Liam Carter
Gel nail polish is supposed to be long-lasting and chip-resistant, so it can be frustrating when it starts to peel off after just a few days. There are several reasons this might be happening, from the state of your natural nails to the application of the gel polish itself. Luckily, there are also several ways to repair peeling gel nails, from applying a top coat to using a builder gel to stabilize thin nails.
How to repair a peeling gel nail
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Nails absorb water and swell up, changing shape. As they dry, they shrink and revert to their natural shape. |
| Prevention | Do not wash hands before application. If you do, wait an hour+ for nails to dry. |
| Prevention | Do not over-cure the gel, as this can make it too brittle and cause chipping or peeling. |
| Prevention | Do not apply too many coats of the top layer. |
| Prevention | Do not allow gel to touch the cuticle or sidewalls. |
| Prevention | Dehydrate nails before application to avoid oils or dust preventing a tight seal. |
| Prevention | Wear gloves when doing the dishes. |
| Prevention | Always follow up with hand cream after washing hands. |
| Prevention | Apply cuticle oil over gel nails to encourage flexibility and prevent chipping. |
| Solution | Do not pick at the nail. |
| Solution | Apply a thin layer of the top coat over the peeling polish to seal in the edges. |
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What You'll Learn
- Prevent peeling by wearing gloves when washing up and using hand cream
- Don't pick at peeling nails, apply a thin layer of top coat instead
- Dehydrate nails before applying gel to prevent lifting
- Avoid painting over the cuticle to prevent water from getting between the gel and nail
- Use a builder gel to stabilise thin nails
Prevent peeling by wearing gloves when washing up and using hand cream
To prevent peeling, it is recommended to wear gloves when washing up and to use hand cream after washing your hands. This is because when nails absorb water, they can change shape, swelling up and then shrinking back down as they dry. This shape-shifting can loosen the bond between the polish and the nail, leading to premature chipping or peeling.
Wearing gloves when doing the dishes or other household chores that involve water or cleaning products can help to protect your nails from this moisture absorption and the subsequent swelling and shrinking. It is also beneficial to wait at least an hour after washing your hands before applying polish to give your nails time to fully dry out.
Additionally, using hand cream after washing your hands can help to prevent peeling. Hand cream can provide much-needed moisture to your nails and the skin around them, keeping them supple and healthy. This can reduce the likelihood of your nails becoming dry, brittle, and prone to peeling.
It is also important to note that over-curing gel nails can make them too brittle, which can also lead to chipping and peeling. Therefore, it is recommended to stick to the manufacturer's recommended curing times and avoid over-curing your nails.
By taking these preventative measures, you can help reduce the chances of your gel nails peeling and maintain their integrity for longer.
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Don't pick at peeling nails, apply a thin layer of top coat instead
It can be frustrating when your gel nails start to peel, but it's important to resist the temptation to pick at them. Your nails are made up of layers of keratinised skin cells, and picking at peeling gel nails will remove those top layers of your nail along with the gel. Not only will this ruin your manicure, but it can also cause damage to your nails.
Instead of picking at peeling gel nails, you should apply a thin layer of top coat over the affected area. This will help to seal in the edges and prevent further peeling. It's a quick fix that can help your manicure last until you can get to the salon for a proper repair or removal. When applying the top coat, make sure to cap the free edge of your nails to ensure that the tips are also sealed.
If you find yourself frequently battling peeling gel nails, it may be helpful to consider the underlying causes. One common reason for gel nails to start peeling is water absorption. When nails absorb water, they swell up and change shape, and as they dry, they shrink back and revert to their natural shape. This shifting can loosen the bond between the gel and your nail. To prevent this, you can try skipping the hand wash before application or waiting for at least an hour for your nails to fully dry before starting your manicure.
Additionally, over-curing can also lead to premature chipping or peeling. Stick to the manufacturer's recommended curing times to avoid making the gel too brittle. Applying too many layers of top coat may also be a factor, as the overall thickness can become unwieldy and more prone to lifting.
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Dehydrate nails before applying gel to prevent lifting
Dehydrating your nails before applying gel polish is an important step to prevent lifting. This is because nails that are not dehydrated may have residual oils left on the nail plate, which can loosen the bond between the polish and the nail. This can be caused by washing your hands with soap and water or using cuticle remover before applying gel polish.
To dehydrate your nails, start by shaping and cutting them into your desired nail shape and length. Then, use a cuticle remover to soften your cuticles and gently push them back with a metal or wooden cuticle pusher. Be sure to remove any dead skin or cuticles that have grown over your nail bed, as even the tiniest flake of skin can cause your gel polish to lift.
Next, buff your nails with a gentle motion in one direction using a 180-grit buffer. Be careful not to buff too harshly, as you don't want to damage your nails. After buffing, cleanse and dehydrate your nails to remove any dirt and oil. You can use a Prep & Wipe solution on a lint-free wipe, making sure to soak the wipe and wipe it over your entire nail surface.
By taking the time to properly prepare and dehydrate your nails before applying gel polish, you can help ensure that your manicure lasts longer and prevent the gel from lifting or peeling.
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Avoid painting over the cuticle to prevent water from getting between the gel and nail
When doing a gel manicure, it's important to avoid painting over the cuticle. This is because, when nails absorb water, they swell up and change shape, and as they dry, they shrink back down and revert to their natural shape. If you apply polish to wet nails, the shape-shifting that occurs during the drying process can loosen the bond between the polish and the nail. This can lead to premature chipping or peeling.
To prevent water from getting between the gel and the nail, it's recommended to wait at least an hour after washing your hands before applying gel nail polish. Additionally, always wear gloves when doing the dishes to protect your manicure.
It's also important to note that painting over the cuticle can irritate the skin and lead to contact dermatitis and allergic reactions. This is because the chemicals in gel nail polish can leach into the skin and cause issues. Therefore, it's best to leave a small gap between the cuticle and the polish to allow the nail and cuticle to breathe.
If you're new to gel manicures, it's recommended to start with regular nail polish to practice staying away from the cuticle. You can also use a small brush, such as a size 0 brush, to carefully paint around the cuticle area. Practicing on paper or watching YouTube tutorials can also help you perfect your technique.
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Use a builder gel to stabilise thin nails
If you have thin nails, consider using a builder gel to add strength and protection. Builder gels are thicker than gel polishes and require more skill and experience to apply. They can be used to reinforce and protect weak or damaged nails, allowing them to grow out more securely.
Builder gels come in two categories: BIAB (Builder Gel in a Bottle) and hard gel. BIAB is a thick gel that adds a durable overlay to nails or nail tips to repair, strengthen, and grow natural nails over time. Despite its thickness, it is lightweight and offers a soft, natural finish. It is also chip-proof and can protect nails from nail-biting, household chores, and typing for about three to five weeks. To remove it, simply soak it off with acetone.
Hard gel, on the other hand, adds a rigid layer over the nail and is similar to acrylic in strength. It comes in various colours and finishes and is typically filed off rather than soaked off. While it provides more strength than BIAB, it lacks the same flexibility, making it more prone to cracking.
When applying builder gel, it is important to clean, shape, and buff your nails to help the base coat adhere better. A bead of builder gel is then applied gently with small, horizontal strokes to ensure the polish covers the entire nail.
If you have thin nails, you may need to apply a base coat or a primer to help the builder gel adhere better. For example, you can try the Megastick Base or the Kokoist Platinum Filler Base, which is a thicker base gel that provides more strength. Always follow the instructions provided by your chosen gel brand to achieve the best results.
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Frequently asked questions
Firstly, resist the temptation to pick at it. This will take off the top few layers of your nail along with the gel polish. Instead, apply a thin layer of top coat over the peeling polish to seal in the edges. This will help your manicure hold out until you can get to the salon.
Properly dehydrating your nails before you begin is key – any oils or dust may prevent your polish from forming a tight seal which can cause lifting. Similarly, if you’re painting over the cuticle or skin in any way, this creates an opening for water to get between the gel and your nails, causing lifting. It is also important to cap the free edge of your nails to make sure things are sealed at the tips too.
Nails absorb water and change shape, and as they dry, they shrink and revert to their natural shape. If you put polish on freshly washed nails, it's possible that the shape-shifting that occurs during the drying process is loosening the bond between your polish and nail. Try skipping the hand wash, or wait over an hour for your nails to dry out. Over-curing can also cause problems, making the gel too brittle, which can lead to premature chipping or peeling.
