If your, or your clients gel polish, is peeling, it is ultimately down to a poor prep routine. One of the best things about gel polish is its longevity, so if peeling starts to happen, it can be frustrating. Luckily there are many things you can do to ensure this doesn’t take place.
Buff nails thoroughly
Use a 220-grit nail file to buff nails in one direction. Remember you’re trying to make the surface rough, giving the gel polish something to adhere to. Pay close attention to areas where you’re prone to lifting, such as the sidewalls or free edge.
Dehydrate and remove debris
Lifting can happen if debris, such as excess dust or dirt, is not removed from the nail plate. You can easily remove this when dehydrating the nail with Pure Nails Prep & Scrub.
What base coat?
If you’ve been experiencing peeling when using Halo Gel Polish Base Coat, why not give Rubber Base a try? It’s perfect for problematic nails that are brittle, thin and prone to lifting because of its flexible formula!
Avoid cuticles and edges
Practice makes perfect. Gel polish should not be coming into contact with cuticles or edges, as it gives polish a ridge for lifting to form. If your polish does touch the cuticle or seep into the side wall, use a brush dipped in acetone to clean up.
Cap the free edge
It’s really important that you cap the free edge with your gel polish. This will make lifting virtually impossible, making your manicure last longer! For short nails, try pushing the polish up the nail and over the edge to avoid mess!
Check your lamp
Sometimes, it might be your lamp that’s causing lifting. If you have an older lamp, you may need to get the bulbs replaced, or just replace the lamp entirely. Check curing times against the lamp’s wattage too, as that could be the culprit!
Cuticle oil is important!
Cuticle oil is essential for healthy nail growth and can help to prevent lifting! Ensure it is only applied after the gel polish is complete though, as the oils may cause lifting if applied early.
Whether you’re looking for advice on peeling gel polish, help on what products to buy or have a general question you need answered, you can get in touch with the team by visiting our contact page or via our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!
Nails by Jessica Pinkney and Tracy Holmes
