Top 7 Most Common Mistakes When Strengthening Nails With Gel (And How to Avoid Them)

7 May 2025

Strong, well-groomed nails aren’t a luxury for many women, but a way to feel powerful and confident. Strengthening nails with gel is therefore incredibly popular. But… even with the best products in your drawer, the result can disappoint if the technique isn’t right.

In this blog, we discuss the 7 most common mistakes in gel nail strengthening and give you tips to avoid them. Whether you’re just starting your own nail studio or have years of salon experience: these insights make the difference between a manicure that lasts and one that lifts after a week.

Mistake #1: Poor preparation of the nail plate

Good preparation is the foundation of a strong gel nail. Yet this step is often underestimated.

Even a small amount of moisture, oil, or invisible skin residue on the nail can cause:

• lifting near the cuticle,
• cracks in the product,
• a shorter wear time of the manicure.

Important to know: the nail is porous and absorbs moisture from the air within minutes! If you wait more than 5 minutes between prep and applying the base _, you must degrease the nail again.

What you should do instead:

• Gently push back the cuticles and remove excess pterygium (the thin skin on the nail plate).
• Mattify the nail with a soft buffer.
• Use a good dehydrator to remove excess moisture.
• Apply primer with an almost dry brush — no dripping!
• Apply your base gel immediately afterwards.

Pro tip: work hand by hand to prevent contamination of the nail plate.

Mistake #2: Wrong choice of base gel or builder gel

Not every nail is the same. What works for strong nails can be disastrous for thin or brittle nails.

A wrong material choice can lead to:

• cracks in the product,
• splits at the free edge,
• allergic reactions.

How to choose the right products:

• For thin or damaged nails: choose flexible base gels or dedicated strengthening gels.
• For strong nails: use firmer builder gels.
• For sensitive clients: always work HEMA-free and avoid aggressive ingredients.

Pro tip: Sometimes the perfect solution is a combination of products. Test what works for your client.

Mistake #3: Incorrect application of primer and base

Small mistakes during prep can cause big problems later. Too much primer or an uneven base _ can result in poor adhesion, air bubbles, and lifting. You often only see it afterwards… and then it’s too late.

The correct technique

• Use primer sparingly — less is more.
• Ensure an even distribution of the base gel without bubbles or thick spots.

Extra tip: check the light reflection on the nail to see whether the base _ is evenly applied.

Mistake #4: _s that are too thick or too thin

Thicker isn’t always better! Thick _s may look sturdy but are more likely to crack. A _ that’s too thick:

• can cause splits or cracks,
• makes the nail heavy and unnatural.

On the other hand, if the _ is too thin, it:

• breaks quickly,
• doesn’t provide enough strength.

Here it’s all about the right balance:

• Short nails: thin, natural reinforcement with a light apex.
• Medium to long nails: a clear apex and reinforcement in the stress zone.

Technique tip: always check the nail’s shape from multiple angles before curing.

Mistake #5: Incorrect nail architecture

Good nail architecture is essential for strength. Without a proper apex and stress point, long nails will break quickly.

What to focus on to achieve good architecture:

• Place the apex correctly — not too far forward or backward. (The apex is the highest point of the nail, about one third from the cuticle, absorbing pressure and impact.)
• Ensure sufficient thickness in the stress zone for reinforcement.
• Keep the free edge thinner and lighter for a natural look.

What is an apex?

Pro tip: Check: a nail with a correct apex will not bend under light pressure.

Mistake #6: Incorrect curing of the gel

Curing (polymerisation) is crucial. If the gel doesn’t cure properly:

• it remains soft beneath the surface,
• the risk of allergies increases,
• the manicure’s durability decreases.

Common mistakes include:

• using a lamp under 36W,
• curing for too short a time,
• using old or damaged lamps.

How to avoid problems and cure correctly:

• Always use an LED/UV lamp of at least 48W.
• Follow the manufacturer’s curing times (usually 60 seconds per _).
• Replace lamps in time and check their performance regularly.

Extra tip: with highly pigmented gels, you may need to extend the curing time slightly.

Mistake #7: No aftercare after strengthening

Strengthened nails only stay beautiful with proper care. Without aftercare, cuticles can dry out, the gel may lift, or nails may even break.

Advise your client to:

• use cuticle oil daily,
• wear protective gloves for household tasks,
• avoid using nails as tools.

Bonus tip: recommending care products with keratin or vitamin E supports long-term nail health.

Finally

Strengthening nails with gel is more than applying a _ — it’s a combination of knowledge, technique, and care. Every detail, from prep to aftercare, determines the end result.

By avoiding the mistakes outlined above, you’ll work not only faster but also more professionally. And it shows in the result: strong, glossy nails that truly last.

Want to be sure you’re working with the right products? At Verin Gellak you’ll find high-quality, HEMA-free gels and tools that make your work easier and more beautiful. Questions? Feel free to contact us — we’re happy to think along with you.

Would you like to read more blog posts? Go to the page News.