Liam Carter
Gel manicures are supposed to last between two and three weeks, so if your gel nails are peeling off at home, there's likely an underlying cause. This could be due to incorrect filing, insufficient cuticle prep, inadequate removal of oils on the nail, or a damaged or old curing lamp. To fix this, you can try gently filing the edges of a chip and sealing it with a top coat. However, if the gel polish is peeling off quite a bit, it's recommended to have the polish removed and reapplied to avoid damaging your natural nail. To prevent gel nails from peeling, it's important to properly prep your nails by pushing back your cuticles, buffing the nail surface, and dehydrating your nails before painting them. Additionally, using thin layers of polish and curing your nails for the correct amount of time can help prevent peeling.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application technique | Ensure nails are properly cleansed and prepped before applying gel nails. |
| Use a nail lamp that is compatible with the gel polish. | |
| Avoid applying thick layers of gel polish. | |
| Avoid direct contact with water before and after application. | |
| Avoid applying any type of creams or oils to your hands and nails before application. | |
| Avoid soaking your nails in water before or after application. | |
| Avoid using too much primer. | |
| Avoid using a base coat or builder gel. | |
| Avoid using acetone or regular nail polish remover. | |
| Avoid using clippers and files as they can break the seal. | |
| Avoid picking at your nails. | |
| Avoid exposure to too much hot water. | |
| Use a peel-off base coat. | |
| Use a dehydrator. | |
| Use a nail file to roughen the nail plate. | |
| Use cuticle oil to stop nails from drying out. |
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What You'll Learn
Dehydrate nails and use a primer
Dehydrating your nails and using a primer is an essential step in achieving a long-lasting and flawless manicure. This process helps create the perfect base for your nail polish, ensuring it adheres properly and lasts for days without chipping.
Nail Dehydrator
A nail dehydrator, often referred to as nail prep, is a solution applied to the nails to eliminate moisture and oil from the nail plate. These elements can prevent the proper adhesion of nail products like polish, acrylic, or gel. Dehydrators generally have a watery consistency and quickly evaporate, removing moisture and some oils from the nail plate. They often contain ingredients such as isopropyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, and isobutyl acetate.
To dehydrate your nails, start by pushing back your cuticles with a metal or wooden cuticle pusher. Be sure to remove any dead skin around the cuticle area, taking care not to nip any live skin. Then, gently buff your nails with a 180 to 220-grit nail file in one direction, focusing on areas prone to lifting, like the tips and sides of the nails.
Next, cleanse your nails to remove any dirt, oil, or residual oils left from cuticle remover or handwashing. You can use a prep and wipe solution on a lint-free wipe or pre-soaked wipes specifically designed for this purpose. Ensure you wipe the entire nail surface, as even the tiniest bit of oil can cause lifting.
Nail Primer
A nail primer is applied to the natural nail before any other nail products. It enhances the stickiness of the nail surface, ensuring the long-lasting adhesion of manicure products.
After your nails are clean and dehydrated, apply the nail primer. Be sure to use just one swipe of primer, as too much can cause the gel to lift more quickly. The primer will air-dry quickly, so there is no need to cure it under a UV lamp.
By properly dehydrating your nails and using a primer, you can create a strong foundation for your gel nail polish, helping it to adhere properly and last longer without peeling or chipping.
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Cap the edges
Capping the edges of your nails is critical for securing your gel polish and preventing lifting. This technique involves sealing off the area between the polish and your nails to give them maximum protection.
To cap your nails, start by painting them in the normal way. Then, with the brush still containing some polish, start at the end of your nail and drag the brush over the edge, brushing towards the cuticle. This will create a permanent 'cap' that stops any overlay from splitting away from the free edge. You can then go over your nails again to even out the polish and ensure there is no thicker layer of gel at the end of your nails.
Some people prefer to cap the free edge first and then paint the rest of the nail. Either way works, so it is just a matter of personal preference. However, it is important to cap with every layer of gel that you apply.
If you have short nails, capping the free edge can be a little messy. In this case, it is recommended to flip the polish brush upside down and carefully push the gel over the edge of your nails using a scrubbing motion.
If you are still experiencing excessive lifting of the free edge, you may want to try using a builder gel. These gels can encase the free edge and prevent the gel from shrinking back.
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Push back cuticles
Pushing back your cuticles is a crucial step in achieving a long-lasting gel manicure. Cuticles, the thin skin growing at the base of your nails, should be pushed back to avoid peeling polish.
Before pushing back your cuticles, prepare your nails to prevent any pain or damage. Start by removing any existing nail polish with a non-acetone polish remover to ensure there is no oily residue, which can make the process slippery. Then, soak your nails in warm soapy water for about five to ten minutes to soften the cuticles. You can also add jojoba or coconut oil to the water for extra moisturised cuticles.
After soaking your nails, dry your hands with a clean, soft towel. Apply a small amount of oil to your cuticles and let it soak in for three to five minutes. You can use coconut oil or a special cuticle oil, which can be left on for as long as you like.
To push back your cuticles, use a cuticle pusher made of wood to avoid damaging your cuticles. Orange sticks, also known as orangewood sticks, are small round pieces of wood with a round, slanted edge at both ends, and they are a great option for gently pushing back the delicate skin around your nails. If you have sensitive skin, wrap the tip of the orange stick in cotton before use. You can also push back your cuticles with a soft cloth, a cotton swab, or even your fingers, but you'll get neater results with an orange stick.
Gently push back the eponychium, the thin, tough skin at the base of the nail bed, in a circular motion. Be careful not to force or cut the cuticle, as this can lead to damage and potential infection. A gentle push is all you need. After pushing back the cuticles, it is vital to rehydrate your nails with nail oil or a thick, rich skin cream to keep them hydrated and supple.
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Thin layers of polish
To avoid this, apply two or three thin layers of polish instead of one thick layer. Thin layers of polish will dry more quickly and thoroughly, creating a stronger seal. This will also help to prevent chips and cracks. It's normal for the first layer to be streaky, but this can be covered up with the second layer.
It's also important to cure your nails for long enough between each layer. This will ensure that the gel polish is properly bonded to the nail and will not start to lift off.
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Seal with a top coat
Sealing your gel nails with a top coat is an essential step in preventing your manicure from peeling or chipping. The top coat seals everything in, protecting your polish and preventing it from peeling off.
To apply a top coat, start by gently filing the nail's surface with a nail file to roughen the nail plate. This will help the top coat adhere better to your nails. Use a nail file with a grit of 180 to 220 and buff your nails in one direction. Pay particular attention to the areas prone to lifting, such as the tips of the nails and the sides.
After buffing, it is crucial to remove any dirt or oil residue from your nails. Use a lint-free wipe soaked in a prep solution to clean your natural nails. This step ensures that your nails are free of any substances that could prevent the top coat from adhering properly.
Once your nails are clean and prepared, you can apply the top coat. Apply thin, smooth layers of the top coat to your nails, being careful not to get it on your skin or cuticles. Allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next one.
Finally, cure your nails under a compatible nail lamp. The curing process hardens the top coat, ensuring it seals and protects your manicure. Follow the instructions for the specific top coat you are using, as curing times may vary. For example, Mylee recommends curing their top coat for 30 to 60 seconds under an LED lamp.
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Frequently asked questions
If your gel nails are peeling off, it's best to head back to the salon to have them removed and reapplied to prevent damage to your natural nails. However, if you want to fix them at home, you can try gently filing the edges of any chips and sealing them with a top coat.
To prevent your gel nails from peeling off, make sure to properly prepare your nails before application. This includes pushing back your cuticles, buffing your nails, and removing any dirt or oil residue. You should also ensure that your nails are completely dry before applying gel polish, as moisture can cause the nails to expand, leading to peeling and chipping.
Gel nails can peel off due to incorrect filing, insufficient cuticle preparation, inadequate removal of oils on the nail, or a damaged or old curing lamp. Applying gel polish in thick layers can also cause peeling, as it can interfere with the curing process and make it difficult for the polish to harden completely.
