One of the common challenges we face as professional nail technicians is managing clients with oily nails. Oily nail beds can cause gel polish to lift or chip prematurely, leading to frustration for both the client and the technician. But fear not! With the right techniques and products, you can achieve a beautiful, long-lasting gel manicure even on the oiliest nails. Here’s how:  

Oily nails can result from natural body chemistry, hormonal changes, or even dietary habits. The excess oil creates a barrier that prevents gel polish from adhering properly to the nail. Addressing this issue requires a combination of thorough nail preparation, proper product selection, and careful application.  

Proper Cleaning: Start by thoroughly cleaning the nails to remove any surface oils. Use a nail cleanser or a Lint-Free Wipe soaked in IPA or Acetone to ensure all oils and residues are eliminated.  
Cuticle Care: Push back and trim the cuticles to ensure no excess skin or oil interferes with the gel application. Explore TGB’s ProNip and ProPrep tools to help you nail your cuticle prep and nail care. 
Gentle Buffing: Lightly buff the nail surface with TGB’s 100/180 Coffin Nail Buffer to remove the shine and create a rougher texture for better adhesion. Be gentle to ensure you don’t damage the nail plate.  

Acetone/IPA: Use Acetone or IPA to thoroughly dehydrate the nail. This product helps remove moisture and oil from the nail surface, creating an optimal base for the gel polish. Let it dry completely before proceeding to the next step in your service.  
Nail Primer: There is no need to use an additional nail primer. All TGB Base Coats have a primer built within the chemical makeup of the product.   

Rubber Base Coat: For clients with oily nails, a Rubber Base Coat is an excellent choice due to its thicker consistency and superior adhesion properties. It creates a strong foundation that helps the gel polish stay put.  
Application Tips: Apply Rubber Base in a thin, even layer. Cure it under the TGB Light the Way Nail Lamp on Low Heat Mode for 99 seconds.   

Thin Layers: Apply the gel polish in thin, even layers to prevent lifting and chipping. Thick layers of gel nail polish are more prone to lifting, especially on oily nail beds.  
Proper Curing: Ensure each layer of gel nail polish is fully cured before applying the next. Inadequate curing can lead to lifting, chipping and allergic reactions.  

Gel Top Coat: Use TGB Extreme Shine Top Coat to seal the gel polish. Apply it in a thin layer, and cure for 60 seconds. Discover the ultimate guide to all TGB Top Coats here. 

Client Education: Take your clients through their aftercare protocols and stress the importance of following your guidance.    
Cuticle Oil: Recommend using a cuticle oil (TGB Cuticle Essence) regularly to keep the surrounding skin healthy.  
Regular Maintenance: Encourage clients to book regular maintenance appointments to keep their nails in optimal condition and address any issues promptly.  

Dealing with oily nails can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can ensure your clients leave with a beautiful, long-lasting gel manicure. Thorough preparation, careful product selection, and proper application techniques are key to overcoming the oil barrier. By following these steps, you can enhance adhesion, prevent lifting, and provide a flawless finish every time.