Applying gel polish might seem simple, but even professionals know it’s an art that requires technique, precision, and the right products. Makear Gel Polish — loved by nail artists across Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the wider GCC — is known for its premium quality, durability, and wide colour palette. However, even the best gel products can underperform if not applied correctly.
Whether you’re a seasoned nail technician or an at-home enthusiast, avoiding common mistakes ensures your manicure looks flawless and lasts longer. Let’s explore the top application mistakes — and how to perfect your Makear manicure every time.
1. Skipping Proper Nail Preparation
The mistake: Jumping straight into polish application without cleaning, buffing, or dehydrating the nail.
Why it matters: Natural nails have oils and microscopic dust that prevent the gel from adhering properly. Without proper prep, your polish may lift, bubble, or chip prematurely.
How to fix it:
- Always start by washing hands and sanitising tools.
- Gently push back and clean the cuticles.
- Buff the nail surface lightly to remove shine.
- Use a lint-free wipe with nail cleanser or dehydrator to remove all oils and debris.
Makear’s gel system performs best on a clean, oil-free surface, so never skip this step.
2. Ignoring the Importance of a Base Coat
The mistake: Applying colour gel directly to the nail without a base coat.
Why it matters: The base coat is essential for bonding the natural nail and the gel polish. Skipping it can lead to peeling, uneven application, or damage to the natural nail after removal.
How to fix it:
Apply a thin, even layer of Makear Rubber Base or Standard Base Coat. Rubber bases are ideal for flexible nails or clients who need extra durability. Cure the base coat fully under a professional LED lamp before moving to colour application.
3. Applying Layers That Are Too Thick
The mistake: Using thick coats of gel polish to achieve full coverage faster.
Why it matters: Thick layers prevent proper curing under the lamp. This can cause wrinkling, bubbling, or a sticky surface that never fully hardens.
How to fix it:
Apply thin, even coats. Two to three thin layers are better than one thick coat. Makear Gel Polishes are highly pigmented, so you can achieve excellent colour depth without overloading the nail.
Pro tip: Wipe the brush on the bottle neck before each application to control product amount.
4. Flooding the Cuticle Area
The mistake: Getting gel polish too close or into the cuticles and sidewalls.
Why it matters: When the gel touches the skin, it can cause lifting and peeling from the edges, and in some cases, allergic reactions.
How to fix it:
- Leave a tiny gap (about 1 mm) between the gel and the cuticle.
- Use a fine detailing brush for precise application.
- Rotate the client’s finger slightly to check coverage from all angles.
For professionals, this small detail makes your work look cleaner and last much longer.
5. Under- or Over-Curing the Gel
The mistake: Guessing curing times or using a low-quality lamp.
Why it matters: Each gel formula is designed for specific curing parameters. Under-curing leads to soft polish that lifts or causes skin irritation, while over-curing can make the product brittle.
How to fix it:
Always use a professional LED lamp (48 W or higher) and follow Makear’s recommended curing time — typically 30–60 seconds per layer depending on product type. Replace your lamp bulbs regularly to ensure consistent power.
6. Skipping the Nail Edges (Free Edge Capping)
The mistake: Forgetting to “cap” the free edge of the nail with each coat.
Why it matters: When edges are left unsealed, water and air can penetrate the layers, causing chipping and premature lifting.
How to fix it:
After applying each coat, gently swipe the brush along the nail’s tip to seal the edge. This small step greatly enhances the manicure’s longevity — especially important in humid GCC climates.
7. Not Removing the Sticky (Inhibition) Layer Properly
The mistake: Applying top coat or finishing without cleaning the sticky layer between coats.
Why it matters: Some Makear products leave a tacky layer to help the next coat bond. If that layer isn’t wiped properly before top coating or art design, it can cause smudging or dull finishes.
How to fix it:
After curing each layer (if your specific product requires it), wipe with a lint-free pad and cleanser before applying the next coat or top coat. Always check the product instructions — Makear’s no-wipe top coats don’t require cleaning after final cure.
8. Using Low-Quality Tools or Lamps
The mistake: Applying premium Makear polish with old brushes or an under-powered lamp.
Why it matters: Professional-grade products demand equally reliable equipment. Weak lamps can under-cure the gel, and poor brushes can leave streaks or bubbles.
How to fix it:
Invest in professional tools — LED/UV lamps, quality brushes, buffers, and nail files. Makear’s products are formulated for salon-level equipment and deliver optimal results when used correctly.
9. Neglecting Nail and Cuticle Care After Application
The mistake: Forgetting to moisturise or protect nails after finishing the manicure.
Why it matters: Even the best gel systems can’t protect against dryness or brittleness caused by harsh chemicals, detergents, or lack of moisture.
How to fix it:
Recommend Makear-compatible cuticle oils and hand creams to clients. For home users, daily oil application keeps nails flexible and prevents lifting from dehydrated edges — especially in dry Gulf climates.
10. Improper Gel Removal
The mistake: Peeling or scraping off gel polish instead of soaking.
Why it matters: Peeling removes the top layers of the natural nail, causing damage, weakness, and uneven regrowth.
How to fix it:
- File the surface lightly to break the top coat seal.
- Soak nails in acetone-soaked pads or wraps for 10–15 minutes.
- Gently push off softened gel with a wooden stick — never a metal scraper.
- Buff and re-hydrate nails after removal.
Makear’s products are formulated for easy soak-off removal, so there’s no need to force peeling.
11. Not Storing Products Properly
The mistake: Leaving gel bottles open near light or heat sources.
Why it matters: Exposure to UV light or high temperatures can thicken or partially cure the gel inside the bottle, ruining its consistency.
How to fix it:
Store Makear gels in a cool, dark place, tightly sealed after use. Avoid working directly under UV lamps while bottles are open.
12. Forgetting to Educate Clients (for Salon Professionals)
The mistake: Not giving aftercare or maintenance advice to clients.
Why it matters: Many salon clients don’t realise how everyday habits affect gel longevity — from washing dishes to opening cans.
How to fix it:
Provide each client with a short aftercare guide:
- Avoid harsh chemicals for 24 hours after manicure.
- Use gloves when cleaning.
- Apply cuticle oil daily.
- Book regular maintenance every 2–3 weeks.
This builds trust, repeat business, and supports the premium image of Makear salons.
Final Thoughts
A flawless, long-lasting gel manicure isn’t about speed — it’s about technique, precision, and product knowledge. Makear Gel Polish is crafted for professionals who value performance and safety. By avoiding these common mistakes, you ensure each manicure reflects Makear’s promise of quality, brilliance, and durability.
Whether you’re working in a high-end salon in Dubai or styling clients in Bahrain, every Makear set can look salon-perfect — if applied with care.
About Makear ME
Makear is a premium European gel polish brand trusted by professional nail technicians across Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the wider GCC. From richly pigmented gel colours to builder bases and top-coat finishes, Makear provides everything you need to create beautiful, long-lasting nail designs that clients love.
Visit makearme.com to explore the full product range and elevate your nail artistry with Makear.