Liam Carter
Gel nail polish is known for its durability and flawless finish, but it can still chip. Chipping can occur for various reasons, such as improper nail preparation, thick coats of gel that don't cure completely, uncapped free edges, and harsh chemicals. Oily nails can prevent the gel from bonding to the nail bed, and over-exposure to chemicals like nail polish remover and detergents can damage the manicure. Additionally, constantly working with your hands unprotected and submerging them in water can contribute to chipping. To prevent chipping, proper nail prep, wearing gloves, and applying thin coats of gel polish are recommended.
Characteristics and common causes of gel nail chipping
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Poor nail preparation | Not removing natural oils, not dehydrating the nail plate, not buffing the nail surface, not pushing back cuticles, not removing dead skin |
| Incorrect application of products | Thick coats of gel polish, over-application of gel polish, incomplete curing, poor-quality gel polish, mixing nail product brands, not sealing free edges, not curing for the recommended amount of time |
| Physical activity | Submerging hands in water, washing dishes, washing hair, gardening, opening boxes or cans, using nails as tools |
| Nail habits | Biting nails, picking at nails, not wearing gloves, not keeping hands moisturized |
| Nail type | Soft bendy nails, weak nails, brittle nails, peeling nails |
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What You'll Learn
Poor nail preparation
Additionally, proper nail buffing is crucial. Buffing the surface of the nail helps create an even texture for the gel to adhere to. Without buffing, the gel may not bond evenly, increasing the likelihood of chipping. It is also important to push back cuticles to prevent them from interfering with the gel application. Cuticle care is essential, as neglecting this step can lead to uneven results and reduce the adhesion of the gel polish.
The shape of the nails also plays a role in preventing chipping. Nails with a square shape are more prone to chipping or lifting at the corners compared to those with an almond shape. Filing the nails into a gentle curve can help reduce the chances of chipping. Additionally, capping or sealing the free edge, which is the thin and exposed area along the tip of the nail, can provide extra protection and prevent chipping.
Applying a thin layer of gel before curing can also help prevent chipping. Thick coats of gel may not cure completely, leading to wrinkling and chipping. Each layer of gel polish should be thin and gradual, ensuring that each coat is cured thoroughly under the LED lamp before adding the next one. Incomplete curing is a common issue that can cause gel polish to lift or chip prematurely.
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Thick coats of gel polish
To prevent gel nails from chipping, it is important to ensure proper nail preparation. Oily nails prevent the gel from completely bonding to the nail bed. Before applying the gel polish, it is crucial to remove any natural oils and dehydrate the nail plate by wiping the nails with acetone. This will help eliminate any oils or dead skin cells, providing a smooth canvas for the gel to adhere to. Additionally, make sure to thoroughly buff the nail surface and push back the cuticles.
The quality of the gel polish and the application technique also play a significant role in preventing chipping. Old or improperly stored gel polish may lose its effectiveness, so always check the expiration date and store the bottles in a cool, dark place away from direct UV light. Ensure that each coat, especially the final topcoat, is cured for the recommended amount of time under a high-quality UV/LED lamp. Different lamps have varying curing times, and some highly pigmented colours may require double curing.
Finally, it is essential to take proper care of your gel nails after application. Avoid submerging your hands in water for prolonged periods, as it can weaken the manicure and lead to chipping. Wear gloves when washing dishes or performing rigorous chores to minimize water exposure. Additionally, be mindful not to use your nails as tools, such as opening boxes or cans, as this can create mechanical stress and lead to lifting and chipping.
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Uncured gel near cuticles
Uncured gel near the cuticles can cause gel nails to chip and lift away from the nail. This can be due to improper nail preparation, such as a lack of thorough buffing of the nail surface, or not pushing back and trimming the cuticles. Oily nails can also prevent the gel from bonding to the nail bed, so it is important to remove any natural oils or soap residue with acetone or a product like Prep & Wipe.
To prevent chipping, it is recommended to apply gel nail polish in thin, gradual coats, curing each layer completely under an LED lamp before adding more. This ensures that the gel adheres properly to the nail and reduces the likelihood of chipping.
Additionally, regular cuticle care is essential. Applying cuticle oil daily can help to keep nails nourished and prevent them from drying out, which can lead to the polish peeling away from the nail surface. Keeping nails dry by wearing gloves during activities that involve water, such as washing dishes or gardening, can also help prevent chipping.
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Submerging hands in water
Submerging your hands in water is a common cause of chipped gel nails. The water can wear off the top coat and eventually get under the polish, causing it to lift or chip away from the nails. This can happen if you hand wash dishes or clothing, or if you work in a profession that involves regularly washing your hands, such as a hairdresser. Gardening is another hobby that can cause this issue due to the combination of water and dirt.
To prevent this, it is recommended to wear gloves when washing up, cleaning, or performing any rigorous chores that involve water and/or chemicals. It is also advised to avoid super-hot water when washing your hands and showering, as this can be more damaging to the gel manicure. If you do end up with chipped nails, you can apply a thin layer over the top of the polish and seal in the edge by painting over the tip of the nail to hold out until you can get to the salon.
It is also important to note that while it may be tempting to see how long your gel manicure can last, it is recommended to remove the gel after a maximum of two to three weeks to avoid potential damage to your nail beds. When the gel starts to lift, it can lead to moisture gathering under the gel, which can be difficult to fix. Therefore, taking precautions to minimise water exposure and choosing gentle, non-acetone-based products can help extend the life of your gel manicure and prevent chipping.
Additionally, proper nail care is crucial to prevent chipping. This includes keeping your hands moisturised, using cuticle oil, and applying hand cream after each hand wash to encourage nail flexibility. It is also recommended to take breaks between manicures and ensure proper removal to give your nails time to recover and strengthen.
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Picking at nails
Picking at your gel manicure is not a good idea. It can be tempting to pick at the bits of old polish that are grown out and peeling away, but this is damaging to your nails. When you peel off gel polish, you are not just removing the polish, but also peeling away the top layer of your nail. This nail layer is made up of protective layers of keratinized skin cells, and its removal causes the nail to become thinner, weaker, and uneven. Thinner nails are more prone to rough textures and white patches, and are more susceptible to cracking and breaking.
If you do pick at your gel manicure, it is not the end of the world. Just remember to hold off if you can, and always take time to moisturize and protect your hands to keep your nails looking fresh. To help your nails recover, try to stop picking at your nails and the skin around them while they heal. Keep your nails short while they grow back, and give them some extra care.
To prevent picking at your gel manicure, you can try applying a thin layer over the top of the polish and sealing in the edge by painting over the tip of the nail. This will help your manicure hold out until you can get to the salon to have the gels removed. You can also try wearing gloves when washing up and cleaning, as well as avoiding opening boxes or cans. Ask for help if you need to open something! Applying hand cream after every hand wash and regularly massaging cuticle oil over the gelled nail will also encourage flexibility and prevent chipping.
If you find it difficult to stop picking at your gel manicure, you can ask a nail technician for tips on the safest removal technique. You can also try scheduling regular appointments to have your gel manicure removed by a professional, who can do so with minimal damage.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many reasons why gel nails might chip. It could be due to poor nail preparation, thick coats of gel polish, uncapped free edges, over-exposure to chemicals, or simply because the gel polish is of bad quality.
To prevent chipping, you should always have your nail technician "cap" or seal the free edges of your nails after filing by applying a thin layer of gel before curing. You should also wear gloves when washing up or cleaning and avoid super-hot water when washing your hands and showering.
It is recommended to apply hand cream after every hand wash and regularly massage cuticle oil over the gelled nail to encourage flexibility and prevent chipping. You should also avoid using your nails as tools, such as opening boxes or cans, and try to minimize water exposure by gently patting your hands dry.
