The short answer
Gel lifts when something sits between the gel and the nail, or when the gel is too thick or not fully cured. Prep well, keep gel off the skin, cap the free edge, use thin coats and cure each layer.
Why does gel lift?
Most lifting traces back to a few causes: oil or moisture on the nail, a shiny surface, gel touching the skin, coats that are too thick, a layer that did not fully cure, or an uncapped free edge.
Fix the cause and the lifting usually stops. The rest of this guide goes through each one.
What prep helps most?
A clean, dull, dry nail. Remove oil, buff the shine off, brush away the dust, then dehydrate with pH Bond before the base. Steps are in How to Prep Nails for Gel.
How do I keep the edges from lifting?
Cap the free edge with each coat, and keep a hair of space between the gel and the cuticle and sidewalls. Gel that touches the skin lifts as the skin moves.
Rubber Base is made to flex with the natural nail, which helps on sets that tend to lift. See Base Coat vs Rubber Base.
Does the lamp matter?
Yes. A layer that is not fully cured stays soft and can pull away. Follow the cure time on each product label and use a lamp that suits the gel. See How Long to Cure Gel Nails.
What if a nail has already lifted?
Do not peel or pick it. Lightly file the lifted edge so it does not catch, or soak the nail off with acetone and redo it with a fresh prep. Steps are in How to Remove Gel Nails.
Always follow the label for prep and cure times.
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WHERE TO BUY
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Wholesale inquiries: info@cre8tionproducts.com