Struggling with Nail Lifting? Here's What Every Nail Tech Needs to Know

Nail lifting is one of the most frustrating issues for any nail tech. In this blog post, we’ll cover the top causes, prevention tips, and pro-level fixes to help you deliver long-lasting, flawless sets every time.

What Is Nail Lifting?

Nail lifting happens when an enhancement—whether acrylic, dip, hard gel, or gel polish—begins to separate from the natural nail. This can appear around the cuticle, sidewalls, or even in the center of the nail.

It's a sign of service breakdown and one of the most common struggles for nail techs of all levels.

Types of Lifting and What Causes Them

Lifting at the Cuticle

Common causes include:

• Improper nail prep
• Product applied too close to the skin
• Cuticle area applied too thick
• Dry skin, medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, chemo), or medications

Lifting in the Center of the Nail

This often results from:

• Weak apex or incorrect structure
• Trauma or lifestyle habits
• Product breakdown due to poor adhesion

Top Causes of Nail Lifting & How to Fix Them

1. Incomplete or Improper Nail Prep

Failing to remove oils, cuticle tissue, or shine from the nail plate will lead to poor product adhesion. Always:

• Cleanse with acetone after removing gel polish
• E-file the nail surface gently to remove shine
• Push back and clean cuticle thoroughly

🛠️ Product recommendation: Try the SHi® Diamond PrepMaster Bit for clean, consistent prep.

2. Product Touching the Skin

If product pools into the cuticle or sidewalls—even slightly—it will lift.

Solution:

• Leave a tiny margin between product and skin
• Use a smaller bead and pat gently into place

3. Incorrect Powder-to-Liquid Ratio (for Acrylics)

An unbalanced P&L ratio can make your bead too wet or too dry, which affects adhesion.

• Dry bead = chalky, patchy finish
• Wet bead = floods cuticle, causes shrinkage

✅ Aim for a pearl-like bead with smooth surface control.

4. Over or Under-Priming

No primer or too much primer both lead to lifting.

Tips:

• Use acid-free primer sparingly like double-sided tape
• Use acid primer only when needed (e.g., oily nails or clients who go 3+ weeks between fills)

5. Poor Apex Placement or Structure

If the apex isn't positioned properly, the enhancement can bend, stress the natural nail, and lift.

🎯 Tip: Rebalance the apex on every fill to match nail length and shape.

6. E-Filing Incorrectly or Over-Filing

Over-filing weakens the nail plate. Avoid aggressive angles and remember:

• Just a gentle buff is enough
• Never file into the nail bed to "make it stick"

7. Under-Curing Gel

Under-cured gel will break down and cause premature lifting.

✔️ Double-check:

• UV/LED lamp strength and bulb age
• Cure times based on brand
• Proper hand placement (cure thumbs separately if needed)

8. Client Health & Aftercare Habits

Lifting can result from:

• Picking, peeling, or overexposure to water/chemicals
• Using nails as tools
• Certain medications (e.g., antibiotics, chemo)

📄 Provide a printed or digital aftercare card so your clients know how to maintain their nails between appointments.

What Your Clients Should Know:

✔️ Don't pick, chew, or glue lifted nails

✔️ Don't cover with a bandage—it traps moisture

✔️ Apply cuticle oil daily

✔️ Book a professional repair ASAP

✔️ Let you know about medical conditions

What You Should Do as a Nail Tech:

👂 Invite your client back for a repair

🗣️ Ask questions about their lifestyle, routine, and possible medical changes

🔍 Re-evaluate your prep, primer, and application steps

🧠 Use lifting as a learning opportunity, not a setback

Nail lifting doesn't mean you've failed—it's a signal that something needs adjusting. Whether it's technique, product, or client education, every lifting set teaches you how to create stronger, longer-lasting nails.

✨ You're not a bad tech—you're a growing one. And you're just one tweak away from better retention.

Want to stop lifting for good?

➡️ Join our E-File Mastery Course to learn pro-level prep techniques

🛠️ Shop our Hurricane Precision E-Bits for prep, removal, and clean cuticle work

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