Caleb Foster
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those wanting long-lasting, quick-drying, and super-shiny nails. However, gel nail polish can sometimes peel off prematurely, causing frustration for those wanting to keep their mani fresh. There are several reasons why gel nail polish might lift or peel, including incorrect nail preparation, negligent gel removal, poor hydration, and nail care. Other causes include improper application or curing, lack of a gel base or top coat, and excessive moisture. To prevent gel nail polish from lifting, it is recommended to use thin coats of polish, avoid moisture, and use cuticle oil to keep nails healthy and prevent lifting.
How to Keep Gel Nails from Lifting
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application thickness | Should be thin and built up in layers |
| Application technique | Work the product into the nail with a scrubbing motion, not just brushing on |
| Nail prep | Nails should be filed and roughed up a little before application |
| Dehydration | Dehydrator polish can help, but so can washing hands with soap |
| Curing | Cure time needs to be longer for thicker layers |
| Base coat | Make sure to use the correct one and leave a gap between it and the cuticle |
| Top coat | Use a layer of top coat to prevent chipping |
| Moisture | Keep hands dry, especially on the day of application |
| Alcohol | Avoid using alcohol on hands after application |
| Cuticle oil | Use cuticle oil to keep nails healthy and prevent lifting |
| Removal | Leave removal to the professionals |
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What You'll Learn
Thin coats of polish are less likely to lift
To avoid this, it is recommended to apply gel polish in two to three thin layers. This will help secure a smooth and even cure for the gel within an adequate timeframe, ranging from 30 seconds to 90 seconds, depending on your LED light source. Clear or sheer colours may need less curing time than opaque hues.
It is also important to note that the gel polish should be applied correctly, leaving a 1mm to 2mm gap between the cuticle and the start of the gel. This will ensure enough room to manoeuvre without affecting the results. Additionally, the nail bed should be prepared properly, as ultra-smooth nail beds may need to be roughed up slightly before application.
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Avoid moisture and alcohol
Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of gel nails. It is important to keep your hands as dry as possible on the day of your manicure. When washing dishes, use gloves to protect your nails. Try to avoid getting your hands wet for extended periods, as this can cause your gel nails to lift and peel.
It is also crucial to avoid exposing your gel nails to alcohol. Products such as hand sanitizers, perfumes, and even open alcoholic beverages can contain alcohol, which can break down the gel and lead to lifting and peeling. Be mindful of this and opt for alcohol-free alternatives when possible. Additionally, when using cleaning products that contain alcohol, wear gloves to protect your gel nails.
To maintain healthy nails, it is recommended to give your nails a break between gel applications. Going back-to-back with gel manicures can deprive your nail beds of necessary access to water and air, leading to damage and breakage. Allowing your nails to breathe and recover will help prevent lifting and ensure the health of your natural nails.
While it may be tempting to trim your nails to your desired length during the gel manicure, refrain from using clippers or nail files. Breaking the seal on the free edge can lead to lifting, chipping, or trapped moisture, which may result in an infection. Instead, maintain the length of your natural nails prior to the application of the gel manicure.
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Prep nails by roughing them up
If your nails are ultra-smooth, you may need to roughen them up a little before applying gel polish. This is because the gel polish has nothing to stick to, and it will easily peel away.
Firstly, make sure your nails are super clean. Buffing the nails can create dust and debris that needs to be eliminated, or else it might cause lifting underneath the gel polish. You can use a hand file to buff your nails until they look matte. However, be careful not to overdo it—you don't want to buff away an entire layer of your nail.
If you notice chipping or lifting, buff the area until it is flat and rough enough for adhesion. Then, wipe your nail with an alcohol wipe to remove any oils that may prevent the polish and topcoat from adhering properly.
You can also use a dehydrator polish to help the gel stick to your nails. However, make sure you use lint-free wipes to avoid leaving pieces of cotton on your nails.
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Use cuticle oil
Using cuticle oil is an important part of keeping your nails healthy and strong. Cuticle oil helps to feed your nails with the vitamins they need to be restored and revitalised. It is designed to keep your cuticles hydrated and nourished. Cuticle oil can be used on nails all the time, whether they are natural or enhanced.
However, it is important to note that you should not use cuticle oil before applying gel polish. If you do, the polish will not adhere to your nail plate. Instead, you should apply cuticle oil after doing your gel nails and in between manicures to keep your cuticles hydrated and healthy.
Cuticle oil will not cause gel nails to lift if applied as directed after the gel has been cured. In fact, cuticle oil can help to prevent gel nails from lifting by keeping the nails flexible so they bend but don't break. It also prevents the outer layers of the nail from peeling, and if you wear enhancements, it stops the appliques from curling and lifting, which allows bacteria to get between the nail and enhancement.
To speed up the repair process, apply cuticle oil right out of the shower while your skin is still damp to encourage deeper absorption.
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Take breaks between manicures
Taking breaks between gel manicures is essential to prevent damage to your nails. Gel manicures can last for up to three weeks, but it is recommended that you take them off after two weeks to prevent potential damage to your nail beds.
The longer you keep gel manicures on, the higher the risk of weakened nails and moisture issues. Once the gel starts to lift, it can lead to moisture gathering under the gel, which can be challenging to clean and may even result in bacterial growth. Therefore, it is crucial to take breaks and give your nails some breathing space.
During the break, you can focus on nourishing your nails back to health. Nails need access to water and air, and going straight from one gel manicure to another can suffocate your nail beds, leading to damage and breakage. By taking a break, you allow your nails to recover and prepare them for the next manicure.
Additionally, it is important to be mindful of the products you use during this break. Alcohol-based products, such as hand sanitizers, perfumes, and even open alcoholic drinks, can break down the gel and lead to lifting and peeling. Instead, opt for cuticle oils and hand creams to keep your nails and skin healthy and nourished.
Finally, when you do decide to reapply the gel manicure, ensure you follow the correct application methods and give your nails the proper care they need to prevent lifting and maintain their health.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some tips to prevent gel nail lifting:
- Keep your hands dry on the day of your manicure.
- Avoid using alcohol or products containing alcohol on your hands as they can break down your gel manicure.
- Apply the gel in thin coats.
- Use a dehydrator or an alcohol wipe before the manicure to remove any excess oil on the nails.
- Use a base coat and a top coat.
- Take a break between gel applications to prevent nail dehydration.
Gel nail lifting is usually caused by incorrect nail preparation, negligent gel removal, poor hydration, or nail care. Other causes include incorrect application, lack of gel base coat or top coat, and excessive moisture.
If your gel nails have started to lift, you can fix them by buffing the area until it is flat and rough. Then, wipe your nail with an alcohol wipe to remove any oils. Finally, reapply the gel polish, ensuring you follow the correct application method.
