Liam Carter
Gel nail polish is known for its durability and long-lasting wear, but several factors can cause it to lift and peel. Incorrect curing, improper application, and incorrect prep are common reasons for gel nail polish to peel. This includes not curing your polish for the correct amount of time, not filing your nails before application, and not removing oils or dirt from your nails. Exposure to moisture and oils can also cause gel polish to lift, so it's important to keep your hands as dry as possible after application.
Why do gel nails keep peeling off?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Improper Application | Nails that weren't filed or buffed before gel polish application can cause peeling. Filing helps to remove any natural debris, creating a surface for the gel to stick to. |
| Thick Coats of Polish | Thick coats of gel polish can cause peeling. |
| Insufficient Curing Times | Incorrect curing times can cause the gel polish to peel. |
| Exposure to Moisture and Oils | Exposure to water and oils can cause gel polish to lift and peel. |
| Incorrect Removal | Picking or peeling gel polish can damage nails and weaken their structure. |
| Exposure to Cleaning Products | Exposure to harsh chemicals in cleaning products can weaken and lift gel polish. |
| Lack of Breaks Between Manicures | Nails need time to build up natural oils, restore their strength, and prevent lifting. |
| Lack of Top Coat | Adding a layer of top coat gives extra durability and helps prevent peeling. |
| Incorrect Hand Positioning Under the Lamp | Incorrect positioning can cause the gel polish to peel. |
| Damaged Nails | Damaged nails are thinner and more flexible, making it harder for the gel polish to adhere and causing lifting or chipping. |
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What You'll Learn
Incorrect curing time
The curing time also depends on the thickness of the polish layer. A thicker layer of gel polish will require a longer curing time. For example, if you're using a thicker polish like Builder Gel, you'll need to increase the curing time. Similarly, darker colours can take longer to cure. It's recommended to cure dark polishes for 60 seconds under a Mylee lamp.
It's important to note that using a high-wattage lamp with certain polishes, such as Pink Gellac, can be counterproductive. The gel won't polymerise correctly, and you'll end up with problems similar to an oven that's set too high—a burnt surface with an undercooked inside. Therefore, it's crucial to use the correct lamp for the specific brand of gel polish you're using. For instance, Pink Gellac polishes work best with lower wattage lamps (LED: underneath 25 Watts), and their own lamps have a wattage of 7-12 Watts.
To ensure proper curing, it's recommended to apply thin layers of polish and thoroughly cure each layer before adding the next one. This approach may seem time-consuming, but it will ultimately save you time compared to using thicker layers that never seem to dry. Additionally, make sure to position your hand correctly under the lamp. Keep your fingers flat and centred to ensure that the light catches the full nail.
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Thick layers of polish
To avoid this issue, it is recommended to apply multiple thin layers of polish instead of a single thick coat. For instance, you can apply two or three thin layers to achieve the desired coverage. While it may seem more efficient to layer on the polish thickly, this approach is counter-productive as thicker layers take longer to dry. By using thinner layers, you can save time and achieve better results.
Additionally, when applying thicker layers of gel polish, such as Builder Gel, it is crucial to adjust the curing time accordingly. The curing time depends on the type of lamp used, with LED lamps typically requiring 30-60 seconds and UV lamps needing 120 seconds. Darker colours may also take longer to cure. Incorrect curing times can lead to improper bonding between the polish and the nail, resulting in peeling.
To ensure proper curing, it is recommended to use specific lamps designed for certain brands of gel polish. For example, Pink Gellac polishes work best with their own LED lamps that operate at lower wattages (under 25 Watts). Using a high wattage lamp with these polishes can cause the gel to not polymerise correctly, leading to issues such as peeling.
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Improper application
Filing your nails before applying gel polish is also essential, as it prevents peeling and lifting. Filing helps to remove any natural debris, creating a smooth surface for the gel polish to adhere to. It is recommended to file very lightly to roughen the surface and give the gel something to stick to. Buffing your nails can also help the polish adhere, but be careful not to over-buff, as this can make your nails too smooth.
When applying the gel polish, it is important to use thin, delicate layers. Thick coats of gel polish can cause peeling, as they won't cure correctly, and the polish will flake away. Apply two or three thin layers, allowing sufficient drying time between each layer. The curing time will depend on the type of lamp and polish you are using. For example, the curing time for LED lamps is typically 30-60 seconds, while UV lamps require 120 seconds.
Additionally, capping the free edge of the nail is important to prevent chipping and peeling. This involves painting the nail the normal way and then doing it in reverse, starting the brush at the end of the nail and brushing towards the cuticle. This helps to seal the edges and prevent peeling.
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Exposure to moisture and oils
It is also important to properly prepare your nails before applying gel polish. This includes removing any oils, dirt, or dead cuticle tissue from the nail surface. Using a prep solution or wipe can help ensure that your nails are clean and free of any residue that may interfere with the adhesion of the gel polish. Proper nail preparation also involves buffing or filing your nails to create a rough surface for better adhesion. However, it is important not to over-buff, as this can make your nails too smooth for the gel to adhere properly.
In addition to proper preparation and avoiding moisture, there are other factors to consider. Applying thin layers of gel polish and curing each layer correctly is crucial to prevent peeling. Thick layers of gel polish may not cure properly, leading to quicker peeling. It is recommended to cure gel polish for 30 to 60 seconds under an LED lamp or 120 seconds under a UV lamp, depending on the brand and the thickness and colour of the polish. Darker colours and thicker layers may require longer curing times.
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Lack of nail prep
Gel nails are known for their durability and long-lasting wear. However, several factors can cause gel polish to lift or peel prematurely. One of the critical factors is the lack of proper nail preparation or "nail prep".
Nail prep is essential to ensure a strong bond between the nail plate and the gel polish, preventing peeling and lifting. Here are some key steps to ensure proper nail preparation:
Firstly, it is crucial to remove any oils, dirt, or dead cuticle tissue from the nails' surface. This step ensures that the nail plate is clean and free of debris, providing an optimal surface for the gel polish to adhere to. Use a Prep & Wipe solution or a similar product to thoroughly cleanse the nails before application.
Secondly, filing or buffing the nails is an important part of nail prep. Lightly filing the nails creates a rough surface for the gel to grip onto. However, it is important not to over-buff, as this can make the nails too smooth, hindering the adhesion of the gel polish. A gentle buffing before applying the gel polish can provide a better surface for the polish to cling to.
Additionally, dehydration of the nail plate is a critical step in nail prep. Dehydrating the nails helps remove any remaining moisture that could interfere with the adhesion of the gel polish. This can be achieved using a dehydrator or a product like the Prep Booster, which neutralises the oils on the nail, enhancing the gel's ability to stick to the nail for longer.
Moreover, cuticle care is an integral part of nail prep. Pushing back and trimming the cuticles ensures that they do not interfere with the gel polish application. Proper cuticle management helps create a clean and tidy nail bed, allowing for a more precise and long-lasting gel manicure.
By following these nail prep steps, you can significantly improve the adhesion and longevity of your gel nail polish, reducing the chances of peeling and lifting. Proper nail preparation is key to achieving a flawless and durable gel manicure.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel nails can peel off due to several reasons, including improper application, exposure to moisture and oils, and incorrect curing.
Improper application includes not filing or buffing the nails before the application, not capping the free edge, and applying thick coats of gel polish.
Exposure to elements like water and oils can interfere with the adhesion of the gel polish to the nail. Therefore, it is recommended to keep your hands as dry as possible on the first day after your gel manicure to prevent the polish from being compromised.
Incorrect curing refers to not curing the polish for the correct amount of time (30-60 seconds for LED lamps and 120 seconds for UV lamps). It also includes applying thick layers of polish, which may not cure correctly and cause the nail varnish to peel away quicker.
Yes, besides proper filing, curing, and moisture control, it is important to prep the nails correctly before application. This includes pushing back and trimming your cuticles, cleansing the nails with a Prep & Wipe solution, and dehydrating the nail plate. Additionally, using a base coat and a top coat can help create a stronger bond between the nail and the gel polish, preventing peeling.
