Ava Monroe
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those wanting long-lasting, quick-drying, and beautiful nails. However, it can be frustrating when, after a week or two, your gel manicure starts to lift. This can be caused by improper application or curing, a lack of gel base or top coat, or excessive moisture. To fix gel nails that have lifted at home, you can try filing down the base of the manicure where it's lifting, until it's almost flush with your natural nail. Then, apply some alcohol to a cotton round and remove any dust from the surface of your nails. Next, use a cuticle pusher to expose more of your natural nail. Finally, paint over your manicure with a matching or slightly darker colour, making sure to cap the ends. You can also add a layer of glitter polish, which is durable and chip-resistant.
How to fix gel nails that have lifted at home
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | File down the base of the gel manicure where it’s starting to lift. File the gel polish until it’s basically flush with your natural nail. |
| Step 2 | File down the surface of the nails, removing all the shine. |
| Step 3 | Apply some alcohol to a cotton round and remove all the dust from the surface of your nails. |
| Step 4 | Use a cuticle pusher to expose more of the grown-out nails. |
| Step 5 | Find a color that closely matches the gel polish or is slightly darker. Then just paint over the manicure that you already have. Paint as close to the cuticle as possible without getting it on the skin. |
| Step 6 | Apply a glitter polish once the colored polish has dried. Glitter polish is durable and chip-resistant. |
| Step 7 | Apply a second coat. |
| Step 8 | Use a small clean-up brush with 100% acetone to clean up any polish from the cuticles and skin. |
| Other tips | Use full coverage tips to protect the nail and prevent lifting. |
| Use gloves while washing dishes or cleaning up to prevent chipping. |
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What You'll Learn
File down the base of the gel manicure
If your gel manicure has lifted, you can file down the base of the gel manicure where it has started to lift. File the gel polish until it is almost flush with your natural nail. You can use a filing cube for this. Be careful not to file too vigorously, as you could damage your natural nail.
The next step is to file down the surface of your nails, removing all the shine. This will help the new polish adhere to the nail. It is important to note that filing down the surface of your nails will make them thinner, so be careful not to overdo it.
Once you have filed the gel polish and nail surface, you will need to clean the nails with alcohol on a cotton pad to remove any dust. This will ensure that any new polish you apply will adhere properly.
After this, you can paint over the manicure that you already have, choosing a colour that closely matches the original gel polish or is slightly darker. Paint as close to the cuticle as possible without touching the skin.
As a final step, you can apply a glitter polish over the colour. This will disguise the fact that you are covering up a stale manicure, and it will also provide a durable, chip-resistant barrier.
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$15.02 $25.99
Remove dust and shine with a cotton round
Once you've filed down the nail, it's time to remove the dust and shine. This is an important step in the process of fixing gel nails that have lifted, as it ensures the nail is ready for the next steps and helps to create a smooth and even surface.
To do this, start by applying some alcohol to a cotton round. You can use an alcohol pad or create your own by pouring a small amount of alcohol onto a cotton ball or pad. Gently rub the cotton round over the surface of your nails, paying particular attention to the areas that have lifted. This will help to remove any dust and debris that may have accumulated during the filing process. It is important to be gentle during this step to avoid causing further damage to the nail.
As you work, you may notice that the cotton round starts to become shiny. This is because it is picking up the excess shine from your nails. Continue until all the shine has been removed and the surface of your nails feels smooth and matte. This step is crucial as it helps to create a better bond for the new polish, ensuring that it adheres properly and reducing the risk of lifting in the future.
By taking your time and being thorough during this step, you can help ensure that your gel nails look and feel their best. A clean and debris-free surface is essential for achieving a flawless finish and maintaining the health of your nails.
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Apply a full-coverage tip
If you're looking for a way to fix gel nails that have lifted, one option is to apply a full-coverage tip. This method can be done at home and will help to hold the nail in place, keeping it from flexing and lifting. Full-coverage tips can be applied using gel or glue, and they offer a natural curve to the nails, making them a good choice for those with flat nails or a mild C-curve. Here's a step-by-step guide to applying full-coverage tips:
First, it is important to choose the right size tip for your natural nail. If the tip is too small, you will apply too much pressure to adhere it, and it may pop off. If the tip is too big, you will need to adjust it to fit within the lateral nail folds, or it will lift due to the gel or plastic tip touching the skin. Choose a tip that is slightly bigger than your natural nail to avoid applying too much pressure, but make sure to adjust it for a proper fit.
Next, prepare the nail by filing it down and removing any shine. You can use a gentle file, such as a 180-grit emery board, to taper the nail and create a flushed surface for the tip. Brush off any dust, and then use a cuticle pusher to expose more of the grown-out nail.
Now, it's time to apply the full-coverage tip. Choose a gel with the right viscosity to ensure proper adhesion. Outline the full coverage tip by applying a small amount of gel, about the length of the nail bed, before putting it on the natural nail. Hold the tip at the cuticle end, applying gentle pressure, and cure it with a handheld curing unit for 5 seconds. Then, press the free edge slightly to allow the uncured gel to flow to the end of the natural nail. Continue curing and release once it has set. Check the underside of the nail to ensure there are no gaps or bulges of gel and that the thickness is uniform, at about 1cm.
Finally, you can decorate your full-coverage tips with nail art! Polish, stencils, stickers, or gems can be used to create unique designs. When applied with regular nail glue, the tips should last about a week.
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Avoid picking, peeling or removing gel polish
Picking, peeling, or removing gel polish can cause significant damage to your nails. The temptation to pick at a two-week-old manicure is understandable, but it is essential to know that doing so can cause your nails to become thinner, weaker, and uneven. When you peel off gel polish, you are essentially removing layers of your nail plate, making your nails more susceptible to chipping and other issues.
Additionally, picking and peeling can lead to trapped moisture, which can cause the nail plate to turn green. If you do not seal the lifted edges properly, the exposed parts of your nails can catch on hairs and clothing. In some cases, if the gel polish peels off entirely, it can take a layer of the nail plate with it, causing even more damage.
To avoid these issues, it is recommended to file down the lifted area and apply a thin layer of polish, sealing the edge by painting over the tip of the nail. This will help extend the life of your manicure until you can have the gels removed or reapplied by a professional. It is also advisable to wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning and avoid using your nails as tools to prevent chipping and lifting.
Furthermore, the application technique plays a crucial role in preventing gel polish from lifting or peeling. It is recommended to apply two or three thin layers of gel polish instead of a single thick layer. Thick layers of gel may not cure properly, leading to quicker peeling. Additionally, ensuring your nails are properly prepared before application is vital. Removing natural oils and dehydrating the nail plate can help extend the life of your manicure.
In summary, while it may be tempting to pick, peel, or remove gel polish that has lifted, doing so can cause significant damage to your nails. Instead, opt for filing and sealing the lifted area and always apply thin layers of gel polish to prevent lifting and extend the life of your manicure.
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Wear gloves when washing dishes
If you want to prevent your gel manicure from lifting or peeling, wearing gloves when washing dishes is a must. The water and soap can dry out your manicure, making it less shiny and more prone to chipping. By wearing gloves, you create a protective barrier that shields your nails from the moisture and harsh chemicals in dish soap.
It is recommended to invest in a good pair of rubber gloves, such as Casabella Waterblock Gloves, to ensure effectiveness and durability. These gloves are designed to keep your hands and nails dry while you tackle the dishes. Remember to also keep your gloves dry, as moisture build-up inside the gloves can lead to sweating, which can cause your nails to soften and expand, leading to peeling or lifting when they dry out again.
Additionally, you can opt for rubber base coats, which have better adhesive properties than regular gel base coats while still providing strength and flexibility. They can bend with your natural nail, reducing the chances of lifting. If you notice that your nails are prone to sweating inside the gloves, you may want to consider switching to a brand of polish that isn't soak-off, as the warm water might be causing the polish to soften and lift.
While wearing gloves is a great preventative measure, it's important to note that it may not always be a foolproof solution. Some people have reported that their gel nails still peeled or lifted even with glove use. In such cases, it's essential to analyse the situation and identify the root cause. It could be due to the type of polish, the application process, or even your daily habits that are causing continuous stress to your nails, such as using them as tools to open cans or pick at things.
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Frequently asked questions
Start by filing down the base of the gel manicure where it’s starting to lift. File the gel polish until it’s basically flush with your natural nail. Next, file down the surface of the nails, removing all the shine. Follow up with a filing cube until the gel polish feels almost flush with your natural nail.
Gel nails can lift due to improper application or curing, a lack of gel base coat or top coat, or excessive moisture. It could also be due to incorrect nail preparation, such as not leaving a gap between the cuticle and the start of the gel application.
Perfect preparation is key. Ensure your nails are prepped well, and if a base coat is required, make sure to use the correct one and apply it directly under the gel.
Inform them not to pick, peel, or remove the gel on their own as this can cause irreversible damage to the nail plate.
When washing dishes, use gloves to protect your nails. Be careful not to bump your nails against anything hard when cleaning.
