Ava Monroe
Gel nails are supposed to extend the time between nail appointments, but sometimes they chip or peel. There are many reasons why this might happen. It could be that your nails were not prepared properly before the gel application, or that the curing process was not done correctly. Other reasons include not following aftercare instructions, mismatching products, or purchasing low-quality products. If your nails are naturally very oily, you may also have problems with the gel polish sticking.
Why won't my gel nails stay on?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail preparation | The nail bed may not have been prepared correctly before the gel application. |
| Moisture | Too much water will cause your nails to expand, and when you apply polish to moist nails, they may begin chipping or peeling. |
| Oil | Oily nails can prevent gel polish from sticking. |
| Thickness of polish | Gel manicures should have thin and delicate layers. When applied too thickly, the polish won't cure correctly, causing the nail varnish to flake away. |
| Curing | Gel nails may not have been cured properly, causing them to discolour or lose their shine. |
| Primer | Primer before polishing ensures better adherence of the gel polish onto the nail surface. |
| Aftercare | Failure to follow aftercare advice, such as wearing gloves when doing chores, can cause gel nails to lift and peel. |
| Individual factors | Poor circulation, diet, medication, stress, and previous nail damage can cause gel nails to lift. |
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Poor nail preparation
To effectively prepare your nails, start by removing any previous nail polish or residue. This can be done using a nail polish remover or acetone. Next, push back your cuticles using a sharp cuticle pusher or a cuticle pusher soaked in soapy water. By pushing back your cuticles, you create a clean surface for the gel polish to adhere to, reducing the risk of lifting and peeling.
Additionally, it is important to remove any excess oil from your nails before applying gel nail polish. You can use a nail prep wipe solution, rubbing alcohol, or acetone to ensure your nails are clean and ready for the gel application. It is also recommended to avoid touching your nails with your fingers after wiping them with rubbing alcohol, as the oils from your fingertips can transfer onto your nails.
Another aspect of proper nail preparation is ensuring that your nails are filed and shaped. Filing helps to remove any oil, dead cuticle tissue, and uneven surfaces, creating a smooth base for the gel polish to adhere to. It is recommended to use a 180-grit nail file for this step.
Finally, it is crucial to ensure that your nails are completely dry before applying gel nail polish. This means avoiding any contact with water for a significant period before the application. Nails are porous and can absorb water, causing them to expand. If you apply gel nail polish to moist nails, they may begin to chip or peel sooner than expected as the nails dry out and return to their original size.
By following these nail preparation steps, you can improve the adhesion and longevity of your gel nail polish, preventing premature chipping and peeling.
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Excess moisture
If your gel nails are exposed to excess moisture, they will be more prone to chipping and peeling. This is because nails are porous and can absorb water, causing them to expand. If you apply gel polish to moist nails, they may begin chipping or peeling sooner than they should. As the nails dry out and shrink back to their original size, the gel polish will slide or peel off.
To prevent this, it is important to ensure that your nails are dry before applying gel polish. Avoid painting your nails too soon after having a bath or shower, or after any activities that involve immersing your nails in water, such as swimming or washing dishes.
Additionally, the natural oils on your nails can also impact the adhesion of gel polish. It is recommended to use a nail prep wipe solution or rubbing alcohol to remove any oily residue from the surface of your nails before application. This will help ensure that the gel polish properly bonds to your nails.
If you are experiencing issues with gel polish adhesion due to excess moisture or oil, you may also want to consider using a stronger primer or a nail dehydrator product. These products can help remove moisture and oil from your nails, creating a better surface for the gel polish to adhere to.
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Oily nails
If you have very oily nails, your gel manicure may not last long. This is because gel nail polish needs a slightly rough surface to adhere to, and oil can prevent this adhesion. Before applying gel nail polish, it is important to remove any oils from the surface of your nails. You can do this by wiping your nails with a nail prep wipe solution or rubbing alcohol.
Additionally, it is crucial to avoid touching your nails with your fingers after wiping them with rubbing alcohol, as the oils on your fingertips will transfer onto your nails. It is also recommended to avoid applying any products to your nails or hands before painting them, as these products may contain conditioners that add moisture or oil. This includes cuticle oil, hand cream, and sunscreen. Instead, apply these products after your manicure.
To further prevent issues with gel nail polish adhesion, you can lightly buff your nails to remove the shiny layer of your natural nail. Filing your nails to the desired shape and cleansing them with 70% alcohol will also help remove any dust, dirt, or oils that may interfere with the adhesion of the gel polish.
If you continue to experience problems with gel nail polish not adhering to your nails, it may be due to your body chemistry. Some people naturally have oilier nail beds, which can make it difficult for gel nail polish to properly adhere. In this case, you may need to consult a professional nail technician for advice. They may recommend using a stronger primer or suggest alternative nail treatments.
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Incorrect curing
One reason why gel nail polish may not stay on is due to over-curing, which can cause the gel nails to discolour or lose their shine. Over-curing can occur when the gel nails are cured for too long or when the UV light is too strong. This can result in a dull finish on the gel nails. Additionally, using a low-wattage UV LED lamp can cause the gel polish to be under-cured, especially if it is not powerful enough to penetrate through to the lower layers of polish. In this case, upgrading to a more powerful lamp is recommended.
Improper removal of the sticky inhibition layer after curing can also cause gel nail polish to lift and peel prematurely. This layer should be removed with a specialised cleanser or foil/plastic-backed pad soaked with 99% Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA). Using acetone to remove this layer should be avoided, as it can dull the finish and break down the topcoat, impacting the adhesion of subsequent layers of polish.
The application process before curing is also crucial to ensuring the gel nail polish adheres correctly. The nail plate should be properly prepared by removing any excess cuticle skin and pushing back the cuticles with a sharp cuticle pusher. Additionally, the nails should be cleaned with a nail prep wipe solution, rubbing alcohol, or acetone to remove any oily residue and moisture, which can interfere with the adhesion of the gel polish. Thin, smooth layers of gel polish should then be applied, as thicker layers are more prone to peeling and can prevent the lower layers from being properly cured.
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Inadequate aftercare
To prevent this, you can use a Nail Prep Dehydrate and Xtra Bond Primer before applying the gel nail polish. Additionally, it is crucial to remove any oil and moisture from your nails before the application. Oils and moisture can prevent the gel polish from properly bonding to your nails by creating a barrier between the gel polish and the nail plate. You can use a nail prep wipe solution, rubbing alcohol, or acetone to clean your nails and remove any oily residue. However, avoid touching your nails with your fingers after wiping them, as the oils from your fingertips can transfer onto your nails.
Furthermore, proper curing is essential for gel nails to stay on. If your gel nails are not cured properly, they can discolour or lose their shine. Try curing your gel nails for a shorter amount of time and experiment with different lamps, as some polishes and lamps may not be compatible. Also, ensure that you do not touch the nail during the application process, as this can lead to the transfer of oils from your fingertips, resulting in a dull finish.
Finally, it is important to remember that gel nails require regular moisturization. Your gel nails and cuticles should be moisturized, preferably with cuticle oil, twice a day to keep them hydrated and healthy. This will also help protect your polish and promote nail growth.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many reasons why gel nails may not stay on. One of the most common reasons is that your nails had too much moisture when the gel polish was applied. Nails are a bit like a sponge, so they can take on water and expand, and when you apply polish to moist nails, they may begin chipping or peeling sooner than they should.
You can try a Nail Prep Dehydrate and Xtra Bond Primer. You can also try to keep your hands as dry as possible on the day of your manicure.
Yes, there are several other reasons why your gel nails may not be staying on. These include: improper removal of the 'tacky' layer after curing, the nail plate not being prepared correctly before gel application, the gel polish being applied too thickly, and not following aftercare advice.
