Peeling almost always traces back to nail prep, not the product. To fix:
- Lightly buff the nail bed (don't over-file)
- Clean the nail with alcohol or a nail dehydrator
- Don't flood the cuticle — keep gel off skin
- Seal the free edge with top coat — this is the most missed step
Other things to check:
- Are you fully curing each layer?
- Is your base coat compatible with the brand's gel polish?
- Have you used the same lamp consistently?
Detailed troubleshooting: beyondpolish.com/blogs/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-diy-gel-manicures
May 21, 2026
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