TGB Academy
Jul 1

Repairing Chipped Gel Nails: Professional Guide for Nail Techs

As a professional nail technician, you strive to provide your clients with long-lasting gel manicures. However, even with the best techniques and products, chipped gel nails can sometimes occur. Knowing how to troubleshoot and fix chipped nails is essential to maintaining client satisfaction and ensuring their nails look flawless. Here’s your comprehensive guide to addressing and preventing chipped gel nails.  

Understanding the Causes of Chipped Gel Nails

1. Improper Nail Preparation:

  • Natural Oils and Debris: If the natural nail is not properly cleansed and dehydrated before gel application, natural oils and debris can cause the gel to lift and chip.  
  • Inadequate Buffing: Failing to gently buff the nail surface can prevent the gel from adhering correctly.  

2. Incorrect Application Techniques:

  • Thick Layers: Applying gel in thick layers can lead to uneven curing, which in turn results in chipping. 
  • Incomplete Curing: Insufficient curing time or using an underpowered UV/LED lamp can result in an uncured gel layer that chips.  

3. Client Habits:

  • Rough Use: Clients who use their nails as tools or frequently expose them to water and chemicals without protection are more prone to chipping.  
  • Nail Biting: Biting nails can weaken the gel and cause it to chip.  

4. Compatibility:

  • Incompatible Systems: Mixing products from different brands that are not designed to work together can cause adhesion issues.  

How to Fix Chipped Gel Nails: Step-by-Step Repair Guide

1. Assess the Damage:

  • Extent of the Chip: Determine how severe the chipping is. A small chip can be easily repaired, whilst extensive damage may require a complete rebuild of the nail.  
  • Client’s Expectations: Discuss with the client whether they want a quick fix or a complete redo of the chipped nail.  

2. Quick Fix for Minor Chipped Gel Nails:

  • Remove the Gel: Use a file or e-file to gently remove the remaining gel from the chipped nail, being careful not to damage the natural nail.  
  • Prep work: Your nail prep is key, ensure cuticles are pushed back and nipped away if necessary using our TGB Tools Range or ProBits and the nail has been etched.   
  • Clean and Dehydrate: Clean the nail with a Lint-Free Wipe soaked in IPA or Acetone to remove any oils and debris.   
  • Apply Gel Polish: Apply a thin layer of your chosen TGB Base Coat, cure it under the TGB Light the Way Nail Lamp for 99 seconds Low Heat Mode and then apply the gel polish colour, curing each layer for 60 seconds.   
  • Seal with Top Coat: Apply a layer of Extreme Shine Top Coat, ensuring it covers the entire nail. Cure for 60 seconds or 99 seconds on Low Heat Mode if your client has sensitive nails.  

3. Complete Nail Repair for Larger Chipped Gel Nails:

  • Remove the Gel: Use a file or e-file to gently remove the remaining gel from the chipped nail, being careful not to damage the natural nail.  
  • Prep work: Your prep is key, ensure cuticles are pushed back and nipped away if necessary and the nail has been etched.   
  • Clean and Dehydrate: Clean the nail with a Lint-Free Wipe soaked in IPA or Acetone to remove any oils and debris.   
  • Apply Form or Tip: If the nail needs to be rebuilt, we recommend accessing the client’s nail to see if a Nail Form or tip would be more suitable for their repair and nail needs.   
  • Apply Base: Apply a thin layer of your chosen TGB Base Coat, cure it under the TGB Light the Way Nail Lamp for 99 seconds Low Heat Mode.  
  • Apply BIAB™/GelPot: Apply your chosen enhancement method following TGB’s application guide.   
  • Apply Gel Polish: Apply the gel polish colour, curing each layer for 60 seconds.  
  • Seal with Top Coat: Apply a layer of Extreme Shine Top Coat, ensuring it covers the entire nail. Cure for 60 seconds or 99 seconds Low Heat Mode if your client has sensitive nails.  

Preventing Chipped Gel Nails: Professional Tips

1. Proper Nail Preparation:

  • Thorough Cleaning: Ensure the natural nail is thoroughly cleaned and free of oils and debris before starting the gel application. 
  • Buffing: Lightly etch the nail surface to create a slightly rough texture for better adhesion. You can do this by using TGB’s 100/180 Buffer.   

2. Correct Application Techniques:

  • Thin Layers: Apply gel nail polish in thin, even layers to ensure proper curing and strength.  
  • Adequate Curing: Use a high-quality UV/LED lamp with the correct wattage and cure each layer for the recommended time. When using TGB products, we recommend using the TGB Light the Way Nail Lamp for best results.   

3. Client Education:

  • Home Care: Educate your clients on proper nail care at home. Recommend they wear gloves when doing household chores or exposing their nails to water and chemicals.  
  • Avoid Using Nails as Tools: Advise clients against using their nails to open packages or perform other tasks that could cause chipping.  

Professional Solutions for Chipped Gel Nail Prevention

By implementing these professional techniques and using quality products like TGB's complete system, you can significantly reduce the occurrence of chipped gel nails in your salon. Remember that consistency in your application process and ongoing client education are key factors in preventing gel nail damage. 

Regular maintenance appointments every 2-3 weeks also help catch potential issues before they become major problems, ensuring your clients maintain beautiful, chip-free gel nails between visits.