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A close up of a peeling gel polish manicure. | A closeup of a freshly done manicure. | Source: Shutterstock
How to Keep Gel Polish from Peeling: 5 Effective Ways
By
Akhona Zungu
Dec 13, 202309:05 A.M.
Gel polish manicures are often recommended over regular polish because they last longer; however, if they're not done correctly or cared for, it can they can easily be ruined.
Gel polish manicures have been around for some time now. They sit between regular nail polish and gel nails and are applied with a soft gel in the form of polish. Gel polish manicures can last between two to four weeks.
Similar to gel nails, gel polish acts as an overlay on the nail and needs a UV or LED lamp to "cure," i.e., dry or harden. It is stronger than regular polish and more resistant to peeling, chipping, or cracking.
Gel polish manicure with parts of golden glittering foil | Source: Getty Images
Other pros of gel polish manicures include no damage to the natural nail if done and removed by an experienced esthetician. There's also no drying time because you're good to go after a few minutes under a UV or LED lamp.
However, this doesn't mean gel polish can't be subject to the already-mentioned damage. There are several reasons why your gel polish manicure might start to peel. See a few below and ways to prevent your gel polish from getting ruined.
A professional manicurist filing the nails of a customer | Source: Getty Images
Reasons Why Your Gel Polish Manicure Peels
With all the benefits that come with a gel polish manicure, especially durability, a few minor mistakes can lead to their demise. Here are some of them:
- Your nails were not correctly prepped. A crucial step in gel polish application is removing natural oils, filing, and dehydrating the nail plate. If this stage is skipped or not done correctly, the gel polish will not adhere to your nail properly, leading to peeling within a few days.
- The manicure was done with thick coats of gel polish. For durability, thick coats of gel polish are not recommended because they are more prone to peeling.
- Your nails were exposed to harmful conditions.
- The top and base coats were not applied
- The free edges were not capped.
A woman removing her gel manicure | Source: Getty Images
How to Keep Your Gel Polish from Peeling
Limit Moisture Exposure
Soon after you're done with your manicure, try your best to limit its exposure to humidity or water for at least 24 hours.
Avoid Picking
Avoid picking at your gel polish even if you've had the manicure for a while. Picking can have adverse long-term effects.
As one expert explained, "Our nails are made up of about 25 layers of keratinized skin cells, and peeling off gels will take off those top protective layers, causing the nail to become thinner, weaker, and uneven."
A close-up of a nail with chipped gel polish. | Source: Getty Images
If It Chips, Fix It Quick
It is advisable to keep a nail file and top coat on hand, so if your gel polish chips, you can fix it as soon as possible. Do this by filing the chipped portion and then applying the top coat to keep the chipping from worsening.
Keep Your Hands Moisturized
Make it a habit to moisturize your hands with hand cream following every hand wash. Also, apply cuticle oil on the gel polish to enhance your nail's flexibility and keep it from chipping.
A woman applying cuticle oil on her manicure | Source: Getty Images
Don't Use Your Nails as Tools
Avoid using your nails as tools by exposing them to rough surfaces. Doing so compromises the seal that helps the gel polish adhere to the nail.
One way to ensure the durability of your gel polish is to prep your nails adequately before the gel polish is applied. It's always good to get things done right from the start. Now, you're ready to enjoy flaunting your gorgeous set for as long as possible.
Here are also 6 ideas to style your manicure with hearts designs.
