For both clients and technicians alike, nail enhancements that remain on the nails for the long haul are preferable. If you are having problems with your enhancements lifting, check out the following advice from NailPro Magazine:
#10: Only use high-quality, name-brand, professional products. You may think the no-name products are a steal, but if you have to fix the enhancements, you just ate up the additional profit you made to start with. Think the top name brands: CND, Tammy Taylor, and Star Nail are some of our most popular brands!
#9: Correct Prep is KEY. Follow these steps to ensure the nail is well-prepped prior to applying a new enhancement:
- Have client wash hands and scrub nail plate to reduce nail bed oils.
- Push back cuticle and gently buff the surface, using a 180-grit buffer.
- Remove all excess dust with a disinfectable brush.
- Clean the nail with a lint-free wipe and nail prep solution, such as CND Scrub Fresh.
- Apply the recommended primer for the products you are using.
#8: Follow the manufacturer's instructions and keep like products together. Each product in a product line has been formulated to work in conjunction with the other products, so in order to prevent reactions, always stay within the same line. Also - don't skip steps or stray from the instructions!
#7: Don't let it flood! Leave a 1/16th" margin around the cuticle, and be sure not to leave a raised "edge" that you can feel - this edge, even if you can't see it - might get caught on something and cause lifting!
#6: Avoid product contamination. Ensure your client's health and safety by always storing your brushes in a clean, dry container with the bristles down. Always clean dappen dishes between clients, and empty at the end of the night. Never pour unused monomer back in the bottle.
#5: Build enhancements to an appropriate length - no more than half the length of the natural nail bed. Even if your client is pushing for a longer enhancement, stick to your guns. Anything longer will not hold up to normal wear and tear.
#4: For acrylic, use the correct mix ratio. To test, place a bead of product directly on the apex of a clean, unfiled nail tip. Do not pat or push down, simply observe for 10 seconds. If it is too wet, the bead will settle and flow outward immediately. If it is too dry, the height and shape will be completely unchanged after 10 seconds, and may look crusty. The perfect consistency will look like frosted glass.
#3: Don't nip old products off nails, as this can cause lifting and create an edge that is hard to incorporate into the new nail. Instead, use a 180- or 240-grit file to remove shine and lower thickness by a third. Any places that have lifted should be filed and blended into the natural nail.
#2: Hold a medical consult with your client. Some medications and treatments affect hair and nails, which can cause lifting. Try your best with different products, or recommend the client goes with natural nails if using any of these medications.
#1: Educate your clients! Armed with the proper at-home care and maintenance, your clients can help prevent lifting!