Preventing Gel Nails from Peeling and Lifting

2009-10-28T10:19:00.001-07:00

There are a variety of reason why nails lift, and many of them are the result
of improper application methods. Make sure that you follow all of the application
steps correctly, and if you are still having lifting problems it may just be
that you need a little extra help with an additional product like the IBD Dehydrate.
First read all of the handy hints below. Hopefully you will recognise where you
might be going wrong.

Don't use too much Bonder. The nail should not look shiny after applying
the bonder. If it does, gently dab the nail with a clean nail wipe so that
you have a matt grainy appearance. Using too much Bonder can be the main reason
for lifting. For extreme lifting you can cure the Bonder for 3 minutes.

While preparing your nails make sure thay you file the entire nail in one
direction only. The entire surface should have the shine removed. Take special
care to file all nail edges.

Make sure that all nail and gel filings are removed with Cleanser Plus and
a Nail Wipe before applying Bonder. The nail must be thoroughly clean, dry
and particle free.

When you first start preparing your nails you use Nail Prep Spray, which
not only sanitises your nails but also dehydrates them a little. This is an
important step. Some people however might need a little more help to dehydrate
their nails. This might be because your have particularly oily nail beds, have
your hands regularly in water (from swimming, washing dishes etc), or it could
just be a temporary change like pregnancy that is effecting how well your nails
stay on. You have a couple of options if this is the case. You can use a stronger
nail primer, like those that are used for acrylic nails, or you can use IBD
Dehydrate. IBD Dehydrate is a quick and effective product which is simply brushed
on 3 to 4 seconds before you apply your Bonder. It doesn't need to be cured.

Avoid washing your hands during the whole application process. You need to
keep your nails completely dry.

Ensure that after applying the gel you run around the nail edge with a Cuticle
Pusher, or any other object with a pointed end like a tooth pick, to ensure
that the gel hasn't run onto the skin. Confine your application to the nail
plate only. Gel cured on your cuticles or surrounding skin will cause lifting.

Don't apply the gel too thinly at the edge of the nail.

Make sure you use a top coat and cap the end and edges of the nail. This
will help prevent moisture seeping between the natural nail and gel layer.

If you are applying gel polish you must use a topcoat. (see handy hint on
'Coloured Gel Polish is peeling')

Use gloves when washing up and house cleaning.

Rebecca Hombroek
http://www.nailsdirect.com.au/