Lifted or peeling products during a gel manicure could have any number of causes; here are some that are frequently seen:
Improper Nail Preparation: Proper nail preparation is key for ensuring successful product adhesion to natural nails. Make sure to thoroughly cleanse the nails, remove all oil or residue build-up, and gently buff their surface until it has an irregularity that allows better product adhesion.
An excessive exposure to water or chemicals (like cleaning products ) may cause products to lift away from their free edges and peel back off, prompting clients to wear gloves when performing household chores or handling chemicals, as well as avoid excessively immersing their hands in water.
Undercuring: Failure to use adequate LED or UV lamp exposure may result in poor adhesion and lifting, so be sure that you use the recommended curing times and lamp wattage for each gel product you work with.
Applying Product Too Thickly: Overly thick layers of product can lead to incomplete curing and poor adhesion, so for optimal curing and adhesion it's crucial that thin, even coats of basecoat, builder gel, gel polish or topcoat are applied - these will ensure proper curing and adhesion.
Touching Cuticle or Skin: If a product makes contact with either the cuticle or surrounding skin during application, it could create a point of weakness that could cause lifting or peeling. Be wary to leave a small gap between product and cuticle/skin prior to curing and remove any that accidentally comes in contact.
Mismatch of products: Mixing and matching products from different brands or systems may result in poor adhesion or lifting. For optimal results, it is recommended that products from one system work in harmony together.
Nail conditions: Some clients may have naturally oily or weak nails that make it more challenging for products to adhere properly, necessitating additional preparation or specialty products to improve adhesion. To facilitate proper adhesion in such instances, additional nail preparation or special solutions may be needed for optimal adhesion.
Addressing these potential causes and ensuring appropriate application techniques can help eliminate product lifting or peeling and extend the longevity of your client's gel manicure.