Sounds like your application might be too thick per layer, so it does not allow enough light through to cure the gel well enough. Therefore it “crumbles” because it isn’t cured enough to begin with. I suggest applying black gels in three thin layers. Cure each thin layer of black for at least a minute in a 36-watt lamp. By the third coat it’s going to look awesome and really black. You shouldn’t have problems after that. Also shaking or stirring the gels will help the pigment not settle, again helping the curing process.
— Amanda Dodge is an educator for Young Nails.
Technique
Why does my black enhancement gel crumble away after a full cure?
June 11, 2012
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