Have you noticed your nail polish fading or changing color after a few days? Looks like you’re not alone. From your lifestyle to unexpected chemical reactions, there are so many possible reasons why it happens. In this article, we’ll explore the common reasons why nail polishes experience fading and discoloration. There’s a lot to unpack, so let’s get started!
Here are the common causes of nail polish fading and discoloration:
1. Type Of Polish
Your nails may be changing colors due to thermal polishes, such as iGel Beauty’s Mood Gels, Mood Change Glow Gels, and 3D Cat Eye Mood Change Gels. These temperature-changing polishes transition to a different color when exposed to heat or cold.
2. UV Exposure
To avoid discoloration and hardening, keep your UV-sensitive items away from the nail lamp. Additionally, when you’re typically exposed to sunlight, this direct exposure to UV can lead to color changes.
3. Oxidation
Over time, our nail polishes undergo oxidation, meaning they react with oxygen in the air. This oxidation process may lead to the darkening or fading of your nails' color.
4. High Temperature
The temperature within your salon or storage area, even if it's not directly exposed to sunlight, can affect the quality and color of your nail polishes. Store your products at an optimal temperature to avoid this issue.
5. Cleaning Agents
One of the biggest culprits for fading or changing nail colors is the cleaning products–think pool chlorine, dish and hand soaps, sanitizers, and your preferred jewelry cleaner. These cleaning products often have chemicals that can dramatically alter the color of your nails.
6. Nail Lamp
The type of nail lamp you use can influence how long your nails last. The majority of the staining and color change is due to old, depleted bulbs. Ensure you buy a top-notch UV/LED lamp like the Hybrid Pro 3.0 XL.
7. Monomer
Not all monomers are created equal; certain ones set slowly, others quickly, and some lack UV inhibitors. Monomers without UV inhibitors are susceptible to yellowing because they lack the necessary protection against the damaging effects of UV light and oxygen.
8. Top Coat
Similar to the nail lamp, if your top coats lack strength or compatibility with the other nail products, it may result in discoloration or yellowing. Top Coats are intended to seal all, so you should be on the lookout for an excellent top coat.
9. Sunscreen
Certain components in chemical sunscreens, particularly those formulated for high SPF, may react with the pigments and chemicals in nail polish, resulting in fading, discoloration, or potentially softening and dissolving the polish.
10. Acidic Food
Foods with high acid content, like lime, lemon, and tamarind, can lead to nail polish peeling and minor discoloration. Note that vibrant or strong colors are more prone to interacting with acidic materials due to their chemical structure and pH sensitivity.
11. Nail Brush Rust
Learning to clean your nail brushes is essential, as rust from a brush can transfer to nail polish, particularly if the brush is kept wet or stored in a humid environment. To avoid this, it's important to ensure the brush is completely dried after each use and cleaning.
12. Smoking Cigarettes
Smoking can cause nails to become brittle and can damage the nail bed. In addition to that, the nicotine and tar found in cigarette smoke can cause your nails (especially if they’re clear or nude) to become yellow or brown, resulting in significant discoloration.
13. Hair Dye
It’s a no-brainer that hair dye (particularly when combined with bleach) can certainly lead to a change in your nail polish color or even stain your nails. The dye can attach to the keratin in your nails and skin, resulting in a yellow or brown staining that may be quite lasting.
14. Rhinestone Glue
We found that at times, applying a top coat over rhinestone glue causes excessive thickness or poor mixing, leading to discoloration. Additionally, when it interacts with moisture, the reaction may turn green or yellow.
15. Lifting Tips
As tips begin to lift, they are likely to lose color or change hues over time, particularly after numerous showers or exposure to cleaning products. Even if you reattach your nails, they won’t remain in their original color or shape. To prevent tips from lifting, focus on proper nail prep, correct application techniques, and diligent aftercare.
16. Incompatible Brands
Sometimes, things are just not meant to be (#incompatible). While this is not always the case, certain combinations of base coats, gel polishes, monomers, dip/acrylic powders, top coats, and more from various brands can sometimes react poorly, causing issues such as streaking, peeling, or yellowing.
17. Manufacturing Issues
If numerous customers are already voicing complaints about a specific product, it is essential to examine the gel polish itself and conduct a stability test. It could be a defective batch, and you should reach out to the brand to inform them of the problem. Trust your gut and don't ignore reviews!
Now that you’ve learned the reasons behind fading and color changes, you can make smarter choices that protect the color of your nails and extend the life of your manicure. Do you have a nail hack for preserving your nail color? Share your life-changing tips on our iGel Beauty Facebook Community, and have a chance to be featured! Here at iGel Beauty, we’ll always look for ways to help you out in your nail journey.
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