A nail tip should not cover more than what fraction of the natural nail plate?

A nail tip should not cover more than one-third of the natural nail plate because this ensures proper adhesion and reduces the risk of damaging the natural nail. When a nail tip extends beyond this fraction, it can lead to structural weakness and potential lifting or breakage of the tip. The balance between the protection provided by the tip and the integrity of the natural nail is critical in nail care practices.

Furthermore, covering more than one-third may lead to issues such as improper fitting or an unnatural appearance, which can affect client satisfaction. Keeping the coverage to this recommended fraction helps maintain both the aesthetic quality and the health of the nails being worked on.