Help! Purple stains on my gel nails?
Your client has just walked out the door with perfectly painted nails ... and a few hours later you get this message:
“There are all these purple stains on my gel nails 😱 What is that?”
Don't panic. It's something every nail technician experiences sooner or later, especially in the summer, but luckily it's harmless and temporary.
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Why do gel nails sometimes turn purple?
Those stains are usually caused by a reaction between sunlight and the UV filter in the Topcoat.
This happens especially with clear or bright Gel Polish colors, where the sun can suddenly create purple or bluish marks. It usually doesn't happen in the salon, but only later, when the client is out in the sun or sitting in the car.
Is it a problem?
No. The color usually fades away on its own within a few hours. There’s no damage to the product or to the natural nail.
What can you do to prevent it?
Here are a few smart tricks you can apply right away in your nail salon:
Apply the Topcoat in a thin, even layer. Discoloration is more common where the Top Coat is too thick.
Ask your client to stay out of the sun for at least 15 to 30 minutes after curing.
Consider using a Topcoat without a UV filter, like the Tacky Top from Ugly Duckling. This one doesn’t have the effect and stays nice and stable — even in sunlight.
Does this only happen with Gel Polish?
Mostly with Gel Polish, but it can also happen with finishes over Builder Gel, BIAB, or Acrygel. It all depends on the combination of pigment, Topcoat, and UV light.
💡Pro tip:
If you know your client is about to go on holiday or will be spending a lot of time outdoors, choose a nail product and Topcoat that can handle sun exposure.
Want more tips like this?
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June 13, 2025
By: Alina Hoyo