Why are your dipping nails always falling off?

You've spent 30 to 40 minutes crafting the perfect dipping nails, only for them to crack, chip, or completely fall off just a few days later. This occurrence is not only frustrating but also downright annoying, especially when it interrupts simple daily tasks, like making dinner at home.

Today, we're here to help. We're going to provide you with an ultimate guide, digging deep into why this problem occurs, and how to prevent it in the future.

Subjective Reason: 

1.1 Your Nail's Health

1.1.1 Thin Natural Nails

For some, thin nails come naturally. Others may experience thinning as a result of frequent manicures - perhaps three to five times a month - or improper nail care, especially during the removal process.

If you've had a bad experience removing your nail enhancements or simply lack the necessary skills, it's likely that your natural nails have suffered. The thinness of your nails can compromise the strength and adherence of your dipping nails, thus leading to premature falling off.

1.1.2 Soft Natural Nails

Additionally, soft natural nails might also be a problem. This can either be an inherent trait or a result of frequent manicures. The constant application and removal of nail enhancements can cause your nails to become softer and thinner over time, reducing the staying power of your dipping nails.

1.1.3 Oily Skin and Sweaty Hands

Individuals with oily skin or sweaty hands may also struggle to maintain their dipping nails. The constant secretion of oils during the nail art process can interfere with adhesion, leading to weak and easily removable nail art.

1.1.4 Use of Nail Extensions or Tips

The use of fake nail tips or extensions can also affect the longevity of your dipping nails. The quality of these nail enhancements will directly influence the durability of your manicure. If they're of inferior quality or incorrectly applied, they can cause your dipping nails to fall off prematurely.

1.1.5 Nail Diseases

Certain nail conditions, such as onychomycosis (nail fungus), can cause your nails to delaminate, which is when the layers of your nails separate. This condition can adversely affect the adherence of your dipping nails, leading to them falling off or cracking sooner than expected.

1.2 Incorrect Manicure Procedure: An Often-Overlooked Factor

1.2.1 Lack of Proper Preparation

One common mistake is neglecting to prepare your nails adequately before the manicure. The absence of vital prep steps such as trimming dead skin, cleaning the nail surface, or removing oils and other residues can lead to the lifting of your manicure just a few days after its application.

Proper nail preparation should entail buffing or filing the entire nail surface to achieve a 100% matte finish. This step ensures better adhesion of the dipping powder and increases the longevity of your manicure.

1.2.2 Incompatible Products

Using dipping powder and base liquids from different brands can also impact the longevity of your manicure. Different products may not work together optimally, leading to insufficient chemical reactions and consequently, a less durable manicure. The interaction between products from different brands is often unverified, adding a layer of unpredictability to your nail dipping process.

1.2.3 Forgetting the Activator

Skipping the application of the activator liquid is another common error. This step is crucial as the activator ensures the hardening and curing of the nail product. Forgetting it can result in an uncured manicure that will not dry properly, making it prone to premature damage or falling off.

1.2.4 Insufficient Product Knowledge

The lack of a comprehensive understanding of the products you're using can also lead to issues with your dipping nails. It's essential to familiarize yourself with your nail products and understand the time gaps required between each step of the application process to ensure a successful and lasting manicure.

1.2.5 Exposing Nails to Water

Lastly, exposing your nails to water before the application of the top coat or after the activator can compromise the longevity of your manicure. Your nail surface needs to be 100% clean and dry before moving on to these steps to prevent any future issues.

1.3 A Misstep in Technique:

A Potential Cause of Dipping Nails Falling Off

1.3.1 Lack of Proper Pre-Manicure Preparation

1.3.1.1 Incomplete Dead Skin Removal

The presence of dead skin and nail residues can become a hurdle in achieving a smooth manicure. If not removed entirely, these elements can introduce water and air into the nail, leading to premature lifting. An essential step to ensure your dipping powder adheres seamlessly to your nails is to clean the dead skin completely.

1.3.1.2 Inadequate Nail Buffing

Additionally, not buffing your nails properly can leave behind some oils and residues. The existence of such remnants on the nail surface can affect the adhesion of the base coat, leading to a weak manicure. Therefore, thorough buffing is a must to get a matte finish and improve the base coat's performance.

1.3.1.3 Skipping Nail Cleaning Post-Preparation

Skipping the cleaning step after preparation can also pose problems. Any dust or residue left from filing or buffing the nails can mix with your base coat, leading to a less-than-perfect finish. It's important to clean the nail surface with a cleaner liquid or alcohol to ensure a dust-free and clean surface.

1.3.2 Improper Application of Base Coat

1.3.2.1 Over-application or Spillage

One frequent mistake is applying too much base coat, causing it to spill onto the skin around the nails. This could result from an unstable hand or picking up too much liquid with the brush. Any base coat that reaches your skin can introduce moisture or air into the manicure, leading to lifting.

1.3.2.2 Inadequate Control of Brush Strokes

Another problem can arise if you're not controlling your brush strokes well. Achieving a smooth, even layer requires practice and the right brush. Brushes come with different bristle types—some soft, some hard, and some with either a round or square tip. While round brushes are generally more beginner-friendly, it's essential to find one that suits your comfort level and skill.

1.3.2.3 Incorrect Hand Positioning

The position of your hand during the application process can also affect the outcome. Holding your hand in the air without support can make the process more challenging, potentially affecting the finish. It's advisable to rest your hand on a flat surface while applying the nail dip.

1.3.2.4 Poor Lighting Conditions

Lastly, insufficient lighting can obstruct your vision, making it hard for you to see the details clearly. It's important to ensure that you're working under adequate light to accurately see where the liquid is being applied and ensure a successful manicure.

In conclusion, getting a long-lasting, salon-like manicure at home requires careful preparation, good technique, and the right environment. Identifying and rectifying these issues can significantly improve your at-home manicure experience.

Objective Reasons:

2.1 External Factors Causing Dipping Nails to Fall Off

2.1.1 Bad Habits

2.1.2 Everyday Wear and Tear

Normal daily activities, such as typing on a keyboard or doing housework, can contribute to the regular wear and tear of your manicure. This is unavoidable, but the impact on your manicure should be relatively minimal and should not cause your dipping nails to fall off quickly. Typically, a well-applied manicure should last between 14 to 28 days, even with everyday use.

2.1.3 Physical Trauma

Occasionally, you might experience a physical trauma that directly impacts your nails, such as getting your hand caught in a door or cutting your finger with a knife. Engaging in heavy-duty tasks like gardening or digging in the sand at the beach can also harm your manicure. These types of actions can cause significant damage to your nails and are likely to cause the dipping nails to lift or fall off.

While some of these factors can be controlled (like bad habits), others are a natural part of life (like everyday wear and tear). But being aware of these factors can help you manage your expectations of how long your dipping nail manicure will last and take steps to extend its longevity, where possible.

2.2 Objective Reasons:

2.2.1 Systemic Issues

2.2.1.1 Unstable formula:

If a formula hasn't been sufficiently tested and verified, it could be unstable and lead to issues like dipping nails falling off. A robust formula generally takes three to five years of thorough testing and development.

Without sufficient testing in a laboratory and validation in the marketplace, a product may perform inconsistently or poorly.

2.2.1.3 Unstable raw materials:

If the raw materials used in the product are inconsistent or of poor quality, the product will also be inconsistent. This is a particularly significant issue with dipping powders, which are closely related to acrylic powders. If manufacturers try to cut costs by purchasing low-quality raw materials, the finished product's quality can suffer.

2.2.2 Individual Product Performance

2.2.2.1 Lack of a bonding agent:

If the system doesn't include a bonding liquid or primer, the manicure may not adhere as well or last as long.

2.2.2.2 Issues with the base coat:

If the base coat is not the right consistency—either too thick or too thin—it may not adhere well to the nail or allow the dipping powder to adhere to it effectively.

2.2.2.3 Issues with the powder:

If the dipping powder is exposed to air for too long, it can clump and become unusable. It's important to store dipping powders correctly and not leave them open to the air for extended periods.

2.2.2.4 Issues with the activator:

If the activator doesn't dry quickly or has a strong smell, it can make the process unpleasant and slow.

And as vary formulations in the market, make sure you know very the product's working time gap!

2.2.2.5 Issues with the topcoat:

If the topcoat discolors (e.g., turns yellow) or creates a textured or bubbled surface, it can ruin the look of the manicure. If it's too thick, it may also be difficult to apply evenly and may chip or crack more easily.

2.2.3 Product Stability

2.2.3.1 Post-application issues:

Once the manicure has been applied, if there are no external forces causing damage (e.g., trauma to the nail), the dipping nails should not fall off. If they do, it could be a sign that the product itself is unstable.

2.2.3.2 Storage issues:

If the product clumps or solidifies even when stored correctly (i.e., sealed tightly and kept out of direct sunlight), it's a sign that the product is not stable. If the dipping powder clumps and can't be restored to its original state, or if the liquids thicken or solidify in their bottles, it indicates that the product is not of good quality or has been improperly stored.