How To Prevent Nails From Lifting Aug 11, 2020
We all know the process of doing a dip manicure is pretty simple, but it does take a little longer than just a normal manicure. And frequently our lack of patience leads to smudges and lifting in the dip mani. If you're having a hard time getting a clean, beautiful dip powder manicure, check out our tips and tricks bellow. We'll be showing you a few easy ways on how you can protect your mani and prevent premature lifting.
What causes lifting?
If lifting is experienced there are typically a few general causes:
1. Naturally oily nail beds
2. Poor prep
3. Product touching the skin
4. Mixing items from several manufacturers which might be chemically incompatible
How to prevent lifting?
Take extra time with your prep steps
Lifting occurs when dipping powder doesn’t properly adhere to the nail. Like building a house, if the foundation isn't set it won't stand up. The first thing you need to do is start your manicure by properly prepping the nail plate. Gently push back cuticles. Make sure you are getting rid of all of the cuticles on the nail bed. Any excess cuticles on the natural nail will cause lifting.
Buff your nails before starting your mani
Lightly buffing your nails to smooth out any bumps, no matter how small or invisible they may be, is another key to a long-lasting mani. Use a 180 grits buffer/file or a fine sanding band to remove shine and cuticles from nail bed.
Prevent Lifting While You’re Applying Your Dip Mani
- Make sure to shake the closed container of powder well first. Uses the nail stick or pusher to mix the powder.
The way you apply your Base coat, Activator and top coat can also play a big role in determining the lifespan of your manicure.
- Make sure when applying the Base Coat to not get any of the product on the actual cuticle or any surrounding skin, as this will not adhere and allow moisture and air to get under the finished nail which will cause lifting.
- To avoid lifting, generously apply Activator and apply it covering the tip of the nail or until the nails end, capping the nails edges. The first layer of the Activator is what sets and cures the powder, seals it in and later on prevents it from lifting or chipping.
- When applying the Top Coat, make sure the nail has been properly cleansed to remove all the nail powder dust. The Top Coat must be laid in a uniform manner making sure all sides and the front edges are "capped". Use quick strokes and wait for 20-30 seconds before applying the second coat.
If you’re following these steps and still running into challenges with your dip mani, please feel free to contact us. We are happy to help!