Peeling your gel polish might seem like a quick fix, but it can lead to more problems than you might think. If you’re noticing that your gel is coming off within a week, there could be multiple reasons behind it. Often, the issue lies in curing your gel polish with the wrong lamp. LED lamps with high wattage might cause the top layer to burn, leaving the inside of the polish uncured, preventing proper polymerize.
It’s crucial to use the right lamp that works within the proper wattage range, like Pink Gellac’s low wattage lamps, around 7-12 Watts or 25 Watts, for the best result. Another mistake that leads to peeling is improper nail prep. Failing to degrease your nail plate with a Polishing Block or skipping the Prep Booster can create a barrier that prevents your gel polish from adhering properly.
Also, nails that are damaged or softer can result in poor adhesion, causing the polish to chip easily. Make sure to avoid using your nails as tools and always seal the edges, sides, and tips of your nails with a Top Coat to prevent lifting.
60 Second Summary:
Wrong Lamp Usage: Using the wrong wattage or an old lamp can prevent the gel from curing properly, leading to peeling.
Damaged or Soft Nails: Weak nails struggle to hold gel polish; use strengtheners like Rubber Base for better adhesion.
Sealing & Care: Always seal the edges, tips, and sides with a Top Coat and avoid filing right after application.
Nail Biting & Picking: Avoid biting or picking your nails, as this damages the gel, causing it to peel prematurely.
Key Causes Why Gel Polish Peels Off?
The peeling of gel nails is a common problem that many face, and the cause can often be traced to a few key factors. One reason is incorrect filing; filing the nails too aggressively or in the wrong direction can lead to improper gel adhesion.
Another common issue is insufficient cuticle prep; if the cuticles aren’t properly cleaned or pushed back, it can prevent the gel polish from sticking well, leading to peeling. Additionally, oils left on the nail plate or improper removal of them can form a barrier that stops the gel polish from bonding to the nail surface.
Importance of Curing and Lamp Conditions
Another common reason for gel polish peeling off quickly is using the wrong lamp or an old lamp. You need to make sure you’re curing your gel polish under the right conditions, especially when it comes to the wattage of your LED lamps. Not all lamps are created equal, and high-wattage lamps can actually burn the polish.
This is similar to putting something in an oven that’s set too high—the top layer burns, while the inside is still not fully polymerized. To get the best results, make sure you are using a Pink Gellac lamp or one that works with low wattage, ideally in the range of 7-12 Watts or 25 Watts. Using the right lamp ensures the gel cures properly and lasts longer without peeling.
Finally, even if you apply the gel perfectly, using a curing lamp with a damaged bulb or an old bulb that’s no longer effective can result in the gel polish not curing properly. Even when applied well, the nails may not cure as they should, which weakens the gel’s adhesion, causing it to peel prematurely.
Curious about other nail options? Check out our Beginner’s guide to Gel-X nails for a fresh alternative.
Factors Affecting Gel Polish Durability and Fixing Peeling Issues
1. Nail Prep Mistakes That Lead to Gel Polish Peeling
Proper preparation of your nails is essential for ensuring gel polish sticks and doesn’t peel off easily. First, always make sure to polish the nail plate using a Polishing Block or a nail file with a 180 grit. Afterward, use a Cleaner to degrease the nails and remove any oils or debris. Don’t use products like acetone or regular nail polish remover as they can leave moisture or oils on your nails, which won’t work well with the gel polish.
To prevent this, apply the Prep Booster before your Base Coat to neutralize oils and ensure your gel polish lasts longer. Warm water, creams, and oils should also be avoided for at least an hour before and after application to prevent any unwanted reactions. Taking your time to do a proper nail prep is worth it for a longer-lasting manicure.
2. Fixing Peeling Gel Manicure
If your gel polish has peeled off, it’s essential to treat your nails with care to get them back in shape. First, ensure you prep your nails gently by buffing the surface with a sponge buffer. This helps create a texture that allows the adhesive and base coat to bond well with your nails. Be sure to apply a flexible base like Mega Stick Base that will protect your nails and give them the strength they need.
Next, apply a builder gel for added growth and protection. This will not only make your nails stronger but also prevent them from breaking and becoming bendy again. Finish off with a top coat to seal everything and ensure a safe gel manicure. If needed, use an e-file for more precision while removing any excess gel polish or scraping to avoid damaging your nails further.
3. The Importance of Correct Hand Position in the Lamp
It’s surprising how a simple mistake, like an incorrect position in the lamp, can ruin a gel polish manicure. Many people forget to position their fingers properly under the light. This mistake often happens with the thumb, where the thumb hardening is not as effective because the thumb is not correctly placed. Make sure your fingers are flat and centered under the lamp to ensure the light touches the entire nail evenly.
If you’re using a compact LED lamp, you can place up to 4 fingers at a time and harden the thumb separately. Some premium LED lamps even have a special recess for your middle finger, making it easier to position your hand and get perfect nail touch during curing. Always be mindful of lamp placement for the best result.
4. How Damaged or Soft Nails Affect Gel Polish
If your nails are damaged or softer, this could be a major reason why your gel polish peels off quickly. Damaged nails are usually thinner and more flexible, making it harder for gel polish to adhere properly. Without proper adhesion, the gel will eventually chip and come off.
If your nails are in poor condition, it’s a good idea to take a break from gel polish and use something like Nail Recovery to nourish and restore your nail plate. You can also try a Rubber Base for added strength when applying Base Coat, which helps protect softer nails from peeling and ensures your gel polish lasts longer.
5. Why Using Your Nails as Tools Can Ruin Your Manicure
It’s tempting to use your nails for small tasks, but doing so will harm your manicure. Nails aren’t meant to be used as tools like a Stanley knife. This can cause the gel polish to peel or chip off.
Instead, always use the proper tools for the job, like scissors or a proper scraper. By working smart and not hard, you can avoid unnecessary damage to your gel polish and ensure your manicure stays intact.
6. The Importance of Sealing and Avoiding Filing Your Nails Right After Application
After applying your gel polish, it’s essential to seal it with a Top Coat to prevent it from peeling or lifting. Don’t forget to cover the edges, sides, bottom, and tip of the nail. If you miss these areas, it can cause the gel polish to lift and peel.
Wood stick or a Cuticle Pusher is handy for cleaning up any spilled gel on the skin around the nails. Filing your nails after applying the Top Coat is also a mistake, as it can remove the protective layer and cause peeling. Always seal your gel polish properly and avoid filing to maintain a long-lasting, flawless manicure.
7. Choosing the Right Base Coat for Your Nails
Not all Base Coats are the same. It’s crucial to find the one that works best for your specific nail type. Using the wrong Base Coat can lead to peeling or lifting of your gel polish. Different Base Coats are formulated for different nail needs, so you should try out a few to find your favorites.
Whether you need a stronger adhesion or a smoother finish, choosing the correct Base Coat can significantly improve the durability of your gel polish and reduce peeling over time.
8. Why Applying Gel Polish Too Thickly Can Lead to Peeling
One mistake that often leads to peeling is applying gel polish too thickly. A thick layer of gel polish might seem like a good idea, but it can actually cause the gel polish to wrinkle in the lamp and not polymerize properly. If there is still uncured gel under the cured layer, the gel polish will not adhere as well to your nails, creating a slippery layer that can peel off easily.
To avoid this, apply two thin layers of gel polish instead of one thick one. If you need more coverage, applying three thinner layers is always better than two thicker ones. Curing each layer properly will ensure the gel polish bonds well to your nails.
9. The Risks of Mixing Different Gel Polish Brands
When mixing different brands of gel polish, you might run into issues. Different brands may have incompatible formulas or require different wattage to polymerize properly. This can lead to peeling or improper curing, which is why it’s always best to use products from the same brand.
Pink Gellac products are formulated to work together, providing the optimal result when used as a complete system. Avoid combining brands unless you are certain they work well together to ensure the best gel polish application.
10. How Nail Biting and Picking Affect Your Manicure
Nail biting and picking are common habits that can significantly reduce the lifespan of your manicure. When you bite or pick at your nails, you damage the gel polish, causing it to peel off prematurely.
If you struggle with this habit, try applying Rubber Base to give your nails added strength and reduce the temptation to pick at them. Becoming more aware of this habit can help, and over time, you’ll find that your gel polish lasts longer if you stop biting and picking.
FAQS
Why Did Gel Nails Peel Off?
Premature removal of gel nails can happen due to a few common factors. Improper application techniques, such as not filing properly before applying gel, can cause the gel to lift. Wearing gel for too long without regular breaks weakens the nails. Also, unsanitary tools or environments during application can lead to peeling. Incorrect removal techniques and using the wrong products can also cause your gel nails to peel off early.
What is Peel-Off Gel Polish?
Peel-off gel polish is a special kind of polish that starts with a peelable base. You apply this base to your nail and let it air dry before applying your regular polish. This creates a barrier between your natural nail and the polish. Thanks to this, you can easily peel off the polish later without the need for harsh removal products, which can sometimes be damaging to your nails.
As someone who’s tried this, I love how convenient it is. It gives me the flexibility to change my look without worrying about damaging my natural nails. It’s a quick and easy process that doesn’t involve any extra tools or effort!
What is Peel-Off Gel Polish?
Peel-off gel polish is designed to be gentle on your natural nails. Typically, gel manicures should be kept on for about two to three weeks, and at most, four weeks. Any longer, and the nails become prone to breaking due to the wear and tear from the previous weeks. It’s essential to remove the gel at the right time to prevent damage to your nails.
From my experience, it’s always best to follow the recommended timeline to avoid any unwanted harm to your natural nails. Keeping them on too long can affect the strength of your nails, making them weaker and more susceptible to damage.
