Isla Bennett
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those wanting long-lasting, chip-free nails. However, it can be frustrating when, just days after a fresh manicure, your gel polish starts to peel. There are several reasons why this might be happening, including improper application, incorrect filing, and inadequate nail preparation. To prevent your gel nails from peeling, it's important to ensure your nails are properly prepared and that you are applying your polish correctly. This includes pushing back your cuticles, buffing your nails, and removing any natural oils. When applying your polish, always use thin, even layers and be sure to cap the free edge. Taking these steps will help you achieve a long-lasting gel manicure that is less likely to peel or chip.
What to do when your gel nails start peeling
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Picking at the gel manicure | Can cause the nail to become thinner, weaker and uneven |
| Using clippers and files | Breaks down the seal, causing lifting and peeling |
| Back-to-back gel manicures | Can lead to damage and breakage |
| Thick layers of gel polish | Can cause peeling |
| Not using a top or base coat | Can cause a gel manicure to lift |
| Not capping the free edge | Can lead to chipping and peeling |
| Exposure to moisture and oils | Can cause gel polish to lift |
| Exposure to hot water | Can shorten the life of the manicure |
| Not using a top coat | Can cause the nail to weaken and chip more |
| Not using cuticle oil | Can cause the nail to dry out |
| Using nails as tools | Can cause the polish to chip or lift |
| Not wearing gloves when cleaning or cooking | Can expose nails to harsh chemicals that weaken the gel polish |
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What You'll Learn
Don't pick at peeling gel nails
If you notice that your gel manicure has started to peel, it's important to resist the urge to pick at it. Instead, try the three-step method recommended by nail tech Natalia Mercedes: file the nail where the chip happened, don't pick at it, and seal it with a top coat.
To prevent peeling, it's crucial to properly prepare your nails before applying gel polish. This includes pushing back your cuticles, buffing your nails, and dehydrating the nail plate. Applying thin, smooth layers of gel polish and sealing the tips of the nails can also help prevent peeling.
Additionally, it's important to take breaks between gel manicures to allow your nails to recover. Nails need access to water and air, and going back-to-back with gel manicures can lead to damage and breakage. Taking a break will give your nails time to build up natural oils and restore their strength.
If you've already picked off your gel manicure, it's important to moisturize your nails and the surrounding area to help the damaged cells stick together and improve the appearance of the nail. Cuticle oils or creams can be used for this purpose.
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File and seal with a top coat
If your gel nails are peeling, it's best to take action to prevent further damage. One way to do this is to file and seal the nail with a top coat.
Firstly, you will need to gently file the edges of any chips or peeling spots. Use a 180 to 220-grit nail file and buff your nails in one direction. Be sure to get into the areas prone to lifting, like the tips of the nails or the sides. Filing helps to remove any natural debris, creating a smooth surface to apply the top coat.
After filing, you can seal the nail with a top coat. Adding a layer of high-quality top coat will give your gel nails extra durability and help prevent further lifting or peeling. The top coat will seal everything in and protect your polish.
To prevent gel nails from peeling in the future, it is important to take certain precautions. Firstly, avoid exposure to moisture and oils. Keep your hands as dry as possible on the first day after your gel manicure to prevent the polish from being compromised. Water can cause your nails to expand, which weakens the gel polish and can result in peeling or chipping. Therefore, it is also recommended to wear gloves when doing household chores such as cleaning or washing dishes to avoid over-exposure to water or chemicals.
In addition, it is crucial to prepare your nails correctly before applying gel polish. This includes removing natural oils and dehydrating the nail plate. You can use a Prep Booster before your base coat to neutralise the last oils on the nail and ensure the gel polish sticks properly. It is also important to push back your cuticles, as this delicate layer of skin can cause peeling if not properly prepared.
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Proper nail prep
Push Back Cuticles
The cuticle is a delicate layer of skin found at the base of the nail. Pushing back the cuticles helps to avoid peeling polish. Use a cuticle pusher or an orange stick wrapped in cotton to gently push back the cuticles. This step ensures there are no ledges on your nails that can cause the polish to peel off prematurely.
Buff and File Nails
Buffing and gently filing the nail surface to roughen the nail plate will help the polish adhere better and prevent lifting. Use a 180 to 220-grit nail file and buff your nails in one direction, focusing on areas prone to lifting, like the tips and sides of the nails. Avoid over-filing, as it can cause damage and weaken the nails, making them more susceptible to peeling.
Dehydrate Nails
Removing natural oils and dehydrating the nail plate is crucial for a long-lasting gel manicure. Nails need to be dehydrated before applying gel polish, as moisture causes the nails to expand, leading to peeling and chipping. Use a prep booster or nail dehydrator to remove any excess oils and ensure the gel polish adheres properly.
Avoid Moisturizers and Oils
Avoid applying any moisturizers, creams, or oils to your hands and nails before the gel application. These products can leave residue and prevent the gel polish from adhering correctly, causing it to peel off quickly. It is recommended to avoid direct contact with water for at least an hour before and after the application to keep the nails dry.
Apply a Base Coat
A base coat helps the gel polish bond effectively to the nail plate. It serves as a foundation for the gel polish, improving its adhesion and longevity. Make sure to brush on the base coat smoothly and sufficiently, allowing it to cure properly before applying the colour coat.
By following these steps for proper nail prep, you can help prevent gel nail polish from peeling and enjoy your manicure for longer.
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Avoid water and chemicals
Exposure to water and certain chemicals can cause your gel manicure to lift and peel. To avoid this, it is recommended to keep your hands dry for at least the first day after your manicure. This is because water can cause your nails to expand, which weakens the gel polish and can result in peeling or chipping.
It is also advised to avoid direct contact with warm water for at least an hour before and after application. When doing dishes, cleaning, or any other activities that involve water or chemicals, it is best to wear gloves. This will help to avoid over-exposure to water and protect your manicure from harsh chemicals found in cleaning products.
Additionally, it is important to note that too much moisture pre-polish can ruin your manicure. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid soaking your hands in water before and after polish application.
By following these tips, you can help prevent your gel nails from peeling and prolong the life of your manicure.
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Take a break between gel manicures
Taking a break between gel manicures is crucial for maintaining the health of your nails. Gel manicures require removing natural oils and dehydrating the nail plate, which can be damaging to your nail beds over time. Therefore, it is recommended to allow your nails to recover between applications.
During this break, you can focus on nourishing and strengthening your nails. Here are some tips to care for your nails between gel manicures:
- Nail Recovery Treatments: Use a nail recovery treatment to restore your nail plate and promote healthy nails. Nail recovery treatments nourish and strengthen your nails, helping them recover from the potential damage caused by gel polish application.
- Cuticle Care: Invest in a good-quality cuticle oil and apply it several times a day. Cuticle oils are rich in nutrients that boost circulation around the nail, aiding in growth and keeping your nails and skin healthy. They also help prevent dryness and maintain the flexibility of your nails, reducing the chances of breakage.
- Nail Strengtheners: Apply a nail strengthener every day during your break to help reinforce your nails. This is especially important if your nails feel fragile or appear dry and brittle.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: While you give your nails a break, avoid exposure to harsh chemicals found in cleaning products and other household chores. These chemicals can further weaken your nails, so it's best to wear gloves when cleaning or coming into contact with these substances.
- Minimize Water Exposure: Try to minimize your nails' exposure to water, especially hot water, as it can cause the nail beds to expand, leading to peeling and chipping. Use lukewarm water when possible, and avoid soaking your hands for extended periods.
By taking these steps and allowing your nails to breathe between gel manicures, you will help restore their natural strength and health, reducing the potential for damage and promoting long-term nail health.
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Frequently asked questions
If your gel nails start peeling, you should first file the nail where the chip has occurred and then seal it with a top coat. However, if the gel polish is peeling quite a bit, it is recommended to go back to the salon to have the polish removed and reapplied.
To prevent your gel nails from peeling, it is important to ensure that your nails are properly prepared before application. This includes pushing back your cuticles, buffing your nails, and removing any natural oils from your nail plate. Additionally, you should always use thin, even layers of gel polish and avoid thick coats.
Gel nails can peel off due to several reasons, including incorrect filing, insufficient cuticle preparation, inadequate removal of oils on the nail, and exposure to moisture and oils. It is also important to use a high-quality gel polish and follow the manufacturer's recommended curing time.
