Not until your face is inches away from your nails and you are inhaling all that nail polish solvent you are not supposed to take in. And for what? All for that perfectly painted nail.

Hoping for a salon-quality from a DIY manicure is like looking for an oasis. Sometimes you really do get to it, eventually.

Most of the time, it’s a mirage. You think it looks alright until you leave it for a second, and then bam! It is now resembling the Chocolate Hills.

So now you are just staring at it, unbelieving. Do you restart? For the nth time? How do you even fix a bumpy nail polish? Will the next attempt be your lucky streak?

Might be.

Just wanna say, to the hands of a non-professional, a smooth manicure is part luck and a great deal of technique.

So instead of being paralyzed at the prospect of doing it all over again, why not learn the why’s and how’s to avoid another bumpy mishap?

Why does my nail polish have bumps when it dries?

You probably thought more trials equals smoother nails.

While that is a good assumption to make, it only works when you actually learn from your mistakes after each attempt. After all, you possibly can’t expect a different outcome with the same methods.

Nope. Often, you just repeat your mistakes over and over. And as the frustration piles up, you find yourself blowing on the polish harder or even applying the next coat without any waiting time!

Moral of the story: Terrible ideas spring from terrible situations. But don’t fret, you’re not the only one doing this!

The bumps you observe are often air trapped during application. It can also be caused by natural oils produced by your skin or lotion. Or that french fries you thought was a good companion.

So how do you not damn your nails and waste your time?

Simple. The key is to know how they might exist in every step of the process.

Preparation

What do you know about prep time? That it is in every single beauty routine. And for a reason!

Have you ever put moisturizer on an unclean face? It feels yuck and absolutely useless. That’s also how it goes for nails.

Before proceeding, you should remove the oils on your cuticles and even the dirt hiding under your nails.

Nail polish

Nail polish is not a one-time use item. Naturally, it is okay to reuse them again when the quality is still good. But there are telltales signs you have to watch out for if you want to avoid any more bumps.

Too thick? This usually indicates that the solvents have evaporated due to air exposure.

When you swipe that bright color, you also invite air to swoop inside the bottle you left open. You don’t realize it until you have to literally drag your nail polish on the next DIY session you have.

It’s old. It’s goopy. It’s dying. And pushing it any further will also kill the flawless dream you have for your nails.

This often happens to nail polish of poor quality. Premium ones last longer. So fix it or ditch it, but be wise enough to know when to stop using it.

Application

“Patience is a virtue.” Ever heard of that old saying? Well, when you do not listen to the wise, you end up wondering why.

There’s the nail polish, and sure, maybe you know that you must wait before applying each coat. But there’s also the base and topcoat. And those two are essential.

No blowing either! You are not a windmill. Your breaths are not efficient enough to dry it!

Cold water can aid you better on this. Besides, it is more likely that you would trap air and dirt and then get dizzy.

You have to understand that there is a woozy and bump-free solution out there.

CHECK OUT: Why is my gel polish sticky

So what do you do when your nails are bumpy?

Two things you must ask first: are they dry already or in the process of drying?

The root cause is the same for both, but there are cases where you can catch it mid-disaster.

When the nail bubbles (it sounds cute for something so awful) have formed when the polish is still wet, don’t overthink it too much. It might just be a bad bottle. Or even a bad brand (they exist, sadly).

Changing one bottle for another might get rid of those pesky bubbles. If not, here are some tips to still slay that DIY.

How to fix nail polish bubbles

Okay, you are in a mid-disaster crisis. Your nail polish is bubbling with the ferocity of a volcano erupting, and you are confused.

Cleanliness is your friend

First of all, did you clean your nails? It’s the first step to remove the oils around and on your nails. So take your time with that warm water and soap because unless you need reminding, it is also hygienic!

Scrutinize your nail polish

Yes, scrutinize it. Before you even apply it, check if it’s more of a glob of color more than a functioning nail polish. Thick and creamy are for coffee choices, not nail polish quality!

Also, do not shake your bottle. Shaking leaves pockets of air, and those might pop off, leaving holes in your mani. So no shaking and yes to rolling.

When you store it, make sure to remove residue from the neck, then cap it tightly. Don’t let it breathe, and then store it in a morgue! Or for a less gruesome option, a dark, cool place like your bathroom is good enough.

More than just swiping

A salon-finish mani doesn’t only rely on nail polish. A good mani is a sandwich. You have the base coat, which seals your nail’s natural oils. Then your nail polish should be painted thinly and dry completely before another coat. And then the top coat for that smooth finish.

Moisture and heat are your enemies. That is, direct sunlight and a shower after your mani is a horrible idea to entertain. So are fans and open windows. They are just big welcome signs for air to enter.

CHECK OUT: Why are nails clear

How to fix nail polish that is dry

Okay, now this is some post-catastrophe recovery you need to do. But don’t despair! There are a few tips to cover up that mess.

Another layer

Again, the topcoat is your bulldozer. It will flatten and reduce the bumps you see. Another layer you can apply is actually that nail polish you just used. But make it thin! No need to make your problem worse!

Polish thinner

Nowadays, you can even salvage barely manageable polish. Polish thinners make the magic work. You just need to brush it on the bumps which formed.

With polish thinners, it’s a one-way street so don’t go back and forth when applying it! Start from cuticle to tip in a flowing and continuous stroke. You can then reapply the polish to the treated spots.

Sparkly additions

If you are on your last thread of patience, then let no man ever condemn you for actually trying to camouflage your mess with jewels or stickers.

If you can’t impress them with smoothness, blind them with sparkles!

CHECK OUT: Why does my gel polish peel off

How to make nail polish smooth

Aside from the know-how already mentioned above, you might want that extra list of hacks. Who doesn’t? Smooth nail polish takes time and often more trials than you want to invest in.

But you are here already, and as Fergie said, big girls don’t cry.

They just learn.

The 90/10 rule

When you want to shape your nails, make sure it is 90% because of the nail clippers and 10% filing.

Buff

The surface of your nails depends on whether you buffed it or not. And you guessed it right! Buffing creates a smoother surface for your nail polish to glide on.

Oil and de-oil

Imagine watering your plants just for someone to say you need to dry them up for them to live. What a load of unmentionable curse words, right? But listen, while it might seem like that, there is a reason for it.

You must hydrate your cuticle with cuticle oil or serum. It’s still part of your prep, albeit the most counterintuitive one.

The next part is washing away the effort you made. Kidding! You already know that oils of any kind are a big no-no. So scrub them off properly. You can even cleanse them with facial toner or alcohol for extra security!

CHECK OUT: Nail Glue Alternatives

Final word

It is all about quality— from the state of your nails to your nail polish to even how you dry them. Just remember, you may not have the experience of a professional, but you can learn like one.

Take your time and nail it!

The post How to fix bumpy nail polish? appeared first on Polish pretty.

Well, because they are not-so-secretly nasty. Think about it for a second. The only reason gel polish is dubbed to be a 2-week manicure is because of your cuticles growing out. It is so durable; it is literally often indestructible.

Doing a DIY removal? The only way out is soaking them with acetone then filing them down. You can get away without the filing part if you have a gel extension.

Well, it turns out karmic justice is real. Gel polish is relatively easy to dry but still takes time to remove. Removing it yourself will take patience, several cotton balls, and surprise! Aluminum foils.

And if you are the regular polish kind of person, this may feel like a lifetime of uncomfortable removal for you.

The tale doesn’t end there, unfortunately.

Acetone dehydrates the nail bed. So if you happen to wonder why your nails look parched, it’s because you need to do the after-care step of moisturizing them with oil or cuticle serum.

Gel polish is also known for another disappointing thing: lifting.

Lifting happens due to a poor prep routine. The polish will start peeling off at the end of its long life. Words of wisdom, though, even if your nails look less than perfect, do not forcibly pick the gel nor the skin around them.

You may feel tempted to just physically strip those gels but don’t rush into what could spell disaster for your nails.

If your reason for going to this more expensive mani is that you are unsatisfied with your natural nails, then you would get instant regret from DIY-ing that removal process.

First of all, white spots. No, not the Dalmatian cuteness you could have probably pulled off. These are the ones with irregular textures and seem chalky. It’s technically a bruise due to improper removal.

Can you believe you are committing abuse against your nail beds? Terrible.

You are probably thinking right now of the days you chipped them off despite warnings. Nothing really happened. There is no need to make a fuss about something trivial, right?

Wrong.

Repeated picking leads to weaker nails. If you have that habit, your nails must be suffering from thinning. They can also make your nails dry, flaky, and cracked, which adds to the bumpy texture.

What about totally growing them out? The sight of it wouldn’t be so terrible.

That is not a smart option, honestly. When you grow it out, you also create a weight imbalance. The top becomes heavier, and the lower part becomes strained.

The removal process can be downright discouraging. It’s not the worst, but it may already be a hassle for you. Is it time to quit gel nails?

Maybe.

While you can wiggle yourself free from the guilt of destroying your nails by saying you can just take a break from gel polish, you might want to consider the other shady character in this story.

Namely, the reason why you do not have to blow your nails until you get dizzy just to get them dry— UV light.

This one might have just had that possible consequence that no break can heal.

CHECK OUT: Why does my gel polish peel off

But first, why even use UV light?

UV light helps with the “curing” process. It involves a polymerization reaction that hardens the resin in the gel to give you that smooth and indestructible quality. If that sounded alien, just think of your plastics. It’s basically the same stuff, but you are on the receiving end this time too.

So what’s the tea?

Ultraviolet light which comes from the sun causes skin cancer. In theory, these UV dryers may cause similar damage to your skin, too, given your exposure to it.

In theory, of course.

Scientific studies show the risk is low. And scientists will tell you there is just no huge amount of data to conclude anything. So you sit there and wonder.

Often, imagining the what-ifs might just be enough to terrify you of the whole idea of UV light.

What are the alternatives to UV light for gel nails?

Pause for a moment.

Now go back and return that LED lamp to where you got it from.

If a UV dryer is the Flash, then an LED lamp is Quicksilver. They might look like they are from an entirely different universe, but they work the same. LED lamps also have a UV light. They might lower exposure by drying your nails faster, but it’s still the same horror movie you are trying to run away from.

And while you’re at it, stop standing out there under the glaring sun, hoping to “air-dry” your nails. Have mercy on your skin, please.

No sun and no LED to help, what then?

CHECK OUT: How to dry gel nail polish without UV light

Ice bath

Ice-dipping might be one uncomfortable option to take, but it’s an undeniably effective one. You just gotta endure it.

You often need to soak those nails repeatedly to dry both the top and base layers. So don’t get fooled and make sure everything has hardened.

And by the way, if you are feeling brave, the freezer is available.

Quick-dry spray

On the scale of 1-10, 10 being most effective in drying, this one is at the top. It can even dry your nails in as fast as a minute!

A word of warning: These sprays are flammable!

If somehow you aren’t game on investing in a proper spray, you got to try cooking spray at least.

Surprising, isn’t it? But never say never!

Oil

Oil is, by far, the least unpleasant of the bunch and even a healthier way to dry your gel polish. When in a pinch, drip some olive or baby oil to your nails. It even hydrates, so that is a plus!

You know what could also work? Cooking oil. That is one magic you can once again summon from your kitchen. How dope is that?

But if the alternatives for UV light don’t convince you to stay with gel nails, there is always its known competitor: acrylic.

Which is better for natural nails: acrylic or gel?

So, to switch or not to switch— that is the question.

Gels and acrylics are both the go-to when you want that extra oomph to your nails or nail extensions. But “better” is a subjective word here.

Aesthetically, there is nothing to complain about. They both give that mean boss vibes. The only way one is better than the other may lie in the ease and risk of the process itself.

So here’s a rundown of quick facts to help you decide.

Gel

The boon: The process takes less than an hour and can even be done at home. It stays for as long as 2 weeks and has a glossy finish. It is also more flexible.

The bane: An overuse of primer may lead to damage. When you have gel manicure removed professionally, the filing down process may weaken your nails. It is also more costly than acrylic nails.

CHECK OUT: Why is my gel polish sticky

Acrylic

The boon: The process involves a powder and liquid mixture to create a very durable material. It lasts up to 6 weeks. It also sets in minutes without any equipment. You get to customize more with this!

The bane: While gel can be done DIY, this one requires skill to apply and remove. It can look thick when applied wrong. And even worse? The smell is not something you’ll miss. It is not as flexible as gel and still tends to damage your nails.

If you are the type of person to experiment at home, gel polish is an easier route. You can even buy your own UV dryer these days and skip a costly salon visit.

On the other hand, if you are going on a month-long vacation and want those nails to be impeccable from start to finish, acrylics may be better for you.

If you remain unimpressed between the two, though, there are other options out there. They are not all meh, after all. Something ought to stand out.

CHECK OUT: Can you paint over acrylic nails

What can I use instead of gel for nails?

1. Dip powder

You instantly associate nail polish with painting your nails when you think of nail polish. But dip powders are Jackson Pollock paintings. They are different from what you are used to.

With dip powders, you apply first a primer, then literally dip your fingernails. The acrylic nature of dip powders ensures a longer-lasting manicure for you.

2. Polygel

It’s not a trick. They didn’t just put “poly” there and sell you regular gel polish. PolyGel is a hybrid of all the good things a hard gel and acrylic have.

It is stronger than hard gel but more flexible than acrylic, and lighter than both. It can be applied directly on the nails, as tip overlay or sculpted over a form.

3. Shellac

If gel or acrylic nails scream loudly of fake nails, then this patented polish may just be for you. Shellac is more natural-looking and has a breezy removal process. That being said, it has a shorter life span.

But you can always apply another again, and your nails wouldn’t be a deathbed scene. So, why not, right?

CHECK OUT: Alternative to Acrylic Nails

Other healthy alternatives to gel nails

In this day and age, everyone demands the lowest risk for every beauty product. Got something minutely shady? Instantly canceled.

Don’t worry; you’re not being a Karen. You are just opening your options wider.

When you walk down the healthy option aisle, you might be searching for this one particular phrase: vegan product.

We all love these labels, obviously. For some reason, we feel closer to nature when we choose them. And if you are the conscientious type, say no more.

SpaRitual creates the Gold Formulation line of 26 shades. It has a longer wear time than your regular polish and has a self-correcting feature if there’s a smudge. It is that flexible!

There’s probably another part of the healthy option you are particular about: the state of your nails.

Could you get that glossy gel finish without ultimately suffering possible nail damage afterward?

Yes, yes, yes!

This time, you won’t have to worry about any hard labor just to get them off. Your poor nails can finally rest!

Some great examples are Nails Inc.’s Gel Effect nail polish and Sally Hansen Miracle Gel nail polish.

And if you are worried about longevity, these regular polishes last longer than your basic go-to.

Revlon’s Longwear Nail Enamel and Deborah Lippman’s Gel Lab Pro.

You have a lot of options that either don’t have the difficulty associated with a gel manicure or even have gel formula at all.

If you are a newbie to gel alternatives, don’t be overwhelmed. It’s a trial and error basis. You go for what works for you.

And as you are a newbie, it might be good also to remember that what you might want may not suit you at all. Not to be an alarmist, but there might be a chance you are allergic to these gel alternatives. In such cases, stop and reevaluate.

You can always go for your regular polish or even take out those press-on nails you impulsively bought in a mall years ago and wear them.

And if you are stubbornly sticking to gel mani, just try to take long breaks to encourage your nails to still grow strong and healthy.

It’s not just about UV rays or the hassle; it’s about sustainability.

Do you want to do gel nails or other alternatives even when you’re older? Then take care of those nails and let them have that beauty rest when you can.

Always remember: You can’t paint art on a ruined canvas.

The post Alternative to Gel Nails? appeared first on Polish pretty.

You know how it would look, but you still hold your breath.

You just wanna finish everything, raise your hands under those sparkling lights and watch it REFLECT that shine.

It’s addicting.

And then you see that one dull nail. You fearfully touch it. And there it was— the imperfection.

Why is my gel polish sticky?! You screamed. You wanted to thrash out. This is not what was promised to you!

Relax. It’s not like a broken Barbie doll or a missing lego piece of your old snotty days. It’s manageable.

There is a fix to your frustration.

Why is my gel polish not drying?

Drying your gel polish, especially without the help of UV light, maybe like lining up for groceries behind the lady with a doomsday cart.

When exactly does this end? Why did you even do it? Could you have chosen another option which doesn’t take this long?

But before you get your Karen on, there is something you must understand: you won’t know it is the finish line when you are blind to the checkered flag.

CHECK OUT: Why does my gel polish peel off

How to tell if gel nails are cured

A dried, or to be technical about it, cured gel polish looks shiny and plain. It does not slide down and does not drip. Air bubbles and peeling are also indicators that it has not been cured yet.

Look at your thumb. Most of the time, the tragedy is often noticeable there.

You might want to add these two to your evidence bag when you suspect an under-cured job.

Tip no 1: It shouldn’t be like dragging yourself for the early morning shift when you brush your topcoat. Rather, it should feel like butter. The gel polish shouldn’t stick to the topcoat brush. A topcoat is clear, so that is a big red flag if you see any color.

Tip no 2: An under-cured gel topcoat looks dull. And when alcohol-based cleaners come in contact with it, it goes sayonara.

Other things to look for: loss of clarity, a dull, soft finish, and a more than normal stickiness.

But what if your eyes are not as good as a magnifying glass? Well, there is no better way of telling a mirage from an oasis than actually touching it.

Yes, touch it. As much as that makes you fear the possibility of messing your nails up, you gotta do it. If you leave any fingerprint behind, then you know for sure that thing has not cemented itself on your nails yet.

Now, you can ask what the culprit to this endless waiting is.

Thick layers

Counting may sound elementary, but it is essential when it comes to curing gel polish. Getting excited and applying multiple coats might be the reason for the sticky mess you have there.

It’s like putting a jacket over a sweater on a humid day then expecting to dry off your sweat. There is a big problem there somewhere.

So get to counting. Three to 4 layers is enough and actually the ideal range.

But! Just one reminder: do not roll the dice when choosing how many layers.

Fix the number of layers you want. If it is 4, stick to it. That way, the nails dry evenly and at the same time.

Expired bottle

It’s nice to say that we never forget anything in this world where our phones can remind us what to do every second of the day.

That would be a blatant lie, though. How many times did you leave the keys at home when you went out? Or your wallet? Worse, your phone?

Such is the case of expiration dates. You buy that bottle. You don’t even look at the bottom, do you? You just trust that it will not disappoint you with its incurable gooey consistency when you open it.

But don’t be like that. Be better.

It’s a basic check, and it is something you must never neglect.

Base and top coat

This should be your last newbie mistake of the year. Don’t make yourself dirty like that.

When you buy that $40 gel mani, you also have to grab both base and top coats, or else it won’t get you the results you want.

Applying gel mani directly to the nail leads to uneven texture. No base coat? Goodbye flatlands, hello seabed. That bad, yes. Some parts may remain thick and others thin, which just leads to a longer curing period,

No topcoat either? Same dilemma.

Never create ridges of gel polish on your nails. It’s only forgivable when it is intentional.

Finally, and this sounds unnecessary, but cure it properly. Do not stare at it or wave it to air dry and leave it to the Fates to blow your nails to a dry finish. If that worked for regular polish, that is not how it works with gel manis.

How to cure gel nail polish

Curing a gel nail polish is not unlike curing a person. You do it with care, and you do it with great consistency.

Thin layers

When it comes to gel manis, all shortcuts are blockbuster horror movies.

Example no. 1: you thought that putting on layer after layer of polish then curing it all at the end will save you time and woulddefinitely work still.

Wrong. While that top layer looked like it got a perfect time under the lamp, what was squished under it might not have.

Example no. 2: You are going for the paler palette, then you decided that since it is light-colored, you should put on more coats.

Wrong again. You need to keep it thin, no matter what color it is. Never slap one thick layer on your nail like you’re casually putting jam on bread.

A good UV lamp

A UV lamp is an investment piece. It needs to work for you. There shouldn’t be a moment where it indirectly causes smudging. Yes, that can definitely happen when you use a 20 watt or less lamp since curing time is slower.

One more thing! Upgrades are important.

Not to worry, this is not the iOS pace where upgrades are more often than you would truly appreciate.

This is more of an observe and react situation.

When your curing timer seems like it is not working as before, that may be a good assessment.

It is recommended that you change your UV lamp every 2-6 months. And while you are on your maintenance spree, check if your bulbs are clean. It’s not uncommon to hit the roof and do an accidental paint job on the bulbs out of excitement.

Alternative to UV lamps:

If UV lamps are not your type or budget, there are a few alternatives.

Led lamps

If you have heard some scary rumors about UV lamps, you might wanna try a LED lamp. It certainly cures your polish three times faster.

FYI, it still emits UV rays, but in a less broad spectrum.

Ice bath

This one might be actually enjoyable, albeit wet and not as efficient. So, not that fun and definitely really cold.

But it works! With patience, it does.

Quick-drying topcoat

Quite the common sense on this one but worth mentioning. You have a lot of options now for every single product in the aisle. Topcoats also come with quick-dry.

There’s also a quick-drying spray to help cure.

They have their own pros and cons, but if it works for you, why not?

CHECK OUT: Alternative to Gel Nails

Why is my gel polish sticky after curing?

What if you’ve done all of the above and still have that sticky leftover? No worries. It might be simpler than you think.

Your initial suspect should be your topcoat. Well, you might have forgotten to wipe off that topcoat before curing in the UV lamp.

Every topcoat comes with specific instructions. You can often just use alcohol. To make sure, just follow what is suggested at the back.

It’s not rocket science, but it isn’t counting sheep either. So do your due diligence, and you will never fear the length of the curing process again.

FYI: There exist no-wipe topcoats. So rather than assuming and wiping away your efforts accidentally, read the back label carefully.

Your second on the line is the air. Aye, something vague gets to be a villain of your story this time.

See that tacky residue? It’s the oxygen in the air preventing the surface layer from curing. It is called an inhibition layer.

Now that you get some idea why here are some solutions to try.

Isopropyl alcohol

Budget-friendly? Yes. Effective? Super. It’s a general preference to have 70% isopropyl alcohol-soaked wipes. But if that may seem wasteful and not very true to the whole cheap advertisement, you can always use a lint-free cotton pad.

Pro tip: Alcohol wipes aren’t reusable. So one wipe is for one nail. Besides, there’s a likelihood you will transfer that residue. Talk about defeating your own goals.

Gel cleanser

You know how there are products made specifically for something and nothing else?

Gel + cleanser. This is your solution— the expensive one. They don’t only remove your problems post-curing but also during prep time, like oils and moisture on your nail plates.

Okay. If it came to this point, it’s either you scoured the entire mall and came up with nothing, or you didn’t want to move an inch from your set-up.

There is no judgment here, but you have to be warned: Even non-acetone ones potentially weaken your gel manicure.

So if you are lazy rather than plain unfortunate, it’s a smart choice to start walking for a better option.

If you listened to your chemistry class, the following shouldn’t shock you.

Nevertheless, some household materials should work: perfumes, Lysol, and hand sanitizer.

This might ruin your nails. Or not. It’s a matter of luck at this point.

Takeaway

Gel manis are expensive even when it’s DIY. So if you want it, go all out. Don’t hold back on purchasing quality gel polish, your base, and topcoats. As for technique, trying is the only option you got.

It’s a hit and miss to remedy your mess, but sticky layers are temporary issues. It shouldn’t be a cause of alarm or even a restart of, fates forbid, an entire hand.

Don’t frown because a little research and you are on your merry way!

The post Why is my gel polish sticky? appeared first on Polish pretty.

But we spent a good amount of time comparing nail gels that are only about a shade lighter than the others. We also don’t want the winning nail color to chip off too soon.

Why gel polish peels off fast isn’t always a you-problem, but what you’re doing before, during, and after your nail appointment contributes to the issue.

Nail color and social class

The world’s love affair with nail colors did not emerge just recently: Our history with nail polish goes back a long way. As early as 3200 BC, people have been painting over their nails. Nail color was used to show off one’s rank either in the military or in one’s society.

Today, you could walk out of the nail salon with whatever color you set your heart out. Red nails are for anyone bold enough to seek them. In the past, that may have been your death sentence. Because you can remain in your social standing for life in some cultures, you may never wear certain colors.

Thank heavens for people who made nail colors available for everyone.

How do nail colors work?

The pigments in the nail polish will not do much beautifying on your hands if they would just drip or slide from your nails. The polish has to adhere to your fingernails. In the bottle, the polish is liquid. But when it is already brushed onto nails, it has to harden in a process called polymerization. It is how nail gel works.

Polymerization is just smaller molecules, called monomers, connecting into a chain, called a polymer. Different kinds of nail-coloring products achieve polymerization differently — by air or by light.

Traditional nail polish

A traditional nail polish dries on its own after it is applied to nails. It’s a type of polish or coat that leaves a shiny finish.

It contains solvents like acetate, butyl acetate, and ethyl acetate which will evaporate upon application of the product. The solvent gives off that distinct smell.

Pigments and other nail polish ingredients create a smooth and glossy film that will harden as the solvent leaves.

The film does not fall off after it dried because of the resins in your nail polish. Resins keep the nail polish attached to your nail. To keep the film from breaking too soon, manufacturers also add plasticizers. Plasticizers allow flexibility of the film.

Your traditional nail polish may also contain additives that help protect the finished product from sun damage or add adornments like glitters or pearls.

Gel nail polish

Unlike traditional lacquer nail polish, gel nail polish does not dry on its own. Its molecules have to be joined and bonded together through a chemical reaction. Ultraviolet light jumpstarts this bonding which initiates the drying process. This is also known as curing the nails.

Don’t we get UV light from the sun? Yes, we do. However, the UV dose that we are getting may not be enough to activate the photoinitiator in the gel. If the light is too little, the reaction does not happen. If the light is too strong, it may damage the fingers because there is too much heat.

Since gel polish does not depend on evaporating solvents, they don’t have the signature smell of traditional nail polish.

Gel nails are strong. But if the finished product is also too rigid and stiff, it would break easily, like a thin biscuit. So, nail gel polish also contains plasticizers to prevent early breaking and chipping off.

But the plasticizers in your nail polish won’t prevent chipping and peeling by causes other than the nail polish itself.

CHECK OUT: Alternative to Gel Nails

Why is my gel nail polish peeling off?

Gel nail polish is supposed to last longer than traditional nail polish. It is stronger and less susceptible to chipping.

You may ask, “If that is true then, why does my gel nail polish peel off so easily?” And despite the promise of longevity, you could be the next person asking, “Why do my gel nails peel off after a week?”

If the issue already exists during the manicure process, painting over the problem won’t fix it.

If you look at your fingernails, a thin layer outlines the base part of your hard nails. This is your cuticle. When you paint over your nails with the cuticles still protruding, some of the polish sticks to the cuticle and not the nail itself. This would cause gel nails lifting and peeling because of where the polish is adhering to.

The gel polish could not stick properly

Another reason why your new gel nail polish lifts and peels too soon is that it didn’t have a tight grip on the nail plate in the first place. Unlike when it was just your cuticle in the way, the gel polish barely has anything to hold on to this time.

You could be upping your lazy-day game and just painting over old polished nails. Or you didn’t wash your hands first before whipping out your nail kit. Old polish and oils keep your nails smooth.

CHECK OUT: Why is my gel polish sticky

The curing process was not right

Gel nail polish requires exposure to UV light from special lamps. It is what transforms the polish into a dry and strong film on your nails. The chemical reaction from UV light alone perfects the manicure process. If this process did not go as expected, your freshly manicured nails did not dry properly.

Not all UV light lamps are not created equal. While there is a common range of wavelengths (340 to 380 nanometers), wavelengths alone do not tell the whole story.

The intensity of the light differs as to bulb wattage (in watts). How many bulbs there are and how far they are from the fingernails also affect how the lamp cures your nails.

Add to those, there is no singular magic number for how long the nails should be kept under the UV light.

But the hard part in understanding UV light lamps is finding the perfect match for your gel polish. Brands differ from each other in the recommended specifications for UV light lamps. For instance, the photo-initiator of Brand X reacts at 340 nm while Brand Y’s only activates at 370 nm.

If you use specifications that are not meant for your gel polish, your manicure won’t cure properly.

The gel polish layers are too thick

You may have been too excited about your new nail kit that you applied too much of the product in between layers. Thick coats of the gel polish won’t cure in the same manner as the recommended coats. The time would be too short to perfect the curing process. The light won’t be as effective as well.

However, this does not mean you should keep your fingers under the lamp longer. Nor does this mean that you should use a stronger UV light lamp. The light could damage your skin if you do either.

CHECK OUT: How to fix bumpy nail polish

Not taking care of your manicured nails

Even if you’re sure that the manicure went perfectly, you can still get early gel nail lifting and peeling from not taking care of your nails. Manicured hands need extra attention. There are activities that you have to do a little differently when you have gel nail polish.

For instance, you could be working with harsh chemicals regularly. The chemicals can weaken and damage your fresh nails. Working with high or low temperatures can also make your nail polish flake away too soon.

How to fix peeling gel nails

Eventually, nail polish is going to peel and lift. You can still fix peeling polish. How you’re going to react when it happens can save or shorten the life of your nail color.

Picking on it is not the answer

If you have a habit of picking on nail polish even after you just applied them, the question “Why do my gel nails peel off after one day?” answers itself.

When you notice that your nails are prematurely peeling, you shouldn’t make it worse by picking on the lifted gel. Not only will this make the polish peel off faster, but you may also damage your nails. If you force the polish off by picking on it, you might also unintentionally slough off cells from your nail.

Cover and seal it

If the polish is just starting to lift from your nail plate, you can use a topcoat to reseal it. While this is a band-aid solution, it’ll help you get by for a while.

But if bits and pieces of the polish have already peeled off, you may have to visit your nail salon. They can recommend a long-term solution.

How to stop gel nails from peeling

For the several issues discussed earlier, the solution is simply to start the manicure right.

Prep your nails properly

Before you start painting over your nails, make sure that there is nothing that will prevent the nail gel polish from sticking on your nail plate.

And you should keep your cuticles in check so they don’t come between the nail and the polish. You don’t have to trim the visible layer. Instead, just make sure that you’re actually applying the polish not on the cuticle, but on the nail.

Curing process done right

Your UV light specifications should complement your chosen gel polish. Thus, you have to follow down to the letter what the manufacturer prescribed for their product.

By making a personal estimation and formula, you might be wasting a perfectly good product. Worse, you could irreversibly harm or hurt yourself from UV light exposure.

In following the correct specifications for wavelength, light intensity, duration, and distance from the light your nail polish would cure properly. It would not peel too soon. And you could set aside that nail appointment for later.

Use thin, even layers

Swiping on a singular thick layer to finish early seems like a logical way to apply gel nail polish. After all, it would take you a long time to achieve the same thickness if you apply several thin layers.

But this would only prevent your nail polish from curing correctly and completely. And if you use thick layers, that means you have to adjust the settings for your UV lamp or keep your hands under it for longer. You should not resort to this.

Your nail polish won’t be strong and long-lasting. You may even harm yourself if you stray from the recommended use of the lamp.

The answer to “Why are my gel nails peeling off?” may also be found in what you do after you get your nails done.

Protect your hands with gloves

Manicured nails should not stop your day. It just means that you have to be extra careful when you’re working with your hands.

A good pair of gloves keeps your nails safe from chemicals that would otherwise weaken your nails or damage your nail polish. Your hands will also thank you for taking this extra step.

Don’t bite your nails

If the edges of your teeth are sharp enough to cut and tear down food, they can also scrape your nail polish. Biting your nails can damage not only your nail plate. It can leave painful cuts and wounds on the skin around your nail. This habit should be curbed since it is an invitation for infections and diseases.

Keep your nails healthy

Keeping your nails healthy is an accumulation of habits that contribute to good nail health. Number one on the list is maintaining a balanced diet so that your nails won’t be deprived of nourishment.

Another habit that you should have started yesterday is using hand moisturizers. Taking care of your hands is also by extension taking care of your nails. When your nails are moisturized, you’re less likely to have chipped and peeling nail polish.

CHECK OUT: Why are nails clear

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Acrylic nails are great for adding length or changing the shape of your nails. They are made from a mix of powder polymer and liquid monomer that are bonded onto your natural nails. Unlike gel nails, they don’t need a UV lamp to cure.

They’re great for adding colorful and creative nail art designs due to their length and strength. But as fun as they may look, acrylic nails also have their drawbacks.

Why are acrylic nails damaging?

Depending on the quality and technique your acrylic nails were applied, there are certain dangers these talons can do to your natural nails. Here are a few of them:

Nailbed Trauma

Acrylic nails harden stiffer compared to your natural nails. Since they are molded onto your nails, when you accidentally bump or knock your acrylics, there’s a chance your natural nails could also lift from their nailbeds.

Since acrylic nails don’t bend the same way your natural nails do, little accidents could lead to extreme nail tears, depending on the strength of your nail.

Weakens Natural Nails

Since acrylic nails contain harsh chemicals, they dry out your nails’ natural oils making them dry and weak.

Also, depending on the skill of the nail technician, they could file your nail beds incorrectly leaving thin and brittle nail beds. You would know if your nailbeds are damaged if they hurt to the touch and can easily bend.

Contains Harsh Chemicals

Another red flag to look out for is if the acrylic nails contain Methyl methacrylate (MMA). MMA is a liquid monomer that could cause nail damage, contact dermatitis, allergies, or infection.

MMA used to be a common ingredient in acrylic nails in the ’70s, but because of numerous health complaints, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declared to ban its use from beauty products.

Although it is still banned, there are non-standard nail salons that still use MMA in their acrylics since they are cheaper, compared to the safer ingredient, Ethyl methacrylate (EMA).

You would know if your acrylics contain MMA by their strong odor and their hard and non-flexible surface. Another indication is that the service is offered at a low or discounted price.

Increases Risk of Infection

If the nail beds are not properly cleaned before the acrylic nails are applied, bacteria could grow in between and cause infection.

Also, if your nails split, this exposes a gap in between the nail and nail bed, making it the perfect environment for bacteria and fungi to grow.

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Is there an alternative to acrylic nails

Now that you know about the risks associated with acrylic nails, the question is, can you put on fake nails without acrylic?

Acrylic nails may be the most traditional form of nail extensions, but with innovations in the beauty industry, there are now better and safer alternatives available.

What’s a healthier alternative to acrylic nails?

If you still want to have long pretty nails but are now skeptical of getting acrylics, don’t worry there is a better alternative to acrylic nails:

Gel Nail Extensions

Gel nails are more forgiving compared to acrylic nails. They’re pre-shaped and made entirely out of gel that is cured under a UV lamp, so they’re easy to apply, and don’t require any nail glue.

They’re designed for long wear because of their durability. They’re also lightweight, don’t contain harsh chemicals, and don’t require heavy filing, so your natural nails can grow longer and stronger once you remove the extensions.

Gel nails can last for up to three to four weeks. So when removing them, you only need to soak your nails in acetone, compared to acrylic nails where your nail technician will have to drill, soak, and file them.

Polygel Nails

Polygel nails are a combination of acrylic nails and gel nails. They have the durability of acrylics and the elasticity of gel nails.

They’re made from a mixture of acrylic powder and clear gel, so they’re stronger, more flexible, and more customizable. Polygel nails also don’t release harmful chemicals into the air when mixing, compared to acrylic nails.

They’re also lighter than acrylic nails and traditional hard gels, so they still feel like your natural nails. Polygel nails can also last between three to four weeks and can be filled in once your nails grow out.

CHECK OUT: Why does my gel polish peel off

What is the least damaging artificial nail?

Just like acrylic nails, any artificial nail method can pose risks to your natural nails. But with several methods available, which is a less damaging alternative to acrylic nails?

The following methods may be more difficult to find in nail salons nowadays, but they used to be popular before acrylic nails came into the scene.

But if you find the right nail salon that specializes in these techniques, you’ll fall in love with how non-damaging they are to your nails.

Fiberglass Nails

Fiberglass nails are a lesser-known method of nail extension. It involves adding fiberglass, a thin cloth-like material onto your nails. Resin glue is used to harden the fabric, making it easy to shape with an emery board or nail drill. Once hardened, your nail technician can then add acrylic powder or gel nail polish over the nail.

Fiberglass nails don’t last as long as acrylic or gel nails do, but they look very natural and can be used for lengthening and strengthening weak nails or for repairing chipped nails.

Silk Wrap Nails

Silk wrap nails used to be popular back in the ’80s before acrylics became all the rage. But the good news is, silk wrap nails are slowly making a comeback, and for good reasons.

They are similar to fiberglass nails, the only difference is, they use different fabrics. Silk wrap nails use silk to add strength to weak and brittle nails.

Fiberglass nails may be stronger than silk wrap nails, but silk wrap appears to have a more natural look.

Silk wrap nails can also add a bit of length to your nails but not as much compared to acrylic nails. The downside is, silk wrap nails can easily be dissolved in water, so they’re not very durable.

CHECK OUT: Alternative to Gel Nails

The DIY alternative to acrylic nails

Although there are at-home kits available for gel and polygel nails, it is still advisable to get them in a professional nail salon to avoid any damage to your nails.

But if you’re on a budget or don’t have the time to pop into a nail salon, there is an alternative to acrylic nails at home, and don’t worry, this doesn’t contain harsh chemicals that can damage your nails.

Press-on Nails

If you grew up in the ’90s, chances are, you’ve seen press-on nails or have tried them on yourself. They used to have a limited number of nail shapes and nail designs.

But now, they have evolved to have more shapes, lengths, and designs, that’s why they’re still popular.

Press-on nails are made from acrylic resins that can easily be applied to the nails using nail glue. Depending on the quality you use, they could closely resemble acrylic nails that you can get from nail salons.

Press-on nails can last up to two weeks, with proper application and care. What’s even greater, is if they’re durable, you can reuse the nails for another occasion. So if you only want to wear them for a party or a special occasion, you can get the ones with adhesives at the back for easy application and removal.

CHECK OUT: Nail Glue Alternatives

The Takeaway

Acrylic nails may be the trusted and proven nail extensions in the industry, but it’s also worth considering that there are risks involved if they’re not applied or removed correctly.

That’s why it’s always a good choice to go to a reputable nail salon to get your nails done.

But if you’ve been a long-time acrylic nail user, it’s also good to know that there are other nail extension techniques available that are worth trying.

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