Why Your DIY Gel Nails Keep Peeling

I get it. You bought the kit. You watched the tutorials. You followed every step (kind of). But somehow, your gel manicure is peeling off by day three and you’re left wondering why your nails never seem to last.

Here’s the honest truth. DIY gel nails are tricky. There are a lot of things that can go wrong behind the scenes, even when it looks like everything is going right. If your gel polish is lifting, chipping or peeling too soon, it’s not because your nails are broken. It’s because gel needs the right prep, tools and technique to actually work.

Let’s break down why your at-home gel mani isn’t holding up and what to do about it.

I Used to Skip Prep Too

Prep is everything. And it’s usually the first thing skipped or rushed in a DIY setup. Just pushing back your cuticles and going straight to polish? That won't cut it.

Here’s what proper prep actually involves:

• Gently removing excess cuticle from the nail plate

• Lightly buffing the surface to remove shine and oil

• Using a nail dehydrator or alcohol to cleanse

• Applying a proper gel base coat and curing it fully

When I prep nails in the studio, I’m not rushing it. I’m watching how your nails react, whether they’re brittle or flexible, and tailoring my steps from there. Good prep makes all the difference in how long your gel lasts.

You’re Probably Using Too Much Product

Gel looks great glossy and thick at first, but heavy layers almost always lead to lifting. Most people doing DIY gels don’t realise gel is meant to be applied super thin, layer by layer.

Too much gel = uneven curing = early peeling. It’s that simple.

I always apply in light layers and cure each one properly under a calibrated lamp. This keeps the gel smooth, even and properly bonded.

Your Lamp Might Not Be Doing the Job

Speaking of curing, your cute little Amazon lamp might not be strong enough. If your gel isn’t curing all the way through, it starts to lift within days. Even if it looks dry on top, it might still be soft underneath.

In the studio, I use professional-grade lamps that are tested to work with the exact products I’m using. No guesswork. Just properly cured, long-lasting gel.

You’re Not Sealing the Edges

One of the smallest but most important steps? Capping the free edge. That tiny swipe along the edge of your nail helps seal everything in. Without it, water and air sneak under the polish and start the peeling process early.

It’s such a small thing, but it makes a huge impact on wear time. It’s one of those steps I never skip.

Removal Might Be Hurting More Than You Think

If you’ve ever picked off your gel (no judgment, we’ve all been there), you’ve probably damaged your nail plate. Even just once or twice can leave the surface uneven, which makes your next gel application peel faster.

In the salon, I remove gel gently using soak-off techniques that protect the natural nail underneath. If your nails are already damaged from picking, I can adjust your BIAB or Japanese gel to give your nails time to rebuild.

DIY Is Fun, But Professional Care Lasts

I’m not here to shame the DIY game. Sometimes it’s fun to try things at home. But if you’re constantly redoing your nails every few days, that gets exhausting. A professional manicure gives you longer-lasting results, stronger nails over time, and zero peeling stress.

Most of my clients come in after one too many DIY fails. They want nails that last longer, feel healthier, and actually help their nails grow. That’s where BIAB and Japanese gels come in.

Ready to Stop Peeling and Start Growing?

If your gel nails keep peeling, lifting or chipping before the week is up, it might be time to hand it over. Let me take care of your nails with thoughtful prep, high-quality gels, and a customised approach that fits your lifestyle.

📍 Fill out a new client intake form at Apricot Nails in Hawthorn today. Strong, glossy nails are just one good mani away.

5 Nail Myths That Need to Retire (No, Your Nails Don’t Need To Breathe)

I’ve heard them all before. The nail myths that get passed around like beauty gospel: “Your nails need to breathe.” “Acrylics make your nails grow.” “If you stop biting, they’ll magically fix themselves.”

The truth? Most of these “facts” are actually doing your nails a disservice. If you want stronger, healthier nails that last, it’s time to let go of these outdated ideas.

Let’s break down the 5 biggest nail myths that need to retire, for good.

1. “Your Nails Need to Breathe”

Here’s the honest truth: nails don’t breathe. They’re made of keratin, just like your hair, and they get nutrients from your blood supply — not the air.

So, taking breaks between manis in hopes of letting your nails “breathe”? Totally unnecessary. What actually matters is how your nails are prepped, what product is used, and how they’re removed.

That’s why I recommend BIAB (Builder in a Bottle), Japanese gel nails, or Korean gels, the process of application and removal ensures your nails are protected, instead of stripping them thin.

2. “Acrylics or SNS Make Your Nails Stronger”

This one’s a biggie. Acrylic and SNS might look strong on the outside, but underneath, your natural nails are often left weak and brittle.

If you want nails that actually grow and stay healthy, BIAB nails or Japanese gels are the answer. They add strength without suffocating your natural nail, and over time, your nails rebuild instead of break down.

Searching “BIAB Nails Near Me” or “BIAB Nails Melbourne”? That’s exactly what I do every day at Apricot Nails.

3. “Extensions Ruin Your Nails”

Extensions get a bad rap, but the truth is it’s not the extensions, it’s the application and removal.

Gel X extensions, for example, can be applied and removed gently without damaging your natural nails when done professionally. The same goes for Japanese gels and Korean gels, it’s about the technique, not the myth. Old school extensions require harsh ‘super glue’ that is a pain to get off under gel, whilst full-tip Gel X extensions use gel itself, and soak or file off the way that gel polish, BIAB and hard gel do.

So if you’ve been avoiding nail appointments in Melbourne because you’re worried about damage, just know: the right products and the right nail tech make all the difference.

4. “If You Stop Nail Biting, Your Nails Will Fix Themselves”

I wish it were that simple. If you’ve been nail biting for years, chances are your nail beds are shorter, your nails are thinner, and they need some serious support to grow back.

That’s where Builder in a Bottle (BIAB) and daily oil, come in. BIAB is amazing for bitten nails because it acts like a flexible shield, giving your natural nails the protection they need to grow out without snapping.

I’ve had so many clients come in with bitten nails, and after a few BIAB appointments, their nails look like a completely different set. However this takes teamwork!

5. “Nail Care Is Just About Looks”

Nope. Natural nail care isn’t just about having pretty hands — it’s about nail health. When you choose the right products (like BIAB or Japanese gels) and go to a professional nail studio, you’re not just getting colour. You’re protecting, strengthening, and actually helping your nails grow.

Healthy nails don’t happen by accident. They happen with thoughtful prep, gentle removal, and the right products that support your natural nail health.

Ready to Ditch the Myths and Grow Healthy Nails?

If you’re tired of cracked polish, weak nails, or myths that hold you back, let’s change that.

At Apricot Nails in Forest Hill, I focus on nail health first. Whether it’s BIAB nails, Japanese gel nails, Gel X extensions, or Korean gels, every appointment is tailored to strengthen and protect your natural nails — no myths, no damage, just results.

📍 Fill out a new client intake form at Apricot Nails in Hawthorn, Melbourne today and give your nails the love they actually need.

Cuticle Oil Isn’t Optional (Sorry, But It’s True)

If I had a dollar for every time someone told me, “I always forget to use cuticle oil,” I could probably buy a lifetime supply of it for the entire salon.

I get it. Between work, social life, and just remembering to drink enough water, squeezing in one more self-care habit feels like a stretch. But if you want strong, glossy, long-lasting nails, cuticle oil is not the extra step. It’s the step.

Here’s why I never let a client leave without a gentle nudge (okay, sometimes a full lecture) about making it part of their routine.

It’s Not Just About the Cuticles

Despite the name, cuticle oil doesn’t just benefit that tiny bit of skin at the base of your nail. It does a lot more heavy lifting than you think.

It hydrates the nail plate, strengthens the skin around the nail, and prevents the kind of dryness that leads to peeling, cracking, and lifting. Especially if you’re wearing BIAB, Gel X extensions or Japanese gel, you need that oil to keep your nails flexible and nourished.

Think of it like conditioner for your nails. You wouldn’t skip conditioner and expect soft hair, right?

Why It Matters More with BIAB

If you’re on a BIAB journey, trying to recover from bitten nails or grow your natural nails stronger, cuticle oil is your best friend.

Here’s what it helps with:

• Softens cuticles and keeps them from overgrowing

• Reduces hangnails and inflammation

• Keeps the nail bed hydrated, which prevents brittleness

• Extends the life of your manicure by reducing chipping and lifting

Hydrated nails are happy nails. Dry nails break and pull away underneath the enhancement, creating lower retention time, snapping and breakage problems. Simple.

How Often Should You Use It?

Daily. Preferably twice. I know that sounds like a lot, but once it becomes a habit, it takes two seconds. Leave a bottle by your toothbrush, your desk, your bedside table. I even have one in my car.

One swipe across each cuticle and a quick massage in. Done. Bonus points if you apply after handwashing or before bed when your skin is resting and absorbing more product.

Picking the Right Oil

Not all cuticle oils are made equal. Look for ones with ingredients like jojoba oil, vitamin E, or sweet almond oil. These sink in quickly, nourish deeply, and don’t leave you greasy.

I always recommend starting with a lightweight, natural oil that feels good to use. If you like the scent and the texture, you’ll actually use it. That’s the goal.

The Long-Term Payoff

I’ve had clients come in struggling with brittle nails, dry skin, and BIAB lifting way too early. Nine times out of ten, the missing link is oil.

Then they start using it daily. A few weeks go by. And suddenly, they’ve got stronger nails, smoother skin, and manicures that last the full three to four weeks without a chip.

Cuticle oil isn’t a miracle in a bottle, but it is a tiny daily habit that adds up fast.

Final PSA from Me to You

If you’re investing in premium gels, BIAB overlays, or nail rehab, don’t skip the one thing that can make all that work go even further. Your nails need moisture to stay healthy. Polish, gel, and even builder in a bottle will hold better and longer on a hydrated nail bed.

So next time you see that little bottle of oil sitting at the back of your drawer, use it. Your future self and your future manis will thank you.

📍 Fill out a new client intake form at Apricot Nails in Hawthorn.

💅 I’ll take care of the polish, prep, and BIAB magic. You just promise me you’ll oil those cuticles.

Healthy Nails Are the Real Flex

You know what I find more impressive than chrome claws or bedazzled tips? Nails that are actually healthy underneath it all. Not snapping off in the shower. Not flaking after a week. Just strong, glossy, unbothered nails doing their thing.

In a world full of short-lived trends and endless Pinterest inspo, nail health is the flex that lasts.

If you’ve ever typed in “BIAB nails near me” or “natural nail care in Melbourne” while wondering why your nails keep breaking, lifting or peeling, I’ve got you.

Here’s What Healthy Nails Actually Look Like

Let’s be real. Healthy doesn’t always mean long. It means nails that are strong, smooth and growing without splitting the second you open your oat milk.

Some of the signs I look for in healthy nails:

• They grow without flaking or peeling

• They hold gel polish for three to four weeks

• No cracking edges or splitting corners

• They look polished even before the polish goes on

At Apricot Nails in Forest Hill, I care just as much about what’s under your nail art as I do the art itself. Everything I use, from Builder in a Bottle to Japanese gels and Korean gels, is chosen to support and strengthen your natural nail.

Why I Love BIAB and You Will Too

If you're new here, BIAB stands for Builder in a Bottle, and I like to think of it as skincare and strength training for your nails. It's a flexible, soak-off gel that gives your nails the structure and support they need to grow, with a glossy finish that doesn’t quit.

Here’s why I swear by it:

• It helps your nails grow longer and stronger

• It creates a smooth, protective layer

• It helps reduce breakage and peeling

• It’s ideal for bitten nails or anyone recovering from damage

I’ve lost count of how many clients have walked in after searching “BIAB nails Melbourne” and walked out with strong, healthy, thriving nails. That’s not by accident.

Nail Health First. Always.

Sure, I love fun designs and playful colours as much as anyone, but the truth is, the best nail art starts with a strong foundation. Even minimalist nails pop more when they’re sitting on healthy, happy nail beds.

Whether you’re after a soft nude, a subtle shimmer or Gel X extensions, I always start with a proper consult and choose products that suit your individual nail needs. No cookie-cutter sets here. Your nails deserve a little more respect than that.

I take a prescriptive approach, which means I customise every set. Your nails are as individual as you are, and your manicure should be too.

Want to Help Your Nails at Home? Try This

I’ll do my part in the studio, but nail health is a two-way street. Here’s what I recommend for keeping your nails happy between visits:

• Use cuticle oil

• Don’t pick at your polish or bite your nails, use a file and keep one on hand at all times to maintain a sleek finish and save you from biting regret later.

• Book regular maintenance appointments to avoid lifting

• Wear gloves when cleaning or doing dishes

Small habits make a big difference. Trust me, nail health gets a little addictive once you start seeing the change.

Let’s Start Your Nail Health Era

Whether you're rebuilding from nail biting, recovering from acrylic damage or simply ready for a manicure that looks good and lasts, I’m here for it.

Here’s what you can expect at Apricot Nails in Forest Hill:

• Expert BIAB application tailored to your nail goals

• Soft gel extensions using the Japanese Gel X method

• Thoughtful care for bitten nails and stressed-out cuticles

• A warm, welcoming space where you can relax and feel looked after

If you’ve been searching for “BIAB nails near me” or “nail appointment Melbourne” and hoping to find a spot that actually cares about your nails, you’ve found it.

Time to Flex Something Real

Pretty nails are great. But nails that don’t chip, don’t lift and feel strong underneath? That’s the real flex.

So if you’re ready to take care of your nails and get results that last longer than your last situationship, I’d love to see you in the chair.

📍 Fill out a new client intake form at Apricot Nails in Hawthorn.

💅 Specialising in BIAB, Gel X extensions, Japanese gel nails and natural nail recovery.