Why Your Nail Extensions Do Not Last And How to Make Them Stay for Longer

The excitement of stepping out of the salon with fresh nail extensions is hard to beat. They're glossy, flawless, and scream “put-together.” You almost find yourself talking with your hands more just to show them off. But somewhere between the first selfie and the third week, disaster strikes, a chip here, a lift there, and suddenly you're clutching your dupatta with three bare nails.

If you've ever felt betrayed by your manicure, you're not alone. Nail extensions, when done right and cared for, can last up to a month. But without the right approach, they can be as short-lived as a monsoon umbrella in heavy wind. This isn't just about vanity, those small cracks and lifts can also trap dirt, which isn't exactly glamorous.

So, let's get to the heart of the matter. Why exactly do nail extensions misbehave? And what can you do to keep them clinging on longer than your last gym membership? Here are 10 reasons your nail extensions fail and how to achieve a perfect, long-lasting manicure.

Why Your Nail Extensions Do Not Last And How to Make Them Stay for Longer; Photo Credit: Pexels

1. The Prep Work Was Rushed

The journey to long-lasting extensions starts before a single nail tip is glued on. Natural nails need to be cleaned, filed, and buffed so the extension can grip properly. Skipping thorough prep is like painting on a dusty wall, it looks fine for a moment but won't stay.

Some salons hurry through this step to save time, but the oils and moisture on the nail surface can weaken the adhesive bond. Even a quick rinse of the hands right before application can sabotage the process.

The fix? Make sure your technician takes the time to dehydrate and buff each nail gently, pushing back cuticles so there's no gap between extension and nail bed. A good nail prep may not be Instagrammable, but it's the unsung hero of a flawless manicure.

2. Low-Quality Products

In the beauty world, cheap often comes at a cost, and not just to your wallet. Acrylic powders, gels, or glues of inferior quality may look fine for the first few days, but they're more prone to lifting, yellowing, or cracking.

With so many budget salons offering irresistible prices, it's tempting to go for the most affordable option. But think of it this way: a poorly done ₹800 manicure that lasts a week actually costs more per day than a ₹2,000 one that lasts a month.

High-grade products are designed to flex with your natural nails, resist daily wear, and maintain their shine. You don't need to be a beauty product scientist, just stick to salons with a good reputation and visible hygiene standards. Sometimes, it's worth paying a little extra to avoid “nail heartbreak.”

3. Over-Filed Natural Nails

Some technicians go overboard with the electric file, thinning out your natural nails in an attempt to make the extension “stick” better. Unfortunately, this weakens your nail bed, making it bend and break more easily under the weight of the extension.

Over-filing also increases sensitivity, so everyday taps and knocks become more damaging. In worst-case scenarios, it can cause long-term nail damage that takes months to grow out.

The better approach is a light buffing to remove shine, not a full-scale excavation. If the drill feels hot or uncomfortable, speak up, a good technician will adjust the pressure. Remember, nail extensions should enhance, not punish, your nails.

4. Skipping the Primer or Base Coat

In the same way a painter wouldn't apply colour straight to bare plaster, nail technicians use primers or base coats to help extensions grip. Skipping this step to save time or product is a recipe for disaster.

Primers remove any lingering oils and create a tacky surface for better adhesion. Without them, your beautiful extensions may lift within days, no matter how careful you are.

If your salon experience feels suspiciously quick, pay attention to whether these bonding steps are included. It's the small, invisible layers that keep your manicure from becoming a short-lived fling.

5. The Wrong Shape for Your Lifestyle

Pointed stiletto nails might be Instagram gold, but they're not built for rummaging through handbags, opening tiffin boxes, or typing at breakneck speed. The more extreme the shape, the more stress it places on certain points of the nail, increasing the risk of breaks or lifts.

If you lead a hands-on lifestyle, cooking, cleaning, gardening, consider opting for a round or squoval (square-oval) shape. These distribute pressure evenly and are less likely to snag or chip.

It's a bit like wearing high heels to a railway station, sure, you can, but you might not make it without a few regrets.

Also Read: What Are The Basic Tools You Need For Home Nail Care? Find Out

6. Exposure to Water and Heat

Long, steamy showers, endless dishwashing, and even hours spent swimming can all weaken the bond of your nail extensions. Water seeps in at the edges, softening both your natural nail and the adhesive.

Hot water speeds up this process, so your nails may start lifting earlier than expected. Even hair-washing can be a culprit if your nails are already compromised.

The solution isn't to avoid water altogether, that's unrealistic, but to take small precautions. Wear gloves for chores, avoid excessively hot water, and dry your hands thoroughly. Think of it as giving your manicure a little umbrella for life's daily downpours.

7. Using Nails as Tools

Prying open a stubborn soft-drink ring pull, scraping off stickers, or even tapping your nails aggressively on a counter might seem harmless in the moment. But each of these actions puts stress on the adhesive bond.

Extensions are meant to look pretty, not act as Swiss Army knives. Repeated pressure on the tips can cause them to crack or snap clean off.

Train yourself to reach for actual tools, a spoon handle, a pen, or even a butter knife, instead of your nails. It might feel slower, but it's cheaper than another emergency salon visit.

Why Your Nail Extensions Do Not Last And How to Make Them Stay for Longer;Photo Credit: Pexels

8. Poor Aftercare Routine

Nail extensions require a little TLC to last their full lifespan. Neglecting cuticle oil, skipping top-coat refreshes, or ignoring small lifts can turn minor wear into full-blown breakage.

Cuticle oil keeps the nail bed nourished, which helps prevent dryness and peeling. A quick top-coat touch-up every week can revive shine and protect against small scratches.

And if you spot a tiny lift, resist the urge to peel or bite it off. That's a one-way ticket to damaging your natural nail underneath. Instead, book a quick fix at the salon, it's usually faster and cheaper than a full set.

9. Improper Removal

Ripping off extensions at home might feel satisfying, but it's nail-care sabotage. This strips away layers of your natural nail, leaving them weak, thin, and more prone to breakage next time.

Professional removal involves soaking the nails in acetone and gently lifting the extensions without harming the underlying nail. While it takes longer, it preserves your nail health, which means better adhesion next time you get a set.

Think of it like removing a bandage, slow and gentle might not be as thrilling, but it leaves less damage behind.

10. Ignoring Regular Maintenance

Extensions aren't a “set and forget” beauty treatment. As your natural nails grow, the gap between the cuticle and the extension increases, making them more likely to lift.

Fills every two to three weeks help bridge this gap and maintain strength. Skipping maintenance means your extensions are hanging on by a smaller surface area, which makes them more vulnerable to snapping.

It's like leaving your car without a service; you might get away with it for a while, but the risk of a breakdown rises with every kilometre.

Products Related To This Article

1. The NailzStation nails artificial nail fake designer press on extension with design glue Ombre Maroon

2. The NailzStation nails artificial nail fake designer press on extension with design glue Swirls Blue

3. Lick - Press on Nails 28 Pcs Artificial

4. AMOK STORE fake nails with glue

5. RANORE Soft Gel Nail Tips

Long-lasting nail extensions aren't just about salon skill; they're a partnership between your technician's work and your daily care. The more you protect them from heat, water, rough handling, and neglect, the longer they'll keep you looking polished.

Next time you book an appointment, pay attention to the prep, the products, and the aftercare advice. And remember, nails, much like relationships, last longest when you give them the attention they deserve.

After all, there's no point in having a perfect set of nails if they vanish faster than the last piece of gulab jamun at a wedding buffet. Shop now on Flipkart.

Disclaimer: The images used in this article are for illustration purpose only. They may not be an exact representation of the products, categories and brands listed in this article.