10 mistakes in a nail technician’s work that cause poor retention (and how to fix them)

No matter how much experience you have, almost every technician has encountered this situation: a client writes after 5–10 days — “lifting”, “chipping”, “the corner broke off”…
And the most frustrating thing is that sometimes it seems that “everything was done correctly.”

We have collected the most common mistakes that really affect the wearability of the coating — and simple solutions that can be implemented today.

Insufficient preparation of the nail plate

This is the number one reason for lifting. If the nail is not properly cleaned or the shine is removed superficially, the base coat will not adhere.

How to fix:

• work with a file/buffer without overdoing it, but evenly
• pay special attention to the area near the cuticle and sidewalls
• be sure to remove dust (dry brush or lint-free wipes)

Too “wet” degreasing

When the wipe is too wet, you don’t remove the oils — you “spread” them.

Solution:

• 2 Nail Prep applications
• 4 wipes for 5 fingers is the norm, not an “excess”
• do not touch the nail after degreasing

Product touching the cuticle

Even 0.5 mm of flooding = air in this area and lifting.

Solution:

• work in thin layers
• use a thin brush for contouring
• 2 thin layers are better than 1 thick one

Incorrect alignment

When the apex “shifts” and the thickness at the free edge is too high, the edge chips faster.

Solution:

• the apex must be in the correct zone
• the edge should be thin but sealed
• control sidewalls and symmetry

Unsealed free edge

The free edge is like a door to the coating. If it is open, the material will start to lift.

Solution:

• seal the free edge with base/color/top
• remove material from underneath (so it doesn’t “build up”)

Insufficient polymerization

The lamp may be weak, the diodes may be worn out, or the product is not cured properly.

Solution:

• check the lamp (real power, diodes)
• cure for the full recommended time
• cure thumbs separately

Inappropriate base for the nail type

Hard base on flexible nails = cracks. Soft base on hard nails = lifting.

Solution:

• thin/flexible — elastic bases
• hard/long — gel/acrygel reinforcement
• don’t use a “one size fits all” approach

Over-filing the natural nail

Paradox: the more you file, the worse the retention.

Solution:

• remove the shine, not the nail layers
• use a 220-grit file without pressure
• stable preparation is better than aggressive filing

Overheating in the lamp

Overheating = client discomfort + microcracks + lifting.

Solution:

• don’t apply the material too thick
• use low-heat materials
• cure with pauses or “low heat mode”

Client’s home habits

The coating may be perfect, but the client opens cans with their nails.

Solution:

• briefly explain aftercare rules
• recommend gloves for cleaning
• don’t hesitate to remind: “nails are not tools”

Conclusion

Wearability is always the sum of factors: preparation + product selection + technique + polymerization.
And the good news is that 90% of problems are solved not by a “magic base,” but by a stable work system.