We know how frustrating it can be when your Gel Polish starts lifting after just a few days. You feel like you’ve been careful, and you simply can’t understand why it isn’t staying put. But don’t worry — this blog post takes a closer look at why your Gel Polish may lift and hopefully helps you keep your beautiful nails looking great for longer.
This is a common reason why your Gel Polish may lift. If you apply your Base Coat or Color Coat in a layer that is too thick, it may eventually lift because the product has not had enough curing time. On the other hand, if you apply a layer that is too thin, you may over-cure it, which can prevent the other products from bonding properly. Unfortunately, this can lead to reduced durability, which will usually show first at the free edges of the nail. That’s why it’s incredibly important to pay attention to how much product you apply.
What can I do?
The most important thing is to correct the mistake immediately, before you start curing. If you have already cured the nail, you will need to remove the product and start again. Fixing the mistake right away will help prevent your Gel Polish from lifting.
One of the main reasons Gel Polish lifts is moisture. Nails act like a sponge and absorb water, which can cause them to expand. As they dry, they shrink back again. If you apply your Gel Polish after your nails have been exposed to water or products that leave moisture on the nails, this can cause the cured Gel Polish to lift. This happens because the nails shrink as they dry, which can cause the Gel Polish to pull with the nail and lift.
How can you prevent damp nails?
Before applying your products, we recommend washing your hands and then drying them thoroughly. We consider hand washing an important step in maintaining good hygiene. Next, prep your nails carefully so the rest of the products can adhere better to the nail plate. We recommend using our Primer or PH Bond to dehydrate the nails and remove moisture and your nails’ natural oils.
Yep, it’s true. Many people don’t realize that mixing products from different brands can make quite a difference – whether it’s colors, different coats, or your lamp. Products from different brands can vary depending on the chemicals used and the power of the lamp. So, by mixing your products with other brands, you can compromise both the result and the durability of your Gel Polish. This can happen partly because the curing time may be affected. You can therefore help prevent your Gel Polish from lifting if you only use products from one brand – preferably our fantastic products ;-)
Even more benefits
Not only will you help prevent your Gel Polish from lifting, but you will also help avoid developing allergies, discoloration, and product shrinkage.
Did you know that it is incredibly important to prep your nails thoroughly before applying our products? Prepping your nails is essential for removing cuticle tissue. Cuticle tissue is the dead tissue found on the nail plate and around the cuticle area. If you apply Gel Polish without prepping, you risk the Gel Polish lifting, as it can bond to the dead skin instead of adhering properly to the nail plate. Not only is cuticle tissue removed, but dust and other debris are also removed from the nail plate. Your nails will thank you for it!
Not sure how to prep? Or whether you have done it correctly? See our step-by-step guide here
We often see Gel Polish lifting when product has come into contact with the skin. Your Gel Polish may then start to lift – especially along the free edge of the nail. This happens because your skin produces oil and moisture, and if they come into contact with your Gel Polish, it cannot adhere properly. That’s why it’s so important to avoid getting product on your skin when applying our products. Unfortunately, there are also other downsides to skin contact, such as an increased risk of allergic reactions, discoloration, and shrinkage.
What should I do if I get product on my skin?
As mentioned earlier in the blog post, you should remove it before curing your nails. You can, for example, use our orangewood sticks to gently remove any product from your skin.