Liam Carter
Gel nail lifting is a common issue, and there are several reasons why your clients' gel nails might be lifting. One of the most common reasons is improper application or curing, such as not preparing the nail properly before application. For example, not roughing up the nail bed enough can cause the gel to not adhere correctly. Another reason could be excessive moisture on the nail, or natural oils produced by the nail bed, which reduce the adhesion of the gel. Additionally, if your client's nails are frequently exposed to harsh chemicals, this can also cause the gel to lift, chip, or peel more quickly.
Why are my clients' gel nails lifting?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oily nail beds | Try buffing, wiping with alcohol, and using a nail dehydrator |
| Lack of preparation | Rough up the cuticle area, use a dehydrator, and apply the wrap immediately after |
| Incorrect application | Too close to the cuticle, the cuticle area has been flooded, or the gel has been peeled off |
| Exposure to harsh chemicals | Wear gloves when cleaning with certain chemicals, e.g., bleach |
| Excessive moisture | Wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning |
| Lack of adhesion | Gel does not flex with the nail, causing it to separate |
| Thin nails | Not enough keratin for the gel to hold on |
| Bulky structure | Leaving too much product behind can cause bulkiness and lifting |
| Improper curing | Gel may not be cured properly under the UV light |
| Lack of base or top coat | Gel polish won't stick to the nails without a proper base coat |
| Exposure to water | Gel polish can start to lift or peel if exposed to water for an extended period |
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What You'll Learn
Oily nail beds
To combat this issue, you can try using a nail dehydrator to remove oils from the nail before application. Some people recommend buffing and filing the nail to create a rougher surface for the gel to adhere to. However, others suggest this can make the nail bed too smooth. Instead, you could try using a stronger base coat such as a rubber base or applying a bonder to the tip and free edge of the nail before the base gel.
It's important to note that some people dispute the existence of 'oily nails', claiming that nail beds don't have sebaceous glands. In these cases, the cause of lifting may be due to other factors such as health or the use of certain hand creams.
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Incorrect application
Gel nail lifting can also be caused by improper curing. If you notice lifting on many nails, this may be an indication of improper curing. The curing process helps the gel polish to harden and stay on longer. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the gel is cured correctly under a UV light.
Another application mistake that can cause gel nail lifting is not using a base coat or top coat. The base coat helps the gel polish to adhere to the nail better, and the top coat provides extra protection.
Additionally, if you do not take care to remove all the gel from the nail plate when removing the gel nails, you may end up with too much product left behind. This can cause the nails to become bulky and lead to gel nail lifting.
Finally, gel nail lifting can occur if the natural nail is too thin or weak. This can be due to improper gel removal, where the natural nail is over-filed, or due to the client's nails being naturally thin and weak. In this case, it is recommended to leave a bit of gel behind when removing the old gel to thicken the nail and reduce the chance of the gel splitting from the natural nail.
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Exposure to harsh chemicals
Additionally, exposure to harsh chemicals during the nail preparation process can also contribute to gel nail lifting. For example, using acetone or rubbing alcohol for dehydration and nail plate cleaning can make the nail plate vulnerable to lifting if not used carefully. It is important to use these products in moderation and ensure that the nail plate is not overly dried out, as this can affect the adhesion of the gel polish.
The use of cuticle oil or moisturizer before applying the gel base is crucial in preventing gel nail lifting. If the nail bed is not properly hydrated, it can affect the adhesion of the gel polish, leading to lifting. Therefore, it is recommended to moisturize the nail bed and cuticles regularly to maintain hydration and reduce the likelihood of gel nail lifting due to dry nails.
Furthermore, clients with naturally oily nail beds may experience gel nail lifting more frequently. Excess oil production can interfere with the adhesion of the gel polish, causing it to lift or peel. In such cases, it is essential to use a nail dehydrator and ensure proper nail preparation to reduce the oiliness before applying the gel polish. This can help create a better bond between the gel polish and the nail plate, reducing the chances of lifting.
In summary, exposure to harsh chemicals, whether during daily activities or nail preparation, can be a significant factor in gel nail lifting. To prevent this issue, it is recommended to wear gloves when using harsh cleaning products, maintain proper nail hydration, and ensure that the nail bed is adequately prepared before applying gel polish. By taking these precautions, the likelihood of gel nail lifting due to harsh chemicals can be significantly reduced.
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Lack of gel base coat
A lack of gel base coat is a common cause of gel nail lifting. The gel polish needs something to adhere to, and without a base coat, it will not stick to the nail. This can result in the gel polish peeling, chipping, or lifting away from the nail prematurely.
To prevent this, it is important to apply a gel base coat before the gel polish. This will help the gel polish to adhere to the nail better and last longer. It is also important to ensure that the gel base coat is applied correctly and that the nail is properly prepared before application. This includes removing any existing nail polish and making sure the nail is completely clean. Additionally, the nail plate should be free of excess oil, as this can reduce the adhesion of the gel.
If your client has thin or weak nails, it is recommended to leave a bit of gel behind after removing the previous gel manicure. This will help thicken the nail and reduce the chance of the gel splitting or lifting from the natural nail. It is also important to be careful when washing dishes or cleaning, as gel polish can easily chip if it comes into contact with harsh chemicals or is bumped against something hard.
Furthermore, it is crucial to pay attention to the cuticle area when preparing the nail for gel application. The cuticle should be pushed back, and any excess cuticle or non-living tissue should be removed carefully. Taking your time in this area will help reduce gel nail lifting.
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Improper curing
There are several factors that can contribute to improper curing:
- Bulb Quality: Over time, UV lamps can lose their effectiveness due to bulb degradation. It is important to regularly replace the bulbs in your lamp to ensure optimal curing.
- Curing Time: Insufficient curing time can result in inadequate hardening of the gel polish. Follow the recommended curing time for the specific gel polish brand you are using.
- Thickness of Gel: If the gel applied is too thick, it may not cure evenly, leading to areas that are under-cured and prone to lifting. It is crucial to apply thin, even coats of gel polish and ensure each layer is properly cured before applying the next.
- User Technique: Proper technique is essential for effective curing. Ensure that the gel polish is applied smoothly and evenly, and that the nails are positioned correctly under the UV lamp during curing.
- Lamp Type: Different gel polishes may require specific types of UV lamps for optimal curing. Using an incompatible lamp can result in improper curing and lifting.
- Environmental Factors: Environmental factors such as temperature and humidity can impact the curing process. Curing in a well-ventilated area with moderate temperature and humidity levels is ideal.
To mitigate the issue of improper curing, it is recommended to invest in high-quality UV lamps with adjustable timers. Additionally, follow the specific instructions provided by the gel polish manufacturer for curing time and application techniques. Proper preparation of the nails before the application, such as gentle buffing and dehydration, can also enhance the adhesion of the gel polish, reducing the likelihood of lifting.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel nail lifting from the cuticle area can be due to improper application, such as applying the product too close to the cuticle or not preparing the cuticle area correctly.
Gel nail lifting from the free edge can be due to nails that are too thin or damaged, improper curing, or general wear and tear.
Improper curing can cause gel nails to shrink, which may lead to peeling at the free edge.
Excessive moisture, exposure to harsh chemicals, and oily nail beds can also cause gel nail lifting.
To prevent gel nail lifting, ensure proper nail preparation and application techniques, including roughening the nail surface, using a base coat, and avoiding excessive moisture and harsh chemicals.
