Isla Bennett
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those wanting long-lasting, shiny nails. However, some people find that their gel nails feel rubbery and don't harden properly. This could be due to a number of factors, including the brand of gel polish and UV light used, the thickness of the polish layers, or improper curing. Some people also find that their gel nails feel rubbery when they put gel polish over regular polish that hasn't fully dried. To avoid this issue, it's recommended to let regular polish completely dry before applying a gel top coat.
Why do my gel nails feel rubbery?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of nail polish | Gel |
| Type of issue | Nails feel rubbery |
| Possible causes | Insufficient curing, thick layers of product, incorrect hand placement in the lamp, using a non-CND™ LED lamp, weak lamp |
| Possible solutions | Use thin, even layers, ensure proper hand placement in the lamp, use a CND™ LED lamp, upgrade to a lamp with higher wattage |
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What You'll Learn
Gel nails may feel rubbery due to under-curing
If you are putting gel over regular polish, you must let the regular polish dry completely (12-24 hours) or it will wrinkle and not look good. The gel top coat may also not cure properly, leading to a rubbery texture. The brand of gel polish and UV light compatibility may also be factors. Some lamps may be too weak, causing the gel to not cure properly and feel rubbery. Upgrading to a lamp with higher wattage may solve this issue.
Another factor to consider is the application technique. Improper techniques can weaken the durability of the gel polish and lead to under-curing. Adhering to proper protocols, such as the CND™ 5 Point Polish Method, is important for achieving consistent and long-lasting results. Additionally, the natural nail should be properly prepared and cleansed to ensure optimal adhesion of the gel polish.
Finally, some people may naturally have a different texture to their gel nails. For example, dip nails can feel harder and less rubbery than gel nails. Additionally, gel top coats may not always harden completely, and some people prefer the feel of acrylic nails which are harder and less rubbery than gel nails.
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Incompatible UV light and gel polish
Gel nails can feel rubbery due to a variety of reasons, one of which is the incompatibility of the UV light and gel polish. This incompatibility can lead to issues such as smudging and an incomplete cure, resulting in a rubbery texture.
UV light plays a crucial role in curing gel polish, and different polishes may require specific UV light settings or lamps to ensure proper curing. Using a weak lamp or an incompatible UV light source can result in under-curing, causing the gel polish to remain soft and rubbery instead of hardening completely.
To address this issue, it is important to invest in a high-quality UV lamp with sufficient wattage. Upgrading to a lamp with higher wattage can significantly improve curing and lead to better results. Additionally, ensuring that the client's hand is properly positioned under the lamp can also prevent curing delays and potential issues like a rubbery texture.
Thin, even layers of gel polish are also essential to prevent under-curing. Applying thick layers can hinder the curing process, leading to a rubbery or sticky texture. Following the manufacturer's instructions for application techniques, such as the recommended number of coats and curing times, is crucial for achieving optimal results.
In summary, a weak lamp, improper hand placement, or applying too much gel polish at once can cause incompatibility issues between the UV light and gel polish, resulting in a rubbery texture. To ensure proper curing and a hard, shiny finish, it is important to use suitable equipment, follow application instructions, and ensure thin, even layers of gel polish.
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Applying thick layers of gel polish
Firstly, it is important to prepare your nails by gently pushing down your cuticles and filing them to the desired shape. Next, use a nail buffer to buff over your nails, removing any shine. This step helps the gel polish adhere better to your nails, as skipping it may cause the gel to peel off. Ensure your nails are thoroughly cleaned with rubbing alcohol to remove any impurities, such as remaining cuticle oil or dust particles, which can cause the polish to lift prematurely.
Now, you can begin with the base coat. Apply a thin coat of the gel base coat over each natural nail, making sure to seal the open edges or cap the free edge. This process provides a chip-resistant finish. After applying the base coat to all your nails, cure them under a UV lamp or LED light for at least 45 seconds to a minute. The curing process hardens the gel polish, making it more durable and chip-resistant.
After curing the base coat, you can move on to applying the gel color. Again, apply a thin layer of gel color polish, and if a more vibrant color is desired, you may apply a second thin coat. Remember to cure each color layer under a UV or LED lamp for the recommended time to avoid issues.
Finally, apply a thin layer of the top coat, sealing the free edge to prevent chipping. Cure your nails under the lamp once more. If, at any point, you notice that your gel polish is too thick, you can use a fine-grit buffer to lightly buff the surface and thin it out.
By following these steps and applying multiple thin layers instead of one thick layer, you can achieve optimal durability and a smoother finish for your gel manicure.
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Using a non-CND LED lamp
There are many reasons why your gel nails might feel rubbery. One of the most common reasons is that the gel polish was not cured properly in the LED lamp. If you are using a non-CND LED lamp, there are several factors that could be causing this issue:
The lamp might
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Not using a top coat
The top coat also acts as a barrier, creating a durable shield that prevents chipping and extends the lifespan of your manicure. Without this protective layer, your gel nails are more susceptible to damage and can start to feel rubbery and tacky.
Additionally, the top coat adds a layer of shine and depth to your manicure, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. It helps to intensify the colour of your gel polish, making it appear richer and more vibrant. A top coat also gives your nails a sleek and polished look, completing the transformation from a dull, rubbery finish to a professional, salon-quality manicure.
By skipping the top coat, you're not only sacrificing the visual appeal of your gel nails but also their longevity and overall health. This final step in the manicure process is essential to maintaining the integrity of your gel polish, ensuring it remains chip-free and feels smooth to the touch.
To achieve the best results and ensure your gel nails maintain their glossy, polished look and feel, it's important to always finish with a top coat. This extra step provides the necessary protection and shine, ensuring your manicure looks and feels its best for longer.
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Frequently asked questions
Your gel nails may feel rubbery due to under-curing. This can be caused by applying thick layers of product, incorrect hand placement in the lamp, or using a non-CND™ LED lamp.
To prevent your gel nails from feeling rubbery, you should apply thin, even layers of product and ensure that your hands are properly placed in the lamp. Using a CND™ LED lamp can also help ensure proper curing.
If you are applying gel over regular polish, you may need to let the regular polish dry completely before applying the gel. This can take up to 12-24 hours. Additionally, the type of light and brand of top coat you are using may also be factors.
