Isla Bennett
Gel nail polish is a popular choice for many due to its long-lasting shine and durability. However, it doesn't always last as long as expected, often chipping or peeling after a few days. The secret to preventing this lies in proper preparation, application, and aftercare. From pushing back cuticles to using thin coats of polish, there are several tricks to ensure your gel manicure stays intact for as long as possible.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Longevity | Gel nail polish can last for 2-3 weeks without chipping or lifting if properly applied and maintained. |
| Preparation | Proper nail preparation is key to making gel nail polish stay on. This includes pushing back cuticles, buffing nails to create a rough surface for better adhesion, cleansing nails with acetone or alcohol to remove oils and dirt, and shaping nails by filing them in one direction to prevent splits or tears. |
| Application | It is recommended to apply thin, even layers of gel nail polish to prevent peeling and lifting. Capping the free edge of the nails after each layer adds protection and prolongs the manicure. |
| Products | Using high-quality gel nail polish, a strong enough nail lamp for curing, and a nail primer can help make gel nail polish stay on longer. |
| Maintenance | Applying cuticle oil daily and avoiding using nails as tools can help maintain the manicure. Wearing rubber gloves while submerging hands in water can also protect the gel polish. |
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What You'll Learn
Push back cuticles and buff nails
Pushing back your cuticles and buffing your nails are important steps in the gel manicure process. Cuticles are the thin, clear layer of skin at the base of your nails that protect your nails from bacteria and infection. It is important to care for your cuticles properly to prevent painful tearing or infection.
To push back your cuticles, you can use a few different tools. The most common is an orange wood stick, a cuticle pusher made out of wood that resembles a toothpick but has a round, slanted edge on both ends. This will give you the cleanest, neatest look. You can also use a cotton swab or a soft cloth for a gentler option, which is ideal for those with sensitive skin. Make sure your cuticles are properly moistened before pushing them back, as this will allow for easier movement and prevent unwanted damage. After pushing back your cuticles, be sure to rehydrate your nails with nail oil or a thick, rich skin cream.
Buffing your nails is another crucial step in the gel manicure process. The purpose of buffing is to create a rough surface for the gel polish to cling to, which helps your manicure last longer. Hold a 180-grit nail file parallel to your nail and buff the surface using circular motions. Be sure to buff all around the edges of your nail to prevent the gel polish from lifting. Aim for 6-8 strokes per nail, as over-buffing can damage your nail bed.
In addition to pushing back your cuticles and buffing your nails, there are a few other important steps to follow when preparing your nails for a gel manicure. Make sure your nails are completely dry before applying any polish, as your nails expand when exposed to water, which can cause unwanted lifting or bubbling. Avoid using heavy creams and oils before your manicure, as these can create a barrier between your nails and the polish. Instead, opt for a clean, oil-free canvas for better adhesion and longevity.
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Use nail primer and thin layers of gel polish
To make your gel nail polish stay on, it is recommended to use nail primer and thin layers of gel polish.
Firstly, prep your nails by lightly buffing them to create a rough surface for the gel polish to cling to. Be careful not to over-buff as this can damage your nail bed and make your nails thinner and weaker. You should also push back your cuticles and scrape off any dead skin. Then, clean your nails thoroughly with rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove any remaining dust, debris, oils, or creams. This will ensure that your gel nail polish adheres properly to your natural nail.
Once your nails are prepped, you can apply a nail primer to further dehydrate your nails and promote better adhesion. Allow the nail primer to air dry for about 60 seconds. After the nail primer has dried, apply a thin coat of base coat to each nail, making sure to seal the open edges or cap the free edge. Cure your nails under a UV or LED lamp for at least 45 seconds to a minute.
When applying your gel nail polish, remember that thin layers are key. Apply each layer thinly and evenly, making sure to get as close to the cuticle as possible without touching it. Avoid applying thick coats as this can lead to a bulky manicure that is prone to lifting and not curing properly. If you accidentally get polish on your skin, be sure to wipe it away before curing it under the lamp, as it will be harder to remove once cured.
Apply at least two coats of colour, curing each coat under the lamp for 45 to 60 seconds. The more coats you apply, the more opaque your manicure will be. Finally, apply a top coat and cure it under the lamp to ensure a lasting seal.
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Avoid water and oil before application
Water and oil are two of the biggest enemies of gel nail polish adhesion. To ensure your gel nail polish stays on for longer, it is important to avoid contact with both before application.
Firstly, it is important to understand how water can negatively impact the adhesion of gel nail polish. When nails are soaked in water, the nail plate can absorb a substantial amount of water within 60 seconds, causing it to swell and bend. As a result, the gel polish cannot adhere properly to the nail plate, leading to chipping, cracking, or peeling when the nail returns to its original shape. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid soaking your nails in water before a gel manicure. If you need to wash your hands, do so quickly, for no more than 15-20 seconds, and ensure they are thoroughly dried before the application. Stay away from tasks that expose your nails to water for at least an hour before the application. This includes swimming, washing dishes, or taking a shower.
Secondly, oil can also interfere with the adhesion of gel nail polish. Oil on the nail plate acts as a barrier, preventing the polish from adhering properly. This is especially important to consider if you have a combination to oily skin type, as your nails are more likely to produce excess oils. To ensure the best adhesion, opt for a clean, oil-free canvas. Avoid using heavy creams or oils on your nails several hours before your gel polish application. Additionally, it is recommended to use a remover (such as acetone) instead of a cleanser to ensure your nails are free from any oily residue.
By following these guidelines and avoiding water and oil before the application, you can improve the adhesion of your gel nail polish and help it stay on for longer.
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Cure nails under a strong enough UV or LED lamp
Curing your nails under a UV or LED lamp is an essential step in the gel manicure process. Gel polishes contain a chemical known as a photoinitiator, which hardens when exposed to direct UV light. This process, known as polymerisation, causes the molecules in the gel polish to bond together, resulting in a solid layer of colour that is resistant to chipping and wear.
When curing your nails, it is crucial to use a lamp that emits the correct UV wavelengths at the appropriate intensity. LED lamps emit UV light at a greater intensity than fluorescent-style UV lamps but over a much narrower range. This can affect the lamp's ability to cure certain gel formulations properly. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the LED lamp you choose can emit the specific wavelength required by the gel polish you are using. The required wavelength information can usually be found on the product packaging or website.
The wattage of the lamp is also an important consideration. While a higher wattage does not always indicate a higher UV intensity, it is generally recommended to use a lamp with a minimum wattage of 48W to ensure proper curing. Additionally, the thickness of the gel polish layers can impact the curing process. Applying two thin layers of polish, rather than one thick layer, will allow for better curing as the UV light will be able to penetrate through to the lower layers more effectively.
It is also important to maintain the correct distance between your nails and the lamp during the curing process. The lamp should be placed approximately 2 inches away from your nails to allow the gel base coat and top coat to form correctly. Finally, be sure to follow the curing times specified on the product instructions. Typically, gel polishes require a minimum curing time of 60 seconds per layer, with topcoats needing no more than 90 seconds.
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Apply a top coat to seal in colour
The base coat and top coat are just as important as the gel polish itself. While the base coat helps the polish adhere to the nail, the top coat seals in the colour and adds a layer of protection. To maintain the shine and prevent the tips from wearing down, apply a fresh layer of top coat every few days. This will help seal your manicure and keep it looking new.
Apply thin, even layers of both to prevent the gel from lifting or chipping. Thicker layers can peel more easily and make the nails feel heavy. Once you’ve prepped your nails and chosen the right products, the way you apply the gel polish can make or break your manicure. One of the most common mistakes people make when applying gel polish is using coats that are too thick. Thick coats don’t cure properly under the lamp and can lead to peeling or lifting.
Instead, apply thin, even coats, and cure each one thoroughly. You can always add another thin coat if you need more coverage, but thick layers will just lead to problems down the road. Capping the free edge of your nails—essentially sealing the very tip with polish—can prevent chipping.
Oil and grease are any gel polish’s worst enemy. Steer clear of heavy creams and oils that can create a barrier between your nails and the polish hours before diving into your gel polish application. Opt for a clean, oil-free canvas for better adhesion and longevity. While it may seem convenient to tackle your nails post-shower, the moisture can negatively affect the longevity of your gel polish. Your nails expand when exposed to water, so wait until your nails are completely dry to avoid any unwanted lifting or bubbling of your gel polish.
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Frequently asked questions
To make gel nail polish last longer, it is important to prepare your nails properly. This includes pushing back your cuticles, buffing your nails, and cleaning the nail bed with alcohol and a lint-free wipe. You should also ensure that your nails are completely dry before applying the gel polish, as moisture can cause the polish to lift more quickly. Additionally, it is recommended to use thin, even layers of gel nail polish and to cap the free edge of your nail after applying each layer.
It is important to use a high-quality gel nail polish to ensure longevity. In addition, a base coat and top coat are essential, as they help the polish adhere to the nail and add a layer of protection. A nail primer can also be helpful by dehydrating the nail plate and promoting better adhesion. When curing the gel polish, use a nail lamp that is strong enough for the specific brand, following the curing times written on the product.
Yes, there are several tips to avoid chipping and peeling. Firstly, avoid using your nails as tools and apply cuticle oil daily to keep your nails hydrated. Secondly, avoid contact with water for a long time, especially right before or after applying the gel polish. Wear rubber gloves when doing dishes or other activities that involve submerging your hands in water. Finally, seal the free edge of your nails with each layer of gel polish to add an extra layer of protection.
