Polygel Nails Keep Popping Off? – Here’s What To Do
Polygel is a newcomer to the nail care industry.
Therefore, even some nail technicians aren’t very familiar with this product yet.
However, many people choose to buy a starter polygel set and try it themselves.
But if you’re doing things on your own and don’t have professional training, mistakes can happen.
And sometimes those polygel nails can even pop off. What a disaster!
If your polygel nails keep popping off, what can you do?
If your polygel nails keep popping off, they may have been misapplied. When applying polygel nails, be sure to adequately prep by cleaning and buffering your nails, use the correct nail sizes, apply them carefully, and avoid using too much slip solution.
In today’s article, we’ll talk about polygel nails and share a few maintenance tips to help keep them from popping off!
Why Do My PolyGel Nails Keep Popping Off?
Polygel nails aren’t supposed to fall off without filing.
However, if you experience this issue, it may be because you or your technician missed a crucial step in nail prep!
If your poly gel nail is popping from the back, then it’s due to the lack of nail prep or improper application.
Make sure your nails are free of water and oil.
However, you may have super soft nails. If it’s popping from the free edge, perhaps you have super soft nails.

Determine the cause and give your nail technician another chance. If they fall off again, change the nail salon.
How Do I Stop My PolyGel From Falling Off?
You can stop your poly gel from falling off by prepping your nails.
When people do their nails at home, they often forget about nail prep, but it’s super important.
Make sure your nails are free of water and oil before you buffer the nail surface and make it rough.
This will help the gel adhere to the nail bed better and last longer.
If your poly gel nails keep popping off, maybe you need a nail primer. Make sure your nails are free of water, oil, and dirt.
If you’re doing your poly gel nails at home, apply a nail prep to remove any dirt or oil.
You don’t want a single smooth part on the entire nail before adding the poly gel. Rough up the whole surface first.
Select the right size of the dual forms. Utilize the fit, but choose a bigger one if needed.
Then, file it to the ideal size to prevent popping or lifting.
When shaping the gel on the dual forms, don’t use too much slip solution.
Too much can cause popping or lifting. Lastly, make sure there are no air bubbles between your poly gel and nail top.
Finally, add more polygel and cure for a longer time under the lamp.
Some people advise curing the top of the nail, then the area under the nail. Cure longer than what the guide says.
How Should PolyGels Be Applied?
The whole process is quite simple! Here’s a summary of what to expect if you book a session for a poly gel manicure or try one yourself at home.
1. Prep the nail.
Nail prep is super important. Your nail technician will prepare your nails by removing all polish, dirt, and oil.
Then they will file and buff until there’s no shine left on your nails.
If you’re doing this at home, you’ll want to approximate this process with your own materials.
2. Apply the Polygel.
The second step involves applying the poly gel formula to your natural nails using a precise, small brush.
The poly gel will be used in the middle of your nail, starting with a small ball.
3. Smooth the product.
Using a brush moistened with a solution formulated explicitly for poly gel.
They will smooth the formula out so it covers your whole nail and shape it as desired (for coffin- or almond-shaped nails).
4. Cure under UV or LED lamp.
The next step is to cure the nail. Once the formula is in place, your technician will place your nail under a UV or LED lamp for about 30 seconds.
It depends on the shape you’re trying to accomplish, whether your nail technician will repeat the previous steps to add another detail to your nail, like a white point.
5. File and shape.
Polygel is different than other techniques.
It’s much softer, so your nail technician doesn’t need to use an electric file to shape it.
A regular hand file will work just fine.
It will smooth out any uneven areas or bumps and help form the shape you prefer.
If you’re not sure what shape to choose, research and find your favorite!
6. Applying the finish.
Whether you like a matte or shiny finish, your nail technician will apply a top layer to seal in the polygel and apply your preferred finish.
7. Cure the nail again.
Once again, your nail will go under a UV or LED lamp to cure.
The best part about polygel is that there’s no sticky layer on your nails after curing, unlike with gel nail polish.
8. Apply cuticle oil.
A manicure isn’t complete until your nail technician moisturizes your cuticles and hands with a cuticle oil or lotion. I adore this popular apricot-scented cuticle oil.
This top-notch oil absorbs quickly and leaves your cuticles beautiful and soft.
You can also check out this excellent video tutorial from The Beauty Vault if you need another play-by-play! Plus, as a fun bonus, you get some great styling tips.
How Long Do PolyGels Last?
Polygel has practically taken over the nail care industry, it seems.
It’s a popular formula that lasts up to 21 days with the proper application and maintenance.
The best part? They don’t have a strong chemical odor.
On the contrary, if you opt for a poly gel manicure, you will end up with lovely scented nails.
Is PolyGel Bad for Your Nails?
The short answer to this question would be no!
We like polygel because it doesn’t damage nails.
It also has a pleasant odor, unlike acrylic and gel nails.
There’s no need to worry about harming your nails if you opt for a polygel manicure.
The removal process is also harmless and super easy.
Your nail technician will file the product off your nails to remove the bulk of it.
The rest of the product and formula will then be soaked off with acetone, leaving your nails nice and shiny.
The Pros and Cons of PolyGel Nails
Polygel is a new trend in the beauty industry. And for a good reason.
It’s durable, easy to apply, and has a lovely scent, unlike acrylic and gel nails.
This formula contains only the benefits of both gel and acrylic nails while leaving out their drawbacks. It’s a mix of gel and acrylic.
In fact, polygel is also known as ‘the love child of gel and acrylic’.
It’s applied over your natural nails and cured under a UV or LED light.
The removal process is also simple. Polygel doesn’t damage your nails like other techniques.
It’s completely harmless.
The poly gel is buffed off. However, the leftovers are often soaked off, if necessary.
This formula comes in a wide array of colors, but you can also apply the poly gel over the surface if you prefer something different.
The best part? Polygel nails can last up to 21 days!
Polygel can be more expensive than acrylic or gel. However, it’s worth the extra cost.
It also has a lighter odor and makes a perfect alternative for individuals with a sensitive nose.
Pros:
- The product has a pleasant odor.
- Polygel cures quickly under a UV or LED lamp.
- Polygel nails can be easily filed off with a buffer and nail file.
- They’re super light and comfortable to wear.
- Polygel provides strong, long-lasting results.
Cons:
- Polygel can cause heat spikes due to improper application.
- It takes some time to learn and perfect polygel nail application.
Are PolyGel Nails Worth It?
Although poly gel manicure is significantly more expensive than other nail treatments, it’s worth it.
It doesn’t have a chemical odor and provides durable results (nails last over 21 days).
If you struggle to pick or bite your nails, consider poly gel nails. It’s worth the extra cost.
Polygel nails cure quickly under a UV or LED lamp in 30 seconds.
They’re super light and comfortable to wear.
The best part? It doesn’t damage your nails.
The removal process is a breeze. They can be easily filed off with a buffer and a standard nail file.
Final Words
If your poly gel nails keep popping off, blame it on improper application or insufficient nail prep.
Nail prep is key to long-lasting, durable poly gel nails.
Make sure your nails are free of water and oil before you completely buffer the nail bed. Make the bed a bit rough.
This will help the poly gel adhere to the nail better.
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