Troubleshooting Nail Strips: Lifting, Chips and Wrinkles
Most nail strip problems come from one of three things: oil or moisture left on the nail, a strip that was too wide or stretched, or, for gel strips, a cure that was cut short. Find your problem below for the likely cause and how to fix it.
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Edges lifting
Why it happens
- The strip is too wide, or was stretched, and touches the skin.
- Oil or hand cream was left on the nail.
- The edges weren't pressed down firmly enough.
How to fix it
- Next time, size down and leave a tiny gap at the sides. See the nail sizing guide.
- Wipe every nail with alcohol right before applying.
- Press the edges down firmly before curing (gel) or once applied (polish).
- For a gel strip that has started to lift, see gel nail strips lifting.
Chips and worn tips
Why it happens
- Filing upwards or side to side during application.
- Lots of contact with water and cleaning products.
How to fix it
- Gently file the tip smooth, downwards only.
- With polish strips, a thin clear top coat along the tip helps.
- Wear gloves for cleaning and washing up.
Wrinkles and bubbles
Why it happens
The strip was stretched, or wasn't smoothed from the centre outwards when you placed it.
How to fix it
- Before curing, gently lift the strip and lay it down again.
- Smooth from the centre out to the sides, then to the tip.
- More help: fixing air bubbles and why gel strips wrinkle.
Strips not sticking
Why it happens
- The nails weren't fully clean and dry, so oil or lotion was still there.
- The alcohol wipe was skipped.
- Hands were warm or clammy while applying.
How to fix it
- Wipe each nail with alcohol just before applying.
- Apply in a cool, dry room.
- Press firmly, and for gel strips, cure promptly.
- Naturally oily nails? Read strips and oily nails.
Peeling after a few days
Why it happens
- Lots of time in water and cleaning products.
- A strip that is too wide at the sidewalls.
- Prep that left some oil behind.
How to prevent it
- Use cuticle oil on your cuticles every day.
- Wear gloves for chores.
- Choose a strip slightly narrower than your nail.
- If it happens within a day, see why strips peel after one day.
Gel strip still soft after curing
Why it happens
- The cure was too short, or the thumb was cured at an angle with the fingers.
- Very dark or glittery shades need a little longer.
How to fix it
- Cure for 60 seconds, with thumbs done separately and laid flat.
- Add 15 to 30 seconds for very dark or glittery shades. Our lamp guide has more.
Hard to take off
For gel strips, add more cuticle oil, wait a little longer, then lift gently with a wooden stick. Never force them and never peel them off dry. See how to remove gel nail strips. Polish strips come off with ordinary nail polish remover, as shown in how to remove polish nail strips.
Common questions
Why do my nail strips lift at the cuticle?
Usually because the strip was placed touching the skin, or there was oil on the nail. Leave a tiny gap at the cuticle and wipe with alcohol first.
Why do my strips wrinkle?
They were stretched or pressed from the wrong direction. Press the middle first, then smooth outwards, and never stretch.
Why does my gel strip feel sticky after curing?
A slightly tacky surface can be a normal part of curing. Our guide on sticky strips after curing explains what to do.