Isla Bennett
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those wanting long-lasting, chip-resistant nails. However, it can be frustrating when, after just a few days, the polish starts to lift or peel away from the nails. There are several reasons why this might be happening. It could be due to improper nail preparation, such as a lack of dehydration and buffing, or incorrect application, such as applying the product too close to the cuticle. It could also be caused by excessive moisture, thick coats of gel that don't cure completely, uncapped free edges, or simply not taking enough time between gel applications. Additionally, factors like over-exposure to chemicals, excessive nail-picking or biting, and using nails for tasks like opening bottles can also contribute to gel nail lifting. Understanding these causes can help prevent future issues and maximize the longevity of gel manicures.
Why are my hard gel nails lifting?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lack of adhesion | Gel polish not bonding to the nail plate correctly |
| Improper application | Incorrect application near the cuticle area, lack of a base coat, thick coats of gel polish |
| Excessive moisture | Exposure to water and moisture |
| Uncapped free edges | Failure to seal the free edges |
| Over-exposure to chemicals | Exposure to nail polish remover, detergents, disinfecting sprays, etc. |
| Excessive nail picking or biting | Small cracks and folds that prevent gel polish from adhering |
| Using nails as tools | Mechanical stress leading to lifting |
| Inferior gel nail polish | Inadequate bonding agents leading to weaker adhesion |
| Naturally brittle, peeling, or ridged nails | Lack of a smooth surface for gel to anchor onto |
| Lack of preparation | Dead skin cells and dirt creating a barrier between the gel polish and the nail plate |
| Excess oil production | Oil sitting on the surface of the nail, reducing adhesion |
| Inadequate curing | Fingers not optimally exposed to the curing light |
| Thick coats of gel polish | Prone to bending and detaching |
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What You'll Learn
Improper application or curing
Gel nails can sometimes peel off prematurely due to improper application or curing. Improper application could be due to a lack of preparation, which can cause a breakdown in adhesions between the nail and the gel polish. Files, buffers, and overall prep can leave nails covered in dead skin cells and dirt, which can create a barrier between the product and the nail plate.
To prevent this, it is recommended to leave a 1mm to 2mm gap between the cuticle and the start of the gel polish to ensure enough room to manoeuvre without affecting the results. Additionally, it is important to properly prep nails by dehydrating and buffing the nail plate to remove any dead skin cells and dirt. This can be done using lint-free wipes and acetone to wipe away any excess impurities on the nail surface.
Another cause of improper application is applying thick coats of gel that do not cure completely. It is recommended to apply thin coats of polish to avoid peeling and lifting. Thick coats of gel can also be caused by using a base coat that does not suit the product being used. It is important to use the correct base coat and ensure it is applied directly under the gel application.
Improper curing can occur if the nails are not exposed optimally to the curing light. This can happen if the hand is "relaxed" in the curing unit, with the fingers tipping downward. To avoid this, ensure that the nails are positioned correctly under the curing light and that each layer is fully cured before adding more gel.
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Lack of gel base or top coat
Gel nail polish lifting can be caused by a variety of factors, one of which is a lack of gel base or top coat. Here are some detailed explanations and instructions to help you understand and address this issue:
Firstly, it is important to understand the role of a gel base coat. The base coat acts as a primer, creating a smooth surface for the gel polish to adhere to. It also helps to protect the nail from the pigment in the polish, preventing discolouration. When applying the base coat, ensure that it is applied directly under the gel polish and not too close to the cuticle. Leaving a gap of 1mm to 2mm between the cuticle and the start of the gel is recommended.
Secondly, a top coat is essential to seal and protect the gel polish, adding an extra layer of defence against chipping and lifting. It provides a glossy finish and helps to extend the longevity of your manicure.
To address the issue of lifting due to a lack of base or top coat, follow these steps:
- Ensure you are using a reputable brand of gel nail polish that includes a base and top coat in their system.
- Carefully read the instructions provided with your gel nail polish to understand the correct application technique.
- Always start with clean, dry nails. Remove any existing nail polish and ensure your nails are free of oils and impurities. You can use acetone on a lint-free wipe to clean the nail surface.
- Apply thin coats of the base coat, gel polish, and top coat. Thick coats may take longer to cure and can increase the chances of lifting.
- Cure each layer properly under an LED lamp before adding the next coat.
- After filing your nails, ask your nail technician to seal the free edges by capping them. This helps to secure the gel polish and prevent lifting.
- Maintain your gel manicure by keeping your hands dry and avoiding excessive water or chemical exposure. Wear gloves when doing chores or rigorous tasks to protect your nails.
- Replace your gel manicure every two to three weeks to prevent potential damage to your nail beds and reduce the risk of lifting.
By following these steps and paying attention to proper preparation, application, and aftercare, you can help prevent gel nail lifting caused by a lack of gel base or top coat.
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Excessive moisture
Oily Nail Beds
Natural oils produced by the nail bed can push up through the nail surface, reducing the adhesion of the gel and causing it to lift. This is more common in individuals with thin, brittle, or weakened nail plates or those with a prominent lunula. To address this issue, it is recommended to buff the nail bed gently, wipe it with acetone or alcohol, and use a nail dehydrator before applying the gel polish.
Improper Nail Prep
Inadequate preparation of the nail surface can lead to lifting. Dead skin cells and dirt on the nail plate can create a barrier between the gel polish and the nail, causing a breakdown in adhesion. Proper nail prep includes dehydrating and buffing the nail plate to ensure a clean and rough surface for the gel to adhere to.
Water Exposure
Excessive exposure to water can also cause gel nails to lift. It is recommended to wear gloves while washing dishes or performing tasks that involve water to protect the nails from moisture. Additionally, keeping your hands dry on the day of your manicure is crucial, as moisture prevents nail polish from adhering properly.
Thick Coats of Gel
Applying thick coats of gel can make it more prone to lifting and picking. It is recommended to apply thin, smooth layers of gel polish to avoid this issue. Thin coats cure more effectively and are less likely to peel or lift.
Uncapped Free Edges
Not sealing the free edges of the nails after filing can also contribute to gel nail lifting. It is important to ask your nail technician to cap the edges properly to prevent lifting and ensure the longevity of your manicure.
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Oily nail beds
It is also important to leave a small gap between the cuticle and the start of the gel polish application. This is because the cuticle area is sensitive and prone to flooding, which can create a barrier between the product and the nail plate, causing a breakdown in adhesion. Additionally, some people with oily nail beds have found that using a nail dehydrator and a primer helps to prevent gel nail lifting.
However, it is worth noting that some people dispute the existence of extremely oily nail beds, as the nail bed is made up of dead tissue and should not produce any oil. In these cases, the lifting may be caused by other factors, such as improper application or curing, lack of a gel base or top coat, or excessive moisture.
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Incorrect filing techniques
Aggressive filing that thins or creates ridges on the natural nail makes it harder for a smooth gel polish layer to anchor on properly. Filing the nails down to the skin makes it easier for the gel to lift at the free edge. Filing can also break down the seal, causing lifting and peeling.
To avoid this, it is recommended to leave a 1mm to 2mm gap between the cuticle and the start of the gel polish. This ensures enough room to manoeuvre without affecting the results. It is also important to not obsess about fully removing all gel from the nail plate each time. Leaving a bit of gel behind will thicken the nails and reduce the gel from splitting away from the natural nail.
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Frequently asked questions
Incorrect application could be the reason why your gel nails are lifting at the cuticle. Make sure to leave a 1mm to 2mm gap between the cuticle and the start of your gel.
Your gel nails might be lifting from the side due to improper nail preparation. Ensure your nails are completely clean before applying gel polish.
Your gel nails could be lifting from the free edge due to uncapped edges. Ask your nail technician to seal the free edges by capping them after filing.
Thick coats of gel polish that don't cure completely can cause lifting and peeling. Try applying the polish in extremely thin coats instead.
