Artificial Nail Enhancements
The three main systems
Acrylic (liquid-and-powder): a monomer liquid plus polymer powder form a bead that cures by evaporation and polymerization at room temperature - no lamp. Gel: a photoinitiator-cured product requiring a UV/LED lamp with correct wattage and bulb condition. Wraps: fabric, silk, or fiberglass adhered with resin or glue. Tips and forms build length; bonding agents and primers improve adhesion on a properly prepped plate.
Prep decides longevity
Remove cuticle debris from the plate, gently remove shine, dehydrate, and keep product off the skin and sidewalls. Lifting usually traces to moisture, oily or unclean plates, product on the skin, or a product that is too thick at the cuticle. Keep the enhancement thin at the cuticle and sidewalls and slightly thicker at the stress area. Fills are typical every two to three weeks.
Traps
- MMA monomer (methyl methacrylate) is restricted or banned; use EMA.
- Primer belongs on the plate only - never on skin or cuticle.
- Over-filing the natural plate with an e-file creates heat and thinning; use light pressure and proper bit direction.
- A weak or aged lamp undercures gel, causing service breakdown and allergic reactions.
- Acrylic removal is by acetone soak, not by prizing or biting off product.
Worked example
A client's enhancement lifts along the cuticle after five days. Ask about prep (was the plate dehydrated?), check whether product touched skin, and check bead ratio. The fix is technique, not more product.