Why is my gel or builder gel peeling or lifting, and how can I fix it?Updated 7 days ago

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.

See it step by step at Olive University: Gel Polish Prep and Builder Gel FAQs and Problem Solving.