Tips for a Long-Lasting Gel Manicure
Have you ever experienced your gel polish falling off your nails? If yes, then keep reading! We’re spilling all the secrets to why this happens and how to fix it for a flawless and long-lasting manicure! So sit back, relax, and get ready to master the art of a long-lasting manicure with our expert advice!
Before you apply gel polish products, make sure to follow these safety guidelines:
- Gel polish products must not come in contact with the skin. Apply only to the nail plate.
- Gelpolish Factory products should be cured in a 48W nail lamp.
- Make sure all gel products are fully cured under the nail lamp. Always follow the curing times written on each product. If you are in doubt, cure longer.
10 Tips to Make Your Gel Polish Last
Follow these tips to prevent your gel polish from lifting or falling off prematurely. But remember that practice is key and you will get better technique over time by doing your nails over and over again. Soon, you will be a pro at this!
1. Avoid Using Creams and Oils Hours Before You Apply Gel Polish
Oil and grease is any gel polish’s worst enemy. Steer clear of heavy creams and oils that can create a barrier between your nails and the polish hours before diving into your gel polish application. Opt for a clean, oil-free canvas for better adhesion and longevity.
2. Avoid Doing Your Nails Right After a Shower
While it may seem convenient to tackle your nails post-shower, the moisture can negatively affect the longevity of your gel polish. Your nails expand when exposed to water, so wait until your nails are completely dry to avoid any unwanted lifting or bubbling of your gel polish. Of course this applies to any activity where your hands are submerged in water for a long time. Don’t do the dishes or go swimming right before either.
3. Prep Your Nails Properly
Before any long-lasting manicure comes the proper prep of your natural nails. If you don’t prep, it won’t last. Prep is key! We did a full guide to perfect nail prep here.
4. Use Nail Primer
Don’t skip the nail primer! Applying our ‘Prep & Prime’ nail primer helps to dehydrate the nail plate, promoting better adhesion and preventing premature chipping or peeling of your gel polish.
5. Use the Correct Nail Lamp
It is super important that gel polish gets fully cured, and that only happens by using a nail lamp that is strong enough for the specific brand.
For our products, you should only use a nail lamp that is 48W (min.) and with a wavelength of 360-405nm. If you use a nail lamp that is too weak, the product will not harden properly, and you will experience issues such as the product lifting from the nail and wet spots.
It may seem obvious, but make sure you cure your gels the amount of time it says on the bottle. Our gels usually need 90 or 120 seconds to cure. Always cure longer if you are in doubt.
6. Massage the Base Coat Into your Nail
Take your time when applying the first layer of base coat directly to the nail. Instead of just gliding it over the nail, gently massage it into your nail instead by rocking the brush back and forth, getting into every little nook of the nail. Use a very thin first layer and avoid any contact with the skin and cuticles. This ensures maximum adhesion and creates a strong bond between your natural nail and the gel polish.
7. Seal the Tip of Your Nail
To prevent premature wear, lifting and chipping, be sure to seal the free edge of your nails with each layer of gel polish. This extra step adds an additional layer of protection and prolongs the life of your manicure.
8. Use Thin Layers
Less is more when it comes to applying gel polish. Opt for thin, even layers to avoid thick, bulky manicures that are prone to lifting and not curing properly in the lamp. Thin layers not only look more natural but also ensure better curing and longevity.
9. Think about your skin type
Just like some people have a more oil prone skin type, the same applies to nails. If you have a combination to oily skin type, your nails will likely also be prone to produce more oils which is great for a naturally hydrated nail, but unfortunately not so good for a long lasting gel polish. Oil on the nail plate is the worst enemy of any gel polish because oil will cause the product to lift off. Therefore, if you have a more oily skin type, you need to pay extra attention to really dehydrete your nails. Use remover (acetone) instead of cleanser, always use primer (preferred just before application on each nail) and make sure you have created a good gritty texture on your nails with a buffer for extra adhesion power.
10. Do a Few Fingers at a Time
When you do your whole hand in one go instead of doing a few fingers and curing in between, you risk the product spilling out into the sides of your nails and onto the skin. Product should never come into contact with the skin, and when product pools at the sides of your nails or by your cuticles, it creates more potential for lifting and falling off. We recommend you to do your thumb first, then cure in the lamp. Then, you can do two fingers and cure, then the last 2 fingers and cure. If you still find the product to spill to the sides , try using thinner layers and just perfect one finger at a time and cure after each application.
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