notg.iss

One thing I’ve noticed as a nail tech, is that some clients blame their nail tech for their gel nails lifting. But here’s the thing- maybe it’s not us lol. Let’s get into it.

But before we do, share and save this post if you’re a nail tech or a nail client.

Heres 3 questions you should ask yourself.

1. How long do you go between appointments?

👉 As your nails grow out, the gel becomes unbalanced. This weakens the structure which can cause lifting and even damage the nail. I tell me clients to book their appointments 3-4 week apart to help maintain retention.

2. Is your length and shape suitable for your lifestyle?

👉 Depending on your lifestyle, you need to be realistic with length and shape. The more you use your hands it’s recommended that the length be “short to medium”. Same goes for shape. The more you use your hands try to avoid the very “pointy” look.

3. Are you following proper nail aftercare?

👉 This is very important and should be taken in consideration highly. Such rules as using cuticle oils regularly, not using nails as tools and wearing gloves when cleaning and washing dishes will help tremendously with retention.

As much as you love having your nails done, us nail techs love doing your nails, so let’s work together to get the maximum retention of your gel nails.

If you enjoy content like this follow for me more ❤️.

📍Lasalle, Montreal
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After filing or etching, the nail is covered in fine keratin dust particles.
If the dust stays on the nail, it becomes a barrier between the gel and the nail plate.

If you do not thoroughly remove the dust;

1. Weak adhesion
- Gel ens up bonding to the dust instead of the nail

1. Micro-Lifting
- This is the sneaky kind lol. Tiny air pockets form and the lifting starts underneath.

1. Uneven Product Application:
Dust Creates;

* Bumps
* Uneven base layer
* Inconsistent curing

Proper Dust Removal:

Step 1 - Brush
Use a clean soft nail brush gently but intentional. Focus on the cuticle zone, sidewalls and under the free edge.

Step 2 - Cleanse
Use isopropyl alcohol (70% - 99%) OR nail cleanser, lint free wipes, and wipe thoroughly (not lightly).

Step 3 - Inspect
Check the nails for NO dust NO debris and has a smooth matte finish.

Completely removing dust particles from the nail is not up for a debate when you want the maximum retention.

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📍Lasalle, Montreal
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Here are the most common reasons and how to fix them.

REASONS-

1. Poor Prep
2. Oil on nail plate
3. No structure
4. Client Habits
5. Improper application

QUICK FIXES-

1. Clean prep
2. Avoid touching nails
3. Proper Apex
4. Correct Aftercare
5. Thin layers

Save this if you’re still having trouble with these 5 reasons to lifting.

Follow for more ways to end lifting and maintain retention.

📍Lasalle, Montreal
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Everyone wants the maximum retention when having gel nails, and there are steps to prep the nail that are not up for discussion. One of those steps is etching the nail plate.

But before we get into it, save and share this if you’re a nail tech or nail client.

Etching the nail plate is:

👉 Lightly roughing the surface of the nail plate.

You see, the natural nail plate is made out of keratin layers that are relatively smooth and etching the nail plate is what helps the gel, being applied, stick to the nail.

When you etch the nail plate:

- you create microscopic grooves
- These grooves increase surface area
- Gel will flow into these tiny grooves
- Once cured, this forms a mechanical lock

Also called 👉 mechanical adhesion.

Why is Etching critical in nail prep?
Because it allows:

✅ Base gel to anchor
✅ Adhesion to last under stress
✅ Nails to resist lifting from daily where.

Without it, prep can fail 👉 which means retention will fail.

When Etching nail plates make sure to;

* Use a fine grit buffer of 180 to 240 grit)
* Remove shine surface
* Keep pressure light and controlled
* Focus on cuticles + sidewalls
* Ensure even texture across the nail

If this was helpful and you enjoy this kind of content, follow me for more ❤️

📍Lasalle, Montreal
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Gel nails shouldn’t be lasting only 7-14 days
for ANY client. They should be lasting 3-4+ weeks when the correct gel system is used.
Let’s get into it…..

But before we do, save and share this if you’re a nail tech or nail client.

Structure is a very important pillar of gel retention and we cannot talk about structure without talking about the gel products used to accomplish this pillar for maximum retention.

BASE GEL ( The Foundation ):

This is non negotiable as it plays the roll of “double-sided sticky tape”, so the products being applied stick to the nails. VERY IMPORTANT!!!

SOFT GEL:
- Thin & flexible
- Natural look

❌ Not strong
❌ Chips/lifts on WEAK nails

Best for 👉 short, strong nails only.

HARD GEL: (Builder Gel / Structured Gel)
This is where retention changes everything.

✅ Adds shine
✅ Creates structure (apex)
✅ Prevents bending 👉 lifting

Best for 👉 weak nails, growth, repeated lifters.

POLYGEL: (Hybrid System)
This is the “heavy duty” of all gels.

For strength + length.
✅ Thick, sculptable
✅ Great for extensions
✅ For long nails

Best for 👉 long nails, structure lovers 😍.

Tip:
Don’t use ONE system for everyone as everyone’s nails chemistry isn’t the same.
Choose what your client actually needs.

If this was helpful, and you enjoy content like this follow me for more ❤️

📍Lasalle, Montreal

One of the things I’ve learnt about doing gel nails is that retention isn’t about luck. It’s all about preparation. So if you’re still experiencing lifting, the product might not be the problem.

Gel retention depends on 4 CORE PILLARS.

Before we get into it, save and share this id you’re a beginner nail tech or nail client.

4 PILLARS OF RETENTION

1. Nail Plate Preparation (the foundation).

Prepping the nail is extremely important as this is the foundation of retention.

Key elements:
- proper cuticle removal
- Filing/buffing the nail plate
- Removing all nail debris
- Cleansing the nails for gel application

2. Nail Plate Chemistry.

Here is where nail tech needs to put on their lab coats and glasses and observe the nail plate to distinguish if client has oily nails, brittle nails, thin/damaged nails. Analyzing clients nails helps us customize clients nail sets by using the correct bonding system for ultimate retention.

3. Correct Nail Structure

In order for nails to last (especially nails with length), they need structure.

Key elements:
- apex placement
- Stress point reinforcement
- Balanced thickness
- Correct shape and length for clients lifestyle

If these key elements are overlooked, then nails will not last.

4. Clients Lifestyle & Maintenance.

Retention is 50% application and 50% client habits.
It’s very important that nail techs communicates with client on what works and what might NOT with their lifestyle, and proper aftercare. The goal is for lasting healthy nails we need to work together to achieve this.

When one of these pillars aren’t fulfilled, lifting begins.

👉 Prep + Chemistry + Structure + maintenance = 3-4+ weeks of retention

If this was helpful and you enjoy content like this, follow for more ❤️

📍Lasalle, Montreal
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I know we may want the crisp square nail, the duck nails or even the extra pointy nails, but in reality your nail shape might be the reason your nails don’t last.

But before we get into it, save and share this post if you’re a nail tech or nail client ❤️

Most clients think it’s the gel. Or even the nail tech that shorten their nail retention and cause breaking.

But the truth is…

👉 Your lifestyle + your nail shape need to match.

If your constantly:

• Using your hands
• Cleaning
• Lifting
• Typing

Then certain shapes just won’t make sense and will break faster- no matter what.

This is why I always communicate and customize each and every nail set based on my clients lifestyle.

Here are some of the BEST nail shapes for clients lifestyle.

LIFESTYLES & SHAPES:

• Hands-on Lifestyle
👉 Round / Squoval

• Moderate Lifestyle
👉 Soft Square / Almond

• Low Impact Lifestyle
👉 Coffin / Stiletto

If this was helpful and enjoy content like this follow for more ❤️

📍Lasalle, Montreal

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Believe it or not, Life style is the most ignored factor of retention. And this is where most nail techs lose retention.

Let’s get into it. But before we do, save and share if you’re a nail tech or nail client ❤️

Lifestyle plays a critical role in nail retention and when we take note of our clients lifestyle we can inform them on what lengths are the best for maintaining 3 + weeks of retention.

EVERY CLIENT LIVES DIFFERENTLY:

• Mom constantly washes hands 👶
• Cleaner using chemicals 🧼
• Office worker typing all day 💻
• Gym-goer lifting weights 🏋️‍♀️

WHY LIFESTYLE MATTERS:

Nails are exposed to-

• Water (expands nail plate)
• Oils (breaks adhesion)
• Pressure (impact & bending)
• Chemicals (weakens product bond)

👉 These are all retention killers.
👉 If your nails don’t match your lifestyle… they won’t last.

This is how I customize my clients nails with their lifestyle.

LIFESTYLE & LENGTH RECOMMENDATIONS:

• High water exposure
👉 Short - Medium length

• Hands-on jobs
👉 Short length

• Low-impact
👉 Can handle longer lengths

• Heavy typing
👉 Short - Medium length


We nail techs need to converse with our clients and keep them educated on the reality of lifestyle versus desired nail lengths to maintain maximum gel retention.

If this was helpful and you enjoy content like this follow for more.

📍Lasalle, Montreal
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You know that “one” client who always has lifting? It’s most likely because, they have “High Oil” nails.

Let’s get into it. But before we do, save and share this if your nail tech or nail client ❤️

Some clients, naturally:

- Produce more sebum
- Sweat more
- Have more flexible nail plates
- Experience higher moisture levels

This doesn’t mean:

- They have bad nails
- The gel is low quality
- Retention is impossible

It means that nail prep has to be “customized” for optimal retention.

If you have clients with oily nails and the gel isn’t lasting, try this protocol for optimal retention.

Before Base Coat:

✅ Thorough cuticle removal
✅ Thoroughly buff nail surface
✅ Complete dust removal
✅ First cleanse; 99% isopropyl alcohol
✅ Second cleanse; nail dehydrator
✅ Primer

So the next time you hear a client say “Gel doesn’t last on me.” It’s most likely because they have oily nails, and this is manageable with the right customization.

If this was helpful and enjoy content like this follow for more.

📍Lasalle, Montreal
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