Nail beautification enhances your elegant and gallant looks with an extra spark of glossy and smooth nail polish. But when your nail polish is wrinkled, it is devoid of its beauty and doesn’t look attractive anymore. 

Your nail polish wrinkles because it was applied too thickly or not allowed to dry properly before adding additional coats.

In this blog post,  we will look at how nail polish wrinkles and how to fix it when wrinkled. 

Why Does Nail Polish Wrinkles? (How to Fix Wrinkled Nail Polish)

Why Does My Nail Polish Wrinkle?

Gel nail polish wrinkles because for many reasons, one of which could be lack of patience in the application of the gel nail polish. when your gel nail polish is quickly applied in thick layers it tends to wrinkle.

Why Does Gel Nail Polish Wrinkle?

There are different reasons, and we will look at some of them : 

1. Thick application

When applying your nail polish, it should be done step by step.  A slight cost at first, after which you have allowed it to dry properly, you can add another layer to it. 

This is done step by step in order not to end up packing a thick nail polish at once because that will make it look bumpy and not smooth at all. 

It’s important to know that if you want to apply nail polish in thick layers, it can lead to longer drying times.

2. Applying coats too quickly

Nail polish application needs to be done in a step-by-step manner, and the procedures to be duly followed. 

If you apply each coat of polish too quickly, the solvents from the new layer can reactivate with the partially dried layers underneath, and this will definitely lead to wrinkling.

What you need to do to avoid this is to give each coat enough time to dry before proceeding.

3. Applying on damp nails

It’s crucial to always prep your nails before commencing the nail polish application.  Remember that applying nail polish on a daily nail will definitely result in a wrinkled polish. 

Moisture can interfere with the adhesion of nail polish and cause it to wrinkle. Therefore,  ensure that your nails are completely dry before applying polish.

4. Oily nails

Preparing your nails and absolute removal of oil is crucial. Ensure to get rid of all oil residue on the nail, you can use alcohol to remove the oily residue. 

You need to know that natural oils on the nails can most definitely hinder polish adhesion and cause nail polish wrinkles. Proper cleansing of your nails with nail polish remover or a mild soap before painting them will ensure the desired result. 

5. Not using a base coat

Another way to prevent nail polish wrinkles is to use a quality base coat. Some nail technicians don’t like using it, and this affects the adhesion of the nail polish. 

Applying a base coat will help the polish adhere better and can prevent wrinkling. Ensure to use a good-quality base coat before applying your polish.

6. Incorrect drying conditions

Curing is a crucial part of nail making, and it’s the process where the nail polish adheres together and dries up properly. This process has to be done with a good UV lamp or LED lamp for a faster process. 

It’s well known that nail polish relies on proper drying conditions to set and dry evenly. Different drying methods can be used, the important thing is that proper drying must take place to avoid wrinkles.

Likewise, extreme temperatures, high humidity, or insufficient airflow can all contribute to wrinkling, so it’s advised to get rid of those factors. 

Paint your nails in a well-ventilated area with moderate temperature and humidity levels.

7. Using old or expired nail polish

Using high-quality nail polish enhances the output and the result of the nail. Using expired nail polish will only cause a wrinkled nail because the quality of the polish has degenerated and is no longer fit for use. 

Old or expired nail polish can lose its proper consistency and will result in wrinkles or clumps when applied. 

Therefore when buying nail polish, check the expiration dates on your polish before buying or using it and discard any that have expired.

8. Choosing the wrong polish formula

There are different nail polish products with different qualities.  So have a higher tendency to wrinkle when used than the others. Therefore ensure to ask for quality products and look out for the outcome in order to choose which is best for you. 

You can as well experiment with different brands and finishes to find one that works best for you.

How To Prevent Gel Nail Polish From Wrinkle

Wrinkled gel nail polish is due to applying the gel nail polish in the incorrect procedure. How to prevent your nail from wrinkling is to follow the right procedure patiently.

1. Light Application


Thick application of gel nail polish will definitely cause wrinkles therefore it’s important to apply it step by step, light application of the gel nail and allowing it to set properly before applying another.

2. Do Not Apply Gel Nail Polish On Damped Nail


Application of gel nail polish on a damped nail makes your polish wrinkle. Hence its important to apply on a well prepared nail.

3. Choose the right polish


Choosing the right gel nail polish is like choosing the right drug prescription. It will definitely work perfectly. Therefore ensure to do your research and reviews and confidently choose a polish suitable for you.

4. Prevent using expired polish


The use of expired nail polish will not give you a desired glossy and smooth gel nail because an expired polish has reduced in composition and the binding agents have gone dim therefore it will always give a patched result.

How To Fix Wrinkled Nail Polish

1. Wait for the nail to dry

Occasionally, nail polish wrinkles can flatten and smooth out as the polish continues to dry. So it’s important to allow the nail polish to dry properly. Give it some time and watch before taking any further steps.

2. Apply heat

Another way to fix wrinkled nails is to get a hairdryer and gently wave the hair dryer with cool air over your nails.

This is to ensure that the warm air can help the polish soften and settle, allowing the wrinkles to smooth out.

3. Use a nail polish corrector pen

Fixing of wrinkled nails becomes easier when you use a nail polish corrector pen. 

These pens contain nail polish remover in a precision applicator. 

All you have to do is gently trace out the wrinkled areas with the pen to dissolve the wrinkles and create a smoother surface.

4. Quick fix with a clear topcoat

A quick solution to your wrinkled nail is to apply a thin layer of clear topcoat over the wrinkled polish while it’s still wet. This can help smooth out the wrinkles and create a more even appearance.

5. Nail polish thinner

Applying too much nail polish will definitely cause a wrinkle. So if your nail polish gets thickened and clumpy, be sure to add a few drops of nail polish thinner to restore its texture. Thinned-out polish is less likely to wrinkle.

6. Buff and reapply

This method is one of the common solutions to wrinkled nail polish. 

Get a buffer and buffer out the wrinkled nail polish,  properly clean out the residue with nail cleaner and apply again, this time, apply a thin coat at first and allow it to dry before you add another. 

7. Remove and start over

Complete removal of the nail polish and starting fresh is another solution. 

If you have tried to remedy the wrinkles and its not working, the best option is to start over. There’s no shame in starting afresh. 

Use nail polish remover to gently remove the wrinkled polish and begin the application process again.

8. Limit humidity exposure

Humidity can cause nail polish to wrinkle. 

Try to avoid activities that make your hands excessively sweaty or keep your nails away from steamy environments when wearing wet polish.

 If as a nail tech, you have sweaty hands, ensure to wear gloves to avoid the sweat from damaging the polish. 

9. Choose fast-drying products

Led light and UV light are one of the fastest ways of drying your nails. It only takes 30 seconds to 1 minute. 

If you are using other means like sunlight and other light rays,  it will take longer and this could cause nail polish wrinkles. 

In addition,go for nail polish formulas that dry quickly to minimize the chances of wrinkles. Look for “quick-drying” or “fast-drying” labels when purchasing nail polish.

Why Does Nail Polish Wrinkles? (How to Fix Wrinkled Nail Polish)

Conclusion

The beauty of nail polish is in its glossy and smooth look, the look makes it attractive and elegant, but when the nail polish is wrinkled, it is deprived of its beauty and chic look. 

The solution to wrinkled nail polish is not far-fetched, all you have to do is, follow all the guides in this blog post and you will have your glossy nail polish back. 

If you have to remove the nail polish and use a higher-quality one for the desired result, then that change is necessary; go for it and keep your nail elegant and attractive.  You deserve to be beautiful. 

Disclosure: This article, other beauty and fashion tips on SheBegan are contributed by experienced fashion professionals, beauty & cosmetics experts. Read our full research and editorial process here. Also, our posts may contain affiliate links, read our full affiliate disclosure
Author

As an expert in all things nails, I weave words with finesse, creating articles that delve into the mesmerizing world of nail artistry. From trendsetting designs to cutting-edge techniques, my writing unveils the secrets behind captivating nails. Join me on this creative journey as I share my passion, knowledge, and insights, opening doors to a realm where nails become works of art.

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