The Reason Why Your Gel Nails Are Sticky – Even After Curing

You've just spent the past hour or so carefully applying your gel polish, following each step to a T, patiently curing each layer under your nail lamp. But then you notice something...your nails are still a little sticky to the touch. Where did you go wrong?

Well, chances are you haven't done anything wrong, and it's totally normal for gel nails to feel slightly tacky after curing.

The tacky or sticky layer you can feel is the top coat (sometimes known as the inhibition layer if you want to get technical), and it's ordinary for that tackiness to be present on gel nails –you just haven't removed it yet.

The number 1 reason why your gel polish sticky, even after you've cured them for the recommended amount of time, is because you haven't removed the tacky layer from the top coat.

Applying a top coat is the final step in any gel mani, acting as a top sandwiching layer that protects and seals in your colour, helping it last the distance.

But all gel polish – including top coats – will still be sticky after curing, as this is what helps the polish layers adhere to each other. So it's very normal for your gel polish to be sticky, it just means you need to remove that tackiness.

There could also be the possibility that you under-cured your gel polish, which is why it's still sticky.

Gel polish needs to be cured under a UV or LED lamp, as you very well know. Otherwise, it just won't harden. Curing for the full length of time is very important, as it ensures that your gel polish is fully 'set' and won't budge.

If you don't cure for the recommended amount of time, the polish will still be slightly tacky and prone to smudging or peeling off.

It's also worth noting that the thicker the layer of polish, the longer the curing time needs to be (because it takes longer for the light to penetrate through the layers and fully cure the polish).

However, if you've cured for the full length of time (or longer), the chances are that you just need to remove that sticky top coat layer.

To remove the stickiness from your top coat, you'll need to use an acetone-based product to wipe it off.

Our Prep & Wipe is the perfect solution for this, and it's a brilliant multitasker. As well as removing the tacky layer, you can use it to fully remove polish and cleanse your nails before application.

To use, simply saturate a lint-free wipe with Prep & Wipe and gently swipe it over the cured polish. Make sure to get all areas of the nail, including the edges and cuticles.

Our Prep & Shine Wipes are also a convenient option, as they come pre-moistened with our Prep & Wipe solution and are ready for you to use. Just wipe them over the cured polish layer to remove any stickiness and leave a high-shine finish.

For best results, make sure to follow up with a nourishing cuticle oil, which will hydrate your nails and help keep the polish looking fresh and glossy.

While you'll want to get rid of the sticky top coat layer, that doesn't mean you have to remove the sticky layer from each coat of gel polish.

Gel polish formula is supposed to be sticky, as it helps the layers bond together and creates a longer-lasting mani. If you remove it, the layers won't stick together or will peel off sooner than they should.

If you're tempted to skip applying a top coat to avoid extra steps, think again. A top coat is essential for achieving a long-lasting and flawless gel mani.

Without it, your gel colour will be laid bare to the bumps of everyday life and may even chip or peel off within a few days.

A top coat acts as a protective layer, shielding the polish from damage and extending its wear (up to 3 weeks when you use Mylee gel polish!).

What you can do, though, is switch your regular top coat for our No Wipe Top Coat, which doesn't leave the sticky residue that needs to be wiped away.

It can be applied in exactly the same way as a regular top coat and should be cured for 60 seconds under an LED lamp or 120 seconds under a UV lamp, but it'll save you the extra step of having to wipe off the sticky layer.

Our No Wipe Top Coats come in lots of different finishes, so you can choose the one that best suits your mani. From iridescent finishes to pretty glitter flakes, there's a top coat for every nail look.

You only really need to apply 1 layer of top coat, but applying 2 or even 3 can provide extra protection and shine for your mani.

If you do apply more than one coat, make sure not to apply too thick of a layer, as it can cause bubbling or peeling.

Also, be sure to cure each layer separately for the recommended time to ensure proper curing and prevent any potential mishaps.

Provided you've followed all the right application steps, the chances are that your gel nails are sticky because you haven't removed the tacky layer from the top coat.

You can do so by using an acetone-based polish remover or cleanser, like our Prep & Wipe or Prep & Shine Wipes. With a simple swipe over your nails, the tacky layer will be removed and your gel nails will be left shiny and smooth.

You can shop our gel nail essentials below, including our top coats and Prep & Wipe solution to help you achieve the perfect, non-sticky gel nails. Plus, we'll give you free UK delivery when you spend over £25!