Why Does My Gel Polish Peel Off & How Can I Fix It?

In a world where relationships don’t last, one would hope that gel polish would do the trick.

But it can be more than just frustrating to have the polish peel off mere hours or just days after a fresh, break-the-bank gel manicure.

But don’t let your frustration get the best of you, gel nail polish and nail tech are actually worth every dime if you know why it peels off and how you can prevent it.

Why Does My Gel Polish Peel Off?

Improper Cuticle Preparation before Gel Nail Polish

Cuticles not being properly prepared can play a major role in peeling gel polish.

Whether you’re in the middle of a gel manicure or putting on gel nail polish at the work desk hiding from your boss, be very wary of how you prepare your cuticles.

Flawed Nail-Bed and Nail Plate Preparation

Prepping your nail plate and bed is one of the most important tasks in any manicure, but particularly before gel nail polish application.

In a manicure, if the nail-beds aren’t prepped properly, it can catalyze peeling and lifting.

Not filing the nails properly, too much moisture or oil in the nail plate doesn’t help either.

This is actually one of the most critical steps in your gel manicure.

Keep an eye out for this before your gel manicures or gel polish application.

Skipping the Base or Topcoat

The gel base coat and gel top coat are equally important steps in a gel nail polish application.

Skipping either or both of them will make your gel polish devoid of the base anchor and top reinforcer, paving the way for polish peeling and chipped nails.

Incomplete Curing of Gel Polish

Another culprit in the peeling process is improper curing of gel polish which may come about for a variety of reasons.

For example, having a UV lamp that is not powerful enough or not curing the top layer for long enough.

Had this been done properly, it could prevent chipping.

Application of Thick Layers & Not Capping the Edges

Applying thick layers of polish makes it harder for the UV light to penetrate and makes the curing process more cumbersome.

Not capping the edges also leaves more space for the gel nail polish to peel off.

Harsh Conditions

It’s not just humans who don’t thrive in harsh conditions, your gel nail polish can be sensitive that way too.

Excessive heat, cold or strong chemicals can break your gel polish coat and seep through, causing peeling and chipping especially of long nails.

How to Keep Nail Polish From Chipping?

Let’s look at how you can keep your gel-polished nails glossy, intact and with little to no chipping, peeling, or cracking up by combating the reasons above.

P.s. you can also use these tips and tricks for regular nail polish.

Prepare your Cuticles Thoroughly

It takes soaking your cuticles, pushing the cuticle skin back with aligned and trimmed edges to lay a thriving environment for your gel nail polishes.

So if you’re smack in the middle of a manicure or putting on the gel by yourself, make sure that the cuticles are properly pushed back before the nail polish is applied correctly.

Prepare your Nail Bed Properly

Make sure to fully and completely prepare your natural nail by removing excess oil, moisture and dead tissue by using a medium grit nail file.

This will remove the barrier between your nail surface and gel.

Proceed to clean or get your nails and cuticle oil cleaned, by rubbing alcohol and applying a coat of nail dehydrator, before putting on your nail polish.

Also, make sure your nails are moisturized just the right amount.

Put on all of your gel polish coats

This step is as easy as 1,2,3 so it makes no sense in skipping it.

Start with the base coat, the middle and end with your glossy top coat for the perfect gel nails.

If you do this the right way and then apply gel nail polish, you can say hello to beautiful, glossy and firm gel nails in no time.

Cure Your Gel Polish All the Way

There are a few things you can do to have your gel polish cured properly and in minimum time.

Get your hands on a powerful UV LED nail lamp or make sure your manicure staff has one and cure your nails for the time stipulated by the brand.

Make sure you read the brand’s instructions properly before following through.

Once your gel polish is cured completely, enjoy incredible nail strength and head out with a smile!

Apply Thin Coats and Fully Cap the Edges

Always opt for a thinner layer while applying gel polish - less is more.

Not only does a thin layer look good, but it fares well and prevents quick peeling.

Thin layers will also make your polish look good.

Also, make sure to cap the free edge of your nails so no space is left in between. This makes your nails less prone to peeling.

Protect Gel Polished Nails Away From Harsh Conditions

Keep gel nails away from harsh conditions. Make sure you tread lightly, avoid chemicals & heat by wearing gloves.

These few tips and tricks will have you with insta-worthy, natural nails for weeks!

Say hello to gorgeous gel manis with your iridescent nails ruling everyone’s insta-feed and bye-bye to carrying a nail polish remover in your bag every day!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why doesn’t my gel stay on my nails?

There can be various factors why your gel polish doesn’t stay on including too much oil, moisture on your nails.

Why does my gel polish peel off in one piece?

Usually, if your gel topcoat is not cured completely and properly, it will peel off. However, there can be other factors as well.