Liam Carter
Gel nail polish is a great way to ensure your manicure stays smooth and chip-free for longer. However, it can be frustrating when it starts to lift, peel, or wear down. Luckily, there are several ways to prevent this from happening. Firstly, it is important to prepare your nails correctly, removing any natural oils and dehydrating the nail plate. Nails should also be lightly filed, not buffed, to create a slight texture that allows the gel to adhere better. When applying the gel, use thin, even layers, and avoid applying it too thickly, which can cause wrinkling and quicker peeling. Finally, avoid moisture and oils, and wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning to prevent over-exposure to water or chemicals.
Characteristics of how to make your gel nail polish not peel off
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail preparation | Removing natural oils and dehydrating the nail plate is required for a long-lasting gel manicure |
| Application | Nails should be filed before gel polish application to remove any natural debris. The first and second coats should be brushed on smoothly and sufficiently to get an opaque, beautiful color, but not so thick that the layers don't cure properly. |
| Exposure to moisture and oils | Exposure to water and oils can cause gel polish to lift. Keep hands as dry as possible on the first day after a gel manicure to prevent the polish from being compromised. |
| Use thin layers of gel polish | Always use thin, even layers. Thick layers of gel polish can lead to peeling. |
| Cap the free edge | Applying the gel polish to the tip of the nail and sealing it with a base coat can help prevent polish from chipping or lifting. |
| Moisturize regularly | Apply cuticle oil daily to keep your cuticles soft and prevent your nails from drying out. |
| Don't use your nails as tools | Nails are not designed to be used as tools, so avoid using them to open cans or boxes, as this can cause the polish to chip or lift. |
| Take breaks between gel manicures | Giving your nails a break lets them build up natural oils, restore their strength, and prevent lifting. |
| Apply a top coat | Adding a layer of high-quality topcoat to your gel polish will give it extra durability and help prevent it from lifting. |
| Don't pick or peel | Peeling off your polish can damage your nails and weaken their structure. |
| Proper removal processes | When it's time to remove the gel polish, do so correctly by using a genuine acetone solution. Avoid peeling the polish. |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid moisture and oils
Exposure to moisture and oils can cause gel polish to lift and peel. Therefore, it is important to keep your hands as dry as possible on the day of your manicure and the day after. Avoid showering for at least 24 hours after application and wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning to minimise exposure to water and chemicals.
Before applying the gel polish, it is crucial to remove any natural oils and to dehydrate the nail plate. You can do this by using a Prep Booster, which neutralises the oils on your nail and helps the gel polish adhere better. However, even with degreasing, it is easy to miss a spot, which can cause the gel polish to peel off quickly. Therefore, it is important to avoid applying any creams or oils to your hands and nails before your manicure.
Additionally, when applying the gel polish, avoid thick layers as they can cause wrinkling and peeling. Instead, opt for two or three thin, smooth layers, following the manufacturer's recommended curing time. Thick coats may not cure all the way through, creating a slippery layer underneath your manicure that prevents the gel polish from sticking properly.
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Use thin layers of gel polish
Using thin layers of gel polish is one of the most important steps in preventing your manicure from peeling. While it may be tempting to save time by applying a single, thick layer of polish, this is more likely to lead to peeling. Thick layers of polish may not cure all the way through, leaving uncured gel underneath the cured layer. This creates a slippery layer underneath your manicure, preventing the gel polish from sticking to your nail properly.
To avoid this, always apply two or three thin layers of gel polish, following the manufacturer's recommended curing time, instead of one or two thick layers. This will ensure that the gel polish adheres properly to your nail and reduce the likelihood of peeling. It is also important to note that you should not use your nails as tools when you have gel polish on, as this can also cause the polish to chip or lift.
In addition to using thin layers, it is crucial to properly prepare your nails before applying gel polish. This includes removing any natural oils and dehydrating the nail plate. You can use a product like a Prep Booster to neutralise the oils on your nails and help the gel polish stick better. It is also important to avoid any contact with water or creams before applying the gel polish, as moisture can cause the polish to lift or peel.
By following these steps and using thin, even layers of gel polish, you can help prevent your manicure from peeling and ensure that it lasts longer.
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Cap the free edge
Capping the free edge is a colloquial term for sealing the distal part of the nail that grows beyond the hyponychium. In other words, it is the part of the nail plate that does not rest on the nail bed. Capping the free edge is an important step in ensuring a longer-lasting, chip-free manicure.
To cap the free edge, drag a small amount of product over the edge of the nail, being careful not to leave any bulk at the end of the nail. If you do make this mistake, use a thin nail art brush to move the excess product to the centre of the nail. If you don't notice the bump and cure it, simply file off the excess from the top without touching the edge before applying the colour.
It is important to cap the free edge with every layer of gel polish applied to the nail. This includes the base coat, colour gel polish, and top coat. Precision is key so that you don't get a bump at the end of the nail after applying the product.
If you are struggling with free edge lifting, it may be helpful to tilt your nail file at an angle so that the top of the file is towards you and the bottom is angled under the nail. This makes the product (both gel and L&P) slightly longer than the free edge, and you won't need to worry about capping.
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Moisturise regularly
Keeping your nails moisturised is a great way to prevent gel nail polish from peeling off. Nails that are moisturised are less likely to be brittle and chip, which can cause the gel polish to lift and peel.
It is recommended to apply cuticle oil daily to keep your cuticles soft and prevent your nails from drying out. Cuticle oils are nutrient-rich and can boost circulation around the nail, helping them grow. They can also protect your polish. Cherrie Snow, a nail expert and fashion manicurist, recommends using cuticle oil twice a day. Her favourite is the Famous Names Dadi Oil, which contains nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil and vitamin E.
However, it is important to note that you should not apply any type of cream or oil to your hands and nails before applying gel nail polish. Exposure to moisture and oils can cause gel polish to lift. It is best to avoid direct contact with water for at least an hour before and after application.
Additionally, it is worth considering the brand of gel used. Some gels require primers, bonders, or harsh buffing to be removed, which can dry out your nails. Snow uses Bio Sculpture Gel, which does not require these and can help keep your nails moisturised.
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Don't use your nails as tools
When you have a fresh manicure, it can be tempting to use your nails as tools—but this is a surefire way to chip your polish and damage your nails.
Using your nails as tools can cause your manicure to chip and lift, and even worse, it can weaken your nails. Nails are made up of layers of keratinized skin cells, and when you use your nails to pick at or peel off gels, you're removing those protective layers, causing the nail to become thinner, weaker, and uneven. This can lead to white spots and stress breaks, and it's a vicious cycle—the weaker your nails are, the more prone they are to chipping and peeling.
So, what can you do instead of using your nails? Well, it's simple—use actual tools! If you need to open a key ring, ask a friend or partner to help. If you need to remove a staple, use a staple remover. By all means, take advantage of your manicured nails while they're looking fabulous, but be mindful of how you're using them. Grab some scissors or a utility knife instead of using your nails for tasks that could damage them.
Remember, it's important to give your nails a break from gel polish, too. Use a nail recovery treatment to nourish and restore the nail plate, and if you have softer nails, try a rubber base coat to give your nails some extra strength.
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Frequently asked questions
To make your gel nail polish last longer, you should apply it in thin, even layers. Thick layers of gel polish can lead to peeling.
You should avoid using your nails as tools, as this can cause the polish to chip or lift.
Keep your hands as dry as possible on the day of your manicure. Exposure to water and oils can cause gel polish to lift.
Incorrect filing, insufficient cuticle prep, and inadequate removal of oils on the nail can all cause nail polish to peel.
You can gently file the edges of the chip and seal it with a top coat.
