Gel Nails | 3 Tips To Ensure No Lifting At The Free Edge

[@dbrcover]

I’m a DIYer and i’ve been having a harrrd time with lifting at the free edge. I just recently started doing my structured nails at home and i’m pretty sure i’ve been over prepping. Next time i’ll try all your tips

[@DoraSometimes]

I've "overdosed" on watching the nail videos, so I can modestly say I know what I'm talking about - you are undoubtedly the best teacher on YT. Your knowledge, thoroughness and the love for what you're doing are things that make you stand out. I truly appreciate everything you do and I'm equally grateful for your willingness to share that all with us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 😊 Love from Croatia 💙

[@PaolaPonceNails]

Oh my gosh you are so sweet, and that is a huge compliment. Thank you, I’m glad this channel is enriching you.

[@melissa.belgrave]

I'm a trained nail tech but the last time I got trained was back in 2018 and the training was based on applying regular gel polish and the DIP system which I never really liked the finish of it, I self taught gel overlays and started having clients in 2022 while studying about it and I did pretty well and knew from that moment soft structure gels was what I wanted to stick with, currently I have another profession but I definitely want to go back to do nails and your channel has been a small gold mine to me, you explain so good and simplify the information in such a way, thank you so much Paola, I will definitely do the investment on your Master Gel Nails Course since I really want specialize in this specific niche and focus in that type of service. Your GEL 101 free eBook made me understand in such an easy way everything I needed to clarify about gels in my mind, thank you so much, keep the good work!

[@PaolaPonceNails]

This makes me soo happy to read, and soo glad that ebook helped soo much!

[@LauraWormald]

Wow! I'm a DIYer so I'm watching videos a lot trying to solve the problems I encounter as I learn, and also to learn new skills so I can do cool things with my own nails. I wanted to tell you that you are in excellent teacher! I wasn't bored, I didn't skip past a bunch of "fluff"... the whole video was incredibly valuable and your delivery of the information is really engaging. This was exactly the information I needed. I never considered that lifting at the free edge is from my nails touching my skin after I prepped them--simple brilliance! It's always my right hand and that's because I prep both hands but I polish my left hand first so my right hand is getting oils and who knows what on it and I'm not cleaning the right hand's nails before I start on it. I also learned that I'm probably putting my base coat on too thin. I really love the DND color selection and pricing and the fact that they sell to anyone, unlike OPI. But I've been having a lot of trouble with lifting at the free edge and I was afraid it was the DND brand. I'm going to try your suggestions this weekend. I know this video is a few years old but the info is still very relevant. Thank you!

[@nataliabozo]

Amazing… I’ve been searching for so long how to improve the durability of gel polish on nails and everything I found was basically the same and info that I already knew, your video was soooo helpful. Everything you mentioned made sense and we’re all new methods I’ve never heard or found on other sources. I can’t wait to try these methods out! Thank u so much!!

[@PaolaPonceNails]

So glad!

[@stacyburgess-my5xw]

I literally spend like 2 hrs on nail prep…let’s just say there’s not much of a nail left

[@PaolaPonceNails]

Oh no! Where do you think you need improvement?

[@nicolecurrie9078]

Same

[@nicollevelez8149]

Super same! 😅

[@joyk3070]

Mine was 5 days before starting falling off..I spend 2hrs doing them and it's annoying

[@makaylanicoson235]

I’m a licensed tech getting back in to it and I’m thankful for your channel🙏🏼

[@PaolaPonceNails]

Aw! Sweet! Thanks for being here!

[@Cara84de]

oohhh, that's so interesting.. I got a power rubber base from Rockstar nails that's also supposed to be no file etc but I mainly stopped filing my nails to prevent damage (mine are very thin and bendy, soft, never brittle).. and now I think I understand why I get less liftings now.. still st the free edge but that area is still damaged (from removing products the wrong way 😢).. I also try to cover the free edge with a bit product now beacsue they are long enough but that only helps a bit (I'm an ex nail biter and sometimes my nails are still my fidget toy xD so when there is too much product on / over the free edge it's gone fast... I also figured out using softer products works as long as they don't have too many layers but if I use harder products it helps a lot to definetly pinch the nails (so they can't move that way, what they do when drying).. it's a very helpful and informative video, thank you 😊😊

[@happybubble4863]

Excited to try this out! I’ve had consistent free edge lifting on all the people I’m training on and I want to see that problem gone before I officially start my salon 😅 i was prepping with a 240 grit very lightly but will try with a 180 softly, and I was also applying my base very very thinly, so I will try to use a more appropriate amount 😊 thank you so much for this video!

[@PaolaPonceNails]

The more amount of gel should help!

[@SunnyDe_]

Thanks for this. I’m having lifting on my dominant hand at the cuticle. Its annoyinggg.

[@Browntinkerbelle]

Had no idea sanding-free bases were a thing! This video was so helpful. I and my nails thank you!❤️

[@christiangyrl3]

Thank you so much Paola. Your explanation on soft potted gels are quickly making them my favorite. This video has me understand what to do, when to do and why so well.

[@annawk]

Thank you for the video! I struggle with lifting at the free edge, especially on my dominant hand, and my nails are naturally soft/bendy. I don’t fully understand the scrubby method. Do you mean to put base coat on the edges and cure it, and then put the base coat in the whole nail?

[@kurlykurlz614]

Do you recommend the 3 products that doesn’t required prepping on egg shell nails?

[@MarshaEdwards-t3n]

Thank you for the video!

[@tehya3367]

I’m a DIY girly and this was very helpful. I just gave myself a natural pink gel manicure and the next day they were peeling at the free edge, I think now I was over prepping and my nails are weak and bendy.

[@Yogired008]

Hi Paola, I am a huge fan of your channel. My nails are completely destroyed because of press on nails & bad glue. I’ve been learning how to properly do my nails. The problem that I am having now is that my nails pop off literally every single day. What do I need to strengthen my natural nails? Is there something that I could put under the fake nail? I’ve tried learning polygel, I switched from regular glue to soft glue and I am trying to use clear nails tips and started learning how to use gel polish. These nails have come a long way. I tried doing nail extension using nail forms, but I have no nails, so the paper can’t glide onto anything. I hope to hear from you soon. ❤️🙏🏼

[@mygirldarby]

The press-on nails and glue don't damage your nails. It's how you remove the nails that causes damage. You have to soak them off with acetone or get a glue remover and make sure the glue releases. Don't pull off press-on nails. I thought the glue damaged my nails too but it was how I was removing them. Since I learned how, my nails are healthy even after wearing press-on nails with superglue and changing them every 2-3 weeks. If your nails are damaged you have to be gentle with them until they grow out. I didn't do anything to mine after I damaged them. I just used cuticle oil and painted a protective top coat. Then I read about a builder gel base coat. I bought some and started using a thin layer. That stuff is great! It puts a nice protective layer over your nail and smoothes it out. If you use builder gel, just make sure you soak off the builder gel and make sure you soak it off with acetone. Don't peel it off.

[@carolvan664]

Whoa! Game changer! Sanding free base!??? New info (to me) DIY er here. Gel work best for me, but i tend to over prep. This is great...

[@PaolaPonceNails]

Hopefully no more!

[@ShowMeYourTeeth]

Do you have a scrubby method video??

[@JacquelynBlackburn-h1u]

Great tips! Question on the last one....when scrubbing a little base first on the tip, do you do that before or after a base layer? I'm assuming before but just want to make sure! :) I ALWAYS have lifting at the free edge and feel like I've tried so many different things lol but not this!! Hope it works!!!

[@PaolaPonceNails]

before :)

[@AllieKatt11]

Your skin looks perfect! 😩😍

[@KarolinaRamirezV]

I’m a dog groomer, I do my nails myself, I’m guessing because I work with lots of water/shampoo/conditioner I’m having to do my gel tips nearly EVERY WEEK the gel polish starts lifting in the free edge and even if I cure the building gel well they start bending.

[@KPDanni]

Working in hospitality my Japanese gel nails rarely last longer than 2 weeks :( I always get lifting at the edges and some even come right off. I've been to a few different techs all at high end salons and I've only had ONE last 4 weeks. It's so annoying and also gets very expensive having to get them redone so often.

[@PaolaPonceNails]

Without knowing much of your application steps or products used, there is so much to troubleshoot.

[@Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo6]

How about when you use a peel of base? I use Betty gel peel off base and I still get lifting on my free edge after 2-3 days

[@purplehayz03]

Ok, I see now. Japanese soft gel methods definitely differ from Hard Gel Systems..I've been over prepping. I will try it your way and let you know how it wears 😆

[@PaolaPonceNails]

If you damaged your nails significantly, it may not wear the longest the first time or two. Nails have to recoup.

[@hammypie]

how do i prep my nail if im using leafgel sanding free base?

[@MD-cs7jd]

What primer is that?

[@hannaartibey9170]

So you would use the sponge buffer for gel x system ? Not the e file ?

[@justgo298]

I love these so much-wonderful info

[@BeansInThePark]

I have tried everything and my builder gel won’t stop popping off. I’ve tried no base, with base, minimal prep, you name it, I’ve tried it. I’ve spent so much money on products and nothing will stay put. I wore acrylics for a decade, then went to builder gel over my natural nails, and nothing will stick. I’ve had to cut my nails off and I’m at a loss. Do all of your products have to be the same brand? That’s the only thing I haven’t done

[@krahvata]

Brands formulate all their products to work together. If you combine one base coat from one brand and a gel polish color from another, there might be lifting as their formulation are vastly different and they are not formulated to work with eachother. Try sticking to one brand for your base, top and builder gel. After you cure your builder, then you can go in with whatever brand of gel color you want. Also, your nail plate might need an acid primer as they might be more oily or the builder product itself needs an acid primer.

[@queen_b7713]

Great tips

[@sayladytea]

I learn so much from your videos. 😘

[@PaolaPonceNails]

I'm so glad!

[@fatimarodriguez6712]

I watched your vid and followed your tips but I’m still having lifting at the free edge. Is there something else I must be doing wrong ? Or how can I fix it

[@LaurieVasquez]

Omg thank you so much, this video has helped me a ton!

[@PaolaPonceNails]

Glad to hear that Laurie!

[@lauralvw8445]

What can your do when the keratin is already damaged? Or the nail is naturally weak?

[@PaolaPonceNails]

shorten, oil, and give it a try again in 3 months or so... that's what I would do.

[@Legacychaser_777]

How does one say hydrate nail with alcohol, when ive known alcohol to be drying?

[@krahvata]

What do you mean? She says in the video to DEhydrate the nail plate with alcohol, not hydrate.

[@emilylee582]

Do you know why on gel polish have a dark spot on it after getting done a week??

[@divinity6482]

So what if I already overprepped it I think my nails are too thin at this point

[@PaolaPonceNails]

let them recover for 1-3 months. Keep them short Gently file them each week and oil them.

[@TruthIsNot4Sale]

And does this technique also go for press on nails ? Buff and base coat to stop pealing off ? Is it mandatory to use a base coat?

[@seyrelvandijk2787]

No matter what I do my nails keep lifting.

[@marilynoliver5965]

Which base gels are the sanding free? You went over the three on your presentation too fast. I was nit able to see the names of the brands clearly.

[@Brenda-fe5gg]

I have one client where her gel is lifting at the tip? Is it the client or me?