Isla Bennett
Gel manicures are supposed to last longer than regular nail polish, but it can be frustrating when they start to chip and peel. There are several reasons why this might be happening, including incorrect filing, insufficient cuticle prep, inadequate removal of oils on the nail, and exposure to water. To prevent gel nails from flaking, it's important to ensure proper nail preparation before the manicure, including cleaning, shaping, and buffing the nails. After buffing, it's recommended to use a nail prep dehydrator to remove any remaining oils. Additionally, a base coat acts as a preservative coating between the nail and the gel polish, so it's crucial to apply one before the gel polish.
How to stop gel nails from flaking
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Proper preparation of the nails before the gel manicure | Nails should be cleaned using alcohol or a dehydrator to remove any oils or moisture |
| Use of a base coat | A base coat acts as a preservative coating between the nail and the gel polish |
| Avoid picking at the gel polish | Picking causes a layer of the nail to come off, making the nail thinner and bumpier, which escalates the rate at which gel polish peels |
| Avoid frequent or prolonged contact with water | Water can seep between the nail and the gel polish, causing damage and leading to peeling |
| Use of high-quality gel polish | Low-quality gel polish may not last as long and can have negative effects on nail health |
| Take breaks between manicures | Nails need time to replenish and rehydrate; during this break, any damage that occurred while the nails had gel polish on should be repaired |
| Avoid using nails as tools | Contact with rough surfaces can break the seal between the polish and the nail |
| Correct filing technique | Nails should be lightly filed to create a slight texture before gel application; too smooth of a nail can prevent the gel from adhering properly |
| Sufficient cuticle prep | Cuticles should be pushed back and any dead skin around the nails should be trimmed |
| Removal of oils on the nail | Oils can create a barrier between the gel polish and the nail, preventing proper adhesion |
| Curing process | A compatible nail lamp should be used to cure the gel polish, with the correct curing time based on the thickness and colour of the polish |
| Use of cuticle oil | Regular application of cuticle oil helps to prevent nails from drying out, which can cause the polish to 'pull away' from the nail surface |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid picking at your gel nails
Picking at your gel nails is a hard habit to break, but it's important to stop doing this to prevent further damage to your nails. When you pick at your gel manicure, you are removing layers of your nail plate, which weakens the nail and makes it more prone to chipping and peeling. This can also cause the nail to become thinner, weaker, and uneven.
If you notice a chip in your gel manicure, it is best to file the nail where the chip occurred and then seal it with a top coat. This will help your manicure last longer and prevent further damage. It is also important to keep your nails and hands moisturized. Apply hand cream after washing your hands and regularly massage cuticle oil into your nails and cuticles to encourage flexibility and prevent chipping.
To avoid picking at your gel nails, it is recommended to wear gloves when doing tasks such as washing dishes or cleaning, as this will help protect your nails from harsh chemicals and excessive moisture. It is also important to keep your nails out of water as much as possible, especially after a manicure, as too much exposure to moisture can cause the polish to lift and peel.
Additionally, it is crucial to properly prepare your nails before applying gel polish. This includes cleaning, shaping, and lightly filing the nails to create a slight texture, as well as removing any natural oils or residue that may create a barrier between the gel polish and the nail.
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Keep your hands and nails moisturised
Keeping your hands and nails moisturised is key to preventing gel nail flaking and peeling. When nails are strong and healthy, they are more capable of supporting a coating of gel polish.
It is important to keep your hands and nails moisturised before, during, and after a manicure. Before a manicure, it is important to ensure your nails are clean and free from dirt, oil, and any other residue. Soap residue can leave oils on the nails, so it is important to remove this with a lint-free wipe soaked in a product like Prep & Wipe. You can then apply a layer of nail prep dehydrator to remove any excess moisture.
After a manicure, it is important to keep your hands and nails moisturised to prevent dryness and flaking. Apply hand cream after every hand wash and regularly massage cuticle oil over the gelled nail to encourage flexibility and prevent chipping. Cuticle oil can also be applied before a manicure to keep nails nourished. However, it is important to note that you should never apply cuticle oil before applying polish, as this can cause the polish to 'pull away' from the nail surface, resulting in peeling.
To avoid over-exposure to water or chemicals, it is recommended to wear gloves when doing the dishes, cleaning, or coming into contact with other harsh chemicals. It is also important to dry your hands and nails thoroughly after washing them.
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Use a nail lamp that's compatible with your gel polish
One of the most important steps in gel polish application is curing. The first step is to use a nail lamp that’s compatible with the gel polish you’re using. For instance, Mylee recommends using a Mylee LED Lamp when curing Mylee polishes for the best results. The UV rays emitted from the nail lamp 'set' the gel polish in place; therefore, if you don't cure your polish for the correct amount of time, it won't be properly bonded to the nail and will start to lift off. The curing time depends on the thickness of the polish layer and the colour. For instance, thicker layers of polish and darker colours will require longer curing times.
If you are using a Builder Gel, you will need to adjust your curing time. In other words, the thicker the polish layer, the longer the curing time. As a general rule, curing times range from 30 to 60 seconds for the Mylee LED Lamp. Similarly, curing dark polishes for 60 seconds under your Mylee lamp is recommended.
It is also important to note that a well-applied gel nail manicure should typically last a couple of weeks without peeling. Therefore, if your gel nails are peeling, it may be due to incorrect curing.
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Don't buff your nails smooth
While it may be tempting to buff your nails smooth, this is actually something you should avoid. Nails that are too smooth can prevent the gel from adhering properly, causing it to peel quickly. Instead, lightly file your nails so they have a slight texture before applying the gel.
Buffing your nails can also cause them to become brittle, as excessive dryness weakens the nail. This means that minor trauma can easily damage the nail. To prevent this, you can apply a rich moisturiser or nail oil after buffing your nails to stop them from drying out.
If you are going to buff your nails, it is important to use the correct products. You should use lint-free wipes soaked in Prep & Wipe to cleanse your nails after buffing, and then apply a layer of Nail Prep Dehydrator.
Buffing your nails can be a useful step in the gel nail preparation process, but it is important to do so correctly and to take care of your nails afterwards to prevent peeling.
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Take breaks between manicures
Taking breaks between manicures is crucial for maintaining the health of your nails. Nails require time to replenish and rehydrate before getting another manicure. During this break, it is important to repair any damage that occurred while the nails had gel polish on them. Nails that are strong and healthy are better able to support a coating of gel polish.
When taking a break from manicures, it is important to keep your nails moisturized. Apply a rich moisturizer or nail oil to your nails to prevent them from drying out. Cuticle oil is particularly beneficial, as it helps to nourish and protect your nails. It is recommended to use cuticle oil twice a day and to massage it into the nails and cuticles to encourage flexibility and prevent chipping.
Additionally, during the break, avoid using your nails as tools. Contact with rough surfaces can break the seal between the polish and the nail, leading to peeling. It is also important to avoid frequent or prolonged contact with water, as this can cause the polish to lift and peel. Keep your hands as dry as possible, especially after washing them, and consider wearing gloves when doing dishes or cleaning to minimize exposure to water and chemicals.
Taking breaks between manicures allows your nails to recover and strengthens them, reducing the likelihood of gel polish peeling. By following these steps, you can improve the health of your nails and prolong the life of your gel manicure.
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Frequently asked questions
To prevent your gel nails from flaking, ensure your nails are clean and free from dirt, oil, and any other residue before application. After buffing your nail plate, wipe each nail with a lint-free wipe soaked in Prep & Wipe to cleanse it, then apply a layer of nail prep dehydrator. Once the nails are dehydrated, apply a base coat before applying the gel.
If your gel nails start to flake, gently file the edges of the flaking spot and seal it with a top coat. If the gel polish is peeling quite a bit, it is best to go back to the salon and have the polish removed and reapplied.
After a gel manicure, avoid frequent or prolonged contact with water. Keep your hands and nails moisturized and apply hand cream after every hand wash. Wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning to avoid overexposure to water or chemicals.
