I get acrylic nails to shine better using top coats?

Can you tell me why when I use a top coat on acrylic nails the shine does not come out well? I must admit I don’t do the three-way shine after using the final white block prior to a polish application, but is there a best top coat for pure, long-lasting shine?... read more

Removing Gels to Apply Acrylic

There are many gel nail salons around where I live, meaning there are many people with gel nails. I do acrylic nails and I’m wondering if there is a special removal method to follow for gels because I know they don’t soak off like acrylic. I have a lot of people coming to me with their gel nails still on. Do I just thin them down as good as I can and apply the acrylic as usual? Will the acrylic still adhere with that thin layer of gel on? Or do I need to completely get rid of the gel and get to the natural nail to be able to apply the acrylic?... read more

Cleaning Dried Acrylic Off Brush

I need advice on how to get dried acrylic off my nail brush. I did my first set of fills today but now I am wondering how to clean my brush. My friend said soak it in acetone and then wash it really well. Could this affect my brush or is it OK to clean it?... read more

Acrylics Suddenly Lifting and Have Air Bubbles.

I’ve been a nail tech for three years and have worked at a few salons. I have since opened my own salon and am now having a problem with my acrylics. I am having a lot of lifting and air bubbles in the middle of the nail. I have never had this problem before. My technique has not changed. My prep is good. I remove the cuticle, rough up the nail, and prime. I have tried a few lines of products and it’s happening with all of them. Could it be the environment of the new shop? Please help!... read more

Clogged Airbrush

I have an airbrush machine that I have used one time. After that I have not been able to get any paint to spray out. I even bought a new attachment just in case I did something wrong or did not clean it properly. But before I try it again and risk ruining another attachment, can you please tell me what I might have done wrong? Is there a way to fix this problem?... read more

How can I make a correct C-curve without a tip and achieve an oval shape?

I don’t use tips — I’ve never been a fan. I build my pink-and-whites from scratch and have always been much happier with how they look and wear — my clients are too. But how can I make a correct C-curve without a tip and achieve an oval shape? I have several clients with an oval shape but I can’t get them this pointy and they end up having straighter sidewalls.... read more

I need help selecting a good UV light. What should I look for? Is price a good indicator?

I need help selecting a good UV light. What should I look for? Is price a good indicator?... read more