💅 How to Make Your Nail Sets Last Longer: 7 Pro Tips from a Nail Tech

Hey You Guys! You’ve just finished a flawless set—crispy cuticles, smooth blend, bling on point… but a few days later, your clients already in your inbox like “It’s lifting 😩”
We’ve ALL been there, babe. Even if this is a set on yourself it can be so annoying. So let’s fix it.

Whether you’re working on clients or doing your own nails at home, getting those sets to actually last is a whole skill in itself. But don’t stress—I’ve got you. Here are 7 tried-and-tested tips to help your acrylic or gel sets stay snatched for weeks.

✨ 1. Prep Is EVERYTHING

If the nail plate isn’t properly prepped, nothing will stick.

Gently push back cuticles (don’t flood the nail) I like to use this tool
Remove all shine with a fine grit file or sanding band
Cleanse thoroughly with nail prep solution
Prime like a pro (I swear by Nail Mate Primer 🔥)

💡 No shortcuts here—the prep stage is where 90% of lifting issues start.

🧽 2. Dehydrate Before You Apply

Natural nails hold oils, and those oils will mess with adhesion big time.
Use a proper nail dehydrator to balance the pH and strip away surface oils before you lay down your base.

👉 Pro Tip: Let the dehydrator air dry fully before going in with primer or product.

💨 3. No Touchy-Touchy

Once you’ve prepped the nail, avoid touching the surface with your fingers (or your client’s). Oils and dust can sneak in and cause lifting.

💡 Get into the habit of dusting off with a brush + cleanser, then hands OFF until product application.

🧱 4. Build with Structure, Not Just Style

It’s not just about looking pretty—it’s about balance, apex, and strength zones.
If your nails are too flat, thin, or over-filed at the stress points, they’ll snap or lift fast.

👉 Use a high-quality acrylic or builder gel that self-levels and gives you control. Nail Mate Build+ or the Acrylic Powders are Chef’s kiss.

⏱ 5. Don’t Rush the Cure

If you’re working with gels, make sure your lamp is strong enough and you’re giving it time to fully cure. Under-cured product = soft spots = early lifting.

💡 Check your lamp wattage and cure gels for the full recommended time—don’t guess it, queen.

🛠 6. Seal That Edge

Always cap the free edge when applying gel polish or top coat. It helps prevent peeling and gives that clean finish we all love.

👀 This tiny step seriously boosts how long polish lasts, especially for clients who are rough with their hands. Here’s my fave top coat that is SUPER GLOSSY and lasts!

🧴 7. Aftercare = Long Wear

It’s not all on you—clients need to care for their nails too!

No picking or prying
Gloves for cleaning
Daily cuticle oil = hydrated nails = less lifting

💅 Want to make it easy? Retail cuticle oil or include an aftercare card with every appointment.

🛍 Products That Help You Slay Longevity:

✨ Nail Mate STRONG Nail Primer
✨ Build+ Rubber Base & Builder Gel
✨ Pro Acrylic Nail Brushes
✨ Twilight Gel Polish –Blinding AF Formula

You can do the prettiest set in the world—but if you don’t lay the right foundation, it won’t last.

Master your prep, respect your structure, and remind your clients that nails are jewels, not tools 👑

Got any lifting horror stories or tips that work for you? Drop them in the comments — I love learning from my fellow nail besties! And connecting with you.