Nail Prep

Good gel starts with good prep. Our nail prep range covers the steps that make your manicure last: cleansing and dehydrating the nail plate so gel adheres properly, plus the buffers and pushers to get a smooth, clean surface first. Prep well and you get better adhesion, fewer lifts and the full up-to-3-weeks wear from your Mylee gel.
30 products

Why prep matters

Gel lifts and chips early far more often because of prep than the polish itself. Natural oils and moisture on the nail plate stop gel bonding, so a clean, lightly buffed, dehydrated surface is what gives you the full wear. Prep is quick, and it's the single biggest thing you can do to make an at-home set last, using tools from our nail tools range.

The prep routine

Push back cuticles, lightly buff away surface shine (not the nail itself), then wipe with a cleanser or dehydrator to remove oil and moisture. From there, you're ready for your base coat and colour as part of your gel nails at home routine. Take care not to over-buff; you want to break the shine, not thin the nail.

FAQs

Why does my gel polish keep lifting?

Usually down to prep. Oils or moisture left on the nail stop gel bonding; cleanse and dehydrate the nail plate first, and buff away surface shine.

Do I really need to dehydrate my nails before gel?

It makes a real difference to adhesion and longevity, especially if you have naturally oily nails.

Can I over-buff my nails?

Yes. Buff only enough to remove surface shine; you're prepping the surface, not thinning the nail.