Why Nails Lift — And How to Fix It (Without Over-Complicating Everything)
By Amy Masters | The Nail Source
Lifting is one of the biggest frustrations for nail techs — especially newer techs.
It slows you down, destroys confidence, and can make you feel like you’re doing everything “wrong.”
But here’s the truth:
> 90% of lifting comes down to prep, product control, and structure… not the expensive tools or the latest trending technique.
In this article, let’s simplify what lifting really is, why it happens, and how to fix it starting today.
Because when you understand the “why,” you gain control — and when you gain control, your confidence skyrockets.
What Causes Lifting? (The REAL Reasons)
After 32+ years of working with nail techs, I’ve found lifting usually comes from one (or a mix) of these:
1. Over-filing or Under-filing the Natural Nail
Too much filing creates weak spots.
Too little filing leaves shine and oils behind.
Both lead to lifting.
2. Skipping Cuticle Prep
Cuticle = dead tissue.
Product on dead tissue = guaranteed lifting.
If you're rushing prep, lifting shows up later.
3. Using Too Much Product
Bulky application pulls away from the nail over time.
Less is more.
4. Using Product Not Designed for Your Technique
Not all gels behave the same.
Some are too flexible, some too hard, some too sticky.
5. Incorrect Structure
If the apex placement is off, the nail bends in the wrong place.
This creates hairline cracks → which turn into lifting.
6. Over-exposure to oils
Lotions, cuticle oils, hand sanitizers… they all seep under lifted edges and make it worse.
⭐ The Good News? Lifting Is 100% Fixable.
You don’t need:
❌ new tools
❌ fancy trending bits
❌ 1,000 different bottles
❌ to switch brands every 3 months
You just need a simplified, consistent prep and structure system.
This is why I developed the Genre Nail System — because nail techs were drowning in complicated routines, expensive tools, and inconsistent products.
Genre is designed to help nail techs:
Reduce filing
Eliminate lifting
Apply product faster
Build proper structure
Use fewer steps (and fewer products)
Get 3–5 weeks retention consistently
And most importantly…
it gives techs profits and their confidence back.
👉 If you want to learn how Genre fixes lifting for good, you can join the Workshop + Kit here.
Genre Nail System Online Workshop & Kit | Retention, Structure & Time-Saving Nail Techniques – The Nail Source https://share.google/L60MUmHWjWIlVJe0a
How to Fix Lifting (Starting Today)
Whether you use Genre or not, these steps will improve every set you do.
1. Master Your Prep
Prep is:
✨ removing shine
✨ removing dead cuticle on nail bed
✨ smoothing the plate
✨ creating a clean foundation
If you haven’t taken my Free Simplifying Nail Prep Mini Course, start there.
It’s the simplest way to learn damage-free, effective prep.
👉 Join the free prep class here.
✨️ Free ✨️ Simplifying Nail Prep Mini Masterclass – The Nail Source https://share.google/ABh1kDbcMhICf564j
2. Use a Consistent Base Layer
Your base layer should be:
Thin
Even
Controlled
Pressed into the plate
Not flooded and not thick
3. Build Correct Structure
Your apex placement is key
If it’s too far back → lifting.
Too far forward → lifting.
Too flat → breakage.
Too bulky → pulling.
Correct structure = long retention.
(This is exactly what Genre teaches step-by-step.)
4. Reduce Product Bulk
The more product you use, the more it can shrink and pull away.
Thin + structured = strong + long-lasting.
5. Use Products That Meet High Safety Standards
In confusing as nail product standards are inconsistent.
This is why all the products I carry meet EU-quality and safety standards, and many are made in the USA.
Better adhesion + better consistency = less lifting.
⭐ Final Thoughts
Lifting doesn’t mean you’re a bad tech.
It doesn’t mean you’re failing.
It simply means a few small adjustments need to be made — and once you make them, EVERYTHING becomes easier.
You’ll work faster.
Your sets will last longer.
And you’ll feel proud of the work you’re doing.
You deserve that confidence.
Hope this helps and know you can always DM me with any questions.
💗 With Gratitude & Glitter,
Amy Masters