BEAUTY
Mistakes You Didn't Realize You Were Making With Your Gel Nail Polish
By VANESSA ELLE
Improper Nail Prep
The biggest mistake when it comes to gel nails is not prepping the nails properly before application. It’s essential to remove old nail polish, buff the surface of your nails, push your cuticles back, and most importantly, apply a clear nail base goal to ensure the gel binds with your natural nail.
Careless Application
To get a flawless gel application, paint in short strokes to avoid getting gel on your cuticles, and avoid painting long strokes as this will result in uneven layers. When it comes to gel, less is more, because too many coats of gel will not properly cure.
Not Curing Gel Polish
Most gel nail polishes require a UV lamp, but if you don’t want to get radiation, My Body Day recommends soaking your painted nails in an ice bath for five minutes, coating your nails with cooking spray, or applying quick-drying nail polish spray. Don’t forget to seal your gel nails with a top coat.
Careless Removal
Gel nails should be removed after three weeks to prevent bacteria from growing beneath the gel. The safest way to remove gel polish at home is with acetone, and resist the urge to peel off the gel so you don’t damage your natural nail.
Back-To-Back Manicures
Avoid getting back-to-back gel manicures as this can dehydrate your nails and dermatologist Dr. Sonia Batra says this can cause “nail thinning” and hard gels can “give rise to a yellow-orange discoloration of the nails.” Give yourself at least a few weeks after each gel manicure.