Usually pocket lifting happens when the product is too flexible for the nail or the apex structure is not right for the nail. However small changes in prep, product control, and curing can also make a huge difference to retention and prevent pocket lifting.

Lamps should be replaced every two years – if you suddenly notice a change in a wide range of your clients chances are your nail lamp is on its way out! We recommend sticking a label with the date to the bottom of your new lamp so you can keep a track of this.

A client’s nail health is not static and will evolve over time, affecting their nail needs. For this reason, prescriptive manicures are recommended. As with skincare, manicures should be tailored to the client’s current condition and adjusted where results are not optimal.

Any clients experiencing pocket lifting with our softer structure gel systems (Give Me Strength and Give Me Strength Plus) should try our harder builder gel systems (Build It and Build Me Up). Our acrygel and acrylic systems are even harder wearing options than builder gel for clients who need it. Our strongest base coat RUBBER UP can also be used as an extra step to help aid adhesion.

Longer nails need more strength and structure than shorter nails. However short flat nails also need extra structure than curved nails. Therefore some of your clients nails may have different needs than others even at the same length.

To prevent any kind of lifting, nails must be prepped to perfection! This means that no traces of dead skin can be left on the nail plate and they must be throughly scrubbed using our PREP & DEHYDRATE solution before base coat application.

Gel should be applied neatly and in thin layers. Any gel touching the skin will result in lifting. You may want to use a fine liner brush and clean up with a dotting tool to help with this. If gels are applied to thickly, they may not cure fully and this can also add to premature lifting.

Aftercare is also paramount to nail longevity. Clients should be regularly oiling (extra in the winter months) and not using their nails as tools. Not following these steps can also contribute to premature lifting.

Struggling to get your (biab) technique right. Book in to our Build It Workshop its a half day course and will perfect your technique