If you're a nail tech, you know how frustrating it is when acrylic nails start lifting after all your hard work. It's one of the most common issues that nail artists face, and while it can be annoying, there are ways to prevent it from happening. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned pro, understanding why acrylic powder lifts and how to fix it is key to keeping your clients’ nails flawless.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the reasons behind lifting and what you can do to prevent it. Plus, we'll talk about how using high-quality products, like Chaun Legend’s Acrylic Powders and Liquid Monomer, can make all the difference.
Why Does Acrylic Lift?
Lifting happens when the acrylic starts to peel away from the natural nail, usually around the edges or cuticle area. There are several reasons why this can happen, but it mostly boils down to prep, application, and care. Let’s look at some of the most common causes.
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Poor Nail Preparation
The first and most important step when applying acrylic is proper nail prep. If the nails aren’t clean, dry, and free of oils, the acrylic won’t stick well, and it’s likely to lift.
How to Fix It: Always start by pushing back the cuticles and gently buffing the surface of the natural nail. This removes any dead skin and oils that can interfere with adhesion. You should also use a nail dehydrator to ensure that the nails are completely dry before applying acrylic.
Incorrect Liquid-to-Powder Ratio
Another common reason for lifting is not getting the liquid monomer to acrylic powder ratio right. If the mixture is too dry, the acrylic won’t bond properly to the natural nail. If it’s too wet, it will spread too thinly and won’t hold its shape, which can also lead to lifting.
How to Fix It: Practice picking up the perfect bead of acrylic. The bead should be soft but not runny, and it should hold its shape on the brush. Getting the right consistency takes time, but with practice, it becomes second nature.
Applying Acrylic Too Close to the Cuticle
When you apply acrylic too close to the cuticle or skin, it can cause lifting as the nails grow out. The product needs space to bond to the natural nail without touching the skin, or it won’t adhere properly.
How to Fix It: Leave a small gap between the acrylic and the cuticle area. This gives the product room to bond to the nail and prevents lifting around the edges.
Keep Learning: How to fix mistakes when applying acrylic powder
Over-Filing the Natural Nail
While it’s important to lightly buff the surface of the nail before applying acrylic, over-filing can damage the nail plate. This makes it harder for the acrylic to stick and often results in lifting.
How to Fix It: Be gentle when prepping the nails. Use a 180-grit file to lightly remove the shine from the nail surface without thinning or damaging the natural nail.
Improper Aftercare
Once the acrylic nails are applied, how they’re cared for plays a big role in whether they lift or stay strong. Constant exposure to water, oils, or chemicals can weaken the acrylic bond, causing it to lift.
How to Fix It: Educate your clients on proper nail care. Encourage them to avoid soaking their nails in water for long periods and to wear gloves when doing household chores. Remind them to avoid lotions and oils around the cuticle area, as this can cause the acrylic to lift.
How to Prevent Lifting
Now that we know the most common reasons for lifting, let’s focus on how to prevent it. With the right techniques and products, you can keep lifting at bay and create long-lasting, beautiful acrylic nails.
Proper Nail Prep
Always start with clean, dry nails. Take the time to push back the cuticles, buff the nail surface, and use a nail dehydrator to ensure there’s no moisture or oils on the nails.
Master the Liquid-to-Powder Ratio
Getting the right consistency when mixing acrylic powder and liquid monomer is essential. Practice makes perfect when it comes to achieving the right balance, so take your time to get the bead just right.
Keep Learning: How to pick the best acrylic powder for beginners
Avoid Flooding the Cuticles
When applying acrylic, leave a small gap between the product and the cuticle. This will give the nails room to grow and prevent lifting around the edges.
Use High-Quality Products
The quality of your acrylic powder and liquid monomer matters. Using high-quality products ensures better adhesion, smoother application, and longer-lasting results. Cheap or low-quality products are more likely to cause lifting and can be harder to work with.
Educate Your Clients
Make sure your clients know how to take care of their acrylic nails to avoid lifting. Remind them to keep their nails dry, avoid soaking in water, and use non-oily hand creams.
Why Using High-Quality Products Makes a Difference
Choosing the right products is just as important as using the right techniques. High-quality acrylic powders and liquid monomer are specially formulated to give you better adhesion and a smoother, longer-lasting application. That’s why Chaun Legend’s Acrylic Powders and Liquid Monomer are trusted by professionals.
- Chaun Legend’s Acrylic Powders are available in a wide range of colors, from classic nudes to bold, vibrant shades. These powders are easy to work with, provide great coverage, and adhere beautifully to the natural nail.
- Chaun Legend’s Liquid Monomer is designed to work perfectly with their acrylic powders, giving you the right consistency and control every time. With its superior formula, you can trust that your acrylic nails will stay strong and won’t lift easily.
Lifting can be a frustrating issue when working with acrylic nails, but with the right prep, application techniques, and high-quality products, it’s easy to prevent. By mastering the liquid-to-powder ratio, prepping the nails properly, and educating your clients on aftercare, you’ll be able to create stunning acrylic nails that last.