Isla Bennett
Fingernail problems can indicate underlying health issues, so it's important to pay attention to any changes in your nails. Air pockets or bubbles under the fingernails, known as onycholysis, can be caused by various factors, including trauma to the nail plate, aggressive filing or removal techniques, or even psoriasis. In some cases, it may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a yeast infection, thyroid disease, or iron deficiency. While most nail issues are minor, it's always a good idea to consult a doctor or dermatologist if you notice any persistent or unusual changes to your nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Trauma to the nail plate, usually from aggressive filing and/or removal techniques |
| Other causes | Psoriasis, thyroid disease, iron deficiency, yeast infection, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), fungal nail infection |
| Treatment | Keep nails short and trimmed, avoid activities that might harm them, use diluted vinegar to prevent infections, wear gloves when working with harmful substances |
| Prevention | Avoid aggressive filing and/or removal techniques, seek professional help if you are unsure |
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What You'll Learn
Air pockets in gel nails
To avoid air pockets, it is recommended to use a buffer to create the desired shape and ensure the surface of the nail is properly matted. If air pockets do occur, they can be removed by soaking off the extension or filing down the nail. It is important to use the appropriate file or buffer for the specific nail product being used, as using the wrong tool can cause damage to the natural nail. For example, when using gel polish or gel, lower grid buffers are recommended.
In the case of tunnel nails, where the corners of the free edge curl, the product can peel off and create air bubbles. This may require more frequent product changes. Wavy nails, where regrowth goes to the area of stress, can also be prone to air pockets, and it is recommended that customers with this nail type wear shorter nails to reduce the likelihood of air bubbles and product lifting.
Air pockets are not just a matter of aesthetics but also of hygiene, as they can provide an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria. Therefore, it is important to address and prevent air pockets in gel nails to maintain the health and safety of the customer.
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Air pockets in acrylic nails
To prevent air pockets from forming, it is important to properly prepare the nails before the nail extension service. This includes cleaning, buffing, and degreasing the nail surface to ensure there is no oil or residue left on the nail. It is also crucial to separate the cuticle from the nail plate, as applying the product too close to the cuticles can result in air pockets. Additionally, choosing the right buffer grid for the customer's nails is important, and a lower grid buffer should be chosen if the customer returns with air pockets.
To avoid air pockets, it is recommended to use the correct amount of liquid and powder to prevent lifting, which causes air pockets. If an air pocket does form, there are a few ways to address it. One method is to nip away the area with air and then file it down with a coarse file. Another approach is to place a tiny drop of glue on the area to seal it and prevent the air pocket from being visible. If the air pocket is large, it is suggested to soak off the artificial extension instead of trying to repair it by filing it down.
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Air pockets caused by improper nail preparation
Air pockets under fingernails can be caused by improper nail preparation. This can happen with natural nails, press-on nails, gel nails, or acrylic nails.
For natural nails, air bubbles can be caused by trauma to the nail plate, often from aggressive filing and/or removal techniques.
In the case of press-on nails, air pockets can be caused by trapped air during application, improper pressing technique, or poor nail preparation. Trapped air can be minimised by pressing and holding the press-on nail, then running a cuticle stick along the edges. This smooths out any areas where air may have been trapped.
With gel nails, air pockets can be caused by applying the product too close to the cuticles. Applying the product 1mm lower than the cuticles is recommended.
For acrylic nails, air pockets can be caused by improper nail preparation or the wrong liquid-to-powder ratio.
To prevent air pockets, it is important to properly prepare the nails by cleaning, buffing, and degreasing the surface. This includes removing any oil from the nail surface. In addition, cuticles should be separated from the nail plate before applying any product.
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Air pockets caused by incorrect product usage
Air pockets under fingernails can be caused by incorrect product usage. This can happen when the product is applied too close to the cuticles, which can cause air pockets to form after a week. It is recommended to apply the product 1mm lower than the cuticles to prevent this. Using thick layers of the product can also cause air pockets to form, so it is important to work in layers. During the summer months, most gel products become thinner due to high temperatures, which can also lead to air pockets.
In the case of tunnel nails, the corners of the free edge curl more, and the product can peel off, creating air bubbles. For wavy nails, regrowth goes to the area of stress, and air pockets can appear, so it is recommended to keep nails short.
Poor nail preparation can also cause air pockets to form. This includes not cleaning, buffing, and degreasing the surface of the nail before application. Not removing any existing nail polish or adhesive residue can also lead to air pockets. Oils and debris on the nails and nail beds can cause air pockets, so it is important to wash hands with soap and water before application.
Using low-quality glue or adhesive tabs can also be a cause of air pockets. These adhesives are more prone to allowing air bubbles to form. Using the incorrect amount of adhesive can also cause air pockets, so it is important to use a thin, even layer.
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Air pockets caused by trauma to the nail plate
Air pockets under the fingernails can be indicative of more serious health issues. It is important to determine the underlying cause of the air pockets and treat them accordingly.
Air pockets under the fingernails can be caused by trauma to the nail plate, usually from aggressive filing and/or removal techniques by the nail technician. This can also be caused by the incorrect removal of dead tissue, where the product is applied to the nail plate with living tissue, leading to product lifting. In some cases, air pockets can be caused by the application of products too close to the cuticles when using curable light products. This can lead to the development of green bacteria.
To avoid air pockets caused by incorrect nail plate preparation, it is important to clean the cuticles and the nail plate properly before applying any product. This includes pushing back the cuticles and removing any dead or living tissue from the nail plate. It is also recommended to use a lower grid buffer to matt the surface of the nail and ensure there are no burrs under the nails.
Additionally, air pockets can occur in tunnel nails, where the corners of the free edge curl, causing the product to peel off and create air bubbles. In this case, frequent product changes may be required. For wavy nails, it is recommended to keep the nails short to avoid the regrowth going to the area of stress, which can lead to air pockets and product lifting.
While most fingernail problems are minor, it is important to consult a doctor if you notice any changes in colour or shape, swollen or painful areas, unusual dents or ridges, or other signs of infection, as these could indicate more serious health issues.
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Frequently asked questions
Air pockets can form under your fingernails due to trauma to the nail plate, often caused by aggressive filing and/or removal techniques. They can also be caused by unsuitable infills, leading to air bubbles at the free edge of the nail.
To prevent air pockets from forming under your natural nails, avoid aggressive filing and removal techniques.
To avoid air pockets when getting gel nails, ensure the nail technician uses the correct buffer grid for your nails and applies the product correctly. Avoid applying any product too close to the cuticles when using curable light products.
If you notice air pockets under your gel nails, file the affected area and apply a new product.
While most fingernail issues are minor, air pockets under the fingernails can, in rare cases, be a symptom of psoriatic nails, which are associated with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Consult a doctor if you're concerned or notice any other changes to your nails.
