Why Are My Gel Nails Sticky

The reason is the oxygen in the air prevents the very thin film on the most surface of the nail oil glue from fully curing, so this sticky surface is left. In professional terms, this residue is called the “floating layer” (Inhibition layer). Don’t rush to abandon it, this layer of sticky substance is actually very helpful, it is like double-sided tape, can help the next layer of nail polish to bond more firmly.

As for how to deal with it, it all depends on which step you are taking now:

if you are still in the process of operation (for example, you have just finished applying primer or color glue), don’t touch it, just apply a layer directly on the sticky surface;
If you have dried the final sealing layer but it is still sticky, wipe it with a non-flocked cotton sheet stained with more than 90% isopropyl alcohol (or professional nail cleaning liquid), after removing the residue, the following hard and bright effect will naturally come out.

Why Oxygen Causes Stickiness

Many novices subconsciously reach out and touch after taking out their hands from UV or LED lights. They found that the nail surface was still wet and sticky, and immediately began to panic. In fact, there is no need to panic, this is a kind of chemical reaction phenomenon called “floating glue layer.

When the nail polish cures, it relies on a photoinitiator to react with light. However, oxygen is a natural inhibitor of this polymerization process. Although the colloid underneath has formed a hard and durable structure, the absolute outer molecules in contact with the air are “blocked” by oxygen and cannot be completely hardened.

I have to remind everyone that this is definitely not your lamp is broken, nor is the glue spoiled; this is a simple chemical reaction that occurs in almost all standard nail polish brands.

The Sticky Layer Is Actually “Double-Sided Tape”

Instead of seeing this sticky feeling as an operational error, it is better to see it as a vital part of the attachment process.

Interlayer bonding: Nail polish has the best adhesion on a slightly sticky surface, rather than a smooth surface like a mirror.
Prevent flaking: If you rub off this layer of stickiness between each layer of color, the next layer will be difficult to grasp, causing the nail to become warped or fall off too early.
Therefore, you should be happy to see this layer of floating glue, which means that your glue is ready for the next layer, rather than curing failure.

What To Do Midway Through Your Manicure

Trying to “fix” this stickiness in the middle of the operation is the most common mistake many students make in actual operation. Based on the characteristics of the float layer, the following rules must be observed when handling intermediate steps (primer and color glue):

Control your hands and don’t touch them: avoid touching the nail surface with your fingers to “test” whether it is dry or not. Once the oil on your skin is transferred to the floating glue layer, it will be sooner or later.
Do not rub: after coating or between the color glue layer, never use alcohol or cleaning liquid.
Apply directly: Just like I taught in class. The new layer will fuse with the underlying float and solidify directly on top, locking it firmly inside.

How To Fix Sticky Nails After The Final Top Coat

If you have already applied the seal layer and lit the lights strictly according to the recommended time, and the result is still sticky, then you are probably using “scrubbing the seal layer”. This is the only stage in the process where residues need to be removed. To reveal that glassy luster, details are important:

• Choose the right cleaning solution: Be sure to use 90% or higher concentration of isopropyl alcohol, or a special nail cleaning solution. I must point out that many people conveniently use 70% medical alcohol, but because it contains too much water, the nail surface tends to be black and misty, rather than shiny.
• Use of cotton sheet: must be no cotton sheet. Never use ordinary cotton balls or paper towels, or the cotton wool will be torn and stuck in the floating glue, ruining your entire manicure.
• Rub hard: Don’t be afraid to push hard. The glue at the bottom has hardened. You are just wiping off the dry film on the surface. Rub it hard to make it bright.

Author: Jack

As a licensed nail technician and gel polish expert. I specialize in explaining the chemistry behind manicures—like the misunderstood inhibition layer—to help you achieve a flawless, durable, and glossy finish right at home.