Peeling gel polish is the top frustration for those sporting pretty manicures. It's frustrating to spend money on a beautiful gel manicure only for it to peel after a few days or to invest time in a DIY job that ends up going wrong. Luckily, the reasons behind gel nail polish peeling are avoidable. Not only can you take steps to prevent the dreaded peel, but some handy fixes can save your manicure—and they are easier than you might think.
Common Causes of Peeling Gel Polish
Common causes of peeling gel nails include:
- Incorrect filing- Insufficient cuticle prep
- Inadequate removal of oils on the nail
- The bulb in the curing lamp could also be damaged or older, rendering them less effective. This means that even perfectly applied nails don’t cure as they should
Improper Application Techniques
Applying gel polish properly is a step that can’t be stressed enough to avoid peels.
The first and second coats should be brushed on smoothly and sufficiently to get an opaque, beautiful color, but not so thick that the layers don’t cure properly.
It’s also imperative that no color make it onto the skin whatsoever. This stray color will form a ledge that, over days, will either peel on its own (taking the nail color with it) or cause the wearer to pick at it.
Inadequate Nail Prep
It may surprise you that the nail should not be buffed smooth, rather, lightly filed so it has a slight texture before gel application. In fact, too smooth of a nail can stop the gel from adhering properly, leaving it liable to peel quickly.
One also needs to ensure a great bond with the right nail preps and treatments. On natural nails, a strong prep coat will give the gel something to cling to.
Environmental Factors that Cause Gel Polish to Peel
Sometimes, even the perfect gel manicure can experience damage after application. If the wearer is prone to biting or picking at their nails, the prettiest job may start to peel. Likewise, exposure to too much hot water—such as doing dishes—will greatly shorten the life of your mani. Try using lukewarm water instead when possible, and using gloves when doing dishes, cleaning, and so on, to avoid over-exposure to water or chemicals.
How to Fix Peeling Gel Polish
Luckily, there is a quick-fix option for how to fix peeling gel polish. You need two tools in your arsenal: a file and a topcoat. Gently file the edges of a chip or peeling spot and seal it back up with a top coat. Voilà—the damage is under control! This is a good way to fix a small chip, but, if the gel polish is peeling quite a bit, it’s best to head back to the salon. Having the polish removed and reapplied will ensure that the natural nail isn’t damaged.
How to Prevent Your Gel Polish from Peeling
To prevent your gel polish from peeling, proper application and responsible upkeep are key. The first step, of course, is choosing the best gel polish for the job. Once you have left the salon, or put away your tools on a DIY job, keeping your nails out of water or cleaning products and not exposing them to harsh wear are critical. It is also important to keep your nails hydrated and flexible by using a good-quality cuticle oil several times a day.