Why Do My Polygel Nails Pop Off & How To Fix It?

Polygel nails are undeniably popular. They’re essentially the lovechild of gel nails and acrylic, ensuring you have the best of both worlds.

And who doesn’t love that?

But if you’re trying to apply polygel, only for them to start lifting and pop off moments later, you might become frustrated.

What’s the deal? Why won’t my nails stay on?

If you’re tired of your polygel nails popping off, keep reading. We’ve found the solution.

Why Do My Polygel Nails Pop Off?

There are a couple of reasons your polygel nails keep lifting and popping off.

1. You’re Using Too Much Slip Solution

When you’re applying polygel, you need to use a slip solution. It’s vital for success!

However, too much of anything is never a good thing. And that includes the essential slip solution.

If you use too much of this wet ingredient, your nails aren’t able to adhere correctly, leading to nails popping off left and right.

2. Your Polygel Nails Aren’t Dry

Whether you use a nail brush to apply polygel onto nail tips for beautifully long polygel nails or apply right to your natural nails, they must dry all the way.

Like gel nails with gel polish, polygel nails must be cured under UV light.

And, like gel polish, polygel shouldn’t be too thick. Otherwise, it can be near impossible for the UV light to cure them properly, leaving you with wet nails that pop off quickly.

3. Your Nails Are Too Long

Plenty of people use tips to extend the length of their nails and get the desired shape.

While these long, beautiful tips are nothing short of gorgeous, they’re also more prone to bending, breaking, and popping off.

If you notice that your tips keep popping off, it might be time for some new tips that are a bit shorter.

The longer your tips, the more lifting will occur (typically starting at the cuticle lines or free edges if they don’t fit properly). That’s because the chemical bond will not be as strong.

So, try to keep them a little bit more on the shorter side.

4. Your Nails Weren’t Prepped Thoroughly

One of the most essential steps of applying polygel nails is nail prep. Proper nail prep ensures that the polygel will actually stick and create the look of your dreams.

How do you do this? Well, there are a few steps you need to take.

• Remove any debris/oil/dirt. Removing natural oils and other buildup from the nails provides the right surface for adhesion. Simply wipe with rubbing alcohol.
• Roughen up the nail. You can do this by “buffing” your nail bed. Don’t overdo it, though.
• Push back the cuticles. Get the cuticle out of the way. This will enhance the look and provide more surface area for the polygel nails to adhere to.

How to Keep Polygel Nails From Popping Off?

Now you know why your polygel nails are lifting and popping off. But how do you fix it to avoid future lift-off? Follow these simple tricks for success.

Prep Your Nails

Nail prep is critical. Don’t skip it, and don’t rush it. This will create the “base” for new seals with the polygel, so get it right!

Use a Nail Dehydrator or Primer

These products will essentially “dry out” the nails, giving the polygel solution a surface to hold onto.

Use a Gel Base and Top Coat

These two products are great for creating polygel nails.

For one, the gel base coat will create a somewhat sticky surface for the polygel to adhere to. Secondly, the gel top coat will ensure a strong surface with plenty of shine that won’t chip or break.

Make Sure Your Polygel Nails Are Dry

You need to give your nails enough time under the UV light to ensure they are dried all the way.

Stepping outside your home with wet polygel nails will cause lifting and breaking. Remember - polygel cannot cure on its own. It requires a UV light to set.

If the process is taking too long, it may be because you used too thick layers on your nail. Opt for layers that are on the thin side so they can dry more quickly.

Use Nail Forms

If you want long and pretty nails without acrylics, did you know you can use polygel instead?

For polygel nail extensions, you will need to use forms or tips.

Forms are exponentially better than tips. They’re much more robust, durable, and “form” to the nail, making them less likely to pop off.

Be Careful

Be extra careful with your nails. They will likely bend, break, or pop off if you’re too rough with them.

You should also be careful when around harsh chemicals. For example, you might consider wearing gloves when doing the dishes.

Keep Them Hydrated

Last but not least, you want to keep your polygel nails hydrated.

Yes, it’s true that you need to essentially dehydrate the nail for the polygel solution to adhere appropriately.

But after that, dried-out nails can cause the polygel to pop off.

Simply apply some cuticle oil to the nail once a day and enjoy longer-lasting polygels!

FAQ

How Thick Should Polygel Nails Be?

Polygels do not need to be thick. In fact, they should be as thin as a credit card - about 0.3 thickness.

Can you do PolyGel nails without slip solution?

While I recommend using a slip solution to do your polygel nails, it’s not exactly essential. You can also use isopropyl alcohol to get the job done.

How long do Polygel nails stay on for?

With proper application, polygel nails should easily last up to three weeks. Some women may be lucky enough to get four weeks of wear from their polygel, though.