Do your cuticles peel after getting a gel manicure? If so, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common complaints about gel manicures and it’s usually due to improper hydration before the application process. Proper treatment for this condition will depend on what caused your cuticles to peel in the first place. Read on to find out more!
Why do Cuticles Peel after a gel manicure?
Cuticles are the thin layer of skin that surrounds each nail. They serve as a barrier between the nail and the environment, protecting the underlying tissue from bacteria and other contaminants. When they’re healthy, cuticles are smooth and well-hydrated. However, when they become dry or cracked, they can easily peel off after a gel manicure.
What are the causes of dry, peeling cuticles?
There are several factors that can contribute to dry, peeling cuticles. Below are some of the most common causes:
- Improper hydration before getting a gel manicure. This is by far the most common cause of cuticle peel after a gel manicure. Make sure you drink plenty of water and moisturize your cuticles regularly to prevent them from drying out.
- Cuticle oil not penetrating the skin deeply enough. If you use cuticle oil at home, make sure it actually penetrates the layers of your cuticles and nail fold before getting a gel manicure. Otherwise, they will still be dry underneath even if you do see some initial improvement after using cuticle oil.
- Improper application process during a gel manicure. If the technician doesn’t remove all of your old nail polish and properly prepare your nails before applying the new coat, you will have less than optimal results even if she does an excellent job with the actual gel manicure! Make sure you communicate to her how much dry polish you have on your nails and what kind of shape you want them to be in.
- Excessive use of acetone during a gel manicure removal process. If you’re not careful, the acetone used to remove your old gel polish can also dry out and damage your cuticles. Make sure you use a gentle hand when removing your gel polish and try to avoid using too much acetone.
- Nail biting or picking at your cuticles. This is a bad habit that can easily lead to dry, peeling cuticles. If you can’t break the habit, make sure you keep your nails trimmed short so there’s less temptation to bite them!
These factors can all contribute to dry, peeling cuticles. However, there are a few things you can do to help prevent them from happening.
Tips to Avoid Peeling and Dry Cuticles
Once you’ve determined the cause of your dry, peeling cuticles, you can begin to treat them accordingly. Here are a few tips:
- Drink plenty of water and moisturize regularly. This is essential for keeping your cuticles healthy and hydrated.
- Use penetrating cuticle oil. Look for an oil that contains vitamin E and jojoba oil, which are both known for their hydrating properties.
- Avoid using excessive acetone when removing your gel polish. Try using a gentle hand and only use as much acetone as necessary to remove the polish.
- Break the bad habit of nail biting or picking at your cuticles.
- If necessary, speak to your technician during a gel manicure appointment and explain what kind of shape you’d like your nails to be in. This will help them know how much preparation is required before applying the new coat of polish.
Hopefully these tips will help you overcome your problem with cuticle peel after a gel manicure. If the issue persists, be sure to consult a doctor or dermatologist for further treatment options.
How to fix peeled cuticles after a gel manicure?
There are several ways to fix peeling cuticles after a gel manicure. Follow these steps below:
Step 1: Exfoliate your hands with sugar or sea salt mixed with olive oil or coconut oil. Make sure you gently rub the exfoliant into your skin in small, circular motions for at least five minutes before rinsing off and patting your hands dry.
Step 2: Apply a thick layer of cuticle oil to your hands and massage it into your cuticles and nail folds. Leave the oil on for at least 15 minutes before wiping off any excess with a tissue.
Step 3: Soak your hands in a bowl of warm water mixed with some Epsom salt for about 20 minutes. This will help soften your cuticles and make them less prone to peeling.
Step 4: Trim your nails short and file them into the desired shape. This will help keep you from biting or picking at your cuticles, which can lead to further dryness and peeling.
Steps above are simple and easy to do. You can try them out at home by yourself or ask for your technician’s help during the process if you’re not confident in doing it on your own yet.
These tips should be able to fix peeling cuticles after a gel manicure, but also remember that proper nail care goes beyond just your nails. If you’re suffering from dry skin on other parts of your body, it could be the reason why peeling cuticles are happening to begin with. Make sure you drink plenty of water and moisturize regularly for healthy looking hands!
Is it possible to get a gel manicure without experiencing a peeling cuticle after?
Yes, it is possible to get a gel manicure without experiencing a peeling cuticle after. However, it’s important that you communicate with your technician about the shape and condition of your nails so they can give you the best results possible. If you have dry, peeling cuticles, there are several ways to treat them so they don’t cause further damage.
Step-by-step instructions for a gel manicure that won’t leave your cuticle peeling
Step 1: Make sure your nails are clean and free of any oils or lotions before starting the manicure.
Step 2: Apply a thin coat of primer to each nail and wait for it to dry completely.
Step 3: Apply the first coat of gel polish and cure under the LED light for 30 seconds or UV light for two minutes.
Step 4: Repeat the above step with the second coat of gel polish, curing for an additional 30 seconds under the LED light or two minutes in a UV lamp.
Step 5: Apply one final layer of topcoat to each nail and cure again for another minute.
Step 6: Remove sticky residue from nails using acetone before applying cuticle oil to your hands and massaging it in.
Steps above should help you achieve a gel manicure that won’t leave your cuticle peeling. Remember to communicate with your technician about the condition of your nails and what kind of shape they’d like before starting the process.
These steps will work for any type of gel manicures, even those involving glitter or other embellishments. Enjoy your long-lasting, chip-free gel manicure!
Conclusion
In conclusion, cuticles peel after a gel manicure for a variety of reasons: from improper nail care to dehydration and other skin conditions. However, there are several ways to treat peeling cuticles so they don’t cause further damage. Simply follow the steps listed in this post and you should be able to achieve a long-lasting, chip-free gel manicure without any problems!
Now that you know how to prevent your cuticles from peeling after a gel manicure, don’t forget to take care of the rest of your hands as well. Drink plenty of water and moisturize regularly for healthy looking skin all over!
