Let’s consider 4 reasons for why your gel polish may be peeling.
1. WE DIDN'T PROPERLY PREP THE CUTICLE.
If the cuticles are not prepped correctly, it leaves a small gap/ edge that the gel polish can easily start to peel from. This will cause the gel polish to start peeling off very quickly. To avoid this, ensure that the cuticles are pushed back and that the sides are nice and trimmed.
2. WE AREN'T DEHYDRATING THE NAILS
For long lasting gel application, we have to also ensure that the nails themselves are properly prepped. Any excess water or oil will create a barrier between the nails and the gel polish. We want to make sure that the gel polish is sticking to the nail, and not whatever gunk is laying on top of the nail. To properly dehydrate the nail, be sure to wipe down the nails with acetone or alcohol before applying the gel polish. An additional step you can take is to also use a nail primer or dehydrator before gel application.
3. THE LAMP ISN'T CURING THE GEL
We want to make sure that our gel lamps are strong, and that we are curing the gel for the full 60 seconds. If your gel light is not strong enough, it won't cure the gel all the way. If you take out the nails too soon, they won't be cured all the way either.
4. THE LAYERS OF GEL ARE TOO THICK
Slow and steady wins the race. We want to take our time when applying gel polish and apply thin even layers before curing the gel. Don't try to apply thick layers to save time, this will only make more work for you later. The thicker/ more layers of gel, the longer it will take for them to cure, and you run the risk of the bottom layers not being fully cured.