Gel nail color fading is a common problem for many people who get their nails done with gel polish. The reason for the fading is that the gel polish is not as strong as acrylic; therefore, it will not hold up as long.
There are many reasons why your gel nail color will fade. It can be a result of the way you care for your nails, or it can be due to a reaction with certain chemicals in the products you use.
Regardless of the reason, if your gel nail polish is fading, there are some steps that you can take to ensure that it stays put and looks as good as it did when you first applied it. However, before we discuss the prevention of gel nail color fading, let’s discuss some causes.
Why Are My Gel Nails Changing Color?
Many people have questions about the color of their gel nails. If your gel manicure is starting to change color, it can be exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. However, here are reasons why your nails may be changing color:
1. Poor quality gel
Poor quality gel nail polish can cause it to change color. This is because the gel polish is not made of the same materials as high-quality gel nail polish. The ingredients in poor-quality gel nail polish are cheaper, which means they’re more likely to look and feel different.
2. Over curing, sunlight, or self-tanners
Over-curing happens when you leave your gel manicure on for too long. When you do this, the chemicals in the polish will start to break down your nail bed, causing it to become brittle and eventually peel off. This can also cause discoloration because the chemicals aren’t absorbed by your nail bed anymore; they’re just sitting on top of it and turning it yellow!
Sunlight exposure is another common cause of discoloration with gel nails. When you wear gel over time, it starts to lose its shine and cannot protect your natural nail from UV rays as it did at first. This can result in yellowing or chipping on top of any preexisting discoloration caused by over-curing.
Also, certain brands use different pigments in their nail polishes than others, and some of those can be affected by self-tanning products if they’re not made specifically for use with them.
3. Exposure to chemicals
Gel manicures use chemicals on top of your nail, affecting your nails’ color. If you notice that your gel nails are turning a different color than they used to be, it’s likely because the chemicals in the polish are reacting with other things they’ve been exposed to.
The most common culprits are harsh chemicals like household cleaners or laundry detergent. These can cause the color in your gel polish to fade or change over time.
You can also see changes in the color of your gel polish if you wash dishes with hot water and soap or clean them with bleach-based products. The heat from these processes will cause the chemical bonds holding together the pigment molecules in your polish to break down faster than usual.
4. Smoking
Smoking is also a major factor in the change of color of your gel nails. Smoking can cause a chemical reaction that changes the color of your nails. This reaction is called “yellowing,” which occurs when your nails are exposed to tobacco smoke for an extended period.
5. Food with high acid content
Acidic foods cause the nails’ discoloration, ranging from yellowing to browning. The acid in these foods causes a chemical reaction that breaks down the nail, causing it to become brittle and fragile.
6. Extreme UV light exposure
If your gel nails change color after exposure to extreme UV light, it is most likely due to the drying process. The UV light used in the drying process can cause some of the pigments in your nails to fade, leaving you with a different color than what you had originally intended.
7. Summer season
The heat of summer can be rough, especially when it comes to your nails. When the temperature rises, the air gets dry, and your nail beds become more porous, making them less able to retain moisture. The result? Your gel manicure starts to fade and change color.
How Do You Stop Gel Nails From Discoloring
1. Apply Shellac or the gel polish
Gel nails are a great way to get your nails looking beautiful and healthy. But just like all types of nail polish, they can discolor over time. If you want to keep your gel polish looking bright, try applying Shellac or the gel polish on top of it. This will help prevent discoloration and keep your nails looking fresh.
2. Do not use harsh chemicals
try not to use acetone-based nail polish removers or other harsh chemicals on your nails for at least 24 hours after applying your gel polish. Acetone will cause the color of your nails to fade more quickly than normal and can also cause damage to the surface of the nail itself.
3. Apply two layers of top coat and cure each
Use two layers of top coat and cure each layer for 30 seconds before applying the next layer. This will help lock in color so that it doesn’t come off when you touch things or wash your hands with soap or water.
Also, be sure to use plenty of base and top coats when painting your nails with gel polish. This will help seal in moisture and prevent discoloration from occurring due to exposure to air or sunlight (which can cause the colors in some polishes to fade).
4. Avoid applying sunscreen to your nails
Sunscreen is a known cause of discoloration, and the best way to avoid this problem is not to apply it. If you have already applied sunscreen and noticed that your nail has turned slightly yellow, try scrubbing it with a toothbrush and some toothpaste. This should help remove the yellow tinge and any residue left behind by the sunscreen.
5. Avoid using products on the nail surface
Try to avoid getting makeup and similar products on the surface of the nails. If you get any product on your nails, wipe it off as quickly as possible with a cotton swab or cloth.
6. Use products designed for gel-polish manicures
Also, ensure that you’re using products specifically designed for gel-polish manicures. These products contain ingredients that help keep your nails healthy while protecting them from discoloring due to exposure to chemicals in other nail polishes.
7. Use cuticle oil daily
Another best way to keep your gel nails from discoloring is using cuticle oil daily. Cuticle oil helps the skin stay hydrated, preventing it from dry and cracking. This helps your nail polish last longer and prevents it from chipping or peeling.
The oil also helps your nail polish adhere better and more evenly to your nails, preventing white spots or other imperfections that can occur with nail polish application.
8. Use quality gel nail polish
This means that the polish must be made up of high-quality ingredients and have a strong adhesive quality. The ingredients should also be organic and free of any harmful chemicals. The most important thing is that the nail polish applies easily and covers all your nails evenly, making them look great.
9. Scrub with soap and water
If there is any discoloration, scrub with soap and water. You can also try rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) or acetone (found in many nail polish removers) but be careful not to overdo it because these substances could damage the finish of your nails if used too often.
Does Gel Nail Polish Fade in the Sun?
Yes, it can. Gel nail polish is a type of nail polish that’s cured by UV light. It’s usually applied on a clear base coat and dries very quickly. The UV light can cause the gel polish to fade over time.
However, the fading depends on the shade of gel polish used as well as how you take care of your nails. Some shades are more resistant to fading than others.
To keep your gel nails looking fresh and bright, you should use sunscreen before heading outdoors and wear a hat when necessary. You should also avoid swimming in pools or oceans for extended periods, as well as exposing your hands to excessive heat from sources such as ovens and hot water taps.
How Long Do Gel Colored Nails Last?
Gel nails can last for two to three weeks or more depending on how well you take care of your nails. The most important thing is to keep them clean and avoid picking at the gel, which can cause it to lift.
Gel nails are so popular because they last longer than acrylic nails and are less damaging to the natural nail bed. They can also be colored any color you want, so they’re a great option if you want to match your fingernails and toes perfectly.
The downside of gel polish is that it takes longer than regular polish to dry. Gel polish takes about five minutes to dry under a UV light and about 20 minutes to fully dry in an air dryer or with a fan.
Conclusion
Gel nail color is a great way to have your nails look beautiful and shiny. However, sometimes this type of polish can fade after a while. It may not be noticeable unless you look at the nails up close. This is why it’s important to know how to prevent gel nail color from fading.
There are different ways you can prevent gel nail color from fading. One of the most effective ways is by using a top coat when applying your gel polish. You should also use a base coat when doing so since it helps prevent staining and discoloration on your nails.
