Isla Bennett
Gel nail polish is known for its durability and long-lasting wear, but several factors can cause it to lift or chip. These include poor preparation, such as insufficient removal of natural oils and dehydration of the nail plate; improper application, including not filing or buffing the nails before application; exposure to moisture and oils; and thick coats of polish. Additionally, individual factors such as body chemistry, previous nail services, and diet can also play a role in gel polish adherence. To prevent gel polish from lifting or chipping, proper nail care and preparation, thin layers of polish, capping the free edge, and avoiding moisture are recommended.
Why won't gel polish stay on my nails?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oily nail beds | Some people have "oily" nail beds which may cause gel polish to not last longer than a few days. |
| Poor preparation | If the nail bed isn't prepped correctly, the gel polish may not adhere to the nail properly and may start chipping or peeling soon after application. |
| Improper application | Nails that weren't filed before gel polish application can also cause peeling. Thick coats of gel polish, insufficient curing times, and not capping the free edge can also lead to chipping and peeling. |
| Exposure to moisture and oils | Exposure to water and oils can cause gel polish to lift. 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. |
| Body chemistry | Some people's body chemistry may not allow gel to work for them. |
| Previous nail extensions | Previous nail extensions can play a part in the bonding of the gel product to the natural nail if the nails were damaged from the previous services. |
| Poor circulation, diet, medication, stress | These factors can also play a part in nails lifting. |
| Incorrect lamp usage | Some gel polishes need UV light to cure, while others need LED. Some brands require specific watts to cure under specific time frames. |
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What You'll Learn
Poor preparation
Proper nail care before applying gel polish is essential. This includes filing your nails, removing any natural debris, and pushing back your cuticles. Additionally, some people have oily nail beds, which can cause the gel polish to lift and peel prematurely. In such cases, a stronger primer or different brand may be required.
The curing process of your nails directly impacts how long the polish will stay in place. If you are using an old lamp with damaged bulbs, the light may not be strong enough for colour penetration, leading to premature chipping and peeling. Different gel brands have specific curing requirements, such as recommended watts, type of light, and curing time, which should be followed accordingly.
Applying thin, smooth, and even layers of gel polish is crucial for long-lasting results. Thick layers of gel polish can lead to easier peeling and picking. Capping the free edge of the nail by applying the gel polish to the tip and sealing it with a base coat can also help prevent chipping or lifting.
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Improper application
Additionally, applying thick coats of gel polish can lead to peeling. It is recommended to use thin, smooth, and even layers of gel polish, as thick layers may not cure correctly and cause the polish to flake away. Each coat should be cured fully using an LED/UV light, following the manufacturer's recommended curing time.
Another crucial step is to cap the free edge or seal the tip of the nail. This involves applying the gel polish to the tip of the nail and sealing it with a base coat to prevent chipping or lifting.
It is also important to consider the type of lamp and its wattage, as some gel polishes require specific lights and curing times. An old lamp with damaged bulbs may not properly cure the polish, leading to premature chipping and peeling.
Following these steps and ensuring proper application will help prevent gel polish from lifting and peeling prematurely.
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Exposure to moisture and oils
Some people naturally have oily nail beds, which can cause gel polish to lift prematurely. Removing natural oils and dehydrating the nail plate is required for a long-lasting gel manicure. Many technicians use acetone before applying gel polish to prevent this, but excessive use of acetone can further compromise the integrity of the product, leading to chipping and lifting.
If you have very oily nails, your therapist should be able to use a stronger primer or advise you on the best course of action.
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Body chemistry
Additionally, factors such as poor circulation, diet, medication, and stress can also affect nail health and contribute to lifting. It is important to ensure that your nails are healthy and clean before applying gel polish. This includes properly filing and removing any natural debris or cuticles from the nail bed, as well as removing excess oils and dehydrating the nail plate.
The application process is also crucial. It is recommended to use thin, even layers of gel polish, following the manufacturer's curing instructions. Thick coats of polish can lead to premature peeling. Capping the free edge of the nail by applying polish to the tip and sealing it with a base coat can also help prevent chipping.
Overall, while body chemistry can play a role in how well gel polish adheres to your nails, proper nail preparation and application techniques are key to ensuring the longevity of your manicure.
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Incorrect curing process
Gel polish is known for its durability and long-lasting wear. However, an incorrect curing process can cause the gel polish to lift and peel. Curing involves hardening the gel polish with an LED/UV light. The curing process directly impacts how long the polish will stay in place.
Firstly, the type of light used for curing is important. Some gel polishes need UV light to cure, while others require LED. The brand of gel polish will determine the specific watts, type of light, and curing time required. This information is usually found on the packaging. Using an incorrect light or curing time can result in insufficient curing.
Secondly, the thickness of the gel polish layers matters. Gel polish should be applied in thin, even layers as recommended by the manufacturer. Thick layers of gel polish will not cure correctly, causing the nail varnish to flake and peel prematurely.
Thirdly, the number of coats and curing times are crucial. Each layer of gel polish, including the base coat, colour coats, and top coat, should be cured fully. Insufficient curing times can lead to chipping and peeling.
Finally, the condition of the curing lamp can affect the process. If using an old lamp with damaged bulbs, the light intensity may be reduced, leading to incomplete curing. This can result in only the top layer being cured, while the lower layers remain untreated.
By following the correct curing process, you can ensure that your gel polish adheres properly to your nails and lasts longer without chipping or peeling.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several reasons why gel polish may not stay on your nails. One reason could be that your nail bed was not prepped correctly before the gel application. This includes removing natural oils and dehydrating the nail plate. Thick coats of gel polish, insufficient curing times, and not capping the free edge can also lead to chipping and peeling.
To make gel polish last longer, it is recommended to use thin, even layers of gel polish, following the manufacturer's recommended curing time. It is also important to avoid exposure to water and oils, as this can cause the gel polish to lift.
In addition to the above, it is suggested to use a primer before polishing as this ensures better adherence of the gel polish to the nail surface. It is also important to keep your hands as dry as possible on the day of your manicure and for at least 24 hours after.
