Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Technique

Why is it that most of my acrylic clients are having lifting by the cuticle area?

August 30, 2010

The first thing I see here is that you’re putting on two coats of primer. Most primers require only one application, and putting primer on top of primer could lead to service breakdown. Check with your manufacturer’s instructions to see if only one coat of primer should be used.

The other thing could be over-filing. Using an 80-grit file on a natural nail would be way too harsh. When you over-file a nail during prep, you remove the keratin on the nail plate, which is needed for the products to make their chemical bonds to the nail.

Finally, it could be your acrylic bead is too wet and is flowing under the cuticle area. This is a common mistake because you can’t see the problem while it’s happening. The wet acrylic will seep under that small flap of cuticle, which then gets the skin’s oil under the acrylic. This can lead to lifting.  — Doni Horn is a guest artist and school account consultant for OPI.

More FAQ

What is the difference between acrylic brushes and gel brushes?

What is the difference between acrylic brushes and gel brushes?... read more

How do I get a perfect acrylic bead?

How do I get a perfect acrylic bead?... read more

If I’m applying polish over gels, do I need to use clear sealer, then base coat?

If I’m applying polish over gels, do I need to use clear sealer, then base coat?... read more

If I’m applying polish over acrylics, do I need to apply base coat before I put polish on?

If I’m applying polish over acrylics, do I need to apply base coat before I put polish on?... read more

Why do I have air bubbles when I glue on tips?

When I glue on tips there are always air bubbles that show. In addition, it takes forever for the glue to dry. I have seen some people (in the malls) put a dinky dab of glue on and it adheres immediately with no bubbles. I have tried all sorts of glue. What am I missing? Is it the way I’m using it or is it the product?... read more

What’s the best way to clean my acrylic brush?

What’s the best way to clean my acrylic brush?... read more

What are party nails?

What are party nails? I was told they are some kind of a tip that can be worn for a short time. Do you use them with an overlay or just the tip?... read more

How do I safely use a drill with a sanding bit?

I’m thinking about using a drill with a sanding band to prep. How do I use it and avoid damage to the nail plate? I’m concerned about what speed, what grit, and what kind of band, and whether I can use it to remove pterygium.... read more

Why do I keep getting air bubbles in my acrylic?

Why do I keep getting air bubbles in my acrylic?... read more

Is there an easy way to remove a UV gel top coat? Or is there a product for removing this?

Is there an easy way to remove a UV gel top coat? Or is there a product for removing this?... read more

Some of my clients complain that their acrylic lifts too quickly from on top. How can I avoid this?

Some of my clients complain that their acrylic lifts too quickly from on top. How can I avoid this?... read more

How do I know how thick to apply acrylic?

I’m worried that I am applying the acrylic too thick in some places and then entirely too thin in others. How do you know when, “enough is enough?”... read more