What is center pocket lifting?
To understand center pocket lifting, you have to understand the concept of shrinkage in acrylic technology. The wetter something is, the more likely it will be to shrink as it dries. With acrylic, we do want a small percentage of shrinkage which helps to form a suction cup effect around the sidewalls and cuticle area in zone 3. That being said, shrinkage can be excessive and have negative results when there is too much monomer in your brush. Also, a larger or more curved nail plate can exacerbate shrinkage. The apex is the highest part of the nail enhancement, hence the area with the most acrylic. Shrinkage will place force on the apex and on the center of the plate. If this force becomes excessive, the product can pop free at the apex (or center of the nail plate) – and this is “center pocket lifting.” Why can’t I see it when I am filing, buffing and finishing the client’s nails? All products will shrink during polymerization. It takes a liquid & powder system 24 – 48 hours to complet
