There's something so alluring about long nails. However, if you've worn lengthy nail extensions before, you know they come with a few challenges. The most common problem is when the nail extension begins to lift from your nail bed, often leading to pain and discomfort. If this has happened to you, you've likely wondered, What causes lifting in the first place?
Well, according to experts, many factors can lead to this happening. To get to the root of all potential causes, we spoke with a few nail experts. Ahead, they explain the causes of nail extensions lifting and how to fix the issue.
Meet the Experts
- Sarah Nguyen is a celebrity nail artist working in California, Tennessee, and New York.
- Eunice Park is a nail artist and the brand director at Aprés Nail.
What Causes Nail Extensions to Lift?
Several issues can cause extension lifting, but the pros note four main culprits: improper curing, nail length, moisture, and damage.
Improper Curing
Gel extensions must be cured under an LED lamp to adhere to your natural nails. That said, mistakes during this step can cause issues. "A lot of extensions experience lifting due to incomplete or flash curing," Park says. When curing a gel extension, she says the entire nail bed needs to be exposed to the LED light for at least 10-15 seconds to ensure the extension adheres correctly.
Nguyen adds that hand placement under the lamp is also a key factor in the process. "If your fingers aren’t laid flat, the gel may not cure fully, making you more prone to experiencing lifting, chipping, and bubbling," she says.
Nail Length
For those who typically wear long nails, daily tasks can increase the chances of lifting if you’re not careful. "Typing with the tips of your extensions and using them as tools to open items, such as boxes or mail, can cause premature lifting,"Nguyen says.
Exposure to Moisture
While you can't completely avoid water, you should be careful, as prolonged exposure to moisture can be problematic for your manicure. "Think of your nails like a sponge: every time a sponge is moist, it expands, and when the sponge dries, it shrinks and becomes very hard and brittle," Nguyen says. "Similarly, every time your nails soak up moisture, expand, and shrink, it can cause the enhancement to chip or even lift."
Damage
Thinning of the nail is one of the most common causes of extension lifting. "Peeling of gels, over-filing, and water exposure can all cause damage to your natural nail, making it difficult for extensions to lay properly," Nguyen says.
Can a Lifted Nail Extension Damage My Real Nails?
A lifted extension can cause your natural nails to bend and become uncomfortable at stress points—think the sides of your nails and the middle of your nail bed. As Park explains, if the extension is only adhered to the natural nail by its free edge, you're looking at something like a seesaw. "At this point, any pressure that hits the edge of the extension will cause the cuticle end to seesaw upwards, causing pressure on the stress points of the nail as it bends," she says. For most people, it causes prolonged discomfort, but for those with weaker nail beds, she notes that it can become a painful situation.
How to Address a Lifted Nail Extension
At first sight of your lifted extension, you may be tempted to use nail glue to secure it back. While this may solve the problem in a pinch, it will only be temporary and may do more damage in the long run. "If there is underlying damage, you don't want to risk jeopardizing the health of your natural nail," Nguyen says. Your best bet is to book an appointment and have your nail tech gently remove the extension.
However, if the extension is causing you discomfort and you cannot wait for your appointment, the pros say cutting it down can help. "If you're unable to get it repaired right away, carefully and gently cut the extension down and file it to a short length," says Nguyen. It's not a pretty look, but it can reduce irritation.
The Final Takeaway
Nail extension lifting can occur due to various issues, including water exposure, damage, and the length of the extension itself. However, improper application practices tend to cause the most lifting. Proper prep is essential to ensure the extensions adhere securely, whether you opt for gel or acrylic.
If lifting does occur, you may experience discomfort and damage to your natural nail. It's important to take care of the issue as soon as possible. Cutting the extension down can provide temporary relief, but leaving it to a professional is best. If your nail extension is lifting, head to the salon and have your nail tech handle the removal properly.
