TOP GEL POLISH FAQS
Hi there, typically this is not normal when gel polish peels off and there could be for a number of reasons.
1. Nail tech fault:
- The lamp no longer works at initial power;
- Old layer was not removed;
- Incorrect base coat selection according to the nail type.
We recommend to apply a thin layer of elastic base coat (ex. Power Base) before hard materials (builder gels or any base coats with pigment); - Not well buffed or degreased nail;
- The gel polish/base coat was not applied evenly, or the nail plate was not fully covered by gel polish;
- Too thin/thick coating;
- The gel remover was not completely removed;
- Incorrect nail architecture;
- More than 10% of old base coat was left, the material gradually loses its properties.
2. Reasons of the client fault:
- Frequent use of aggressive chemical substances in everyday life;
- Nail damage;
- Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweat of the skin);
- Hormonal imbalance/ taking medication / pregnancy / breastfeeding.
1. Issues caused by lamp:
- The device may be defective, for example, the light source is burned out;
- Gel polish will not dry in the low-powered lamp. We recommend using a 36W UV lamp or 36/48W LED/UV;
- Poor curing may be due to dirt in the lamp. Dust on its inner surface prevents rays from reaching the nails and a hardening film does not form on the gel polish;
- Gel polish may not dry due to incorrect hands position in the lamp. Nails should be at the same height level.
2. Thick application layer.
The material on the nail starts to harden from top to bottom and if there is a too thick layer applied, the lower part will simply have no time to harden. Even with an increased drying time, the rays will not be able to pass to the lower layers through the already cured upper lavers.
Some gels from the F.O.X product line can indeed cause a burning sensation in the lamp. These include: Builder Gel Pink Baby, Builder Gel One Step and Carbon Gel.
- F.O.X Builder Gel Pink Baby is a one-phase gel for modeling, is the firmest gel within our entire product line. We don't recommend using it for nail strengthening, especially on flexible or damaged nails. Is an excellent choice for building longer nails.
- F.O.X Builder Gel One Step is a one-phase gel for modeling and strengthening, and it becomes very hard after curing. We do not recommend using it on thin or damaged nails; it should only be applied over a layer of elastic base (ex. Power Base, Rubber Base).
- F.O.X Carbon Gel is a nail repair and strengthening gel. It can cause a burning sensation, especially when applied in thick layers. After applying Carbon Gel, you can lightly file the nails and then apply a base coat to make even surface before color gel application.
To avoid any burning sensation during the curing process, we recommend the following steps:
👉🏻 1. Apply a thin layer of elastic base coat (then cure).
👉🏻 2. Apply a thin initial layer of the builder gel or carbon gel (then cure).
👉🏻 3. Finish with a required layer of the builder gel.
P.S. It's better to use a lamp with with a gradual power increase (low heat mode) for builder gels.
Five F.O.X formulas for strengthening nails:
- Power/Rubber Base + Smart/Shine Gel
- Air Base + Air Base Strong (for very damaged nails)
- Power/Rubber Base + Cover Base Tonal/Cover Base Shimmer
- Power/Rubber Base + Hard Gel
- Power/Rubber Base + Carbon Gel
- Power/Rubber Base + Acryl Gel Bottle
1. Do not shake the bottle with gel polish:
Resist the urge to shake the bottle. Instead, gently roll it.
2. Tighten the cap:
Before you screw the cap back, remove all nail polish remains from the neck of the bottle.
Make sure to close the cap securely to prevent the polish from drying out.
3. Store polish correctly:
If you want your nail polishes to last longer, store it upright in a dark, cool place with a consistent temperature. direct sun light or any UV light must be as less as possible.
4. Inspect gel polish:
Old gel polish won't provide you with the smooth and perfect-looking manicure you desire.
The most common mistake is applying hard materials to soft nails in an attempt to make them stronger, which often worsens the situation.
We always recommend applying a layer of elastic base coat before using hard materials like pigmented base coats or nail builder gels.
1. Brand conflicts (ingredient conflicts):
Most likely if you used 3rd party, not F.O.X base coats.
Removing the dispersion layer can often resolve streaking issues.
Brand conflicts may also cause gel polish to wrinkle, shrink, or fail to cure properly.
2. Neon shades:
We recommend applying the Tonal Cover Base (001), or the Hard Gel Milk as a base coat for neon colors.
Neon shades will get better application and without streaks on these bases, especially on a white background. This approach also saves time.
It most likely to happen when it was incorrectly storage.
1. A gel polish will start to thicken if it was near UV source such as LED/UV or exposure to sunlight reach the gel polish bottle.
2. If leave gel polish open for a long time.
3. The gel polish bottle's neck had leftover polish and it didn't seal properly.
4. Temperature changes affected the gel polish.
- Use a Nail Drill:
File down the hard gel using a carbide bit. Start with a medium grit and switch to fine or extra-fine as you get close to the natural nail. - Don’t Overfile:
Focus on thinning the product evenly. Leave a thin layer of gel if needed to protect the nail. - Choose the Right Bit:
Longer bits help keep airflow clear for dust collectors. This helps reduce mess during removal.
Aftercare:
Gently buff the nail surface, shape, and finish with a manicure. You can either reapply new product or let the nails rest and recover with a strengthener.
- File the Top Layer:
Use a coarse nail file (like 100 grit) to file off around 80% of the gel. This helps the remover work faster and more evenly. - Prepare Your Removal Materials:
You’ll need: - Apply Remover:
Soak the cotton in gel remover / acetone, place it on the nail, and wrap tightly with foil or clips. Avoid soaking the skin to prevent dryness or irritation. - Wait and Remove:
Leave on for 15 minutes, then check one nail at a time. Push off softened gel gently with a pusher. If it doesn’t lift easily, rewrap and soak again. - Post-Removal Care:
Lightly buff the nail, shape, and apply cuticle oil. If taking a break from gel, trim the nails short and apply a nail strengthener.
Yes, the majority of our gels are completely TPO-free.
/except the ones listed below 👇
F.O.X Glow Glitter Gel
F.O.X Metal Painting
F.O.X Gel Paint
F.O.X Multicolor
F.O.X Top Glow
We carefully select formulas without Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide (TPO) to meet modern safety standards.
EQUIPMENT
Our equipment is designed for 110V, which is compatible with US outlets. Our products for the USA come with a standard American plug.
We offer a 1-year warranty on all of our equipment, covering any manufacturer defects. However, Ulka is an exception — their Nail Dust Collectors come with an extended 5-year warranty!
Additionally, you can purchase extended warranty options on certain equipment for added peace of mind.
If you have any questions about warranty details, don't hesitate to reach out.
If something isn’t working right, we’re here to help!
Simply email us (info@foxnailsusa.com) with a video that shows the issue clearly, along with the product’s serial number. Be sure to also include your order number so we can assist you quickly.
Once we have the details, we'll guide you through the next steps to resolve the issue!
DELIVERY AND SHIPPING
Shipping charges for your order will be calculated and displayed at checkout. We offer the following shipping options:
🇺🇸 United States
- USPS
Estimated Delivery: 1–5 business days
Cost: $7.99 (Free for orders over $100, excluding Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico) - UPS (Ground, 2nd Day Air, Next Day Air)
Estimated Delivery: 1–5 business days
Cost: Starting from $10 (varies by location and package weight)
Note: Free shipping is available on orders over $100 within the continental US only. Orders shipping to Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico are not eligible for free shipping and will be charged based on weight and location.
🇨🇦 Canada
- UPS
Estimated Delivery: 3–10 business days
Cost: $16–$30, depending on destination and package weight
🇦🇺 Australia
- USPS / UPS
Estimated Delivery: 7–14 business days
Cost: Calculated at checkout based on service and package details
For other destinations, please contact us at info@foxnailsusa.com for specific shipping rates.
Please note: Delivery delays can occasionally occur. Customers outside the US (especially Canada) may be required to pay import fees on orders over $20 Make sure to provide a valid email to receive the payment request from UPS.
Yes. We offer the USPS delivery option to APO or Military FPO/DPO addresses. Delivery service to these addresses can take 5-10 business days.
Orders placed Monday-Friday before 12 PM EST are processed on the same day. After 12 PM EST, they will ship the next business day.
Orders placed Friday after 12 pm, Saturday & Sunday will ship out the following business day.
If we are experiencing a high volume of orders, shipments may be delayed by 1 business day.
Please allow additional days in transit for delivery. If there is a significant delay in the shipment of your order, we will contact you via email or telephone.
We ship our products to you from Texas, US.
Please note that all orders are subject to local customs fees, taxes, tariffs, or duties according to custom laws in your specific country or region.
Yes, you can cancel your order before it ships. Please reach out to us via live chat on our website, email us at info@foxnailsusa.com, or message us on Instagram, and we'll assist you with the cancellation.
Yes, you can make changes to your order before it ships. Please contact us via live chat on our website, email us at info@foxnailsusa.com, or message us on Instagram, and we'll assist you with any changes you'd like to make.
Once you place your order, you’ll get a confirmation email right away. As soon as we ship your package, we’ll send another email with all the tracking info you need.
Tracking your order is simple — here’s how:
If you have an account:
- Sign In
Go to our website and click the Log In button in the top right corner. Enter your email and password. - Head to "My Orders"
Click your profile icon and select My Orders from the menu. - Choose Your Order
You’ll see a list of your recent orders. Click the one you want to track. - Get Your Tracking Info
You’ll find a tracking number and a direct link to the shipping carrier’s site, where you can see your delivery updates in real time.
Checked out as a guest?
No worries — just open your order confirmation email. Your tracking number and link will be right there.
You will receive a shipment confirmation email once your order has shipped, including a tracking number. The tracking number will be active within 24 hours.
F.O.X Nails USA LLC is not responsible for any customs and taxes applied to your order. All fees imposed during or after shipping, such as tariffs and taxes, are the responsibility of the customer.
If your order arrives damaged due to the carrier, please notify us within 48 hours of receiving the product. We will replace the damaged items as soon as possible. Photos of the damage are required for processing a replacement.
In case your order is delayed, please reach out to us at info@foxnailsusa.com as soon as possible and we will go above and beyond to assist you with all the information you need.
If your order is marked as delivered but you haven't received it yet, please wait an additional 24 hours. Sometimes carriers scan packages as delivered a bit early, and they usually show up within the next day.
If your package is still missing after 24 hours, please contact the shipping carrier used for your order to report the issue or file a claim.
F.O.X Nails USA LLC is not responsible for missing, lost, or stolen packages, or for damages that occur after the package has been delivered.
We are also not responsible for the safety of packages once the delivery process has been completed by the local carrier.
If your package is missing an item(s), please contact us as soon as possible. We’ll be happy to assist you and resolve the issue. Reach out to us through live chat on our website, email us at info@foxnailsusa.com, or message us on Instagram.
PAYMENT INFORMATION
Sometimes, when you make a purchase on our Shopify store, you may notice two pending transactions on your account. This is a common occurrence due to how payment authorization works, and it happens on the bank’s side, not ours. We only receive one transaction from your order.
The bank may place two authorizations in pending status — one for the actual charge and the other as a temporary authorization. Don’t worry, only one charge will be processed. One of these pending authorizations will be canceled automatically, while the other will be processed as the actual charge.
Once your bank processes the transaction, it should clear within 3-10 days.
- If you still have concerns or if the issue persists, feel free to contact us at info@foxnailsusa.com. We’ll be happy to assist you further.
Please note, this situation is on the bank’s side and is beyond our control. Once your bank processes the transaction, it should clear within 3-10 days. You’ll only be charged for what you purchased — please give it a few days to clear from your account!
We accept all major credit cards, Shop Pay, PayPal, Affirm, Klarna, and Afterpay for flexible installment payments.
Yes, it is completely safe to use your credit card on our site. We use secure encryption to protect your personal and payment information, ensuring a safe shopping experience. Your privacy and security are our top priority!
PREORDER
Pre-orders are for items that are currently out of stock but are expected to be available for purchase at a later date. The expected arrival date for the item will be shown on the product page. When you place a pre-order, the item will be reserved for you and shipped as soon as it arrives at our warehouse. We’ll notify you via email when your order is on its way!
Please note that delays may occur beyond our control, such as production delays or shipping issues as the items make their way to us.
Once the product is in our warehouse, we’ll process and ship it within 1 business day.
No worries! You can cancel or modify your pre-order. Just reach out to us via chat on our website, email, or Instagram, and we'll be happy to assist you with the changes.