Gel polish is a popular manicure that doesn’t chip for two weeks. Unfortunately, some gel polishes peel off in one piece after time, leaving you with an uneven edge. This post will discuss the causes of this problem and how to fix it so your mani lasts!
People often ask; Why Does My Gel Polish Peel Off In One Piece? To avoid this, you must be thorough and accurate when performing the procedure. Let’s get started.
Why Does My Gel Polish Peel Off In One Piece?
There are a few factors that might be triggering your gel polish to peel away in one piece.
- The first being improper preparation of the nails. This means not buffing and filing them properly before you apply the gel polish. If there is any residue or dust on the nails it will create a barrier and prevent the gel polish from adhering correctly.
- Second, is using a poor quality or old gel polish. Gel polishes have a shelf life and if they are too old they will not adhere correctly to the nail.
- And lastly, not curing the nails long enough or using scuffed nails as a base before applying the color coats. This will cause the gel polish to chip prematurely.
How to avoid peeling off
The best way to prevent your gel polish from peeling off is by following these simple steps:
- Buff and file the nails properly before applying the gel polish
- Make sure the nails are clean and free of any dust or residue
- Use a high quality, fresh gel polish
- Apply a layer of gel polish to the nails then cure. Repeat this step one more time
- Finish with gel top coat and cure until hard
If you follow these steps your manicure will last much longer than if you don’t.
Proper application of gel polish:
- Make sure the surface is free of all oil, sealants or any other contaminant that may prevent adhesion.
- Apply a very thin first coat. This will serve as your “sealer” and prime the nail for polish application. This means that it must be applied thinly from cuticle to tip without caking up around the cuticle area! It should not run on top of itself on the sidewalls because these areas never stickdown anyway due to curvature of the natural nail. With proper primer application, you can sand if necessary and repeat a second time for a flawless stick down every time!
- Pass through cuticle area lightly with tackless strip to remove excess product from skin prior to curing – this is VERY IMPORTANT or you will have a gooey mess on your hands and nails!
- Cure in LED light for 30 seconds (or 2 minutes in UV light).
- Apply a second coat – same instructions as above.
- Repeat step 4 and 5 twice
- Wipe off tacky layers with an alcohol pad.
- Enjoy your long-lasting gel polish!
Gel polish needs regular upkeep to maintain its shine and health.
- Apply a thin layer on top of unpolished nails and rub it in evenly on each finger with your finger tips. Use very little gel on each finger. A puddle of gel should form at the bottom of your palm when you hold it horizontally with fingers facing down.
- Place hands under a UV lamp to allow gel to set.
- Apply thin layers every 2-3 days to keep your manicure fresh for up to two weeks.
- Carry a nail file with you in case the gel polish breaks so you can fix it when needed.
- Clean nails in warm water and soap after removing the color coat. Make sure all traces of polish are removed before re-applying the top coat again.
- Rub moisturizer into cuticles at night before bed.
FAQs
How to rework gel polish that has been peeled off?
If it is possible, remove the remaining gel polish with acetone (best) or nail polish remover (acetone-free). After that you can apply a new layer of top coat. You should be careful not to touch the bare area where the previous top coat had been removed. Otherwise, it could get messy…
What if reworking isn’t an option?
In this case, removing the old layer with a buffer/sander comes in handy! I would advise you to use a file instead of sanding discs for example. It’s safer and might give better results when filing away stubborn areas.
Please note: Might cause damage on natural nails when using very hard tools such as files or sanding blocks. Proceed with caution.
Why is it important to apply the primer?
The primer serves as a layer between the nail and the polish, and helps the polish adhere to the nail better. Without a primer, the polish may not stick to the nail as well, and may peel off in one piece.
Why is it important to wipe off the tacky layer?
The tacky layer is a layer of residue that is left on the nail after curing the polish. This layer needs to be removed before applying the top coat, or else the top coat will not adhere to the nail properly. Wiping it off with an alcohol pad will remove the residue and allow for a proper seal.
How long does it last?
Gel Polish should last 2-3 weeks without chipping if applied correctly. There are many things that can affect how long it lasts, such as: diet, smoking, exposure to sunlight, nail shape, acetone usage, minerals in water (hard or soft), and the specific gel polish brand used.
Is it normal for my nails to look cloudy after removing gel polish?
Yes! The cloudiness will go away over time as your nails continue to grow out. Removing the top coat during this process is discouraged because removing the top coat will further expose the nail plate which makes it more difficult for it to recover.
Can I use regular nail polish over my gel polish?
No. Gel Polish needs to be removed with acetone or a special remover before using regular nail polish. Applying regular nail polish over gel may cause the regular nail polish to peel off in one piece as well.
Just remember!
Gel polish works in the same way as regular nail polish, with several benefits. Gel polish lasts longer without chipping or smudging compared to traditional nail polishes. Additionally, your nails are left shiny and smooth after applying gel polish. Lastly, gel polish can be applied easily using a UV or LED lamp that hardens the gel coating instantly upon exposure to light.
If you file your natural nails before applying a thin layer of primer to them, this forms an adhesive surface onto which the gel coat will securely anchor itself onto your nails for a strong finish that is not going anywhere anytime soon! The reason why your mani doesn’t stay on for long could be due to the fact that you may have filed too much of your own natural nail away (down to the lower layers of your own nails) which causes them to be weak and not as adhesive.
For you to get a lasting gel mani, don’t file the natural nail too much before applying the primer! You can always file off more if needed once you know where to stop. Also, it’s important that you save up enough time and prepare adequately for your appointment:
- Pick a day when you’re free and can stay at home without plans for about 3 hours. That should give your manicurist ample time for proper application and drying/curing; plus any clean-up or corrections should be minimal after she’s done with you!
- Unless you add on any other extras such as a French manicure or nail art, gel polish usually lasts between 2-3 weeks without chipping or peeling. If you’re someone who likes to keep their nails well groomed and polished at all times, then a gel mani is definitely the way to go! Just be sure to protect them from harsh chemicals and daily abuse (and avoid opening any cans with your nails please!) and they should stay nice and strong for a while.
Conclusion
To get the most out of your gel mani, remember to apply a thin layer of primer to your nails before applying the polish, and to wipe off the tacky layer after curing. Gel polish should last between two and three weeks without chipping or smudging.
If you’re someone who likes to keep their nails well groomed and polished at all times, then a gel mani is definitely the way to go! Just be sure to protect them from harsh chemicals and daily abuse (and avoid opening any cans with your nails please!) and they should stay nice and strong for a while.
