| Error | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Under-application on sidewalls | Weak sides, prone to breaking |
| Free edge too thin | Breaks easily on light impact |
| Incorrect G-point | Unbalanced structure, breaks quickly |
| Wrong powder-to-liquid ratio | Lifting, weak nails |
| Poor cuticle cleanup | Fast lifting at sidewalls |
| Lifting at sidewalls (phồng khoé) | Lifting in chunks |
| Uneven shaping | Weak side prone to breaking |
| Insufficient clear coverage | Scratched design, looks worn |
| Over-filing | Breakage at stress area |
| Over-buffing | Top coat peels, rough surface |
| Poor sealing of free edge |
1. Errors due to incorrect application techniques
Applying too little product on the sidewalls:
When shaping, the sides of the nail become weak, making them prone to breaking. When viewed from the side, the G-point (the stress apex) appears shifted or too thin.
Applying too thin at the free edge:
The free edge lacks the minimum required thickness, making it unable to withstand even light impacts, leading to cracks and breaks—especially for clients who frequently use their hands (e.g., typing, cooking).
Incorrect G-point placement:
If the G-point is too close to the cuticle or the free edge, it creates an imbalance in force distribution, resulting in weak nails that break easily.
Incorrect powder-to-liquid ratio:
- Powder too dry: The product won’t properly adhere to the nail, causing lifting within 5–7 days.
- Powder too wet: Makes it harder to control the nail shape, increases the chance of air bubbles, weakens the structure, and causes easy breakage.
2. Other errors in application/shaping
Not cleaning the cuticle area thoroughly:
When gel or acrylic is applied without properly cleaning the cuticle, the product may sit on the skin and lead to lifting from the sidewalls. Clients will often return complaining about peeling edges.
Lifting at the sidewalls (phồng khoé):
When the gel or acrylic is placed too close to the sidewalls without proper blending, tiny air pockets can form, causing lifting from the side. Clients may feel like the nail “falls off in chunks.”
Uneven side-to-side structure:
If the two sides of the nail are not balanced, the nail may tilt or look crooked. The weaker side will be more prone to breaking under pressure.
Insufficient clear coat over designs:
When using glitter or marble effects, if the clear gel/acrylic isn’t thick enough, the color may scratch easily, making the nails look worn and unattractive quickly.
3. Finishing Step Errors That Dissatisfy Clients
Over-filing during shaping or apex filing:
Over-filing can remove the natural G-point, making the nail structurally weak and prone to breaking at the stress area (the middle part of the nail).
Buffing too aggressively:
Over-buffing can create deep scratches that the top coat can’t fully cover, leading to top coat peeling and giving the nail a rough, uneven surface feel after a few days.
Not properly sealing the free edge with top coat:
Frequent handwashing and minor impacts can cause the top coat to peel off from the free edge first, resulting in loss of shine and faster colour fading.
