Why Do My Gel Nails Peel Off?

aimspeci 3 weeks ago Health and Wellness 223 Views

They are preferred for people wanting long-lasting, durable, and shiny manicures. They can last for about three to four weeks before peeling or chipping. But many people face the dreadful issue of the gel nails peeling off too early. This article examines why do gel nails peel off and provides practical suggestions to avoid it.

1. Incorrect Nail Preparation

One of the main reasons gel nails peels is improper nail preparation. Gel polish is most effective when it adheres to dry, clean, and adequately prepared nails. The gel won’t bond appropriately if naturally occurring oils, dirt, or other debris remain within the nail plate.

Key Preparation Steps:

The Nail Plate: Use an alternative nail cleanser that is not acetone-based to clean dust and oil.
Buffing the Nail’s Surface: Gently buff the nail’s surface, removing shine and allowing more excellent adhesion to gel.
Cuticle treatment: Cuticles should be pushed back to ensure no gel overlap skin. If this happens, it could result in lifting.
Dehydration: Utilize a nail dehydrator alcohol-based solution to remove excessive moisture.

2. Skipping or Misusing the Base Coat

The base coat forms the base of a long-lasting gel manicure. Inadequately applying it or misusing it could compromise the whole procedure.

Mistakes to Avoid:

Use an incompatible Base Coat: Make sure that your base coat matches the brand name of your gel polish.
Applying too much product: A thin, even layer ensures the best adhesion.
Skip the Edges.: Then, seal the edge free of the nail by applying the base coat to prevent premature peeling.

3. Improper Gel Application

How the polish gets applied is a crucial aspect of the durability of the gel polish. Applying too much use for a small amount of product or not curing it correctly could cause peeling.

Application Tips:

Thick Layers: Use Gel polish with thin layers. Thicker coats may result in uneven curing.
Avoid flooded cuticles: The gel in contact with the skin could cause lifting because it separates from the nails.
The Edges: Then seal the free edges using each gel layer, preventing it from falling off the edges.
Curing Time: Follow the curing guidelines using the correct light source, either LED or UV. The gel becomes weak when not cured correctly and susceptible to peeling.

4. Quality of Gel Products

The quality of gels that are used dramatically affects the performance of their products. Poor quality gels or products that are not up to date may result in poor results.

What to Look For:

Reputable brands: Invest in top-quality gel polishes and base/topcoats.
Find Expiry Dates: Gel products that are expired might reduce their effectiveness.
Consistency: Beware of excessively thick or squishy gels that might not stick well.

5. Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

Your environment and daily activities can impact the strength of your gel nails.

Common Culprits:

Regular exposure to water: Long-term contact with water could weaken the bond between gel and nail.
The Harsh: Chemicals that clean or contain acetone could break down the gel polish.
Extreme Force: Utilizing your nails as tools could result in gel peeling off or lifting.
Temperature changes: Extreme cold or heat may affect the flexibleness of the gel.

6. Improper Removal of Previous Gel

Failure to remove the previous manicure correctly can harm natural nails and alter their adhesion to new gel.

Removal Tips:

Avoid picking or peeling: The process can remove layers of your nails naturally, making them thin and uneven.
Soak-Off Method: Utilize acetone to remove the gel and gently rub it away using the nail tool.
Maintain the nails: After removing, moisten your nails using cuticle oil to keep them healthy.

7. Weak or Damaged Natural Nails

If your nails are brittle, weak, or damaged, gel might not stick to your nails properly. The strength of your natural nails is essential to maintaining a manicure that lasts for years.

Strengthening Tips:

Diet: Include foods high in calcium, biotin, and vitamins to improve the health of your nails.
Regularly: apply a strength treatment or a nail hardener to care for your nails.
Avoid excessive buffing: A lot of buffing may weaken the nail plate and make it more susceptible to peeling.

8. Skipping the Topcoat

The topcoat is that final shine and seal to your manicure. Incorrectly applying or ignoring this step incorrectly can result in peeling and less durability.

Topcoat Application:

Finish the Edges: As with the base coat, covering the free edge is crucial.
Thick Layer: A thin, even layer will ensure an even curing process and longevity.
Curing: with the first coat to the recommended time to set your gel polish.

9. Improper Maintenance

The post-application maintenance is also crucial to maintain the durability of your nail gels.

Maintenance Tips:

Hydrate regularly: Apply cuticle oil every day to keep your nails and skin looking healthy.
Wear Gloves: Guard your nails while doing chores at home or using chemicals.
Avoid picking or biting: This could result in lifting or peeling.
Time-Based Touch-Ups: If a small chip is discovered, it should be repaired immediately to stop further peeling.

10. Inadequate Curing Lamp

The process of curing is crucial to ensure a solid gel manicure. A defective or ineffective curing lamp could cause a delay in curing.

Curing Lamp Considerations:

Select the right lamp: Ensure you use an LED or UV lamp that works with your polish.
Verify Wattage: Check that the lamp has enough power to cure the gel effectively.
Cure each layer: Each layer is individually treated for the recommended time.

11. Allergic Reactions

In rare instances, an allergic person’s reaction to gel polish ingredients may cause the nail to break. If you notice itching, redness, or swelling on the nails, see an expert in dermatology or a nail technician.

Preventive Measures:

Patch test: Test the latest products on a small amount before applying them thoroughly.
Choose hypoallergenic products: Choose products labeled hypoallergenic or free of common allergens.

12. Overexposure to UV Light

Curing is a must. However, excessive exposure to UV light may make the gel hard and susceptible to cracking or peeling.

How to Avoid:

Follow the instructions: To adhere to the curing times recommended by the gel maker.
Monitor Use: Do not expose your monitor to UV lamps for too long.

Conclusion

Peeling your gel nails can be a painful experience, but knowing its root causes could help prevent this happening again. If you focus on proper nail preparation techniques, correct application methods, and maintaining the quality of the products you use, you can achieve a flawless and long-lasting gel manicure.

However, if peeling persists despite following these guidelines, it’s advisable to consult an expert nail technician to assess your approach or explore alternative nail enhancement options. With attentive care and a little extra effort, your gel nails can stay beautiful, glossy, and durable for weeks!

FAQs

Why are my gel nails peeling after just a few days?

The peeling is usually caused by poor nail preparation, for example, improper cleaning or buffing of the nail plate or ignoring the first coat. It may also happen when the gel layers are too thick or not adequately cured.

Does water exposure cause gel nails to peel?

Frequent contact with water, particularly prolonged soaking, may weaken the bond between the gel polish and the nail and cause the nail to break off.

Can damaged natural nails lead to peeling gel polish?

Yes, if your nails are weak, fragile, or uneven, your gel may not stick properly, increasing the chance of peeling.

Why does my gel polish lift at the edges?

Lifting at the edge can occur when a base coat, polish for gel, or a topcoat doesn’t adequately cover the free edge. The gel sprayed on cuticles, or the skin can cause lifting.

Can low-quality gel products cause peeling?

Absolutely, the use of low-quality or expired gels could cause poor adhesion as well as faster peeling.

What role does curing play in preventing gel nails from peeling?

Proper curing ensures the gel’s hardness and adherence are solid. Inadequate curing due to a weak lighting source or insufficient curing time could leave this gel weak and vulnerable to peeling.