Nail Tips, Wraps, and Sculptured Nails
Application basics
Nail tips are pre-shaped extensions glued to the free edge; they must be sized, blended at the seam, and applied without trapping air or moisture. Wraps (fabric, fiberglass, silk, linen) are applied over the nail plate with resin to add strength; they require proper adhesion and curing. Sculptured nails are built with liquid-and-powder (monomer and polymer) or UV gel, using forms or tips, and require correct mix ratio and curing.
The chemistry that matters
In liquid-and-powder systems, the monomer is the liquid and the polymer is the powder; the initiator (benzoyl peroxide) starts polymerization, and the catalyst speeds it. Too-wet mix causes shrinkage, bubbles, and lifting; too-dry mix causes brittleness and lifting. UV gels cure only under a proper lamp and must not touch skin, or allergic reactions and lifting result.
Traps
Questions confuse monomer/polymer roles or blame lifting on the wrong cause. Lifting usually traces to poor prep, moisture, or incorrect mix ratio. Overfiling the natural plate thins it and causes damage. Never apply product over an infected nail.
Rule of thumb
Prep, ratio, cure. If a set lifts, check nail prep (dehydration and no skin contact) and mix consistency before blaming the product.