Sophia Delgado
Gel nail polish is desirable for its durability and long-lasting wear. However, several factors can cause gel polish to lift, including poor preparation, improper application, and exposure to moisture and oils. To prevent gel nail polish from lifting, it is important to ensure proper nail care before application, avoid moisture, use thin layers of polish, and cap the free edge. If your gel nail polish has already lifted, there are a few things you can do to fix it, such as improving adhesion by etching or using a bonder and protecting the nail with a full-coverage tip. Additionally, you could consider using an acid primer to help the gel stick better to the nail plate.
How to save a lifting gel nail
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Causes of lifting gel nail | Poor preparation, improper application, exposure to moisture and oils, excess oil production from the nail plate, incorrect nail care before application, nail dehydration |
| Prevention techniques | Use thin layers of gel polish, cap the free edge, keep hands dry, use cuticle oil, take downtime between manicures, leave removal to professionals, use an acid primer |
| Solutions | Remove and reapply the affected nail, use a full coverage tip, seal lifted edges |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid moisture and oils
Avoiding moisture and oils is crucial to preventing gel nail polish from lifting. Exposure to these elements can compromise the polish, leading to chipping, peeling, and lifting. Therefore, it is recommended to keep your hands as dry as possible on the day of your manicure and even the following day. Avoid showering for at least 24 hours after application, and wear gloves when washing dishes or performing any tasks that involve water.
The nail preparation process is also essential to prevent lifting. Proper nail care before application includes filing your nails, removing any natural debris, and pushing back your cuticles. Additionally, it is crucial to remove excess oils from the nail surface during preparation. This can be done using a Lint-Free Wipe soaked in acetone to ensure the nail surface is clean and free of any substances that may interfere with the adhesion of the gel polish.
Imperfect nail preparation, especially at the cuticles, can be a common cause of gel polish lifting. Therefore, it is important to pay close attention to this area during preparation. Leave a small gap of 1-2 mm between the cuticle and the start of your gel polish application. This ensures that the gel has enough room to manoeuvre and reduces the risk of affecting the adhesion.
Furthermore, it is recommended to use thin, even layers of gel polish rather than thick layers. Thick coats of polish can increase the likelihood of peeling and lifting. Following the manufacturer's recommended curing time and using thin layers will help create a smooth and durable finish that is less prone to lifting.
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Thin coats of polish
It is also important to follow the manufacturer's recommended curing time. If you are applying the gel polish yourself, make sure to read the instructions carefully and follow the recommended curing time. This will ensure that the gel polish has enough time to set properly and reduce the risk of lifting or peeling.
Another important factor is to create a smooth surface before applying the gel polish. This can be done by filing your nails and removing any natural debris or dead skin cells. You can use a nail file to shape your nails and create an even surface. Buffing your nails can also help create a smooth surface, but be careful not to overdo it as excessive buffing can weaken the nails.
Additionally, it is crucial to avoid flooding the cuticle area when applying the gel polish. Leave a gap of 1mm to 2mm between the cuticle and the start of the gel polish. This will ensure that the gel polish has room to move without affecting the adhesion to the nail plate.
By following these steps and applying thin coats of polish, you can help prevent gel nail lifting and achieve a longer-lasting and smoother manicure.
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Cap the free edge
Capping the free edge is a technique used to prevent gel nail polish from lifting or peeling. It involves sealing the edge of the nail with a thin layer of product, such as a base coat, colour gel polish, or top coat. This technique is applied with every layer of gel, ensuring that the product is less likely to peel off from the sealed free edge, resulting in longer-lasting manicures.
To cap the free edge effectively, precision is crucial. A small amount of product should be dragged over the edge of the nail, being careful not to leave any bulk at the end. If a bump is created, a thin nail art brush can be used to move the excess product to the centre of the nail. Alternatively, if the bump is cured, the excess can be filed off from the top without touching the edge before applying the colour.
When capping the free edge, it is important to ensure that the nail is free of oil, as this can cause the gel to shrink away from the edge. Additionally, the use of an acid primer can enhance the adhesion of the gel to the nail plate.
For those with thin and weak nails, capping the free edge may not be a suitable option. In such cases, filing the nail at a 45-degree angle to the free edge can create a permanent 'cap' that provides protection and prevents lifting. This technique involves tilting the file so that the top is towards you and the bottom is angled under the nail, resulting in the product being slightly longer than the free edge.
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Proper nail care before application
Proper nail care before gel nail application is crucial to ensure that your manicure lasts longer and that your nails remain healthy. Here are some detailed tips for preparing your nails for gel polish application:
Clean Your Nails: Start by thoroughly cleaning your nails to ensure they are free of any grease, dirt, or dead skin cells. Use cleanser wipes to effectively clean your nails and create a grease-free base for the gel polish. This step is important because a greasy or dirty nail bed can cause the gel polish to come off.
Push Back Your Cuticles: Before cleaning your nails, gently push back your cuticles using a cuticle pusher or a prep and remove pusher. Taking care of your cuticles will help your manicure stay on more firmly and provide better access to your entire nail bed.
Nail Dehydration: Allow your nails to dehydrate after cleaning. Nail dehydration is important, especially if you are applying gel polish after removing a previous manicure. Going back-to-back with gel manicures can suffocate your nail beds, leading to damage and breakage.
Nail Soak and Treatments: To strengthen and hydrate your nails, try a nail soak by soaking your nails in warm water, lemon juice, and olive oil for about 10 minutes. You can also create a nail mask using mashed avocado, coconut oil, and honey, or use DIY cuticle oil with jojoba oil, vitamin E oil, and essential oils to keep your cuticles moisturized.
Nail Shaping and Filing: Shape and file your nails gently, being careful not to over-file them. Over-filing can weaken your nails and make them prone to breakage. Always file and shape your nails after pushing back your cuticles and before cleaning them to avoid getting them dirty again.
Primer and Base Coat: Apply a primer to promote better adhesion and enhance the longevity of your manicure. After the primer, apply a thin layer of base coat over your entire nail, avoiding the cuticles. The base coat protects your nails from discolouration and ensures a smooth surface for the gel polish to adhere to.
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Acid primer
An acid primer can be used to make gel nails last longer. It is a stronger substance that can be especially helpful for those with problematic nail plates, or those who suffer from hormone problems or are on specific medications that affect their nails. Acid primers are also recommended for those with oilier nails.
To use an acid primer, put 1-2 small dots of the primer on the nail and let it spread on its own across the nail plate. It is important to wait until the primer has fully evaporated before continuing with the gel manicure.
While acid primers can be useful, it is important to note that they are not always necessary. If your gel manicure already lasts for two weeks or more without any chips or lifting, you may not need to add an extra step to your routine. Additionally, it is recommended to take time between gel applications to avoid potential damage to your nail beds.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to prevent gel nail polish from lifting:
- Proper nail care before application: Ensure your nails are healthy, clean, and filed. Remove any natural debris and push back your cuticles.
- Avoid moisture: Avoid water and high-humidity areas for at least 24 hours after application.
- Use thin layers of gel polish: Follow the manufacturer's recommended curing time and always use thin, even layers. Thick layers can lead to peeling.
- Cap the free edge: Apply the gel polish to the tip of the nail and seal it with a base coat to prevent chipping or lifting.
Several factors can cause gel nail polish to lift, including poor preparation, improper application, and exposure to moisture and oils.
If your gel nail polish has already lifted, you should not try to patch it, as this can trap moisture and cause nail discolouration. Instead, remove the affected nail, re-prep and dehydrate the nail surface, and repeat the product application.
To prevent gel nail polish from lifting in the future, you can invest in cuticle oil, which can keep your nails and skin healthy. You can also try using an acid primer so that the gel sticks better to your nail plate.
