Lifting is one of the most common issues in nail services, both for beginners and professionals. A set that lifts after just a few days can have several causes: insufficient prep, improper curing, incompatibility between products, an unsuitable technique, or external factors related to the natural nail itself. Here are the 9 main causes and the solutions to improve the wear of your sets long-term.
Insufficient preparation
Even with excellent products, poor prep can cause quick lifting. The most common mistakes: cuticles not removed, nail plate still shiny, leftover dust, moisture, or touching the nails after prep.
- Push back and properly remove cuticles
- Lightly buff without over-filing
- Dust off thoroughly
- Avoid any contact with fingers after preparation
- Use a suitable nail prep if needed
A base not suited to the nail type
Not all nails have the same needs. Thin, soft, or very flexible nails generally require a more flexible, reinforced base. Conversely, some bases that are too rigid can cause lifting on very flexible nails.
- Reinforced base for fragile nails
- More fluid base for nails without any particular issues
- Stronger adhesion depending on the nail type
Wear depends on several factors: preparation, the right base, curing, technique, and aftercare. Every detail matters! Adapting the product to the client often greatly improves retention.
Which base should you choose to reduce lifting?
Choosing the base plays a key role in how long a set lasts. Here are our recommendations based on nail type.
Easy Base
Ideal for quick sets, natural nails without any particular issues, and thin techniques without filing. Flexible and fluid, it offers good adhesion on normal nails.
Nutri Base
Perfect for thin, soft, flexible, or weakened nails. Its reinforced texture provides more support to the natural nail while remaining flexible. Appreciated when lifting is linked to a nail that is too flexible.
Base Super Bond
Use when enhanced adhesion is needed before a gel or acrygel set. It improves the grip between the natural nail and the product applied afterwards.
The key is to adapt the base to the nail type rather than always choosing the same product for every client.
Poor curing under the UV/LED lamp
Incomplete curing can greatly reduce product adhesion. A lamp that’s too weak, worn LEDs, the wrong wavelength, a layer that’s too thick, or a hand that’s poorly positioned can be the cause.
- Use a quality lamp (ideally 36W or more)
- Follow the recommended curing times
- Avoid layers that are too thick
- Clean the lamp regularly and check the LEDs
- Replace an aging lamp if necessary
Incompatibility between certain products
Mixing different brands or different technologies can sometimes cause issues. Some combinations can reduce adhesion, cause shrinkage, create cracks, or decrease overall wear.
Incompatibility can come from the base, the color, the builder gel, or the top coat.
Too much thickness or poor product balance
A poorly structured set creates tension. If the product is too thin in some areas or too thick elsewhere, it can cause cracks, breakage, and premature lifting.
Correct placement of reinforcement and the apex plays an important role in the strength of the set.
Contact with certain chemicals
Frequent exposure to water, detergents, household products, or harsh disinfectants can reduce wear time.
Wearing gloves is still recommended for intensive household tasks or frequent contact with chemicals.
Certain natural nail characteristics
Some people naturally have very oily, very moist, very flexible nails, or nails that are difficult to get product to adhere to. In these cases, it may be necessary to adapt the prep, the products used, and the application protocol.
Health-related factors
Certain situations can temporarily change the natural state of the nail: hormonal changes, pregnancy, fatigue, stress, medical treatments, antibiotics, thyroid issues, or excessive sweating.
Wear can vary from one client to another, even with the same products and the same protocol.
Poor everyday use
Even a correctly done set can be weakened by certain habits: using nails as tools, opening items, repeated impacts, friction, biting, or frequent contact with hot water.
How can you improve wear long-term?
Lifting isn’t always caused by a bad gel. In most cases, it comes from a combination of technical factors. Understanding the root cause usually makes it possible to greatly improve retention.
- Prepare the nail carefully
- Choose a suitable base (Easy Base, Nutri Base, or Base Super Bond) depending on the nail type
- Use a quality UV/LED lamp and follow curing times
- Avoid excessive layers and use compatible products
- Adapt the technique to the nail type
- Maintain sets properly day to day
Wear often depends on a set of small details rather than a single product.