Is your gel polish (or hybrid polish) chipping after just a couple of days? You’re not the only one asking this question. Why does this happen, and what can you do to keep your manicure looking perfect for up to3 weeks?
If you want your nails to look flawless for a long time, avoid the most common mistakes and follow these tips to ensure long-lasting results.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
Why does gel polish peel off like a film?
-
Why doesn't the nail polish stay on the nail?
-
Why does the varnish crack or peel?
-
How can I make my manicure last longer, and what should I avoid?
Common Mistakes and Solutions
1. Improperly prepared nail plate
Gel polish won't last if the nail isn't properly cleaned. What should you do before applying the polish?
-
Push back the cuticles with a cuticle pusher or a wooden stick
-
If necessary, trim the excess with cuticle nippers
-
You can use a cuticle remover, which softens and helps remove excess skin
-
Shape it as desired using a seam ripper
-
Gently buff the surface of the nail with a buffer block
-
Clean the nail surface with a nail cleaner
2. Dirty, greasy nail surface
If the nail isn't degreased, the polish simply won't "stick." Solution:
-
Always clean your nails with nail polish remover before applying the base coat
-
For particularly oily nail plates – also use primers (acidic or non-acidic)
-
Do not use oils or creams before a manicure
3. Applied to the cuticles
If the nail polish hardens on the skin, air gets trapped underneath it and it starts to peel. What should I do?
-
Push back and clean your cuticles before applying nail polish
-
If the varnish does get on your skin, wipe it off with a cotton swab or brush dipped in cleaner before it dries
-
You can use Gum Peel-Off nail protection
-
Or choose hybrid stickers, such as Gel Stickers Easy On —they’re foolproof!
4. Coats of varnish applied too thickly
If the coat is too thick, it won’t dry completely, and the varnish will start to peel. The correct method:
-
Apply thin layers
-
Better 2–3 thin layers than 1 thick one
5. Poor or outdated infrastructure
A good manicure starts with a high-quality base coat.
6. Waiting too long before polymerization
If you wait too long after applying it, the nail polish starts to run. What should you do?
-
Cure each nail individually (especially the thumbs)
-
All four nails at once, and then the thumbs separately
7. The free end of the nail is not sealed
The polish will chip if the edge of the nail isn't protected. Don't forget:
-
Apply a base coat, color, and top coat to the tips of your nails as well, even if your nails are short
8. Incorrect drying time
If the curing time is too long or too short, the polish will crack or not adhere properly. Follow the recommended curing time for your lamp. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or product sheet!
9. A used, old, or low-quality product
Hybrid nail polish has a shelf life of 12 months after opening. An old product = poor results.
10. Weak or damaged nails
Nail polish won’t last on brittle, thin, or severely damaged nails. Recommendation: first restore your nails by using restorative oils and serums, and only then get a manicure.
11. A burnt-out or dim bulb
If the varnish is shrinking, cracking, or not adhering properly, your lamp may no longer be working as it should.
-
Check the lamp power and the bulbs' service life
-
Consider replacing the bulb if the result is not as expected
Summary – How to ensure a long-lasting manicure:
-
Prepare and degrease the nail surface
-
Do not use oily creams before a manicure
-
Apply only to the nail, not to the skin
-
Apply thin layers
-
Always seal the tip of the nail
-
Dry according to the instructions
-
Use high-quality products and check the expiration date
-
Take care of your nails
-
Check the condition of the lamp regularly
Extra tip – nourish and strengthen your nails!
Strong nails = a longer-lasting manicure. Use nourishing serums and oils.
Thanks to these tips, your next gel manicure will be long-lasting, beautiful, and professional—just like at the salon!