Similar to a regular manicure, gel polish is applied to the nail and then cured with a special lamp.
The main difference between gel nail polishes and regular nail polishes is that the gel nails stays shiny for up to three weeks without chipping or smudging. Gel nail polish is more difficult to remove than traditional nail polish. Many people prefer the look of gel nails or shellac nails because they appear less likely to chip compared to traditional nail manicures.
It also means your nails continue looking healthy for longer before you need a fill-in appointment at a nail salon.
Gel nails and Shellac nails are usually done by professional nail technician or while relaxing during a manicure, but some home nail polish kits exist that make DIY nail applications possible.The key to the longevity of a gel mani is the UV or LED light. This "cures" or dries out the gel so it remains shiny for weeks. The curing process involves two stages: photo-initiators are added to the nail varnish, which reacts with the LED light inside the UVA light and creates free radicals that break down organic matter into smaller particles that are then harder to attach themselves to your nails. After this reaction occurs, hardeners are applied which polymerise, or join together in chains, to form a solid plastic layer around each nail to prevent chipping. Nails feel more solid than natural nails because they are no longer vulnerable to water, dirt or bacteria.
If you're getting a gel manicure in a salon, there are four main steps: soak off old polish, prepare the nail bed, apply your gel colour and top coat (which is also cured with the UV lights), and finally remove any sticky residue left over from the curing process. At-home kits take much less time to apply; the only additional step is applying a protective base coat before your actual colour. The whole process takes about an hour when done professionally or 20 minutes when doing it at home.
Gel nail polish usually lasts up to two weeks or three weeks without chipping or smudging - around twice as long as traditional polish. There is huge variation between different brands and quality of products. It's important to note that the curing process may reduce the lifespan of your gel mani because it can weaken nails by making them more porous than before. Weak, brittle nails are prone to breaking and peeling, so this is something you should consider if you suffer from weak nails already. You can always wear rubber gloves while washing dishes or clothes to avoid chipping.
When the top layer of nail colour begins to chip, you can safely remove the gels by soaking the gel nails in acetone. The polish can't be easily wiped with acetone as it takes some time to remove the gel. Another way is by soaking cotton balls in acetone. Then wrap them around the nails with the help of tin foil. The acetone helps in the easy removal process of the nail gel.
When performed professionally in the salon, there are four main steps of gel mani: soak off old polish, prepare the nail bed, apply your gel colour and topcoat (which is also cured with the UV rays), and finally remove any sticky residue left over from the curing process and apply cuticle oil. At-home kits take much less time to apply; the only additional step is applying a protective base coat before your actual colour. The whole process takes about an hour when done professionally or 20 minutes when doing it at home. Most professional gel nail polish in salons are cured under UV lamps, which produce mainly UVA rays that have a longer wavelength than the UVB variety. They're also more damaging because they can penetrate deeper into your skin and nails, ultimately making them more susceptible to cancer. The perfect solution is to always wear sunscreen on your hands whenever you go outside to prevent any damage from occurring, but this is particularly important if you get your nails done regularly with UV gel polish.
Having a gel mans is more of a personal preference. If you have weak nails, they may be better suited to the strength and flexibility offered by gels rather than acrylics, which can cause unnecessary stress on your nails if you already have problems with them breaking or splitting into rough texture. You must get expert tips from the professional. Some people prefer having their fingernails filed into very narrow shapes, such as coffin-shaped or stiletto, which are much harder to achieve with gels because of how flexible they are.
The cost of a salon gel manicures can vary from around $30 to $50 depending on where you go, while the cost of an at-home nail kit ranges from about $10 up to $25.
The whole process takes about an hour when done professionally or 20 minutes when doing it at home.
Although there are many similarities between the two, gel manicures are different in that they use a hard-wearing polymer gel to form a protective layer over your natural nails. The difference between acrylics and gels is that acrylics last only two weeks, while gels can last up to three weeks. Another benefit of gels is that they don't cause damage to your nails or cuticles, unlike the harsh chemicals involved in the process with acrylics. Gel polishes usually last up to three weeks without chipping or smudging - around twice as long as traditional polishes. There is huge variation between different nail techs brands and the quality of nail products. It's important to note that the curing process may reduce the lifespan of your regular polish, so frequent touch-ups are required to maintain the perfect finish of nails.
On average, nail coating gels can typically last between 14 and 21 days. But there are ways you can extend its lifespan beyond even this! For example, always apply a base coat to the nail beds before the colour coat for added protection against chips. Also, avoid using your natural nail as tools, this puts strain on the nail beds which could lead to damage. By following the nail file steps along with regularly applying top coat in the nail after each use, you should be able to keep your gel manicures looking fresh until it's time for the removal process.
Salon gel polish rarely damages nails, though repeated use of UV lamps for curing may cause burns to your healthy nails if your hands are exposed to them for too long. However, this is only the case when products don't have a low-UV light index. Check that your nail product's label reads "low UV" or must be free from dibutyl phthalate and doesn't include any warnings about potential damage, then follow the manufacturers specified use instructions. Apply sunscreen of broad spectrum before getting gel manicures as UV lights can cause premature aging and dark spots on the surrounding skin of the nails. Led curing is a better option and it uses led lamps. Shellac nails have less chances of damaging the natural nail plate.
Severe cases of UV lamp burns are very rare but can put you at risk of skin cancer over time if you're frequently exposed to the rays. So if you're planning on using a UV lamp regularly and often it's best to invest in a low-UV lamp that won't burn your natural nail skin as easily. Nowadays led lamp have become popular as they make gel manicures safe. In New South Wales, the hygiene standards of nail salons are closely regulated. Check to see if similar regulations apply in your state.