A Practical, Salon-Ready Guide for Professional Nail Artists
Let’s be real—even the best nail artists face gel polish issues. Lifting, chipping, bubbles, dull shine… if you work behind a nail desk long enough, you’ve seen it all.
The good news?
👉 Most gel polish problems are not product failures—they’re process problems.
And once you understand why they happen, fixing them becomes easy.
This blog breaks down the most common gel polish problems nail artists face, along with professional, tried-and-tested solutions, keeping real salon conditions in mind.
1. Gel Polish Lifting from the Cuticle or Sides
The problem:
Gel starts lifting within a few days—especially near the cuticle or sidewalls.
Why it happens:
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Improper nail prep
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Cuticle residue left on the nail plate
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Incorrect base gel selection
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Product touching the skin
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Weak adhesion on flexible nails
Professional solution:
✔ Thorough cuticle cleaning (no invisible cuticle left behind)
✔ Proper dehydration before base application
✔ Use Base Gel for weak or flexible nails
✔ Apply thin, controlled layers
✔ Seal edges without flooding
💡 Pro tip: Most lifting issues start before the gel bottle is even opened.
2. Gel Polish Chipping Too Soon
The problem:
Clients complain that their gel polish chips within a few days.
Why it happens:
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Over-buffing the nail plate
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No free-edge sealing
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Incorrect curing time
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Excessive hand exposure to water or chemicals
Professional solution:
✔ Use a structured base or builder overlay if needed
✔ Avoid over-filing natural nails
✔ Cap the free edge properly
✔ Follow correct UV/LED curing times
✔ Educate clients on aftercare
✨ Strong base + correct curing = longer wear.
3. Gel Polish Wrinkling or Shrinking in the Lamp
The problem:
The gel looks perfect before curing, but wrinkles or shrinks after lamp exposure.
Why it happens:
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The layer is applied too thickly
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Lamp power is not compatible
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Pigmented gel not cured evenly
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Flash curing skipped
Professional solution:
✔ Apply thin, even coats
✔ Flash cure highly pigmented shades
✔ Use professional-grade UV/LED lamps
✔ Avoid rushing curing steps
💡 Dark and highly pigmented gels need more control, not more product.
4. Bubbles Appearing in Gel Polish
The problem:
Tiny air bubbles ruin an otherwise clean gel application.
Why it happens:
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Shaking the gel bottle
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Overworking the brush
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Applying gel too aggressively
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Old or contaminated product
Professional solution:
✔ Roll the bottle gently—never shake
✔ Use soft brush pressure
✔ Apply gel in smooth strokes
✔ Keep bottles clean and tightly closed
🎯 Smooth hands = smooth gel.
5. Gel Not Curing Properly (Sticky or Soft Finish)
The problem:
Gel feels soft, sticky, or peels after curing.
Why it happens:
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Weak or old lamp bulbs
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Incorrect curing time
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Product overload
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Wrong lamp wavelength
Professional solution:
✔ Use a professional UV/LED lamp
✔ Match curing time to product requirements
✔ Avoid thick layers
✔ Regularly check lamp performance
⚠️ Under-cured gel can lead to service failure and client dissatisfaction.
6. Dull or Yellowing Top Coat After a Few Days
The problem:
Glossy nails lose shine or turn yellow quickly.
Why it happens:
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Low-quality top coat
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No proper cleansing
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Excess exposure to chemicals
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Improper sealing
Professional solution:
✔ Use a high-quality, non-yellowing top coat
✔ Clean inhibition layer correctly (if required)
✔ Seal edges thoroughly
✔ Recommend gloves for cleaning tasks
✨ A good top coat protects both color and reputation.
7. Builder Gel Cracking or Breaking
The problem:
Builder gel overlays crack or snap under pressure.
Why it happens:
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Incorrect apex placement
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Too thin structure
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Over-filing stress points
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Not matching nail length to strength
Professional solution:
✔ Build a proper apex
✔ Adjust thickness based on nail length
✔ Avoid over-filing sidewalls
✔ Choose the correct builder consistency
💡 Builder gel is engineering, not just an application.
8. Client Complaints Despite “Perfect” Work
The problem:
Technically perfect nails—but unhappy clients.
Why it happens:
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Mismatch between expectation & reality
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Lifestyle not considered
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Lack of aftercare guidance
Professional solution:
✔ Ask lifestyle questions before service
✔ Recommend suitable gel systems
✔ Educate clients on nail care
✔ Set realistic expectations
📌 Happy nails start with clear communication.
Final Thoughts
Every professional nail artist faces gel polish challenges. What sets experts apart is how quickly they identify and fix them.
Using professional-only gel systems from Calyx Nails, combined with correct prep, curing, and technique, helps you deliver:
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Better retention
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Stronger nails
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Happier clients
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More repeat bookings
💅 Because flawless nails aren’t luck—they’re skill, knowledge, and the right products working together.