Sophia Delgado
Gel manicures are supposed to be long-lasting, but several factors can cause gel polish to lift and peel prematurely. This can be frustrating, especially if you've paid for a professional manicure. So, why does it happen? Well, it could be down to improper application, insufficient curing time, or a lack of base or top coat. It could also be caused by oily nail beds, improper nail preparation, or exposure to moisture.
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What You'll Learn
Poor preparation
Nails that are not filed before gel polish application can also cause peeling. Filing helps to remove any natural debris, creating a smooth surface for the gel polish. It is important to note that filing should be done gently, as over-filing can lead to thin nails, which can also cause lifting.
Another cause of gel nail polish lifting is incorrect application. If the gel polish is applied too close to the cuticle, the cuticle area can become flooded, and the nail must be removed and reapplied. It is recommended to leave a 1mm to 2mm gap between the cuticle and the start of the gel polish.
Additionally, the use of cuticle oil or moisturizer before applying the gel base can contribute to gel nail lifting at the cuticle area. This is because the products can create a barrier between the gel polish and the nail plate, causing a breakdown in adhesion.
To prevent gel nail polish lifting due to poor preparation, it is important to follow proper nail care and preparation techniques. This includes ensuring the nails are healthy and clean, removing any natural debris, and pushing back the cuticles. It is also crucial to remove excess oils from the nail bed and dehydrate the nail before application.
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Improper application
Thick Coats of Polish
Applying thick coats of gel polish can lead to peeling. It is recommended to use thin, smooth layers of polish instead. Thick layers can also make it easier for you to start picking at your nails.
Insufficient Curing Times
Not curing the gel polish for long enough can cause it to lift and peel prematurely. Always follow the manufacturer's recommended curing time.
Not Capping the Free Edge
Not applying gel polish to the tip of the nail can cause chipping and peeling. Make sure to cap the free edge and seal it with a base coat to prevent this.
Incorrect Application at the Cuticle
Applying the gel polish too close to the cuticle can cause lifting. It is recommended to leave a 1mm to 2mm gap between the cuticle and the start of the gel polish. Additionally, flooding the cuticle area with polish can cause issues.
Over-filing the Natural Nail
If you file the gel polish down to the natural nail, it may result in over-filing and thinning of the nail. This can cause the gel polish to lift and peel more easily.
Lack of Nail Preparation
Before applying gel polish, it is important to properly prepare the nails. This includes filing the nails, removing any natural debris, and pushing back the cuticles. Nails that are too smooth or shiny may also need to be roughened slightly to provide a better surface for the gel polish to adhere to.
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Exposure to moisture and oils
Natural cuticle oils can also cause gel nail polish to lift. To avoid this, ensure that the nail bed is properly prepared before application. This includes buffing the nail bed, removing any natural oils, and dehydrating the nail plate with a product such as acetone or rubbing alcohol. It is also important to push back your cuticles and remove any dead skin cells and dirt, as these can create a barrier between the product and the nail plate, causing a breakdown in adhesion.
Additionally, it is recommended to avoid using cuticle oil or other types of moisturisers before applying your gel base, as this can also cause lifting.
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Natural cuticle oils
To prevent gel polish from lifting, it's important to properly prepare the nail bed. This includes buffing the nail bed, dehydrating it with alcohol, and applying a bonding agent before the gel polish. It's also recommended to avoid applying any lotions or oils during the gel manicure process until the gel has cured.
However, this doesn't mean that cuticle oils should be avoided altogether. Cuticle oils can be extremely beneficial for nail health when used correctly. Cuticle oils can boost circulation around the nail, promote nail growth, and protect your polish. It is recommended to use cuticle oil twice a day for the best results.
There are several natural DIY cuticle oil recipes that can be made at home. Many of these recipes include jojoba oil, which is a popular choice because it mimics the skin's natural oils. Other carrier oils that can be used include olive oil, almond oil, and Kukui nut oil. Essential oils such as lavender, lemon, frankincense, myrrh, and rosemary can also be added to the mix for their nail care benefits.
- 2 drops of lavender essential oil
- 2 drops of lemon essential oil
- 2 drops of frankincense essential oil
- 2 drops of myrrh essential oil
- Fill the remainder of the bottle with a carrier oil of your choice, such as jojoba oil
To use, simply roll the cuticle oil onto your nail beds and massage it in for a minute or two.
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Excessive moisture
The longer your nails are exposed to water, the higher the chance of the polish lifting, so keeping them dry will make the manicure last longer. It is also recommended to avoid using any lotions or oils during the manicure process until the gel has cured.
Natural cuticle oils can also cause gel polish to lift. This can be prevented by properly preparing the nail bed by buffing, dehydrating with alcohol, and applying a bonding agent before the gel polish. Additionally, it is important to remove any cuticles, as they contain natural oils that can cause lifting.
Another cause of gel nail polish lifting is the use of cuticle oil or moisturizer before applying the gel base. This can create a barrier between the gel polish and the nail plate, causing a breakdown in adhesion. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the nail bed is properly prepared and free of any oils or moisture before applying the gel polish.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several reasons why your gel-polished nails might be lifting. One of the most common reasons is improper application or curing, such as insufficient curing times or not capping the free edge.
If your nail bed isn't prepped correctly, the gel polish may not adhere to the nail properly. This includes removing natural oils and dehydrating the nail plate.
Exposure to moisture and oils can cause gel polish to lift. Keep your hands as dry as possible on the day of your manicure and avoid water and high-humidity areas for at least 24 hours after application.
To prevent gel polish from lifting, ensure proper nail care and preparation before application. This includes filing your nails, removing any natural debris, and pushing back your cuticles. Additionally, use thin, even layers of gel polish and avoid thick coats.
