Caleb Foster
Lifting is a common issue with gel manicures, where the edges of the gel nails start to come away from the natural nail plate. This creates a visible gap between the natural nail and the gel layer. If you notice lifting, it is recommended to visit a nail technician for a refill or removal, as leaving the gel on can cause further issues such as bacterial or fungal growth. To safely remove gel nails at home, you can use 100% acetone, cotton balls, and tinfoil to minimise damage to the natural nail.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medical name | Onycholysis |
| Appearance | White discoloration |
| Causes | Injury from cleaning under nails with a sharp object, fungal infection, bacterial infection, chemotherapy, major stress, psoriasis, ichthyosis, circulation problems, iron deficiency, lung disease, rheumatoid arthritis |
| Gel nails | Visible gap between the natural nail plate and the artificial gel layer, edges of the gel are lifting, change in nail shape |
| Risks of letting gel nails grow out | Weak and brittle nails, damage to natural nails, bacteria and fungus growth, risk of nail breaking |
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What You'll Learn
Gaps between the natural nail and the gel layer
After two to three weeks, you may start to notice a visible gap between your natural nail plate and the artificial gel layer. This occurs when your natural nails grow, but the gel does not move with them, causing the edges of the gel layer to lift and come away from the natural nail plate. This process is known as "lifting" in the nail industry.
If you notice these signs, it is recommended to visit a professional nail technician for a refill or removal, as leaving gel nails to grow out can cause them to become weak and brittle due to exposure to water and air, potentially damaging your natural nails. Removing gel polish without professional help can also harm your natural nails.
To prevent gaps and lifting, it is important to practice proper nail care and address any underlying issues that may be affecting nail growth. For example, nail growth can be affected by factors such as the hand or finger the nail is on, age, hormone levels, overall health, and certain medications. Additionally, injuries to the nail or nail matrix, skin conditions, and fungal infections can cause nail separation, also known as onycholysis. If you notice any nail changes, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Lifting at the edges of the gel layer
Gel manicures are known for their longevity, but they require proper care and application to prevent lifting and chipping. Lifting occurs when the edges of the gel layer start to come away from the natural nail plate. This happens due to various factors, including improper nail preparation, uncapped free edges, harsh chemical exposure, and nail trauma from picking or biting.
To prevent lifting at the edges of the gel layer, it is crucial to ensure proper nail preparation. The nail bed should be thoroughly buffed to create a rough surface that allows the gel to adhere better. After buffing, the nails should be dehydrated using acetone to remove any remaining oils or dead skin cells. Pushing back the cuticles is also essential, as it provides a smooth canvas for the gel to bond to.
Additionally, capping the free edges after filing can help prevent lifting. Sealing the edges creates a smoother surface for the gel to adhere to and minimizes the chances of lifting. It is also important to be mindful of chemical and water exposure, as these can weaken the bond between the gel and the natural nail. Wearing gloves during tasks that involve harsh chemicals or prolonged water exposure can help protect your manicure.
In some cases, lifting may occur due to the natural growth of your nails. As your nails grow, the gel may not move with them, resulting in a visible gap between the natural nail plate and the artificial gel layer. This is a sure sign that your gel nails have grown out and need to be replaced or refilled. To maintain the longevity of your gel manicure, it is recommended to replace it every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the growth of your natural nails.
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Changes in nail shape
If you notice that your nails are lifting, you are at risk of bacteria and fungus growth, which can damage your nails. A fungal infection will cause your nails to become thick and yellow, and they may show white spots and streaks. If you notice these symptoms, you should see a dermatologist, as you may need to take antifungal medication.
Another change in nail shape is onychomadesis, which is when your nails grow slowly or stop growing. This can be caused by a fever, injury, chemotherapy, or major stress. Thick, overgrown nails are known as onychogryphosis, or Ram's horn nails. This condition can be caused by a disease such as psoriasis, ichthyosis, or circulation problems. Spoon-shaped nails, or koilonychia, can indicate that you are not getting enough iron.
Deep grooves that run the width of your nail can indicate that something slowed or stopped your nails from growing for a while. This can be caused by a number of factors, including injury, fever, or chemotherapy.
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White discolouration
- Injuries to the nail plate or nail matrix, such as bumping or hitting your nails, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or biting your nails.
- Regular manicures, where the force used to trim, buff and polish nails can cause trauma to the nail.
- Fungal infections, which can cause nails to become discoloured, thick, or cracked.
- Allergies and certain medications.
If you are concerned about any discolouration on your nails, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist. They can help determine the cause and provide guidance on treatment options, such as antifungal medications or discontinuing the use of certain nail products.
In addition to discolouration, other signs that your nails may be lifting or separating from the nail bed include dents or pits, crumbling, and haemorrhages underneath the nails. This condition is known as onycholysis, and while it is usually painless, the underlying cause may be irritating or painful. Onycholysis can be caused by injuries, fungal infections, certain health conditions, chemicals, and footwear. Treatment for onycholysis depends on the severity and cause of the nail damage. In some cases, the affected nail may need to be cut away as it grows out, while other cases may require oral or topical antifungal medications.
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Damage to the nail bed
Onycholysis is the medical term for nail lifting, which occurs when the nail separates from the nail bed. It is often the result of an injury to the nail or the area where the nails start to grow (the nail matrix). It can also be caused by fungal infections, which cause nails to become thick and yellow, with white spots and streaks. In addition, certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs and oral contraceptives, can cause onycholysis.
The condition usually affects only one nail, but it can occur in multiple fingernails and toenails. The distal part of the nail is most commonly affected, lifting the free edge, and sometimes the nail may detach laterally or proximally. The detached nail appears white and opaque compared to the normal, transparent nail, which appears pink. The nail surface may be normal or pitted, indented, or crumbly, and the border between the pink and white portions of the nail may look wavy. Discoloration can also occur, with nails and nail beds looking grey, green, purple, or yellow.
If you notice nail lifting, it is important to take steps to prevent further damage to the nail bed. Keep your nails trimmed short to prevent them from catching on objects and pulling further off the nail bed. Avoid biting your nails and be careful when cleaning underneath them. Wear gloves when doing activities that may damage your nails, such as washing dishes or playing sports.
In the case of gel nails lifting, it is recommended to visit a professional nail technician for a refill or removal. Allowing gel nails to grow out can weaken and damage your natural nails.
If onycholysis is left untreated, permanent damage to the underlying nail bed can occur, and new nail growth may not reattach. Treatment for onycholysis may involve cutting away the separated nail and allowing new, healthy nail growth, which can take several months. Antifungal medications may be necessary in the case of fungal infections.
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Frequently asked questions
If you notice that your nail is beginning to lift or peel away from the nail bed underneath, you have onycholysis. You may also notice an irregular border where the nail has separated, and the nail may appear white or yellow.
The first step is to determine the underlying cause of the nail lifting. Onycholysis can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury to the nail, fungal infection, psoriasis, or a reaction to medication. If the cause is a fungal infection, you can treat it with topical or oral antifungal medication. If the cause is a reaction to medication, you may need to change or stop taking that medication. In general, it's important to keep the nail bed dry and avoid activities that may harm the nail.
Fingernails typically take 4-6 months to fully regrow, while toenails can take up to 12-18 months. The goal of treatment for onycholysis is to allow new healthy nail growth, so it's important to be patient during this process and take the necessary steps to prevent further nail lifting.
