Cracking usually means the gel has been applied too thinly in key stress areas. Always make sure the sidewalls and free edge are around credit card thickness for proper strength and flexibility.

Overloading the nail with product, or skipping a base coat, can also cause cracking or weakness over time.

Hard gel is a strong yet flexible material, making it perfect for customising nail length and shape. You can build hard gel
to almost any length or style, as long as the structure is correctly balanced and supported.

Acrylic and hard gel are similar in strength and durability, but the key difference is flexibility. Hard gel is lighter and more flexible, giving a natural feel while still providing strength. Acrylic is firmer and less flexible, offering a sturdier but heavier feel on the nails. Both are suited to different client types.

If your hard gel is peeling rather than lifting from the corners, it’s often due to under-curing or too little product at the free edge. Check your lamp is the correct wattage and working efficiently, and make sure you’re applying the gel evenly across the nail, especially at the sides and tip.

No, hard gel is a non-porous system, meaning it can’t be removed with acetone. Instead, it needs to be carefully filed down with a hand file or e-file until only a thin layer remains. This protects the natural nail while allowing you to reapply or infill safely.

That’s the inhibition layer, a normal sticky residue left after curing. It helps the next layer of gel adhere properly. Don’t worry, simply remove it with a cleanser once you’ve finished all layers or before refining the shape.

Bubbles form when air becomes trapped in the gel during application or mixing. This can happen for a few different reasons:

      
Overworking the gel:
Stirring or brushing the product too much introduces air. Always float the gel gently onto the nail rather than brushing it on.

Incorrect brush technique:
Pressing too firmly with your brush can push air into the gel. Use light, even pressure and keep your brush flat against the surface.

Mixing or shaking the pot:
Never stir, whip, or shake your gel pot before use; it will fill the product with tiny air pockets that appear during curing.

   
Cold product:
Working in a cold room can make the gel thicker and harder to apply smoothly, which increases the risk of bubbles. Keep your products at room temperature for best results.