Isla Bennett
Gel nail polish is a long-lasting, quick-drying, and super glossy nail treatment. However, it can be frustrating when, after just a few days, the polish starts to lift or chip. There are several reasons why this might be happening. It could be due to improper application or curing, a lack of base or top coat, or excessive moisture. Other reasons include oily nail beds, incorrect filing techniques, and exposure to harsh chemicals. To prevent gel nail polish from lifting, it is important to ensure proper nail preparation, such as dehydrating the nails with acetone and creating a smooth surface for the polish to adhere to. Additionally, applying thin coats of polish and curing each layer completely can help maximize the longevity of your manicure.
Why are my gel nails lifting at the bottom?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oily nail beds | Try buffing, wiping with alcohol, and using a nail dehydrator |
| Incorrect application | Apply in thin coats, leaving a 1mm-2mm gap between the cuticle and the start of the gel |
| Incomplete curing | Cure each layer completely before adding more |
| Improper nail prep | Dehydrate nails by wiping with acetone to remove any oils or dead skin cells |
| Incorrect filing techniques | Aggressive filing that thins or creates ridges on the natural nail |
| Uncapped free edges | Ensure the free edge has some gel polish on it |
| Exposure to harsh chemicals | Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals |
| Exposure to water | Avoid water for an hour before doing your nails |
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What You'll Learn
Oily nail beds
There are several ways to address this issue and ensure that gel nails adhere properly to oily nail beds. Firstly, proper nail preparation is crucial. Before applying the gel, it is important to wipe the nails with acetone to remove any oils or dead skin cells. Additionally, buffing the nail surface and pushing back the cuticles will create a smooth canvas for the gel to bond to. It is also recommended to use a prep booster that keeps the nails dehydrated for longer.
Another factor to consider is the application technique. Applying the gel polish in thin, gradual coats can improve adhesion and reduce lifting. Each layer should be cured completely under an LED lamp before adding the next coat, as incomplete curing is a common cause of gel polish lifting.
In some cases, the issue may not be related to oily nail beds but rather to other factors affecting adhesion. For example, improper curing due to a "relaxed" hand in the curing unit or incorrect filing techniques that thin or create ridges on the natural nail can make it harder for the gel to anchor properly. Additionally, over-application of gel polish or using thick coats can increase the likelihood of lifting.
It is important to note that while these techniques can help improve adhesion on oily nail beds, some individuals may find that certain nail products or brands simply do not work for them, and switching to alternative products may be necessary.
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Incorrect application
Improper curing occurs when gel polish is not cured thoroughly under the lamp, often due to thick coats of gel. Incomplete curing can cause the gel to peel up, especially near the cuticles or free edges. To avoid this, apply gel in thin, gradual coats, curing each layer completely before adding more.
A lack of a base or top coat can also lead to gel nail lifting. It is important to use the correct base coat, applying it directly under the gel polish, and leaving a small gap between the cuticle and the start of the gel to prevent flooding the cuticle area.
Excessive moisture on the nails can interfere with the adhesion of the gel polish. Oily nails, caused by natural oil production or the use of cuticle oil, can prevent the gel from bonding properly to the nail bed. To address this, dehydrate the nails by wiping them with acetone before application and ensure they are free from dead skin cells and dirt, which can also create a barrier and affect adhesion.
Improper nail preparation includes aggressive filing, which can thin the natural nail and make it challenging for the gel polish to anchor properly. Instead, use a fine-grit file in one direction only, from the cuticle to the tip. Additionally, ensure your hands are dry before applying gel polish, as water can cause chipping and lifting.
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Incomplete curing
Gel nails are a long-lasting nail treatment that uses a special type of polish cured under an LED lamp. The curing process involves hardening the polish when exposed to LED light, allowing it to bond tightly to the natural nail plate. However, incomplete curing is a common issue that can cause gel polish to lift or chip prematurely.
One challenge with curing gel nails is determining whether the gel has fully cured. Even if the coating appears solid, it may not have reached its required cure time. Additionally, the use of opaque tips can inhibit the penetration of the curing light, making it difficult to achieve proper curing. To address this, nail professionals recommend using clear tips when working with gel products, as they allow the curing energy to penetrate and ensure proper curing.
Another factor that can contribute to incomplete curing is the use of low-quality curing units or incompatible gel formulas. It is important to invest in quality brands and select a curing unit from a reputable gel nail brand to ensure optimal curing strength. Additionally, following brand instructions and training can help achieve better results.
Improper curing can also increase the risk of allergic reactions to nail products. Uncured or under-cured gel can lead to sensitization, potentially causing allergies to specific nail products or even resin-based medical and dental treatments. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure proper curing to maintain the health and longevity of gel nails.
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Thin nails
Gel nail polish is a type of nail treatment that uses a special type of polish that is cured under an LED lamp. While it is known for its longevity, lasting up to three weeks or more, it won't last longer without proper care and application.
- Aggressive filing: Filing your nails too aggressively can thin or create ridges on the natural nail, making it harder for a smooth gel polish layer to anchor on properly. Ask your nail technician to use a fine-grit file in one direction only from cuticle to tip.
- Peeling off polish: When you peel off your nail polish, you are also removing part of the top layer of your nails, leading to thinning. Instead, use a non-acetone polish remover for traditional nail polish and allow gel polish to soak thoroughly before removal without over-scraping.
- Exposure to chemicals: Prolonged exposure to chemicals found in cleaning products, as well as soap and water, can weaken your nails, leaving them brittle and prone to splitting. Wear rubber gloves when cleaning to prevent this.
- Oily nail beds: Oily nails can prevent gel polish from completely bonding to the nail bed. To combat this, dehydrate your nails by wiping them with acetone to remove any oils or dead skin cells.
- Improper curing: Incomplete curing is one of the most common causes of gel polish lifting. Ensure each coat, especially the final top coat, is cured for the recommended amount of time under the LED lamp.
If you are experiencing thin nails, it is important to take care of your nails and maintain a healthy diet. Consider incorporating collagen-rich foods or supplements into your routine, as collagen is essential for nail health. You can also apply a nail hardener to strengthen thinning nails.
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Exposure to harsh chemicals
To prevent this, it is recommended to avoid exposing your nails to harsh chemicals. Additionally, proper nail preparation is key to preventing gel nail polish from lifting. This includes removing any existing nail polish and cleaning your nails with a nail brush. It is also important to dehydrate the nails by wiping them with acetone to remove any oils or dead skin cells.
Another common cause of gel nail lifting is incorrect application. If the product has been applied too close to the cuticle, the cuticle area has been flooded, or the base coat is incorrect, the affected nail must be removed and reapplied. It is recommended to always leave a 1mm to 2mm gap between the cuticle and the start of the gel application.
The thickness of the gel application can also affect the likelihood of lifting. If the gel is too thick, it may not cure properly, leaving it gloopy and prone to damage and lifting. On the other hand, if the gel is too thin, it may have an uneven foundation, increasing the chances of chips and lifting. It is best to follow the application methods provided by the brand to ensure the correct amount of product is used and curing is effective.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel nails can lift due to several reasons. One of the most common reasons is improper nail preparation, such as not cleaning and dehydrating the nails before application. Another reason could be incorrect application, such as applying thick coats of gel that don't cure completely, or not leaving a gap between the cuticle and the start of the gel application. Additionally, oily nail beds can prevent the gel from bonding to the nail bed, causing lifting.
To prevent gel nail lifting, it is important to properly prepare the nails before application. This includes cleaning the nails with a nail brush, removing any existing nail polish, and dehydrating the nails by wiping them with acetone to remove any oils or dead skin cells. When applying the gel, ensure that you are using thin coats and curing each layer completely before adding another. Additionally, leave a gap of 1mm to 2mm between the cuticle and the start of the gel application.
To make your gel nails last longer, it is recommended to replace them every three weeks. Gel nails can start to lift, peel, or wear down over time, and replacement is the best way to ensure they do not damage your natural nails. Additionally, always follow the specific application methods provided by the brand of gel nail products you are using.
