Why Acrylic Nails Lift & How To Prevent It

1. Incomplete Nail Prep

The most common reason for lifting is improper prep. Oils, dust, or moisture left on the natural nail create a barrier between the product and the plate.

✅ Fix: Thoroughly dehydrate and prime the nail. Avoid touching the nail plate after prep and ensure it’s completely dry before applying acrylic.

2. Wrong Liquid-to-Powder Ratio

Too much liquid creates a weak, gummy acrylic; too little makes it brittle and prone to lifting.

✅ Fix: Practice achieving a perfect bead — smooth, self-leveling, and not dripping wet.

3. Product Compatibility

Mixing different brands of monomer and powder can interfere with proper adhesion.

✅ Fix: Use matching systems like DNS Acrylic Powder and DNS EMA Monomer for long-lasting results.

4. Natural Nail Factors

Some clients have oily nail beds or work in humid environments that make bonding more difficult.

✅ Fix: Lightly etch the nail surface and always apply a dehydrator and primer to ensure proper adhesion.

The Takeaway

Acrylic lifting isn’t always a skill issue — it’s about precision, prep, and product quality.
When you use the right system and perfect your technique, your sets stay flawless from fill to fill.

✨ Shop professional-grade acrylic systems for smooth application and maximum retention.