Caleb Foster
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those wanting long-lasting, shiny, and strong nails. However, it can be frustrating when, just days after a manicure, your gel nails start to peel, chip, or fall off. There are many reasons why this might be happening, from incorrect preparation of the nail beforehand, to damage inflicted on the nail afterward. Understanding the causes of gel nail lift can help you to avoid the issue and maintain a flawless manicure for longer.
Why are gel nails falling off?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Poor preparation of cuticles | Failure to push back and trim the cuticles can create a ledge for the polish to lift off from |
| Incorrect filing of natural nails | Nails that are too short or thin may not have enough surface area for the gel to adhere to |
| Oily layer on natural nails | The oil can hinder the adhesion of the gel |
| Poor roughening of the nail plate | Roughening the nail plate allows the gel to adhere better and have a better grip |
| Failure to use nail primer and dehydrator | Both primers and dehydrators are essential to prevent lifting |
| Incorrect application of product | Thick layers of polish can impact the curing process, making it hard for UV or LED light to harden the polish completely |
| Failure to seal the edges | Sealing the edges is critical for securing the gel polish and lifting prevention |
| Use of nail as a tool | Using the nails to open or lift things can cause the gel to peel off |
| Exposure to heavy chemicals | Exposure to chemicals such as acetone, chlorine, or gasoline can affect artificial nails |
| Poor aftercare | Failure to apply cuticle oil daily can cause the nails to become dehydrated and the polish to crack |
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What You'll Learn
Incorrect cuticle preparation
One of the key steps in cuticle preparation is pushing back the cuticles. This helps to avoid creating a ledge for the polish to lift off from. It is important to ensure that the cuticles are pushed back enough and that the sides are properly trimmed. If the cuticles are not pushed back, it can lead to peeling and splitting of the polish.
Another important aspect of cuticle preparation is removing dead skin cells and any oily residue from the nail plate. This can be done by lightly filing the nail plate to create a rough surface for the gel to adhere to. An alcohol wipe can also be used to remove any oils or residue from the nails.
Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that the nails are properly hydrated. Cuticle oil can be applied daily to keep the nails and cuticles moisturised. This helps to prevent the polish from drying out and cracking, promoting flexibility and reducing the likelihood of lifting.
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Natural nail condition
The natural condition of your nails can play a significant role in the longevity of gel manicures. If your natural nails are weak, thin, brittle, or damaged, gel nail extensions may not be suitable as they will not last. Poor circulation, diet, medication, and stress can also contribute to nail lifting.
Additionally, the length of your natural nails can impact the adhesion of gel polish. If your nails are too short, there may not be enough surface area for the gel to adhere properly, increasing the likelihood of lifting. Similarly, very thin or soft natural nails can experience the same issue. In such cases, it is advisable to let your nails recover before attempting gel manicures again.
The natural oils on your nails can also hinder the adhesion of gel polish. Therefore, proper preparation of the nail plate is crucial. This includes removing dead skin cells, lightly filing the nail plate to eliminate the oily layer, and roughening the surface to enhance the grip of the gel polish.
The natural tendency to pick, bite, or peel gel nail polish can also lead to issues. These habits can remove the upper layers of your natural nail, resulting in brittleness and an uneven texture. Consequently, the gel polish applied over these damaged nails may not perform optimally.
Overall, the natural condition of your nails, including their length, texture, and any habits that may damage them, are important considerations when opting for gel manicures. Proper preparation and aftercare of your natural nails can significantly impact the durability of gel nail extensions.
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Primer and dehydrator use
Gel nails are designed to last at least two weeks. If they start to come off within a few days, it could be due to incorrect application, under-curing, or poor preparation of the natural nails. One crucial step in the preparation process is the use of a primer and dehydrator to ensure optimal adhesion of the gel polish to the nail plate.
Primers and dehydrators are essential for preventing lifting, which occurs when the artificial nail detaches from the natural nail plate, causing gel nails to peel off. Primers remove any remaining oils and grease on the nail plate, enhancing the adhesion of the base coat to the nail and preventing the formation of air bubbles. There are two types of primers: acid-free and acid primers. Acid-free primers are the most commonly used as they have a gentle formula that aids in adhesion. They are applied with a nearly dry brush, and it is okay to proceed with the manicure even if the primer is still slightly wet. Acid primers, on the other hand, are stronger and are recommended for individuals with problematic nail plates or hormonal issues. They etch the nail plate to improve the gel polish's grip. When using an acid primer, it is crucial to ensure that it has fully evaporated before continuing with the gel manicure.
Dehydrators are also used to eliminate any extra moisture on the nails, ensuring that the natural nails are completely dry before the application of gel polish. This step helps to prevent lifting by removing any oily layers that may hinder adhesion.
While the use of a primer and dehydrator is not mandatory for gel nails, it can significantly improve the adhesion and longevity of the manicure, especially for individuals who experience chipping, lifting, or peeling.
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Application technique
Another important aspect of application technique is the use of primers and dehydrators. Applying a nail primer and dehydrator helps to remove any remaining oils on the nails, ensuring better adhesion of the gel polish. Additionally, the correct application of thin layers of polish is essential. Thick layers of polish can impact the curing process, as the UV or LED light may not be able to harden the polish completely, leading to faster peeling.
It is also crucial to properly cure each layer of polish, including the base coat and top coat, under a UV or LED lamp. The curing process ensures that the polish hardens and bonds correctly to the nail plate. If the lamp is old or the bulb is weak, curing times may need to be adjusted to ensure complete curing.
Finally, sealing or "capping" the edges of the nails is vital for securing the gel polish and preventing lifting. Painting the polish along the very edge of the nails creates a seal between the polish and the nails, providing maximum protection and longevity.
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Aftercare
Gel nails are designed to last at least two weeks, so if they start to come off within a few days, it's likely due to improper application or aftercare. Here are some detailed aftercare tips to ensure the longevity of your gel nails:
- Nail Prep: Proper nail preparation is crucial to prevent gel nails from lifting or peeling. Before applying gel polish, ensure your cuticles are pushed back, and the sides are trimmed properly. Any dead skin cells and the oily layer on the nail plate should be removed by lightly filing the nail. This step is essential for the adhesion of the gel polish. Additionally, gently filing the nail's surface to roughen it will provide a better grip for the gel.
- Thin Coats: When applying gel polish, always use thin coats. Thick layers can impact the curing process, making it challenging for UV or LED light to harden the polish completely. This can lead to faster peeling.
- Curing: Ensure each thin layer of gel polish is properly cured. Typically, curing a layer of gel polish takes under a minute. However, if you're using an older lamp, you may need to adjust the curing time to ensure thorough curing.
- Seal the Tips: Sealing or 'capping' the edges of your nails is vital for securing the gel polish and preventing lifting. Paint the polish along the very edge of the nails to seal off the area between the polish and the nails, providing maximum protection.
- Top Coat: Don't skip the top coat! The top coat seals everything in and protects your polish. It is a necessary component to prevent peeling.
- Hydration: Hydration is an essential part of nail care. Apply cuticle oil daily to keep the nails underneath hydrated and flexible. This will prevent the polish from drying out and cracking, and lifting.
- Gloves: Wear gloves when working with chemical-based products, such as cleaning agents, gardening products, or even when washing dishes. These chemicals can seriously affect your gel nails, leading to lifting or peeling.
- Avoid Picking or Biting: Bad habits like picking, biting, or peeling gel nail polish can damage your natural nails and weaken their structure. This can lead to brittleness and an uneven texture, making it challenging for the gel polish to adhere properly.
- Maintenance: Keep a nail file and top coat handy. If your nail chips, file the chip gently and seal it with the top coat to prevent peeling at the chip.
- Nail Length: Longer nails are more prone to lifting due to minor impact or wear damage. If your nails are too short, there may not be enough surface area for the gel to adhere sufficiently. Aim for a moderate nail length to reduce the chances of lifting.
- Diet, Medication, and Stress: Factors such as diet, medication, and stress can also impact the health of your nails. Ensure you are maintaining a healthy diet and managing stress effectively. If you are on medication, consult a professional to understand any potential side effects on your nail health.
By following these aftercare tips, you can significantly improve the longevity of your gel nails and prevent premature lifting or peeling.
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Frequently asked questions
There could be several reasons why your gel nails are falling off. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Incorrect application of the product or under-curing.
- Poor nail preparation, such as not pushing back cuticles or improper filing and cleaning of the natural nail.
- Oily skin or nails.
- Thick coats of polish that haven't cured properly.
- Using your nails as tools, e.g. to open or lift things.
A set of gel nails should typically last at least two weeks.
To make your gel nails last longer, ensure your natural nails are prepared correctly before application. This includes pushing back your cuticles, filing your nails to remove any shine and oil, and using a nail primer and dehydrator. When applying the gel polish, use thin coats and cure each layer properly under a UV or LED light.
If your gel nails start to lift, you can try to patch up the area by filing the chip and sealing it with a top coat. However, if the lifting is severe, it may be best to remove the gel nails and start again.
Your gel nails may be peeling off due to incorrect preparation of your natural nails or the application of the gel polish. This could include not using a base or top coat, not curing the polish for long enough, or not sealing the tips of your nails. Additionally, external factors such as medication, diet, stress, and poor circulation can also affect the longevity of your gel nails.
