Peeling or lifting usually comes down to prep, moisture, or clean-up before curing. A few small tweaks can make a big difference for both gel polish and builder gel.
Start with strong prep:
- Avoid water for at least 1 hour before your mani, moisture is the enemy of long-lasting gel
- Don't wash your hands mid-mani
- Gently push back cuticles and buff away dead cuticle
- Lightly buff the nail surface so gel can properly adhere
Seal and protect:
- Cap the free edge of your nail to help prevent chips at the tips
- Apply thin, even layers; thick layers are more likely to lift
Clean before curing (especially important):
- If gel touches your cuticles or sidewalls, use a clean-up brush dipped in acetone to clean around the nail before curing
- Gel cured on skin can cause lifting at the base or sides
Still having issues? Double-check your cure time and make sure each layer is fully cured before moving on. Head to Olive University for tutorials on gel and builder gel prep, application, and troubleshooting.