Maintaining Healthy Acrylic Nails: Tips & Techniques

Question
Hi Susana,

Thanks for answering questions.  I love having manicured hands and have had acrylic overlays done professionally in the past - then I learned to do my own.  I use professional products (EZFlow) and always treat my manicure gently <smile> I wear gloves while gardening or doing dishes too. I keep them a fairly short active length because I'm a writer and always typing.  I don't use tips unless I break a nail.

My problem is that no matter if they're done professionally, or by myself, I always have the same problem. My acrylics lift from the cuticle end so they require constant maintance.

I am careful to ensure the acrylic isn't up against my cuticles, I do use primer prior to the application of acrylic and I do rough up the nail surface before applying the primer too.

My natural nails are really flexible, very healthy and grow really well.  

Hasn't anyone come up with a product that provides perment adhesion yet? I've been waiting for about 20 years now! <lol>  

I am really careful to not even let my moisturizer near my nails = I'm getting lift-paranoid!  I've tried going thinner, going thicker, only using the acrylic on the front half on my nails etc.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
I usually don't recomend that non-trained people do their own nails, but since you seem faily educated in the matter, i'll answer your question.
The secret for good adhesion is good preparation. Before applying any product you should remove shine with a buffer, then brush off the dust, then using a lint free wipe with nail cleanser (isopropilic alcohol 99%) you should scrub the nail surface to dehydrate it and really clean it. Then you should apply your primer, and then product.
Also you say you don't let moisturizer near your nails but this is totally wrong! You should moisturize your nails and cuticles to avoid lifting. Use cuticle oil daily and this will improve lots!
Also when you remove lifting be sure to remove everything, any small amount of lifting under new product will make it lift too.
I hope this will be helpful.