Why is my gelpolish discolouring?

Posted by Magda Gniewek on August 6, 2025

Let’s talk about discolouration of the gelpolish 💅

We’ve all had that moment:
You finish a gorgeous set. It’s flawless. The shape? Crisp. The colour? Poppin’.
Then your client texts you 2 days later:
“Umm… why are my nails turning blue??”
😳😳😳

Before you throw your lamp out the window or doubt your entire career - breathe.
Discolouration is normal. Annoying? Yes. Unfixable? Nope.
Let’s break down why gel polish discolours, what causes it, and how to handle it

STAINS ON YOUR NEON SHADES

If you’ve been seeing weird blue or greyish stains on lighter pinks, oranges, or corals—especially right after curing—you’re not alone.

It’s not your technique.
It’s not your lamp.
It’s chemistry.

Recent stricter ingredient changes in EU cosmetic regulations 💅) have made some pigments more reactive to LED light and heat. That blue cast? resulting in temporary blue patches. The good news? They usually fade on their own, especially once exposed to daylight or after a few hand washes. The not-so-great news? You can’t fix it with a different Top Gel. It’s simply a pigment issue.

👉 Don’t freak out. Don’t redo the set.
And definitely don’t blame yourself. It’s just science doing science things.

UV/LED LAMPS - ARE YOURS STILL PERFORMING

Old, weak, or dusty lamps = improper curing = product breakdown and discolouration.

If your client’s nails are yellowing, fading, or shifting color fast, your lamp might be underperforming. When the product isn’t fully cured, pigments can migrate or absorb external impurities faster.

✅ Make sure your lamp:

Is clean
Has the correct wattage
Isn’t outdated

It’s a small detail with a massive impact.

SUNLIGHT

Clients who love tanning or work outdoors may notice their colour fades or turns patchy in direct sunlight. Think of it like sun damage for your nails.

A Top Gel with a UV filter can help—but note: it may give a subtle blue or purple sheen to the nails. It’s a trade-off, but worth it if sun exposure is high.

🧴 And for those who love their tan accelerators, self-tan foams, or bold perfumes? Yeah… tell them to wait a bit before touching their fresh set.

MAKE UP, CLEANING PRODUCTS, CLOTHES ...

Perfumes, makeup, self-tanners, cleaning sprays, and even certain clothes (yes, really!) can cause dullness or colour shifts and can stain the top layer

It might not be the gel—it’s what’s touching the gel.

Every day products include:

Perfume
Makeup
Self-tan
Hair dye
Cleaning products
And even strong fabric dyes (👋, new jeans)

These products can stain your Top Gel, especially if the curing wasn’t 💯 perfect. Once it’s there, the stain’s not coming off with polish remover. You’ll need to buff it off gently and reapply top coat.

🛡 Pro tip: For clients like this, try applying a clear “shield coat” (just another layer of nail polish top coat) over your finished set. Then remove and reapply as needed—like a clear phone case for nails.

YELLOWING

If your client’s set is giving banana vibes (and not in a cute way), here are the usual suspects:

Smoking
Spices (turmeric is wild)
Hair dye
Fake tan
Cooking oils

Again, these don’t stain the gel polish itself. They get absorbed into the Top Gel. File it off and reapply. Problem solved ;)

SO.... WHAT'S THE BEST TOP GEL?

There’s no one-size-fits-all. Every Top Gel has its own vibe:

With or without UV filters
With or without a sticky layer
Glossy, matte, glittery—so many choices!

That’s why it’s smart to stock both:

With UV filter: Great for neons, pastels, and lighter shades.
Without UV filter: Ideal for reds, darks, and rich tones.

💡 Top Tip: Don’t skimp on your Top Gel. Apply evenly, edge to edge, and go nail by nail if needed—no rushing. Avoid flooding the cuticle or sides.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Discolouration doesn’t always mean bad nails—it’s often just a reaction or environmental factor. Knowing why it happens is your power. Your clients will appreciate your transparency, and you’ll position yourself as a true expert.

Still unsure about which Top Gel to choose? Or battling a stubborn discolouration case?

📩 DM us, WhatsApp us, or pop into the store—we’ve got your back.
We’re here to help you troubleshoot, grow, and make beautiful nails

Have questions or want personal advice?
Drop us an email—we’re always happy to chat 💌