Natural Nail Separation from Acrylic: Causes, Concerns & Solutions

Question
Susana,

What is the best way for my nail technician to handle my natural nail separating at the tip from the acrylic.  I understand that the natural curve of the nail can cause this separation.  I have had one technician use the drill to file away the natural nail that has become separated.  I'm concerned about this method because there sometimes is still a gap between the natural nail and the acrylic.  Can fungus grow here?  I have had another nail technician cut the acrylic back where the nail has separated and refilled it with acrylic.  Which is the better method?

Thanks for your advice!
Denise

Answer
When acrylic separates from the natural nail this is called lifting. All lifting should be removed before re-applying new acrylic during a maintenace. To remove lifting you should never try to cut it or to try break it, it should be filled off. This can be done either by using a manual file or an e-file (drill). While doing this the predominant move should be toward the opening of the lifted area (for example, if the lifting occours on the cuticle are you should file upwards toward the cuticle), this is done to promote the right separation and to prevend separating acrylic that is attached to the nails. To be sure that all lifting has been removed the tech can wet the nails with disinfectant and check if there is still any lifting.
If new acrylic is applied over a lifted area this will promote lifting on the new acrylic and will enable bacterial growth that can be harmfull for the nails.
Hope i could help.