The Secret to Preventing Gel Polish Lifting: A Nail Technician's Guide
Hello esteemed nail technicians!
In the world of nail care and design, gel polish has become a popular choice for many clients, due to its shine, resilience, and lasting power. But as we all know, even this seemingly perfect polish is not without its challenges. One issue we often encounter is gel polish lifting or peeling away from the nail plate. This can result in unsightly manicures and frustrated clients.
So, how can we prevent gel polish from lifting? Let's delve into some tried and true techniques.
1. Proper Nail Preparation
The first step in preventing gel polish from lifting starts with proper nail preparation. Ensure that the nails are completely clean and free from oils or residue. Use a gentle nail dehydrator to remove oils, then follow with a primer to create an ideal surface for the gel polish to adhere to.
2. Correct Application
The next crucial factor in avoiding gel polish lift-off is the correct application. The technique plays a key role here. The primer and base coat should be applied thinly and evenly. Moreover, avoid getting the gel polish on the skin or cuticles, as this can lead to lifting.
3. Capping the Free Edge
Capping or sealing the free edge of the nail is another essential step that is often overlooked. This technique involves running the brush along the nail tip to create a sealed edge, which helps to prevent chipping and lifting.
4. Proper Curing
Incorrect curing can lead to several issues, including lifting. Ensure that you are using the right type of lamp (LED or UV, depending on the gel system) and curing for the recommended time. Under-curing can cause the polish to lift, while over-curing can lead to brittleness.
5. Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance appointments can also help prevent lifting. If a client waits too long between fills, their nail growth can cause the gel polish to lift. Recommend a fill every 2-3 weeks, depending on their nail growth and lifestyle.
6. Quality Products
Last but not least, the quality of the products you use can significantly impact the longevity of the gel polish. High-quality base coats, gels, and top coats can help prevent lifting and ensure that your clients' nails look their best for as long as possible.
To summarize, preventing gel polish from lifting involves a combination of proper nail prep, correct application techniques, thorough curing, regular maintenance, and the use of quality products. As nail technicians, continuous learning and improvement of our skills is key to providing the best possible service to our clients.
Here's to beautiful, long-lasting gel manicures!
Yours in service,
Hanna Putjato