Polish peeling on real nails

Jan 13, 2011

Rachael Y.

Ok... so whenever I try to polish my nails the polish peels off after I shower. I have tried using a base coat and top coat. I have tried NOT using a base coat and USING a top coat. But nothing is working. My polish peels right away. It is so frustrating. I hate to even paint my nails for this reason. I need advise!!! 

Jan 13, 2011

Christina T.

Hrm, that's interesting to hear Rachael. How long do you let your nail polish dry before you take your shower?

I think base coat qualities can make a difference! I'm a huge fan of Orly Bonder Basecoat: http://www.beautylish.com/p/orly-bonder-basecoat I use any ol' clear nail polish as my top coat and I make sure to paint the edge of my nail tips too. 

Jan 13, 2011

Rachael Y.

This happens all the time. Here is an example. I painted my nails yesterday a few hours after I got out of the shower. Then after I showered this morning (atleast 17 hours later... haha) they started to peel. I do have soft nails to start with and that is the reason why I want to have polish on them. Nothing worked for them to make them strong so I figured that I would just keep polish on them to make them pretty. haha.

Jan 14, 2011

Christina T.

Darn, wish I could help you more Rachael! You can always use gloves when you shower to protect your nails :) I must admit, I have done it before! 

Jan 14, 2011

Rachael Y.

Thanks... I guess I am just doomed. And Andrew I will look into that.

Jan 14, 2011

Yasmin K.

Think of your nails as a wall. When you paint a wall you need to prep the wall which includes sanding the wall so it's smooth then apply a primer then the paint. When it comes to finger and toe nails you need to do basically the same thing.

I use a multi-sided sanding block that has a coarse to ultra-fine buffing pads. Start with the coarsest side and work your way down but do NOT use the final shine buff. Apply a base coat and allow that to dry completely then apply a layer of polish. Allow to completely dry before applying either another coat of polish or a top coat. Just remember to allow each coat of polish to dry completely before the next.

Jan 14, 2011

Brandi S.

Great answer Yasmin! I do the exact same thing and then I use Orly Bonder base coat. It really works!

Jan 14, 2011

Rachael Y.

Thanks Yasmin. I will try that. 

Jan 15, 2011

Mandy M.

This happens to me as well! I am def. gonna try this!

Jan 15, 2011

Rachael Y.

Im glad that I am not the only one. I am going to try this prob this week. If you do it sooner, Mandy, let me know how it works for you. 

Jan 16, 2011

Romee H.

I'm def agree with Yasmin! If nail polish peel off as one piece, that means your nail surface is oily. So try gentlly sanding out surface(make sure not too much, otherwise it makes your nail too thin) and skip the cuticle oil or wash off before you putting polish on! When you put nail polish on, try to polish tips of nail too! Wait couple min before put top coat on ^^ hope this help!

Jan 17, 2011

Shawna J.

I agree with Yasmin. You may also want to try China Glaze Calcium Gel Fortifier as your base coat. It has extended my manicure life by about 3-5 days. 

Jan 26, 2011

Nadia Y.

Try using the OPI Chip Skip before the basecoat....I know that's just adding another step but it really does work. Chip Skip will temporarily dry out your nails to absorb the basecoat etc. The less "oil" you have on your nails the better the polish will adhere... hence less chipping. 

Feb 24, 2011

Aidyl T.

Dont worry Rachael i have the same issue. But what sometimes works for me is what Yasmin recommended. Hope it works.

Feb 25, 2011

Leslie J.

I know how you feel. I felt like I was doing my nails every other day. I was having this problem for a while but I started using bonder and this product from Sally's called Nail Magic with horsetail! I absolutely love it! Not only is my polish lasting longer but my nails are growing back longer and healthier :~) 

Feb 25, 2011

Aidyl T.

Im going to have to give that product a try Leslie.

Feb 25, 2011

Aidyl T.

Ok i will definately let you know.

Feb 28, 2011

Ning C.

Do you apply lotion or use a moisturizing body wash in the shower before you apply your polish? Any oily residue on your nails may be to blame for the peeling. Also, nails expand and change shape when wet (they're porous and absorb water), which could make it difficult for the polish to adhere properly. I'd recommend waiting an hour before starting your manicure. P.S. My favorite basecoat is CND Stickey

May 11, 2011

Marteen F.

Omg my polish always comes off like a sticker! So i guess my nails are oily, I have one of those sanding blocks somewhere. I better find it, might give the OPI chip skip a go too. Thanks for your suggestions ladies xx

Aug 15, 2012

Kathy K.

I know this comment is coming a year later but... You should never use the rough side of a buffer. You'll thin out your nails. Also take care to make sure you clean your nails of all oils from your nails. You may not see it but it's there. I like to cleanse one hand then base coat. CND Stickey is fabulous. Then do the other hand. Make sure you take the brush and cap the edges with each coat you apply. 

May 1, 2013

Breann K.

Rachael have you tried Duri Rejuvicoat for nail strengthening? That stuff is amazing!! I was unable to find it in the store but you can get it on ebay or amazon for like $7.

Jun 11, 2013

Ali S.

This is a problem I have, too. I like to try and keep the water a little cooler than normal - while it's not ideal, it's better for your hair and keeping your nail polish from lifting and peeling!

Jun 29, 2013

Iizabella M.

Yasmin is correct. I'm a nail tech and I have clients who come in with this problem a lot. :) When you go and get your nails done they have a series of steps.
Try to push your cuticles back because that is a big reason nail polish peels. Go over your nails with pure acetone. This will dry them out a little and remove any unneeded oils. Don't touch your finger nails too much with your fingers, your putting oil back on them. Buff your nails and make sure to get all of your nail. You don't have to go fast. Take your time so you make sure to get the whole nail. Swipe over your nails with a cotton ball and acetone again quickly to remove the dust. Apply your base coat but make sure it's a good product your using. Let it sit for a second and then apply your first coat of polish. Don't try and get it too thick because you still have your second coat. If you have a "fast drying spray", spray your nails and then apply your second coat. Spray your nails again and apply a fast dry top coat. Let it sit for a good fifteen minutes before you try to touch them. The product you use is a big part of whether your polish will stay.
Another thing is take a small paint brush and dip it in the acetone and try to clean around the edges on your skin. It's will help with lifting majorly! Try to do this after you shower so your nails have time to dry completely. Nail polish doesn't fully dry for at least an hour. AT LEAST! By I guarantee this will help :) another thing you can do if you have soft nails and you want them stronger is go and have Shelac done. It helps strengthen them and you can choose any color. It last at least two weeks also and WILL NOT come off

Jun 30, 2013

Mckenna K.

Pick your fave color and black crackle but no Sally Henson it's bad put on a base coat your fave color do a top coat then do crackle and another top coat and then 123ready to go it works.