You’ve prepped your nails, carefully applied each layer, placed them under the lamp to dry, and just when you think your manicure is perfect….boom. Bubbles. Tiny, annoying, impossible-to-ignore bubbles in your nail polish. If you've ever found yourself staring at a bumpy mani, wondering why does my polish do this?, you’re not alone.

Let’s get into what causes gel nail polish to bubble, and more importantly, how you can prevent nail polish bubbles from ruining your next at-home manicure.

The #1 Culprit: Trapped Air

Let’s start with the most common question: Why is my gel polish bubbling?

In most cases, the answer comes down to one thing: air bubbles. Whether they're from shaking the bottle too vigorously, applying thick coats of polish, or applying layers of polish without fully curing the previous layer, allowing it  to dry completely, these tiny pockets of air can get trapped between layers of polish and show up as bubbles in your nail polish.

Quick Fix Tip:

Instead of shaking the bottle of nail polish, try rolling it between your palms. This mixes the formula without adding air, which is crucial for avoiding those pesky bubbles.

Common Causes of Nail Polish Bubbles

So what really causes those bubbles in the first place? Here’s a breakdown of what could be going wrong:

1. Shaking the bottle

It’s a natural reflex, right? You grab your favorite bottle of polish, give it a good shake, and assume you’re doing the right thing. Unfortunately, shaking the bottle introduces tiny air bubbles into the polish. These get transferred onto your nails during application and are nearly impossible to fix afterward.

2. Applying thick coats

If you’re in a rush and apply thick layers, the gel polish might not dry completely between coats. This creates a warm, sticky mess that traps air as it tries to set, leading to, you guessed it, bubbles. The solution is always to apply thinner coats and fully cure in your UV lamp between coats. 

3. Using old gel polish

Yep, that cute shade you’ve had since 2017 might be the problem. An old gel nail polish formula can thicken over time, and thick polish doesn’t level out smoothly, leading to bubbles. If your polish is too thick, it’s time to either discard it or add a few drops of gel nail polish thinner, specifically designed for gel nail polish (not polish remover, which can break down the formula).

How Your Routine Might Be Making It Worse

Your application technique matters more than you think. Even small habits, like not sealing the tip to seal the edge of the nail or skipping proper prep at the cuticle, can cause lifting or bubbling.

Things to keep in mind:

• Always start with a clean base by using isopropyl alcohol to eliminate oils or leftover polish.

• Use base and top coats to protect and seal your gel nail polish.

• Avoid humid or hot environments when painting your nails because moisture can affect how your gel nail polish cures.

• And always apply the polish in thin layers, even if it takes a bit more time.

You don’t need to be at a nail salon to get a bubble-free manicure; you just need to slow down and focus on the steps.

What If You Already Have Bubbles?

Okay, so the bubbles appear, and now you’re stuck with them. What now?

Here’s how to fix minor gel nail polish bubbles if they’re already on your nails:

1. For bubbles on the surface of the nail, gently buff the cured nail to even it out. 

2. Wipe away dust and apply a fresh top coat to smooth the surface.

3. If the issue is severe, remove everything with gel polish remover (acetone) and start fresh, with thinner coats and more patience.

Let’s Recap: How to Prevent Nail Polish Bubbles

Here’s your bubble-proof checklist:

• Roll the bottle, don’t shake.

• Apply thin coats of polish.

• Cure each coat thoroughly before applying the next one.

• Don’t use thick, old polish.

• Work in a cool, dry space.

• Always prep with isopropyl alcohol and use a solid base coat and top coat combo.

Still Getting Bubbles? Time to Upgrade Your Products

Sometimes the issue isn’t you, it’s the formula. A low-quality bottle of gel nail polish (especially drugstore brands) can be more prone to bubbling because of the ingredients. Choosing a pro-quality line like LuxaPolish, with rich pigments and smooth formulas, can help you get bubbles under control once and for all.

Plus, a high-performance formula lets you paint your nails with confidence, knowing you’ll get that smooth finish every time.

Final Thoughts

So, why does my gel polish bubble? It could be your prep, your technique, or the polish itself. But now you’ve got the tools to troubleshoot and hopefully prevent those pesky bubbles from showing up again.

Remember: taking the time to prep your nails, using thin layers, and fully curing your gel can completely change your manicure. And if all else fails, there’s no shame in starting over (we’ve all done it).