Pro tip: Why gel polish sometimes just WON'T stick

I've had this issue for months where gel polish would peel off certain clients after just a few days. Tried everything from different base coats to longer curing times. Then I learned about natural nail oil and how it can break down the bond. For clients with oily nail beds, you NEED to use a proper dehydrator before applying anything. It was a total game-changer for me. Now I always assess the nail's oiliness first. It saves so much time on fixes and keeps clients happy. Seriously, this small step makes a HUGE difference in how long the polish lasts.

3 comments

3 Comments

murphy.zara1mo ago

Oh man, I learned this the HARD way when my at-home gel kit was a total fail. I kept blaming the brand but it was MY own oily skin messing things up. Like, I wash my hands but the oils just come back so fast, you know? Now I swipe with alcohol wipes like CRAZY before even touching the base coat. It sounds simple but that extra step is what makes or breaks the whole thing. My nails finally last two whole weeks without chipping.

wendy3911mo ago

Yeah, heard a salon owner say dehydration is a whole different step from just cleaning the nail. That cheap pharmacy acetone trick really does the job for oily types, huh? What do you use for a dehydrator?

terry6771mo ago

Grab that cheap acetone from the pharmacy, it's my go-to. I pour a little on a paper towel and scrub each nail plate real good (gets rid of all the invisible oil). Then I follow up with a quick wipe of 91% isopropyl alcohol right before the base coat. That one-two punch makes any polish stick like glue, even on my stupid oily nails. Just don't overdo the acetone or you'll dry out your skin.