Caleb Foster
There are many reasons why gel nail polish might fade or change colour. One of the most common reasons is exposure to UV light, which can cause the colour to fade or change permanently. This can happen during the curing process, or later on, through exposure to sunlight or computer screens. Other factors that can cause fading or discolouration include chlorine, chemicals, and solvents. Additionally, some pigments are more prone to fading than others, especially pinks and corals, due to their chemical structure. Applying a top coat can help to prevent fading, but it's also important to take precautions such as drying nails after swimming and avoiding excess sun exposure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| UV exposure | Excess exposure from sunbeds, natural sunlight, chlorine, chemicals, and solvents can cause discolouration and fading. |
| Chemical structure of colorants | UV exposure can cause chemical changes in colorants, leading to fading or shifting of colours. |
| Pigments | Some pigments, especially pinks and corals, are more prone to fading due to their chemical structure and sensitivity to daily activities like bathing and cleaning. |
| Top coat application | Insufficient top coat application can lead to fading and loss of pigments. |
| Solvents | Solvents like insect repellent and sunscreen contain DEET, which can dissolve and affect nail products. |
| Under-curing or over-curing gel | Inadequate curing can lead to issues with gel polish colour and removal. |
| Daily activities | Exposure to chemicals during daily activities like cooking, cleaning, swimming, etc., can cause discolouration. |
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What You'll Learn
Over-curing gel polish
However, over-curing can lead to undesirable results. When you cure your gel polish for too long, the product takes on an undesirable look and consistency. While the goal is to achieve solidified gel polish, over-curing will result in a duller, thicker finish and may even lead to a matte look. The layer can become so thick that it makes filing difficult, and the polish can chip easily when worn because of its brittle nature. Over-cured polishes also tend to have an exaggerated curling effect at the edges of each nail due to shrinking.
To avoid over-curing, consistently monitor curing time. Most polishes typically need just two minutes under the lamp, but some require additional time of up to three minutes or more, depending on the product. It is also important to note that UV exposure is not limited to curing lamps. Sunbeds, natural sunlight, chlorine, chemicals, and solvents can all cause excess UV exposure, leading to discolouration, fading, and premature service breakdown.
To prevent UV-related issues, recommend that your clients take precautions such as drying their nails after swimming and avoiding sun exposure immediately after application. Applying two thorough gel top coats can also help deter UV penetration.
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UV exposure
Excessive UV exposure from these sources can lead to discolouration and fading of gel nail polish. This is because UV rays cause a chemical change in the colourant ingredient, slowly altering its chemical structure and resulting in permanent colour fading, similar to how newspaper turns yellow or clothing fades over time. To prevent this, it is recommended to take precautions such as drying nails after swimming and applying sunscreen to the hands and fingers before a gel manicure.
Additionally, certain solvents like insect repellent and sun tan lotions can also contribute to the fading of gel nail polish. These solvents contain DEET, which can dissolve and affect nail products. Applying a clear nail polish over the gel polish or using two thorough gel top coats can help deter UV rays from directly penetrating the colour, reducing the chances of fading.
It is worth noting that UV nail lamps carry risks, such as increasing the likelihood of skin cancer and causing allergies and skin irritation. To mitigate these risks, it is suggested to opt for LED nail lamps, which do not transmit UV rays in the same way, or choose alternative nail treatments that do not require UV lamps, such as dip nails.
While limiting gel manicures is not solely about reducing UV exposure, taking breaks between treatments is recommended to maintain nail health. Ensuring strong and healthy nails and applying SPF to the hands and fingers can also help reduce the need to limit gel manicures.
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Solvents and chemicals
Excess exposure to UV light from sunbeds, natural sunlight, and computer screens can also cause gel nail polish to fade. This is because UV light can cause the colour pigment to undergo a chemical change, which results in the gel colour fading. Therefore, it is important to protect your nails from excessive sunlight exposure when outdoors and to not store your nail products in direct sunlight.
To prevent gel nail polish from fading due to solvents and chemicals, it is recommended to apply two thorough gel top coats, which can help to deter UV light from penetrating the colour. Additionally, if clients are using chemicals such as insect repellent, hair colour, or fake tan, it is recommended to wear gloves or apply a clear nail polish over the gel polish, replacing it every few days.
It is also important to note that some pigments used in cosmetics are more likely to fade than others due to their chemical structure. For example, pink pigments are more likely to fade, and nail polishes are more prone to fading than colour gels. Therefore, it is recommended to use a thicker top coat and apply two layers to provide more protection and prevent fading.
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Incorrect application
It is important to use the right top coat and to apply two layers of it. The top coat acts as a barrier against chemical exposure, protecting the colour underneath. In extreme cases of fading, it is a sign that not enough top coat has been applied.
The stability of the colour formulation is a requirement for all nail coatings, and these products contain special colour stabilisers. However, some pigments used in cosmetics are more likely to fade than others due to their chemical structure. Pink pigments, in particular, are more likely to fade.
It is also important to avoid getting makeup and similar products on the surface of the nails. Solvents such as insect repellent and sunscreen can cause problems. Clients should be advised to wipe their nails or wash their hands immediately after application.
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Pigments and colourants
The pigments and colourants in gel nail polish are susceptible to fading due to several factors. Firstly, UV exposure plays a significant role in colour alteration. While UV light is commonly associated with sunbeds and natural sunlight, it is important to remember that even working at a computer screen can contribute to UV exposure. This exposure causes a chemical change in the colourant, resulting in fading or a shift in colour. Additionally, certain pigments, such as pinks and corals, are more prone to fading than others due to their chemical structure.
To prevent fading, it is recommended to apply two generous gel top coats, which can act as a barrier against UV rays and protect the colour. This is especially important for clients who plan to engage in activities with chemicals such as insect repellent, hair colour, fake tan, or smoking. In such cases, applying a clear nail polish over the gel polish can provide additional protection.
The thickness of the gel polish application also impacts its resistance to fading. If applied too thinly, the colour is more likely to fade, while applying it too thickly can lead to chipping and improper curing. Therefore, it is crucial to achieve the right balance of thickness during application.
Furthermore, certain solvents can contribute to the fading of gel nail polish. Solvents like insect repellent and sunscreen contain DEET, which can dissolve and affect nail products. Clients should be advised to wipe their nails or wash their hands after applying such products. Creating an aftercare sheet with these instructions can help clients maintain their manicure.
It is worth noting that the stability of the colour formulation is crucial for nail coatings. While colour stabilisers are added to these products, some pigments are more susceptible to fading due to their sensitivity to chemical exposure during daily activities. This includes activities such as bathing, house cleaning, and swimming. Therefore, it is recommended to take precautions like drying nails after swimming and wearing gloves during certain tasks to minimise exposure to chemicals.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several reasons why your gel nail polish may be fading. Firstly, exposure to UV light from sources such as sunlight, computer screens, and sunbeds can cause the colour to fade. Additionally, certain chemicals and solvents, such as chlorine, insect repellent, and sunscreen, can also contribute to fading. Furthermore, the application process is important, and applying the gel too thinly or thickly can result in fading. Finally, some colours, especially pinks and corals, are more prone to fading due to their chemical structure.
To prevent fading, it is recommended to avoid excessive UV exposure and to use products that offer more protection, such as thicker top coats. Additionally, drying nails after swimming and washing hands after applying certain chemicals can help reduce the impact of bleaching agents and solvents.
In some cases, gel nail polish may change colour due to a chemical reaction with cosmetics, cleaning agents, or other chemicals. This can include exposure to lotions, bleach, or tanning products. In other cases, it may be due to the use of mood-changing nail polish that alters colour with temperature changes.
