Liam Carter
Gel nail polish is known for its durability and long-lasting wear, but several factors can cause it to lift, including poor preparation, incorrect application, and client behaviour. If you're experiencing gel nail lift, there are a few things you can do to fix it, such as removing the lifted piece by filing it down flat and reapplying the gel, or adding a layer of top coat to prevent further lifting. To prevent gel nail lift in the future, you can try investing in cuticle oil, keeping your hands dry during the manicure, and taking breaks between gel manicures.
What to do if your gel nail is lifting
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prevention | Invest in cuticle oil, keep hands moisturized, use thin coats of polish, keep hands dry during manicure, take breaks between manicures, use a top coat |
| Removal | File the nail down flat, do not cut pieces off, buff the nail, flush down flat the old gel, apply a new gel overlay |
| Causes | Incorrect application, increased oil production in nails, nail dehydration, harsh chemicals, natural wear and tear |
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What You'll Learn
File the gel nail down flat, don't cut it
If your gel nail starts lifting, it is best to file it down flat and not cut it. Cutting your nails with gel polish can break the seal between the polish and the nail, making the nail susceptible to damage and wear and tear. It can also ruin your manicure.
To file your gel nail down flat, use an emery board to gently file it down using a side-to-side motion to form the desired shape. You can also use an Efile if you have one, as it is faster and more efficient. If not, you can hand-file your nails with the coarsest grid file you can find, such as a 120 or 150. File all your nails down thin so that you can rebalance them.
After filing, you can proceed with your regular steps for a gel overlay. However, it is important to note that a gel manicure should last a maximum of two to three weeks before risking potential damage to your nail beds. Therefore, if your nails are starting to lift and it has been less than two weeks since your last manicure, it is recommended to leave the removal to a professional.
Additionally, to prevent gel nail lifting, it is important to keep your nails and hands moisturized and to use cuticle oil. This will boost circulation around the nail and help them grow, while also protecting your polish.
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Moisturise your nails regularly with cuticle oil
Regularly moisturising your nails with cuticle oil is a great way to maintain nail health and prevent gel nail lifting. Cuticle oil is a blend of natural oils, such as jojoba, almond, or avocado oil, enriched with vitamins and antioxidants.
Cuticle oil is a great way to nourish and moisturise your nails and cuticles, which can become dry, cracked, or damaged from frequent hand washing or exposure to harsh chemicals. By creating a protective barrier, cuticle oil shields the nails and cuticles from environmental damage and helps to prevent nail infections. It is recommended to apply cuticle oil at least once a day, but you can also apply it more frequently if your cuticles are particularly dry.
There are many different cuticle oils on the market, ranging from affordable drugstore options to luxury products. Some popular options include the Sally Hansen brush-on oil, which is affordable and convenient for those with ultra-dry cuticles, and the Jin Soon Choi nail and cuticle oil, which is pricier but provides ultra-moisturising power with a delightful scent.
You can also make your own DIY cuticle oil at home by blending essential oils and extracts for an intense moisturising and nourishing remedy. Vitamin E, found in many natural oils such as rose hip seed oil, has moisturising and healing benefits and can help restore and nourish the nail bed and cuticles.
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Avoid using your nails as tools
When your gel nail starts to lift, it can be tempting to try to fix it yourself. However, this can cause more harm than good. One of the most important things to remember is to avoid using your nails as tools.
Resist the urge to pick, clip, or file your gel nails. Using tools on your nails will break the seal, leading to further lifting and peeling. Instead, opt for a rebalancing service at a salon to address the lifting. If you must remove the gel nail yourself, use an emery board to roughen the surface, then soak your fingertips in acetone, being careful not to let it touch the surrounding skin as it can be drying and irritating.
Additionally, it is crucial to take breaks between gel manicures. Going back-to-back with gel manicures can suffocate your nail beds and lead to damage and breakage. Allow your nails to rehydrate and recover by taking a nail polish holiday between applications.
To maintain healthy nails, keep your hands moisturized and invest in cuticle oil to boost circulation and protect your polish. When getting a gel manicure, ensure your manicurist is using sterilized tools and does not cut your cuticles, as this can lead to inflammation and infection.
Remember, while gel nails look great, they can be tough on your nails. Take the necessary precautions to minimize any potential damage and always prioritize the health of your nails.
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Take breaks between gel manicures
Taking a break between gel manicures is essential for maintaining nail health. While gel manicures are long-lasting and convenient, they can cause nail thinning and dryness. By taking breaks, you allow your nails to rehydrate and repair.
It is recommended to take a week-long break from gel manicures at least once every eight weeks. During this time, you can care for your nails by keeping them hydrated and resisting the urge to pick at your cuticles. Cuticle oils, such as Dermelect Revital-Oil or Famous Names Dadi Oil, can be used to nourish your nails and protect your polish. Additionally, a nutrient-rich base coat can help to rebuild any compromised structure of your nail bed.
It is important to note that the removal process of gel manicures can be damaging to your nails. Some salons may not take the necessary time to remove gel polish safely, which can lead to mechanical and chemical damage. Mechanical damage occurs when rough removal methods, such as vigorous scraping or the use of gritty files, are employed. On the other hand, chemical damage can result from soaking nails in acetone for too long, causing dryness and brittleness. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a reputable salon that follows proper removal procedures.
To avoid nail damage, it is recommended to let your gel manicure completely grow out before your next one. This process usually takes about six months. In the meantime, you can opt for soft gel manicures, which typically last for two weeks, or hard gel manicures, which can last up to four weeks. By taking these breaks and choosing the appropriate type of gel manicure, you can help maintain the health and strength of your nails.
In summary, taking breaks between gel manicures is crucial for nail health. By allowing your nails to breathe and providing them with proper care, you can prevent thinning, dryness, and other types of damage. So, make sure to schedule some downtime between your gel manicures to keep your nails happy and healthy!
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Apply a top coat to give your gel polish extra durability
Applying a top coat to your gel nail polish can give it extra durability and help prevent it from lifting or peeling. However, it is important to note that you should not apply a top coat to your gel nail polish if it has already started to lift, as this can trap moisture underneath and cause further issues. Instead, you should remove the gel nail polish and start the process again.
If you are experiencing issues with gel nail lifting, it is recommended to first identify the cause. Lifting can occur due to incorrect application, such as applying the product too close to the cuticle or flooding the cuticle area. It is advised to leave a gap of 1-2mm between the cuticle and the start of the gel polish. Additionally, ensure that you are using the correct base coat, if required, and that it is applied directly under the gel.
Another cause of gel nail lifting is increased oil production in the nail bed, which can push up through the nail surface and affect the adhesion of the gel. To address this, it is recommended to complete a full removal of the affected nails, re-prep the nails using a lint-free wipe soaked in acetone to remove excess oil, and then repeat the product application.
Furthermore, it is important to consider the thickness of your gel application. If the gel is applied too thickly, it may not cure properly and become prone to damage and lifting. On the other hand, if the gel is too thin, it may result in an uneven foundation, increasing the likelihood of chips and lifting. Always follow the application instructions provided by the brand to ensure the correct amount of product is used and effective curing is achieved.
To prevent gel nail lifting, it is also recommended to keep your hands and nails moisturized and healthy. Cuticle oil can be used to provide vitamins and nourishment to the nails, helping to prevent dehydration and lifting. Additionally, try to keep your hands as dry as possible on the day of your manicure to avoid affecting the adhesion of the gel polish.
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Frequently asked questions
If your gel nail starts to lift, you should not cut or clip the lifted piece as this will cause it to continue lifting. Instead, file the nail down flat and then rebalance the nail by applying a gel overlay.
To prevent gel nails from lifting, you can:
- Apply a thin layer of cuticle oil daily to keep your cuticles soft and prevent your nails from drying out.
- Avoid using your nails as tools, e.g. to open cans or boxes.
- Wear gloves when cleaning or cooking to protect your nails from harsh chemicals.
- Take breaks between gel manicures to let your nails breathe and build up natural oils.
Gel nails can lift for several reasons, including:
- Poor preparation of the nail bed, e.g. not removing natural oils or dehydrating the nail plate.
- Increased oil production in the client's skin, hair, or nail bed.
- Incorrect application of the gel nail polish, e.g. applying it too close to the cuticle.
- Exposure to harsh chemicals.
- Not leaving enough of a gap between manicures.
