Poly Nail Gel nails are one of the most popular ways to get salon-style nails at home. Although they are susceptible to a few challenges, just like any type of acrylic or gel, our article will guide you through identifying and resolving some of the most common issues that may arise with Poly Nail Gel nails. In this article, we'll discuss some of the most common issues that arise with Poly Nail Gel nails so you can recognise them and find solutions to fix them as quickly as possible!
#Problem 1: Using too much Poly Nail Gel
If you're using too little of Poly Nail Gel, this can lead to weaker and more fragile gel nails, making them more prone to breaking and chipping. To avoid this happening: Simply add on more product! When adding more product, be sure to apply it thicker in the middle to create an apex - this will give your nails the coveted "C-curve" shape that looks so natural and elegant. And remember to always apply the product thinner at the side walls to avoid any bulkiness or unevenness.
Apex: An apex nail is an artificial nail extension that is added to the natural nail to create length and shape, with the apex referring to the thickest part of the nail providing stability and strength.
A c-curve is the arch that is created by the natural growth of the nail plate from side wall to side wall.
If you've applied the gel too thinly and it's already been cured on your nails, don't worry - you can still fix it. Simply apply more gel (with our handy dandy nail brush) over top of where there area that needs more gel; then cure again under LED nail lamp until fully dried up before moving onto step 2 which would be applying polish or top coat.
#Problem 2: Using too much Poly Nail Gel
If you find that the Poly Nail Gel is applied too thick on the dual form, simply remove some of the gel before curing it. Our dual form comes with measurement lines that make it easy for you to ensure that all of your nails are the same length. Use these lines as a guide to help you apply the right amount of product - if you're using too much, you'll be able to see it right away and remove the excess before curing.
#Problem 3: Using too much Slip Solution
When you use too much slip solution, it can cause several issues, including liquefying the product making it way too liquid to control the gel causing it to slide at the wrong angle, flooding slip solution on the nails. To avoid these mistakes, make sure to let the solution evaporate before applying more gel or curing. If you do not allow the slip solution to evaporate before applying on another layer of gel, it may get trapped between the layers which can negatively affect the longevity of your manicure by breaking off sooner than expected.
To prevent yourself from using too much of this product, ensure that your brush is not dripping with solution and wipe off any excess solution before use.
#Problem 4: Apply the Poly Nail Gel too near to the cuticle and sidewall
The gel should never be allowed to touch the skin, as it may cause irritation or allergic reactions. This is also true for other gel products such as gel polish. When applying a layer of gel over your natural nail, try to maintain a gap between the product and sidewalls of your nails so that there is no risk of having them lift off with growth (which would allow moisture and bacteria get under the nail).
While some individuals may prefer the appearance of their nails extending as close as possible toward their cuticles, this may initially appear aesthetically pleasing but may end up causing problems later down the road if not maintained properly.
#Problem 5: Inconsistencies in the application
Inconsistencies in the application, like lumps, bumps, and visible lines on the nails are usually caused by some of the gels applied thicker than others areas. It is crucial to rectify this before applying the gel polish; otherwise, these inconsistencies will be more apparent with colour on your nails. If they're minor then you can try smoothing them out by gently buffing the nails with Glowtips nail buffer. However, avoid overfiling as this may damage it and make things worse! The goal is to achieve a smooth surface without any bumps or ridges in order for your new colour coatings to look good too!
In the rare case that the issue is beyond repair, don't worry! A fresh start may be the best solution. We've got you covered with a step-by-step tutorial video on safely removing your Poly Nail Gel. Check it out here to ensure a smooth and easy removal process.
#Problem 6: Using too much pressure to press the dual form onto your nails, causing the gel to squeeze out from the side and underside of the dual forms.
First, use the correct size dual form: It's important to choose the correct size dual form for your nail to avoid having to push or squeeze it into place. The dual form should fit snugly onto your nail without any gaps. If you are in between sizes, choose the larger size.
Apply the gel onto the dual forms using a thicker amount in the middle and a slightly thinner layer at the sides and cuticle area. This ensures that you won't have to press too hard onto your nails, and with enough product, the gaps will be filled seamlessly. When placing the dual forms onto your nails, use a gentle touch and avoid using excessive force, as this can cause excess product to be pushed out from any small gaps between surfaces.
#Problem 7: Air bubbles in the Poly Nail Gel
There is reason why there is air bubble in the gel, when you overwork the gel, it can trap air and create bubbles. This can happen if you apply too much pressure while spreading the gel or if you try to manipulate it too much.
Before applying the gel, ensure that the dual form and nails are clean and free from any residue or oils. When applying the gel, use a small amount to start with and apply it evenly to avoid creating air bubbles.
#Problem 8: Poly Nail Gel lifted
If you've noticed any lifting, don't panic! It's usually due to improper nail preparation or poor application technique. You may not notice right after you do your nails, it might happen days or weeks after.
Begin by assessing the extent of the damage; if it's a small area, you're in luck. Use a Glowtips 180 grit side Nail File to gently remove any lifted edges of the gel layer, being careful not to damage your natural nails. Your nails will look as good as new! Clean the area with a nail cleanser to remove any dirt, oils, or residue. Apply a fresh base coat to the affected area, making sure to prevent any moisture from getting between the layers during the application of new gel.
After curing the base coat under the nail lamp, apply a small amount of fresh Poly Nail Gel to the area and blend it with the old Poly Nail Gel. Once you're satisfied with the result, cure it under the nail lamp and file the surface to ensure a seamless blend between the old and new Poly Nail Gel. Finally, continue with your nail design as usual, and your nails will look as good as new!
#Problem 9: Broken Poly Nail Gel Nails
If you've ever experienced a broken nail extension that didn't harm your natural nails, you're not alone. This can happen if your natural nails are shorter than the extension, and it's often caused by everyday activities or repetitive trauma that you may not even be aware of, like opening cans or doing household chores.
If this happens to you, it's important to fix it as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Here's what you can do: start by filing away the top layer of top coat and gel polish. Then, gently remove about 30% of the old poly nail gel nails to prepare for repair. This technique will help to prevent the new gel from appearing too bulky and achieve a rough nail surface for better adhesion.
Cleanse your nails with a nail cleanser to remove any moisture, dirt, or oil, and apply a base coat on the old gel. Then, apply the new poly nail gel to the dual form until you reach the desired length that matches your other nails. Apply the dual form onto your nails and examine the side walls and underside of the nails as usual. Finally, proceed with your preferred nail art design and cure the nails under the nail lamp.
However, if your broken nails have harmed your natural nails, resulting in bleeding, it's best to remove the nail extension and allow your natural nails to rest and recover. Wait for about a week or more until your nails start to regrow before adding extensions to repair them.
Bonus tips:
- Make sure to seal the edges of the Poly Nail Gel with top coat to prevent it from lifting or peeling off over time. This small step can make a huge difference in how long your nails last!
- It's also worth noting that different Poly Nail Gel colours can have slightly different consistencies. For instance, our Pure White Poly Nail Gel is known for being a bit firmer and less pliable than other colours due to its more opaque pigments. This might make it feel like it's harder to sculpt, but don't worry, it's totally normal.
- How you store your Poly Nail Gel can also impact its consistency. If you keep your Poly Nail Gel in a cool or dry place, especially during winter, it can become even firmer over time. Conversely, if you store your Poly Nail Gel in a warm and humid environment, it may become too soft.
- Lastly, if you're having trouble sculpting your Poly Nail Gel, try soaking the tube in lukewarm water for a few minutes before use. This can help to soften the gel and make it easier to work with.
We hope you found our troubleshooting guide for common Poly Nail Gel nail issues helpful. We understand that sometimes it can be easier to see the solutions in action, so we've created a video that goes more in-depth on how to solve these problems. You can check it out by clicking here.
We always love hearing from our community, so if you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to leave them below. We're here to help make your nail crafting experience as smooth as possible. Thanks for your support, and happy Poly Nail Gel-ing!