Caleb Foster
Gel nails are a long-lasting nail treatment that uses a special type of polish cured under an LED lamp. However, clients may sometimes experience chipping or lifting of the gel polish after a few days. This can be frustrating and disappointing for clients who expect their gel nails to last for several weeks. Understanding the causes of gel nail chipping is essential for nail technicians to improve their services and ensure client satisfaction. Various factors, such as improper filing, inadequate nail preparation, natural nail bed damage, and nail flexibility, can contribute to gel nail chipping. By addressing these issues and providing proper home nail care advice, nail technicians can help their clients maintain long-lasting and chip-free gel manicures.
Why Are My Client's Gel Nails Chipping?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Poor Prep | Excess cuticle skin was not entirely removed |
| Incorrect Filing Techniques | Aggressive filing that thins or creates ridges on the natural nail |
| Poor Removal | Peeling or picking off gel polish |
| Weak Nails | Nails that are soft and bendy are more prone to chipping |
| Poor Application | Not capping the free edge, not sealing the nails properly |
| Daily Wear and Tear | Abuse by day-to-day life |
| Lack of Maintenance | Not taking proper precautions in daily nail care |
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What You'll Learn
Poor nail preparation
Additionally, it is important to properly buff the nails before applying gel polish. While buffing can help smooth out any scratches, over-buffing can weaken the nails, making them more susceptible to bending and eventually tearing the gel polish. It is also crucial to ensure that the nail is not bumpy after polishing, as bumps can cause the gel polish to adhere unevenly, increasing the likelihood of chipping.
Another aspect of nail preparation is the application of a base coat. A thin and watery base coat may not provide a strong enough foundation for the gel polish, leading to chipping. However, a thicker base coat may also cause issues, as it can interfere with the adhesion of the coloured gel polish.
Furthermore, capping the free edge of the nail is crucial in nail preparation. Sealing the nails helps prevent oils and water from getting underneath the polish, which can loosen it and lead to chipping.
Overall, proper nail preparation is essential to ensure the longevity of gel nails and prevent chipping. This includes proper cuticle care, correct filing and buffing techniques, and the application of an appropriate base coat and sealed free edge.
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Incorrect application of products
Additionally, the application technique of the gel polish itself is crucial. Applying too thick of a base coat can cause chipping, as the colour coat may not adhere well to it. On the other hand, a thin base coat may not provide enough protection for the nail, leading to chipping. It is also important to cap the free edge of the nail to prevent chipping at the corners. Sealing the nails properly also prevents oils and water from getting underneath the polish and causing it to lift or chip.
Furthermore, the use of certain products can impact the longevity of the gel manicure. For example, some people may be more prone to chipping if they use a top coat designed specifically for acrylics or hard gels. Using a builder gel or acrylic overlay can help strengthen the nails and prevent chipping, especially for those with soft or bendy nails.
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Incorrect curing
Improper Technique: It is important to follow the correct application technique when curing gel nails. This includes applying a thin layer of polish, capping the free edge, and ensuring that the nails are sealed properly. Sealing the nails helps prevent oils and water from getting underneath the polish, which can loosen it and lead to chipping.
Curing Times: Allowing adequate curing times is crucial for the proper hardening of gel polish. If the nails are removed from the lamp too early, the polish may not be fully cured, leading to chipping. It is important to follow the recommended curing times specified by the manufacturer.
Coat Thickness: The thickness of the base coat and top coat can impact curing. A thin base coat may not provide a strong foundation for the coloured gel, leading to chipping. On the other hand, a thicker base coat may hinder the adhesion of the coloured gel, causing it to peel or chip.
Nail Condition: The condition of the natural nail can also affect curing. If the nails are bendy or have pre-existing damage, such as peeling layers, the gel polish may not adhere properly and is more likely to chip. Additionally, excessive buffing or filing can weaken the nails, making them more susceptible to bending and tearing, which can cause the gel to chip.
Lamp Quality: The quality and intensity of the LED lamp used for curing can impact the effectiveness of the curing process. Using a low-quality lamp or one with weak bulbs can result in inadequate curing, leading to chipping.
By understanding and addressing these factors related to incorrect curing, nail technicians can improve the longevity of gel manicures and reduce the occurrence of chipping. Proper curing techniques are essential to ensure the gel polish adheres securely to the nails and maintains its durability.
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Natural oils on the nail plate
One way to remove natural oils is by using a primer. Primer is a highly degreasing product that is applied to the natural nail plate to improve adhesion with the base coat. It's important to note that the nail plate must not be damaged before applying primer, as this can lead to pain when the UV/LED light is applied. There are two types of primer: acid primer, which is stronger and recommended for significant adhesion problems, and a milder, acid-free primer for moderate issues.
Another way to address natural oils is by using a bonder. A bonder is a thin liquid applied to the tip and free edge of the nail before the base gel. This can be especially helpful for those with oily nail beds, who may be more prone to gel polish lifting or chipping.
Additionally, proper nail preparation is key. This includes removing excess cuticle skin and ensuring that no cuticle remover is left behind on the nail plate. If there are flaws in the application process, such as inaccurate buffing or insufficient degreasing, it can lead to issues with the gel polish lifting or chipping.
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$12.95
Picking at the manicure
To prevent this, it is important to properly prepare the nails before applying gel polish. This includes removing excess cuticle skin and ensuring that the nail bed is clean and free of any oils or water. Proper curing times and techniques are also crucial. Applying a thin layer of polish and capping the free edge can help strengthen the layers and prevent chipping.
Additionally, aggressive filing or buffing that thins or creates ridges on the natural nail can make it harder for the gel polish to adhere properly. It is recommended to use a fine-grit file in one direction only, from the cuticle to the tip of the nail.
For clients with soft or bendy nails, an enhancement such as a builder gel or acrylic may be necessary to provide more strength and prevent bending, which can lead to cracks and chipping. Proper nail care and maintenance are crucial to ensure the longevity of the gel manicure and to prevent any damage to the natural nail.
Finally, it is recommended to have gel polish removed by a professional, as they have the tools and techniques specifically designed for safe removal without harming the nails. At-home removal can risk damage such as peeling, cracking, or bending nails, which can contribute to chipping.
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