Why Do My Acrylic Nails Keep Popping Off? [3 Main Reasons]

If you like to get Acrylic Nails done regularly and often, then you may have noticed that sometimes they pop off. In certain circumstances, they can keep popping off and it feels that no matter what you or your nail technician does, they fail to adhere. In this article, I would like to bring to you the main reasons why so that you can stop this happening for good.

So, why do your acrylic nails keep popping off? There are three main reasons why acrylic nails pop off. Observable causes (e.g. improper nail preparation, damaged nails etc), Hidden causes (e.g. diet, health issues and Chemical causes (products used). It may be one of these, a combination of, or all three.

It goes without saying that it would be a tragedy if the acrylic nails started jumping before the scheduled time.

However, it is essential to understand that there are certainly good reasons behind this frustration and that there are crucial factors that you must respect if you want to ensure the longevity of your acrylic nails.

And if you want to truly learn how to do acrylics, and stop them lifting and popping off for good, then my course is for you!

What Exactly Are Acrylic Nails?

Acrylic nails are becoming an essential manifestation of trend and elegance.

Acrylic nails, also known as synthetic nails, are essentially nail enhancements that can applied to the natural nail. They provide extension of length and style.

Due to their nature, these nails can be customized precisely to the customers requirements and generally consist of two essential components, acrylic powder, and a liquid.

When these two components are combined together, they create a material that is characterized by its flexibility and strength.

This flexible material or compound can then be molded into a shape that will perfectly fit the customer’s nails.

Once the mold has been placed in position, it is cured until it completely dries solid. The final material is not only durable, but it is also lacquered and can, therefore, be painted or polished like any natural nail.

Of course, it is the process of application that carries many of the issues that can result in the premature popping off of acrylic nails.

Once you have chosen the nails and the colors and lengths you like, your natural nails will form the foundation of the acrylic. They therefore must be properly cleaned and prepped for attachment.

This involves filing and soaking and this allows the natural nail to bond and adhere to the acrylic nail properly.

Then a sticky adhesive will be applied to the nails and the acrylics attached. Once the adhesives have properly dried, and the nails are firmly attached, the nail tech will sand down the nails till they the size and shape you have requested. If you have requested any special finishes or nail art, this will be added as well.

Today, these synthetic nails are available on the market in all kinds of design, size, characteristics. They offer significant advantages of traditional polishing products.

One of the main reasons for the popularity of acrylic nails can be attributed to their shiny appearance and durability.

Unlike natural nails, acrylic nails, when properly applied and maintained, can remain strong for up to eight consecutive weeks. With little care and hygiene, the user can also maintain its healthy and shiny appearance.

Why Do My Acrylic Nails Keep Popping Off?

After you have gone through the time and enjoyment of having your acrylics applied, it can be a source of great frustration for them to begin falling off too soon.

This problem is more prominent for those that apply their acrylics nails themselves or with a friend, as opposed to professionally. But it can happen even if you go to a reputable salon.

By understanding the most common reasons these attractive nail enhancements are compromised, it is possible to improve their longevity.

According to the experts, there are three categories of reasons that acrylic nails will pop off; these are observable, hidden, and chemical reasons. Here is what you need to know:

1. Observable Causes

Acrylic nails will pop off if they have not been attached properly, or the nails themselves were not prepared properly prior to application.

There are many special techniques and products that can be used to prepare and care for the nail properly; each must be compatible with the rest and carried out perfectly to ensure the longest acrylic lifespan.

Problems Prepping the Nail

Your natural nails feature oils and protective layers that must be properly removed as these prevent foreign objects from becoming stuck to the nail.

Your nail tech will often apply a dull-finish primer to the nail to ensure the nail has the maximum adhesive capacity.

Nails must always be thoroughly dried before anything can be applied.

Small amounts of moisture will evaporate under the curing process and reduce the adhesive strength of the bonding agents.

The same can happen if the nail is slightly dirty or dusty. Be sure to use a proper dusting brush and begin work with perfectly prepped nails.

Unhealthy Nails

The acrylic nails will need a strong and sturdy foundation if it is to stay put and resist all kinds of impacts.

While the nail technicians can do much to advise and help you with caring for the nails and properly nourishing them, nail disease is a serious problem and should be addressed by a licensed member of the medical community.

Pterygium is one such nail conditions that can cause acrylic nails to pop off very quickly. This condition involves a small piece of membrane growing across the nail plate. If these can be removed completely in nail prep, the problem can be circumvented – if not actually healed.

Misuse and Irregular Impact

This is a common most often seen in those new to wearing acrylics but is something that must be prevented at every moment. Acrylic nails are pretty tough, but if they are not treated gently and respectfully, they will fall off.

In addition to biting and picking at the nails deliberately or unconsciously, the regular activities of your daily routine can also have a negative impact. Typing, punching keypads, and even holding writing implements in incorrect ways can place undue pressure on the nail that leads to nails becoming dislodged.

2. Hidden Causes

In addition to the more obvious reasons that acrylic nails can begin popping off, there are some causes that might not be seen at first.

Here are some important hidden causes that your nails could lose their capacity to stand strong.

Medications and Diet

There are some medications that can interfere with your nail’s capacity to hold the acrylic in place for more than a few days. Some of these include heart medications, diuretics, thyroid medications, diabetes medication, and too much Vitamin B6.

Health Conditions

It is also very possible for some people to be allergic to the application itself. Some people have a lower tolerance to the powerful chemicals used in this process.

Other conditions may include the presence of certain bacteria in the individual’s body that are resisting the application.

3. Chemical Causes

There are some chemicals that can also interfere with a proper attachment. Here are some things to be careful with.

Materials Used

The acrylic product must be created by combining the monomer with the polymer, and if the ratios are off, the final product will also be less than adequate.

By the same measure, combining two products from two different providers is likely to result in a substandard result.

Chemicals on the Nails

The presence of a chemical on the nail and fingers can also affect how well the acrylics adhere to their base. If there is too much primer from the prep work or if smoke residue has had a chance to collect on the nails while cleaning, these chemicals will prevent proper bonding.

This can also happen if you are using strong cleaning agents and even straight lemon juice. The potent chemicals will begin to dissolve the adhesive agents, and the nail will fall off.

In Summary

Acrylic nails can pop off for several reasons but it is generally due to the way your nails were prepared and the acrylics were applied.

Whilst popping off acrylics can be a source of great frustration, particularly if you paid a lot for them or if you got them done and wanted them to last for a special occasion, thankfully being aware of the causes can help prevent it from happening again in the future.

The best thing you can do is to visit a reputable salon with experienced nail technicians. Talk to them and explain your difficulties. Chances are, they will be able to identify the issue ahead of your next application.

If you suspect it is a health issue, then be sure to book an appointment with your doctor. It may well be that until this health condition is resolved, your acrylics will never be able to last.

And if you want to truly learn how to do acrylics, and stop them lifting and popping off for good, then my course is for you!