Liam Carter
Gel nail polish is a long-lasting, quick-drying, and super glossy nail treatment. However, gel nail polish can sometimes peel off prematurely. This can be due to improper application or curing, a lack of base or top coat, or excessive moisture. Other causes include incorrect filing techniques, uncapped free edges, and exposure to harsh chemicals. To prevent gel nail lifting, it is important to properly prep the nails, ensure each layer is fully cured, and minimize chemical and water exposure.
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What You'll Learn
Gel nails require proper nail preparation
Gel nails can be prone to lifting or peeling, and this is often due to improper nail preparation. The term 'lifting' refers to when gel polish does not bond to the nail plate correctly. This can cause the gel to chip, peel, and generally come away from the nail.
One of the most common reasons for gel polish to lift is a lack of adhesion, which can be caused by incorrect application or preparation. A lack of adhesion means the gel does not flex with the nail, and this can be due to a number of factors. For example, if the product has been applied too close to the cuticle, the cuticle area has been flooded, or there is a lack of a base coat, the gel may not adhere properly.
To avoid this, it is important to properly prepare the nails. Firstly, ensure the nails are clean and free of any existing nail polish. This will help the gel polish to bond better. It is also important to dehydrate the nails. This can be done by washing hands and applying 100% pure acetone to degrease. Oils produced by the nail bed can sit on the surface of the nail, reducing the adhesion of the gel.
Additionally, it is important to roughen the surface of the nail. As gel polish cannot stick to a shiny, smooth surface, filing the nails can help create a rough surface for the gel to adhere to. However, it is important not to over-file, as this can thin the nails and create ridges, making it harder for the gel to anchor on properly. Instead, use a fine-grit file in one direction only, from cuticle to tip.
Finally, it is crucial to ensure each layer of gel is fully cured under an LED lamp before adding more gel. This will help to prevent lifting and create a long-lasting manicure.
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Exposure to harsh chemicals
Additionally, exposure to water should also be minimised as it can affect the adhesion of the gel polish to the nails. This is especially important for those with brittle, peeling, or ridged nails, as water can further weaken the nail surface and make it harder for the gel to adhere properly. Therefore, it is advisable to keep your hands as dry as possible, especially on the day of your manicure, to ensure the gel polish bonds effectively with your nails.
The use of inferior or low-quality gel nail polishes and lamps can also contribute to the issue of lifting. When cured, the gel may not polymerise fully, resulting in weaker adhesion to the nail plate. Opting for reputable nail brands and professional gel manicures can help ensure the use of high-quality products and proper techniques, reducing the likelihood of lifting due to exposure to harsh chemicals or other factors.
Furthermore, certain underlying conditions, such as fungal infections, can also impact the adhesion of the gel polish. If you experience persistent nail issues, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist to address any potential conditions that may interfere with the longevity of your gel manicure. By following these precautions and choosing high-quality products, you can minimise the chances of gel nail lifting caused by exposure to harsh chemicals and other factors.
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Excessive moisture
Gel nail polish lifting refers to when the polish does not bond to the nail plate correctly. This can cause the polish to chip, peel, and generally come away from the nail. Excessive moisture can be a cause of gel nail lifting.
Moisture and nail polish are enemies, and keeping your hands dry is a great way to avoid gel nail lifting. Even with the best care, nails suffer minor wear over time, and gel manicures should be replaced every three weeks to avoid the risk of potential damage to your nail beds. When you go too long with a gel manicure, you run the risk of weakened nails and the potential for moisture to cause some issues. Once the gel starts to lift, it can lead to moisture gathering under the gel, which can be challenging to fix.
To avoid this, it is recommended to keep your hands as dry as possible on the day of your manicure. It is also important to remove gel polish after three weeks to ensure that it does not damage your nails. Additionally, gel polish can also start to wear down and will look less fresh after three weeks.
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Incorrect application
Improper nail preparation is a major cause of gel nail lifting. This includes not thoroughly removing cuticles, not dehydrating the nails to remove excess oils, and not buffing the surface of the nail to create a smooth canvas for the gel to adhere to. Oily nails, caused by excess oil production from the nail plate or oily nail beds, can prevent the gel from bonding properly to the nail bed, leading to lifting.
Applying thick coats of gel can also cause lifting if the gel doesn't cure completely. It is recommended to apply gel in thin, gradual coats, curing each layer completely before adding more. Incomplete curing is a common issue, especially if the hand is not properly positioned in the curing unit with the palm flat and fingers slightly spread.
Another application mistake is not capping the free edges of the nails, which can lead to pressure and wear at the free edge, causing the nails to weaken and pull away from the nail plate. Additionally, over-application of gel polish can cause the foundation to become uneven, increasing the likelihood of chips and lifting.
Leaving behind a bit of gel from the previous application can help reduce lifting, as it thickens the nails and reduces the gel splitting away from the natural nail. However, too much product left behind can lead to bulkiness and shrinkage, causing the gel to peel at the free edge.
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Uncapped free edges
One reason why uncapped free edges can lead to gel nail lifting is the natural flexibility of the nail. When nails are too thin, either due to damage or naturally thin nails, they can flex excessively. This flexibility can cause the gel polish to lift or separate from the nail plate. By capping the free edge, you reinforce the structure, reducing the amount of flex and helping to prevent lifting.
Additionally, uncapped free edges may be more susceptible to external factors. Everyday activities such as washing dishes or cleaning can increase the chances of chipping or lifting, especially if the edges are not properly protected. Wearing gloves during such tasks can help reduce exposure to water and chemicals, minimising the risk of damage to the gel polish, including at the free edges.
Furthermore, uncapped free edges may be more vulnerable to the natural oils produced by the nails and skin. Oily nail beds or natural cuticle oils can interfere with the adhesion of the gel polish, leading to lifting. Proper preparation, including dehydrating and buffing the nail plate, can help address this issue. Applying a bonding agent or a stronger base coat, such as a rubber base, can also enhance adhesion and reduce the likelihood of lifting at the free edges.
To summarise, uncapped free edges can contribute to gel nail lifting due to the inherent thinness and exposure of this area. Capping the free edge with a thin layer of gel enhances adhesion and strengthens the nail structure, making it more resistant to flexing, chipping, and external factors that can cause lifting. Proper preparation, including dehydration and the use of appropriate products, is also crucial in preventing gel nail lifting at the free edges.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel nails can lift due to a variety of reasons such as improper application, uncapped free edges, harsh chemicals, and excessive moisture.
Uncapped free edges can cause gel nails to weaken and pull away from the nail plate.
Excessive moisture can cause the gel to start lifting, which can lead to moisture gathering under the gel, making it tough to remove.
Improper nail preparation can lead to a lack of adhesion, causing the gel to separate or 'lift' from the nail.
Exposure to harsh chemicals can cause the gel to lift, chip, or peel more quickly.
