Why do gel polish chips? Why do cracks appear on gel nail coating? Fight against chips. How much does Shellac coating cost?

Many nail extension lovers have repeatedly noticed that sometimes the gel produces detachments, cracks and other imperfections, forcing them to go to a specialist for correction. Moreover, such difficulties can arise not only among owners of extended nails, but also among those who strengthen their own plates with gel. However, when a manicure is performed by the same master, using the same materials, cracks may appear in one case, but not in another. Therefore, many fashionistas involuntarily wonder why gel polish on nails cracks?

Exploitation

Crack repair

Often, rapid deterioration of the quality of a manicure is the fault of its owner. Do not assume that extended or strengthened nails become indestructible. You need to take care of them no less than natural plates, if not more, since due to their large length they are subject to greater loads. The following operating errors can cause gel nail polish to crack:

  • Exposing the plates to high temperature and high humidity. In this sense, the sauna is completely destructive for extended or strengthened nails. A heated solarium also causes significant harm, but not so much due to the fact that there is no humidity;
  • Water generally has a rather negative effect on the quality of manicure. If you work as a doctor, florist, or in other areas where you have to wash your hands frequently, then you can’t hope that your manicure will last as long as those of those who don’t subject it to such stress;
  • One of the most important reasons why gel polish on natural plates cracks is mechanical stress. Its plate is flexible and quite soft, and therefore it can bend even with minimal load. Sometimes it is difficult for the gel layer to withstand such a load and it chips;
  • Low temperatures also have a negative effect on the gel. Thus, if you have extended your nails in winter, it is recommended to wear gloves or mittens at all times. Sub-zero temperatures can cause not only cracking, but also tarnishing, chipping and detachment of the gel, both from extended and natural nails.
  • Any cleaning products, even not too aggressive ones, destroy the gel on the nails. Cleaning, washing and washing dishes should only be done with gloves.

Following these simple rules can extend the life of your manicure for a long time. If the question of why gel polish peels off nevertheless arises, then you can be sure that the answer to it must be sought in another area.

Internal state of the body

Internal processes occurring in the body can have a significant impact on the longevity of your manicure. At the same time, both the condition of the body on the day of extension or coating and its condition throughout the entire duration of wear are equally important. This is due to the fact that during certain processes occurring in the body, the extension gel begins to be perceived by the nail plates as a foreign component and is intensively rejected. As a result, microscopic detachments appear, which, when minimal pressure is applied to them, turn into cracks.

The main processes that negatively affect the condition of nails are the following:

  1. Infectious diseases;
  2. Inflammatory processes;
  3. Hormonal imbalance or sudden change in hormonal levels;
  4. Taking antibiotics and certain medications from certain groups.

Especially often, the reason why the gel on extended nails cracks and peels off is changes in hormones. Related to this is the opinion, shared not only by many clients, but also by manicurists themselves, that nail extensions should not be done during menstruation. This build-up can begin to peel off literally the next day. In addition, the master’s work itself will be significantly complicated. Even during this process, the gel will not adhere well and will bubble.

Pregnancy, in essence, is an even greater hormonal stress for the body. However, you can often see pregnant women with perfect manicure. It cannot be said that pregnancy is a contraindication to extensions or application of gel, however, you should not extend your nails in the first and last months. For several months after childbirth, extensions are also not carried out. This is to some extent connected with the inconvenience of caring for a small child that mothers with long nails experience.

However, this is not the only reason why nail extensions during pregnancy can become very short-lived. The fact is that during this period nails behave unpredictably. They can either greatly accelerate growth or greatly slow down or stop growing altogether. In addition, they can either significantly thicken and strengthen, or become weak. And if the initial condition of the nails is poor, the extended plates will not hold up normally. There are even some features of your own nails in which artificial nails cause detachments and cracks, in particular, we are talking about such nails, the free edge of which bends up or down as they grow.

Asking the question of why gel polish chips if your own nails are weak, brittle and peeling is pointless, since the answer is obvious. Both applying gel polish and extensions are procedures that are contraindicated for weakened and brittle nails. This is due to the fact that the gel will not only stick poorly, but will also cause additional harm to already sore nails. The most problematic in this case are peeling nails, since nail fragments will peel off from them along with the gel applied to them.

Crack in the coating

For the same reason, the master may refuse to perform the procedure on you if he has even the slightest suspicion that you have nail fungus. Extending nails with this disease is fraught not only with the occurrence of chips and cracks, but also with a significant worsening of the condition of the nails. Under the extended plate, in the absence of oxygen, ideal conditions are created for the development of bacteria - the causative agents of this disease. In addition, within a month you will not be able to carry out treatment, but even eliminate some bacteria as a result of washing your hands. Thus, when you remove a cracked extension plate, you risk finding the same cracked and damaged nails underneath.

Taking antibiotics and drugs of certain pharmacological groups cause such rejection of foreign material, as do hormonal disorders. Several of these drugs also accumulate in the nails. As a result, all this causes detachments and then cracks in the nail plate. In addition, rejection occurs in the presence of severe infectious and inflammatory diseases. However, it is not necessary that inflammation will cause detachments in you, since this reason is not absolute.

Wizard errors

In addition to your personal mistakes and characteristics, the durability of the manicure is largely influenced by the quality of the master’s work, as well as the quality of the materials and products used in extensions. The negligence of the master or violation of technology can reduce the durability of the manicure significantly. Uncertified, cheap and low-quality materials also cause gel nails to crack.

Most often, serious mistakes are made by the master at the very initial stages of extension. It is important to remember that it is not recommended to perform trimmed or untrimmed manicure immediately before extensions. It is better to do it at least a day before to give the nail a chance to recover. When grinding a plate, be sure to make it durable. Any unevenness can cause cracks, which can form both when drying and when wearing nails.

Extension procedure

Poor-quality degreasers and primers, as well as poor nail treatment with them, significantly increase the likelihood of chipping. If they are not processed correctly, the nail plate is not completely degreased and the gel cannot reliably adhere to the surface of the plate. At the slightest load it cracks and breaks off.

If the question arises why not only the finish gel on the nails cracks, but also the entire plate, even to the point of breaking the free edge, then the reason is most likely in the architecture of the plate. The location of the stiffener is incorrectly designed by the master, the stress zones are not placed correctly, and the free edge breaks off with minimal load on it.

If you do the extensions and apply the gel yourself and are not a professional, then quite often you may wonder why the gel polish shrinks and cracks when drying. This is due to the fact that you applied too thick a layer of coating. During polymerization under the lamp, only the top layer managed to dry; it decreased slightly in size and “pulled” the soft or even liquid lower layers with it. To prevent this from happening, it is better to apply the gel in several layers rather than trying to achieve the desired color saturation by applying one thick layer.

To fix peeling shellac you will definitely need a soft nail file.

Super-resistant coatings have already been tried by many people. Some people wear them all the time, others do them for a specific occasion. One way or another, sometimes they let us down and chips appear. It is not so important what their cause is - a mistake by a technician or a heavy office door hitting his finger at the wrong time. Real problems begin when there is no way to immediately put everything in order.

How to fix peeling shellac if you don't have a UV or LED lamp

To avoid the problem of an irreparably chipped manicure, pick up a small bottle of any varnish in the store that closely resembles your shellac, and carry it with you. The matter becomes somewhat more complicated if you have a complex design on your hands, but you can usually still choose a color that is the main one.

Be sure to also put a soft file for natural nails in your purse, then you will be fully prepared to deal with possible chips.

If your gel polish chips, don't panic. Find a quiet place where you won't be disturbed for 10-15 minutes, take out a nail file and get to work. Now our task is to align the edges of the chip. Shellac usually lies quite thick and, if one piece is missing, a large difference is created between the surfaces of the colored layer and the nail. This is what needs to be leveled.

Simply painting with varnish over the hole, without filing (even with a very thick layer) is pointless. Believe me, it won't get better!

After filing the edges of the chip, remove all the dust and only then apply regular varnish. It’s best to cover the entire nail, in 2-3 thin layers, drying each one thoroughly.

If you have a lamp and gel polishes, fixing peeling shellac becomes even easier

The technology is basically the same. But its undeniable advantage is that it is not a temporary solution. It is quite possible that with a corrected manicure you will leave all the allotted time. Some people don’t even remove the gel polish every two weeks, but simply make corrections according to the described principle.

Gel polishes can be applied thicker than regular polish without fear of something not drying somewhere. However, it is also not recommended to thicken the claws too much, since the likelihood of chipping in this situation increases.

Something else interesting

If you are wondering where you can buy cheap manicure jewelry, read our new article

Today, discussing the most popular and trendy manicure decorations, we will look at inexpensive offers from the famous AliExpress website. It is difficult to find a person who has not heard of it, but not everyone has resorted to the services of Chinese sellers for many reasons. Some fear that the product will be of poor quality or will look completely different from the picture. Others are disgusted by the thought of paying for purchases online, especially since the seller is very far away, and there will be no opportunity to meet him in the event of a conflict of interest. Today Manikyr.ru will show you some interesting things that are not so easy to find in retail stores, and will also describe the features of choosing goods and possible difficulties arising in connection with this.

AliExpress has all the most popular new products in the nail industry. Moreover, there are even things there that you have never seen before. Let's see what is most popular now.

Volumetric modeling is back in fashion. It is used in manicure very carefully. Small floral arrangements occupy approximately a third of the nail plate. It’s clear that not everyone can perform such a manicure efficiently, especially at home. Going to a salon to try out an interesting new product is also not convenient for everyone.

But the Chinese offer whole scatterings of small flowers of different shades, made of special polymer clay. They are light, quite durable, and attaching to gels and gel polishes is no more difficult than any other jewelry. In principle, they can even be attached using special glue for rhinestones and false nails, using ordinary varnish that hardens in air as a background, but the strength of such a manicure will be relatively low.

All kinds of three-dimensional designs made of shining crystals are also recognized by fashionistas all over the world. Nowadays it’s quite fashionable to accent one or two fingers with large sparkling particles.

This is not convenient for everyone, however, this proposal is in trend. In retail stores, a set of several crystals costs at least 300 rubles, and on AliExpress - in the range of 50-100 rubles.

Elongated multifaceted holographic rhinestones are relatively comfortable to wear, but it is very important to fill their bases well with transparent varnish so that there are no gaps left anywhere. Such decorations are ideally attached to gel or biogel and, a little worse, to gel polish. We do not recommend attaching them to regular varnishes.

The sparkling iridescence of the edges will help make any image unforgettable and create a summer mood even on those days when the sun is hidden behind the clouds and the weather cannot be called hot at all.

Where would summer be without fruit? Flat and bright polymer clay discs will perfectly complement your summer manicure. They will be a great help for those who are not very good at painting on nails, but want to join in with the general citrus-watermelon mania. Fimo is very cheap, sometimes they are sold cut, in special sets, and sometimes in the form of sticks, which can be cut into disks yourself using a stationery knife.

Summer manicure often includes marine motifs, and they, in turn, are perfectly complemented by pearls of different sizes. Such nail decorations are also available on AliExpress, and you can buy them directly in bulk, which contains pearls of absolutely any size, and also within 100 rubles!

Micro Pixie crystals, invented by Swarovski, have gained wide international fame. You can buy their analogue in China. We will not hide that you will have to choose carefully, because some types of crystal chips turn out to be too large or cloudy, but by studying the reviews of previous customers, which are often provided with photographs of their purchase, you can easily choose the right product and not go wrong.

Of course, most sliders also come from there. Some of them seem too wild and bright, others, on the contrary, fascinate with their elegant design. Whatever one may say, in retail one sheet of water stickers costs 50, or even 250 rubles, but on AliExpress you can buy it within 5-20 rubles, and even get free delivery by mail.

The selection of water stickers on Ali is truly huge, and problems with them are rare (although you should also study the reviews). Free postal delivery is not the fastest solution, but on average, goods arrive in three weeks, sometimes two.

In the same way, you can purchase stencils of various types via the Internet. If you know how to work with them well, then the goods offered by Chinese sellers will serve you just as well as those purchased in your hometown.

How to order jewelry successfully and not be disappointed?

The Chinese website AliExpress is really a kind of lottery, where you can buy both good goods and outright junk. But the big advantage of this resource compared to the same eBay is that each product has not only a rating, but also customer reviews. The seller has a separate rating, and in the upper left above the product you can see how long he has been working with online sales and what his popularity is with customers.

You can always compare products and find something more interesting or cheaper. Below, under all the reviews and descriptions of the offered item, there is a menu called “similar products”, and there is also a lot of interesting things in it. On that website nail decorations are presented in such quantities that it’s simply dizzying.

If you are looking for something specific, it is better to enter the search phrase in English. Of course, the site has long been Russified, but many of the names still sound like an incomprehensible set of words, practically unrelated to the product offered.

In the search on the site, you can choose a huge number of parameters: products rated only five stars, products with free shipping, products in the “from and to” price category, and so on. For those who like to save money, this is just a great solution.

If the product arrived defective, or if the protection period is expiring and the purchase still has not arrived, you can always contact the seller. In most cases (and when it comes to cheap nail decorations, then in 99%), the seller simply returns the money, because he is afraid of receiving a negative review, which will immediately spoil his rating.

A well-chosen nail shape will help make your hands more graceful and attractive.

There is an opinion that nail shape connected Whether this is true or not, quite a lot of attention is paid to this issue. Giving claws, whether natural or artificial, a successful configuration is one of the most important tasks of manicure. It would seem that the process itself is extremely simple: it boils down to filing the free edge of the nail plates with a suitable tool in order to obtain a flawlessly symmetrical and identical shape of all claws. In practice, it turns out that achieving the desired perfection is not so easy. It’s the same as immediately drawing identical “arrows” on the eyelids.

However, even at home, even without being a highly experienced master with a dozen special courses under your belt, you can try to achieve the ideal shape. But first, it’s worth understanding what the end result is striving for, because configurations come in a wide variety, and in order to have a correct idea of ​​whether such a design will suit you or not when choosing, you need to have at least a general understanding of the basics of the psychology of perception.

Each nail shape has its own name and characteristic features.

  • Square nails (and rectangular ones, like the longer version).

They gained maximum popularity a couple of years ago, and since then many beauties adhere only to this option to the detriment of all others. You can easily guess that such nails have practically no rounded corners. They can be ground down there only minimally to reduce the sharpness, but visually such softening is almost imperceptible.

Proponents of square nails argue that this is the ideal shape if you do a lot of typing on the keyboard or working with a calculator. In terms of doing it at home, the square is quite simple, which is why this nail design option is very much loved by almost all nail service professionals. In fact, the only thing we need to get here is a perfectly straight and neatly sanded cut.

Of course, it is still very important to ensure that all nails are the same length, but even a schoolchild can cope with this task.

  • Oval nails have long been the most popular shape all over the world.

Now they are fighting for primacy with rectangular and square configurations and, it must be said, they are inferior to them. The oval shape emphasizes femininity and tenderness. The essence of the edge design here is that it exactly repeats the natural line of the cuticle, reflecting it in a mirror - with the convex side outward.

This option is often confused with almond-shaped nails, although it is much more modest and convenient. This configuration is ideal for those who work a lot with their hands, come into contact with a lot of people and prefer a discreet manicure. The oval shape usually adorns nail plates of short and medium length.

  • The shape called soft square is just a hybrid between the previous two options.

This shape is very popular among those who would happily wear rectangular or square claws if they were not irritated by their sharp edges constantly catching on something or scratching the skin. The free edge here has a minimal, but quite noticeable rounding at the edges.

  • Almond-shaped nails are distinguished by the complete absence of pronounced corners near the lateral leather ridges.

The end is rounded and ground much more strongly than if it simply reflected the shape of the cuticle. This design allows you to visually make wide and not very long fingers more graceful, especially if you cover the nail plate with flesh-colored or translucent varnish.

The rounding varies depending on the length of the nails, but generally resembles an almond configuration, hence the name.

  • Aggressive stiletto nails are suitable for artistic, extravagant people.

This shape means long nails. The peculiarity of this configuration is that the nail plate has a strictly sharp point in the middle, and the sides are ground off almost in a straight line.

This manicure is not for everyone. For example, those with thin, long fingers should completely avoid this option, as it will make their hands look like bird feet.

Lately, stiletto nails have become popular again. However, given the controversial nature of such a choice, Manikyr.ru recommends that you pay attention to a similar, but more modest variation: the “ballerina” or “pointe shoe” shape.

  • The Ballerina nail shape, which made a splash in 2016, is similar to the Stiletto, but not as aggressive.

Instead of a predatory point, in the center of the nail there is a small straight platform, to which the sides, ground in a straight line, converge. This shape really resembles ballet pointe shoes. It allows you to give your hands grace, place any design you like on the nail plates, and at the same time not make others think that you are out hunting.

The latest trend to go with these nail designs is a matte finish with a few sparkling accents.

To get the perfect nail shape, you need to follow a few rules.

  • Never do a manicure in a hurry. If something breaks or gets stuck, of course, you can fix it with a file, but you need to seriously sit down to treat your nails in a calm environment.
  • It is very important to get a good table lamp and do your manicure in decent lighting, which will not allow you to bevel the shape of the nail that takes so long to be verified.
  • For final polishing of surfaces, only good quality files should be used, ideally porcelain or glass. In this case, you should work on a fresh surface. If the abrasive has already worn out, it’s time to purchase another tool.
  • Manicure with stars Classic French manicure with gel polish Colored French manicure Summer manicure with gold stripes Manicure with monograms and sparkles Bright French manicure with patterns Manicure with glitter 2017 Geometric nail-art Matte marble manicure Simple manicure with hearts French manicure with lines

Modern manicure is very different from the one done a couple of decades ago. Moreover, the difference lies not only in the types and shades of coatings, but also in the technique of their application. The so-called gel polish is especially in demand among modern women. The secret of its popularity lies in its amazing durability. According to the manufacturers, it can last about four weeks. However, these statements do not always correspond to reality and it often happens that after a couple of days only memories remain from a fresh manicure. After reading today's publication, you will find out why on the nails.

Wrong sock

This is one of the most common reasons for newly applied coatings to peel off. Due to carelessness and incorrect actions of the owner of such a manicure, chips appear on it. Despite the fact that gel polish is positioned as a very durable coating, when wearing it you should follow a few simple recommendations.

It is undesirable to expose it to prolonged exposure to high temperatures combined with humidity. So that you don’t have a question about why the gel polish cracks, you don’t need to overuse visits to the sauna or solarium while wearing it. The atmosphere prevailing there can have a bad effect on the condition of the nail plate.

A negative reaction of gel polish is also observed when exposed to low temperatures. Therefore, in severe frosts it is better to hide your hands in mittens or gloves. In addition to cracking, freezing temperatures can cause the coating to peel and dull.

Serious loads and household chemicals

If you don’t go to a sauna or expose your nails to low temperatures, but you still have a completely logical and logical question about why gel polish cracks at the tips, it will be useful for you to learn about another reason for this problem. This is often caused by an unreasonably high mechanical load. As a rule, owners of rather soft and flexible nails face a similar problem. In this case, even minor loads can cause the plate to bend and crack the gel polish.

Also, the instability of the coating may be due to constant interaction with household chemicals. To protect the skin of your hands and preserve your recently done manicure, be sure to wear special gloves before doing household work that involves using detergents or cleaning products.

Application technology

If none of the above reasons apply to your situation, and the question of why the gel polish is cracking still remains open, then it is likely that the manicure rules were violated. In order not to encounter a similar problem in the future, you cannot neglect the preliminary preparation of the plate.

Before applying gel polish, it is advisable not to use nourishing and moisturizing hand creams. It is also important to thoroughly dry and degrease your nails. If a manicure is done at home and you don’t have a professional dehydrator on hand, you can replace it with medical alcohol or acetone-based nail polish remover.

The next reason is considered to be insufficient treatment of the nail plate. First, it is filed down using a buff. And only after that the edge is processed. Otherwise, there will be nicks on the plate. So that you don’t have to wonder later why the gel polish coating is cracking, you must not neglect to seal each applied layer.

Unsatisfactory results can be obtained in case of poor drying. Also, tiny particles of debris that get on the varnish lead to the appearance of cracks. Therefore, manicure should be performed on a carefully cleaned table. A layer of varnish that is too thin or too thick will not last long on your nails.

Poor quality materials

Using inferior products can also lead to the question of why gel polish cracks on the tips of your nails. You shouldn't save money on buying a base and top. Try to always use expensive and high-quality products. Experts recommend giving preference to brands produced by trusted manufacturers. This largely determines how long your manicure will last.

So that you don’t have to wonder later why the top coat on gel polish is cracking, you need to avoid so-called 2-in-1 products. They stick to the nails much worse and are more difficult to remove. Therefore, always try to purchase the base and top separately.

Health

Oddly enough, the longevity of a manicure is influenced by the internal state of the body. Moreover, we are talking not only about the day the coating is applied, but also about the entire period of its wear. Those who want to understand why gel polish cracks will probably be interested in the fact that some physiological processes occurring in the human body can perceive the applied coating as something foreign and requiring intense rejection. As a result, the manicure will not last as long as planned.

As a rule, cracking and peeling of gel polish occurs due to hormonal imbalances, inflammation and infectious diseases. Also, the reason for the rapid deterioration of a recently done manicure may be a course of antibiotics.

Pregnancy

Hormonal stress associated with the happy anticipation of a new addition to the family may be the reason why the expectant mother has a question about why the gel polish on her nails is cracking. Of course, during pregnancy you should not completely give up manicure. You just need to understand that the result may not be what you expected.

In addition, many pregnant women experienced slow or, conversely, accelerated nail growth. Some expectant mothers experienced thickening and strengthening of the plate, while in others it became weaker and thinner.

Why do my nails crack under gel polish?

This coating is a complex chemical compound that contains hydrated collagen. It is “sinked” into the upper layers of the nail plate using ultraviolet light, which has a very aggressive effect on skin cells.

Since the nail plate, which has been under a layer of gel polish for a long time, is completely deprived of moisture and oxygen, it gradually begins to thin out and exfoliate. It becomes more brittle and dry.

In addition, during the process of removing gel polish, an aggressive solution is used. It is applied to the nails and covered with foil or a special impermeable material. This also negatively affects the condition of the plate.

To ensure that your hands always look beautiful and healthy, you need to follow a few simple tips. The most important step is proper nutrition. So that you don’t have any questions about why the gel polish cracks even after such a manicure, make sure that healthy foods regularly appear in your diet. First of all, you need to eat foods rich in calcium. This could be cheese, fatty fish and chicken eggs.

Experts also recommend systematically taking vitamin and mineral complexes that contain iron and zinc. Thanks to this, you can minimize the damage caused to your nails by long-lasting manicures. As a result, they will become smooth, elastic and strong.

After removing the gel polish, you can make gelatin masks and use protein-based treatments. It is advisable to rub olive or apricot oil into the cuticle in the morning and evening. These simple but very effective procedures will help restore the structure of the nail and reduce its fragility.

But, as they say, “it was smooth on paper, but they forgot about the ravines.” There are many small routine nuances, non-compliance with which is considered mistakes in gel polish manicure and leads to disappointment with such a wonderful material and even abandonment of it in favor of regular varnish.

The most common problems with gel polish:

  • Gel polish does not stick well
  • Detachment of gel polish
  • Chips on gel polish
  • Bubbles, gel polish swells
  • The topcoat turns yellow and does not shine

Chips and detachments gel polish sooner than after 2 weeks of wear.

The most likely reason that the gel polish does not hold well, swells, chips and detachments appear is a defect in the manicure: improper preparation of the nail, violation of the sequence of steps, neglect of any of them, or insufficiently thorough execution. The quality of gel polish is at the very last place.

Chips and detachments of gel polish most often occur due to:

  • There is a pterygium left somewhere in the cuticle area.
  • A dehydrator was not used, so natural oil components remained on the surface of the nail plate. The dehydrator should also be passed along the ends and on the inside of the free edge of the nail.
  • When applying the base, you need to leave a small indentation from the cuticle, otherwise it will not be correct.
  • The base is applied too thick.
  • Abundant sealing of the nail end with all layers of coating. As a result, a critical mass accumulates and adhesion to the end is disrupted, microcracks appear. You need to be extremely subtle, just the base, finish and once with color.
  • If the length is long, the overgrown free edge often bends, even imperceptibly - the integrity of the varnish is compromised in stress areas on the sides; gel polish does not last long on long nails.

Also, chips and detachments of gel polish quickly appear if there is a lot of prolonged contact with water - washing, washing dishes without rubber gloves. Sooner or later the gel polish will swell, because... The nail heats up in water, absorbs moisture, becomes softer and more elastic, and is easier to bend. This results in overtension in the layers, as a result - microcracks that violate the tightness of the coating, and then chipping or peeling is a matter of time.

Good news. Chips of gel polish along the edges and corners of the nail can be eliminated using restoration, similar to.

They often ask whether it is necessary to remove the stickiness from the base sublayer; supposedly, this technique is taught in some courses and is found in video materials. Overall, this is wrong.
The dispersion layer is the residual stickiness of the gel component, formed after polymerization of the substance under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. Polymerization is the attachment of small molecules of gel polish to each other, as a result of which large, rigid molecular structures are formed (the varnish hardens), and those that are not attached are pushed to the surface (they will react with the next layer). This creates a sticky layer; if it is removed at the stage of the base or intermediate color stains, the adhesion will deteriorate and the wearability of the coating will decrease. Another thing is that gel polish is such a universal substance that it will still last quite a long time. Therefore, we must proceed from expediency - it is permissible to remove the stickiness for the sake of completing the design, or if you are just learning how to apply gel polish and do not have time to paint the nail, the varnish spreads.

Bubbles and gel polish.

Sometimes after a manicure procedure we see bubbles under the gel polish. The polish is bubbling either from the air inside or from the release of moisture.
♦ Because of the air - you manage to get it into the brush while you are taking it out of the bottle: you rub the brush too actively on the neck of the bottle, trying to leave excess paint. If you do this too quickly, air will get into the varnish on your brush. The same is true when applying paint to a nail; if you rush to apply and distribute the paint over the nail and move the brush quickly, air gets under it. This is especially true for liquid gel polishes. It's a matter of technology.
♦ The second reason is naturally wet nails. The solution is a dehydrator, coat the nail 2-3 times, on the underside of the free edge too, let it dry, evaporate and only then apply the coating. If the humidity of your nails is high, do not use steaming in water before manicure, use a cuticle remover.

Single bubbles can be fixed

Also, if your nails are wet, you will need a primer in addition to the dehydrator. It happens that gel polish comes off the nail, even expensive shellac peels off, completely like a sticker. Peeling off the coating is very harmful to your nails, never do it! To prevent the gel polish from coming off, gently buff the nail plate, remove moisture, and apply an acid-free primer under the base.
If there are few bubbles in the varnish, just a few (indicated by arrows in the photo), the problem can be corrected using a sander. Carefully walk where the gel polish has swollen, leveling it with the surface of the entire coating, wipe off the dust with a napkin soaked in de-sticking liquid, and cover it again with top gel polish, trying to avoid bubbles.

The top does not shine, turns yellow, darkens

Everyone knows that at the end of a gel manicure, a topcoat must be applied. In light colors, over time you will notice that the top is turning yellow. The most likely reason is that the layer is too thick. Some people make 2 layers for “safety net” - this is unnecessary, there should be one top layer, but it should be of high quality, neither thin nor thick, sufficient. It comes with practice.

Many people wonder why the top doesn’t shine on a new manicure. The issue may be due to improper removal of the sticky layer. The dispersion must be removed from the cooled nail. Polymerization continues for some time after you remove your hand from the lamp, so we wait until it cools down.
It is also important that the top gel polish shines - each nail should be wiped with a separate napkin. By removing the sticky layer, we remove a certain number of molecules that have not undergone polymerization; they remain on the fabric, and if we wipe the next nail in the same place, they get on it and the removing liquid loses its effectiveness.
Some topcoats do not form a sticky layer at all, and if you try to remove it, the shine will simply deteriorate, check your product.
Here are all the important rules, subtleties and secrets of mastery for beginners.

Modern fashionistas increasingly prefer practical manicures, using a coating such as gel polish. This product allows you to keep your nails looking well-groomed for up to three weeks. However, often the coating loses its appearance before the allotted time. Let's try to figure out why gel polish on nails cracks. The reasons may vary. Today we will learn how to avoid such trouble.

What is gel polish?

Gel coating is a hybrid of gel and varnish and has a specific structure. It is applied in the usual way, using a brush. But it must be dried using a special ultraviolet lamp. It cannot be erased or removed mechanically. Manufacturers offer a wide selection of colors and shades. This polish can stay in perfect condition on your nails for 3 weeks. It is not surprising that some women wonder why gel polish (shellac) cracks.

Benefits of shellac

Let us highlight the main advantages of this coating:

  • does not eat into the nail plate, therefore does not harm it;
  • has a strong structure;
  • easy to apply;
  • lasts for a long time;
  • features a wide color palette;
  • has an affordable price;
  • The manicure is easy to perform (the procedure can be performed at home).

What is the difference between gel coating and shellac?

Despite the enormous popularity of gel polish coating, it appeared not so long ago. The American brand Creative launched the first gel on the market in 2010, called “Shellac”. Now this is what gel products from any company are called. At a non-professional level, there is no difference between these coatings. However, no manufacturer was able to replicate the first shellac.

Reasons for the fragility of shellac

Despite the many advantages, women often wonder why gel polish on their nails cracks. Experts conditionally classify the causes of imperfections into three groups:

  1. Mistakes when applying gel polish.
  2. Mechanical damage.
  3. Presence of diseases.

Now let’s look in more detail at why gel polish cracks at the tips of the nails.

Wizard errors

Sometimes, when creating a manicure, the artist makes mistakes that cause the gel polish to crack on the nails. A violation of technology can occur at any stage of the coating.

Now we’ll find out why gel polish on nails cracks. The list of reasons is in front of you:

  • Low quality materials and tools and expired products were used.
  • Combination of base, varnish and topcoat from various manufacturers. Quality also affects durability. Experts do not recommend using “2 in 1” products, since they are significantly inferior to individual products.
  • Unprofessional treatment of the nail plate. It has a thin skin that needs to be removed along with the cuticle. If this is not done, the varnish will never adhere perfectly to the plate. As a result, the gel coating will begin to peel off.
  • Before the procedure, cream was applied.
  • The coating is applied to wet or not completely dry nails. Each layer must be thoroughly dried. To achieve this with a low-power ultraviolet lamp, you should simply increase the procedure time.
  • Incorrect degreasing of the plate. We are talking about applying a special spray without using cotton pads or napkins, directly on the nail itself. The product can be replaced with nail polish remover, which contains alcohol or acetone.
  • The polishing was done poorly, which is why the nail did not become completely smooth.
  • The coating technology is broken. The cut of the nail is not covered with varnish.
  • Dust particles got onto one of the layers. Small debris or specks should be removed immediately. To avoid such a problem, the master needs to properly arrange his workspace. All unnecessary items must be removed in advance.
  • A too thick or thin layer of base, color, or top was applied by mistake.

External factors

The appearance of cracks in the gel coating can also be influenced by the owner of the manicure. There is a misconception that gel-strengthened nails are so practical that they cannot be affected by environmental factors. Let's list the most common ones. So, why does gel polish crack on extended and artificial nails:

  1. High humidity and temperature. These negative factors can quickly destroy gel polish. So, visiting a sauna and solarium will have a detrimental effect on your manicure. Frequent hand washing also has a negative impact. Therefore, when choosing a gel coating for their nails, ladies should take into account the scope of their activity.
  2. Mechanical loads. As you know, with the slightest mechanical stress, the native nail plate bends. The gel layer cannot bend, it simply cracks at the edges. Owners of soft and flexible nails especially often face this problem.
  3. Cold. Low temperatures are considered another factor that has a destructive effect on nails. In winter, hands should be hidden to prevent the gel from peeling off, cracks appearing, and color fading.
  4. Homework. When washing dishes and wet cleaning, the gel interacts with all kinds of household chemicals, which leads to its destruction. Therefore, all manipulations should be performed with rubber gloves.

Body condition

Of no small importance for a long-lasting manicure is the general condition of the girl’s body, both on the day of application of the coating and throughout the entire period of wear. Some processes occurring in the human body can lead to rejection of the gel coating. This will manifest itself in the form of varnish peeling and cracks. This turn of events is possible in the following cases:

  • infectious diseases;
  • inflammation;
  • hormonal changes (menstruation, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, severe stress);
  • diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
  • disorders of the cardiovascular system;
  • undergoing a course of antibiotic treatment.

Often women with infectious diseases have problems with gel polish. Experts also advise girls with hormonal imbalances to avoid this manicure. You should not apply the coating during menstruation, as the result can be very unpredictable.

The fragility of the coating may be caused by the fragility of the nail plates. In some cases, this is a feature of a particular organism, in others it is the result of frequent cutting of acrylic or gel.

Pregnancy

While carrying a child, a woman’s body behaves differently than before. Often girls observe accelerated nail growth. This leads to rapid cracking of the varnish. The body may react to the gel coating as a foreign component, which will also negatively affect its appearance.

Experts do not recommend that women use gel coating during pregnancy, especially in the first and last trimester, as well as after childbirth - the first 6 months. Due to hormonal imbalance, expectant and new mothers react quite unpredictably to strong odors and chemicals. During the procedure, headaches, weakness and nausea may occur.

Ways to solve the problem

Now let's talk not about why gel polish cracks on nails (we have already identified possible reasons), but about how to prevent the problem. Every woman wants to extend the life of her manicure. In order to never be tormented by the question of why gel polish on nails cracks, you need to follow simple recommendations:

  1. Apply gel polish no earlier than the next day after a trimmed or untrimmed manicure.
  2. Take care of your nails for 12 hours after applying varnish. During this period, the varnish is most easily damaged if it is subjected to external loads. Any minor impact can lead to peeling or chipping.
  3. Proper removal of gel polish. This is very important for subsequent manicures. Do not remove the coating using metal objects. To remove varnish, you should use a remover. A cotton pad must be moistened with liquid, applied to the nail plate, and wrapped in a piece of foil. After 5 minutes the varnish can be removed. Residues are easily removed with an orange stick.
  4. After removing the coating, allow your nails to rest and recover. After two to three weeks of manicure, take a break.

Why do nails crack under gel polish?

Sometimes cracks appear on natural nails as a result of wearing gel coating. Among the external factors affecting the condition of the plates, the following should be highlighted:

  • hitting a hard surface;
  • constant mechanical impact;
  • applying coating to weakened, thin, fragile nails;
  • improperly filed nails (in two directions);
  • removing nail polish with aggressive means;
  • manicure was created without using a base;
  • contact with chemicals without gloves.

Also, deep cracks in nails under gel coating can be caused by internal reasons:

  • dehydration of nails;
  • lack of microelements and vitamins;
  • changes in hormonal levels.

As you can see, long-lasting manicure is not only the choice of a professional master and quality products. The ideal condition of the coating also depends on the woman’s health and the scope of her daily activities.