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Why is nail gel still sticky after curing? Common causes and solutions

Working with UV gel can be a fantastic way to create long-lasting and beautiful nails. A common question from new nail stylists is: Why does the gel still feel sticky after curing?

If you've experienced this problem, don't worry! It's completely normal and has a simple explanation. Here we'll go over why this happens and how you can deal with it.

1. The sticky layer is the inhibition layer

After curing under a UV or LED lamp, a sticky layer often forms on the surface of the gel. This is called an inhibition layer (or dispersion layer in English) and occurs because the oxygen in the air prevents the top layer from curing completely. The underlying layers of the gel cure properly, but the outer surface remains sticky due to the exposure to oxygen.

Should the sticky layer of inhibition be removed?

  • Do not wipe off the sticky surface if it occurs while you are doing your prep. For example, you want to keep the sticky layer after you apply base coat because the surface gives the nail material something to adhere to.
  • Also, do not wipe off the inhibition layer between layers of gel or gel polish.
  • However, you will want to remove the adhesive layer if you have a top coat that is still tacky after final curing.

How to remove the inhibition layer?

2. The gel has not hardened properly

If the gel still feels very sticky even after you wipe off the inhibition layer, it may be because it has not cured sufficiently. Possible causes include:

  • Curing time too short – Make sure you follow the manufacturer's recommended times.
  • Wrong type of lamp – UV and LED gels require different lamps. Make sure your lamp matches the gel you are using.
  • Too weak a lamp – If the lamp is old or of low quality, it may not provide enough UV/LED light to cure the gel properly.

Here you will find the Nail Expert UV lamp, which is designed to work optimally with our brand.

3. Too thick a layer of jelly

If you apply too thick layers of gel, the light from the lamp may have difficulty penetrating and curing the material completely. The result is a soft and sticky layer that feels unstable. The surface may become wrinkled, bubbly and/or peel off the nail plate.

Solution:

  • Apply thin layers and cure each layer thoroughly before applying the next.

4. Incorrect product combination

Sometimes problems can arise if you mix products from different brands. Base gel, builder gel and top coat are often optimized to work together within the same brand. If you use different products, the chemistry between them can affect the curing.

Solution:

  • For best results, try to use products from the same brand.

Summary

If your nail gel feels sticky after curing, it is usually due to the inhibition layer, which can be easily removed with cleanser. If the problem persists, check the curing time, lamp strength, layer thickness and that you are using compatible products. By following these tips, you will get a perfect, shiny and long-lasting manicure every time!

Do you have your own tips or experiences? Feel free to share in the comments! 💅✨

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