Liam Carter
There are many reasons why your gel nail polish may have chipped off prematurely. The most common reasons are improper nail preparation, such as inaccurate buffing of the nail plate, insufficient degreasing, and neglecting to apply a primer or base coat. Other factors include the thickness of the polish, humidity, and the presence of air bubbles. Additionally, the condition of your nails plays a role, as weak, dry, or damaged nails can make it harder for the polish to adhere, leading to quicker chipping.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail preparation | If the nail bed isn't prepped correctly, it can lead to premature peeling of gel polish. |
| Moisture | Too much water will cause nails to expand, and when polish is applied, it may begin chipping or peeling sooner. |
| Primer | Applying a primer before polishing ensures better adherence of the gel polish onto the nail surface. |
| Curing process | The curing process directly impacts how long the polish will stay in place. If using an old lamp with damaged bulbs, adjust the timing accordingly. |
| Thickness of polish | Applying too thick a layer of polish will prevent it from curing correctly, causing it to flake away more quickly. |
| Buffing | Inaccurate buffing of the nail plate can cause air bubbles, which threaten the stylization's durability. |
| Degreasing | Insufficient degreasing with a cleaner or skipping this step can cause chipping. |
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Air bubbles
Temperature Control:
The temperature at which gel polish is stored is crucial. Keeping your polish in a cool, stable environment is essential. When gel polish is stored in conditions that are too warm, it affects the formulation, increasing the risk of bubbling. Ensure your polish is stored in a cool, dry place, and if it has been stored for over a year and a half, consider replacing it as older polishes are more likely to bubble.
Proper Nail Preparation:
Before applying gel polish, ensure your nails are clean, dry, and free of any oils or residue that could prevent the polish from adhering properly. Oils, lotions, and cuticle creams can cause bubbling, so it is important to cleanse your nails with a cotton pad and alcohol or an alcohol-based wipe before starting your manicure.
Thin and Even Application:
Applying gel polish in thick layers is a common cause of air bubbles. The light needs to penetrate the colour pigments in the gel for each layer to set properly. Use thin, even layers of polish to encourage quicker and more uniform drying, reducing the chances of bubbles.
Avoid Shaking the Bottle:
Shaking the polish bottle before use can introduce tiny air bubbles into the polish. Instead of shaking, gently roll the bottle between your hands to mix the contents without creating bubbles.
Proper Curing:
Ensure each layer of nail polish is completely dry before applying the next. Inadequate drying time can cause trapped moisture to turn into bubbles. Additionally, proper curing under a UV or LED lamp is crucial. Gel polish is prone to bubbling due to improper curing, so allow enough time for each layer to cure properly.
Control Your Environment:
Environmental factors like humidity and temperature can interfere with the drying process and contribute to air bubbles. Perform your manicure in a room with moderate temperature and humidity to minimise these effects.
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Moisture
The curing process of your nails directly impacts how long the polish will stay in place. If the UV lamp is not strong enough, the bottom layers of polish may not be cured, which can lead to peeling. It is important to check the lamp and ensure that it can create light that penetrates the layers of your manicure.
In addition to moisture, there are other factors that can contribute to gel nail polish peeling. Improper application, such as incorrect filing, insufficient cuticle preparation, and not capping the free edge, can cause peeling. Thick coats of polish can also slow down the bonding process and lead to peeling. It is recommended to use thin, even layers of polish and to ensure that the nail surface is clean and slightly textured before application.
To prevent gel nail polish from peeling, proper application and responsible upkeep are key. This includes choosing the right gel polish, keeping nails out of water and away from harsh chemicals, and avoiding using nails as tools. Additionally, it is important to resist the temptation to pick or peel at the polish, as this can damage the nails and weaken their structure.
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Incorrect nail preparation
Firstly, pay attention to your cuticles. Cuticles are often overlooked, but they play a crucial role in the longevity of your manicure. Use a cuticle pusher, such as a metal or wooden cuticle pusher stick, or a Prep & Remove Pusher, to gently push back your cuticles. This step provides more surface area for the nail polish and prevents the gel polish from lifting or peeling off prematurely. Make sure to remove any dead skin cells around the cuticle area to keep it neat and tidy.
Secondly, clean your nails thoroughly before applying gel polish. Ensure your nail bed is grease-free and free of any residual dirt or dead skin cells. Cleanser wipes are an effective way to achieve this. They help remove any excess oils and prepare your nails for the gel polish application. After cleaning, apply a product like the Selfgel Prepper to enhance adhesion between the nail and the gel polish.
Additionally, when shaping your nails, be cautious of any filings that may get trapped underneath. These filings can cause the gel polish to lift and come away from the nail. Use a cuticle knife or a similar tool to clean underneath the nail and remove any trapped filings before cleaning the nail.
Moreover, always follow the specific application methods provided by different brands. Using the correct amount of product and curing it effectively are crucial for the gel to adhere well to the nail plate. Using a Nail Lamp from the same brand as your gel polish can help ensure full compatibility and functionality.
By following these steps and properly preparing your nails, you can avoid premature chipping and peeling of your gel nail polish, resulting in a longer-lasting and more beautiful manicure.
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Overfiling the nail plate
The top of the nail plate is the hardest part, and the more it is filed, the thinner and softer it becomes. Eventually, it can become so thin that it is like skin. When the nail plate is this thin, the gel polish can pass through the nail and enter the bloodstream. The body will then try to rid itself of the gel polish as the ingredients are not suitable to be placed on the skin for a long period.
To avoid overfiling, only remove the "surface shine" and not layers. You should always strive to keep the natural nail plate thick and intact. A good rule to remember is that the lower the grit, the easier it will be to create nail damage. A heavy-hand use of a coarse abrasive (120 or 180 grit) or an electric file can quickly remove half of the nail's layers, leaving the nail plate overly thin and weak. Even a wooden pusher can scrape and damage the nail plate if excessive downward pressure is used. Therefore, it is advised to not use below a 180 grit on the natural nail plate, and only with a very light touch. More preferably, a 240 grit should be used.
If you have overfiled your nails, you could try applying a layer of soak-off gel only (e.g. Calgel and Biogel) and be careful not to get it on your cuticles so you don't have lifting. Alternatively, get a good solid base coat and apply several thin layers to the nail followed by a top coat.
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Primer
A primer is a crucial step in the gel nail polish application process, acting as a base coat that adheres to your nail and creates a foundation for the gel polish to stick to. It is a clear liquid that is applied directly to your natural nail and helps the gel polish last longer and look smoother and shinier.
The primer is responsible for creating a strong bond between your nail and the gel polish, ensuring that your manicure stays intact and does not chip or peel off easily. By applying a primer, you are essentially creating a sticky surface that allows the gel polish to adhere firmly to your nails.
It is important to follow the correct application process when using a primer. Start by ensuring your nails are clean and dry. Then, apply a thin, even coat of the primer to your nails, being careful not to apply it to your skin or cuticles. The primer should be completely dry before you proceed with the next step, which is typically the application of a base coat.
If you skip the primer step, the gel polish may not adhere properly to your nails, which can result in chipping, peeling, or lifting of the polish. This can cause your manicure to have a shorter lifespan and may require more frequent touch-ups or reapplications. Therefore, it is essential to include a primer in your gel nail polish routine to ensure long-lasting and flawless results.
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Frequently asked questions
Applying gel polish too thickly can cause wrinkling under the lamp and make it peel off quicker. Applying multiple thick coats without letting the previous layers dry can also cause chipping.
Apply two or three thin coats of gel polish instead of one or two thick coats. Make sure to seal the gel polish with a top coat and apply it over the full nail, including the edges, sides, bottom, and tip.
If you're using an old lamp with damaged bulbs, the light might not be strong enough for colour penetration, causing only the top layer to cure and leaving the lower layers untreated. This will cause the gel polish to not stick to the nail properly and chip off.
If the nail bed isn't prepped correctly, it can lead to premature peeling of gel polish. Too much moisture on the nails can cause them to expand, making the polish begin chipping or peeling sooner.
