Gel polish manicures have become an increasingly popular alternative to regular polish in recent years. Gel polish is made with different ingredients to allow it to cure under UV light. This makes it more durable, longer-lasting, and chip-resistant compared to traditional nail polish.
If you’re new to the world of gel manicures, read on. This article will cover an introduction to gel polish manicures, the pros, and cons of gel manicures, preparation, and aftercare, and some do’s and don’ts to help make sure you have the best experience possible.
What is Gel Polish?
Gel polish contains polymers that require curing or hardening under a UV or LED lamp to set it. It also typically contains acrylic to help strengthen the nails. Additionally, gel polish tends to have a thicker consistency compared to regular nail polish.
Once cured, gel polish hardens on the nail similar to acrylic nails or a protective shell on the natural nail. The chemical polymers in the gel polish cross-link when exposed to the UV light to create this durable layer.
Pros of Gel Polish Manicures
There are quite a few benefits that gel manicures have over traditional nail polish:
- Longer wear – Gel polish can last 2-3 weeks chip-free with proper application and cure time. This is longer than regular polish which starts chipping in just a few days.
- Durable – The gel’s protective layer is more rigid and flexible than standard polish. This prevents cracks and chips.
- Glossy finish – The smooth application and cure under UV make gel polish very shiny. It retains this high-gloss finish for weeks.
- Quick drying – While traditional polish can take 15 mins or more to dry between coats, gel only takes about 30 seconds under the light.
- Less maintenance – With gel polish’s extended wear and gloss, you won’t need to do touch-ups or reapply polish nearly as often.
Cons of Gel Polish Manicures
However, there are some downsides of gel manicures to consider as well:
- Damage risk – Improper technique can damage the nail bed. Overexposure to UV rays can also increase skin cancer risk.
- Removal process – Removing gel polish requires skillfully filing off the top layer before soaking in pure acetone to dissolve the remaining gel.
- Expense – The average gel manicure costs $25-$50 vs $15-$20 for regular polish. The removal process also requires paying for a professional removal to avoid damage.
- Cannot self-repair – With chips in traditional polish you can just add another layer. But chipped gel has to be removed completely and then reapplied.
- Time investment – Regular manicures take less than 30 minutes. But you need to allot 45 minutes to over an hour for a gel manicure with proper prep, application, and curing time.
As you can see, gel polish comes with major time and cost considerations. But it yields a rewarding payoff with its durability and weeks of flawless high-shine color. It’s up to your lifestyle and preferences whether the investment is worth it!
Steps to Prepare Your Nails for Gel Polish
Just like with traditional polish, properly shaping and caring for your nails is key for the best results.
- Start by gently filing your nails to your desired length and shape using a fine grit file. Always file gently in one direction starting from the outside corner down towards the center of the nail.
- Use a cuticle remover to dissolve and gently push back your cuticles, exposing more of the nail surface area for polish application. Never aggressively cut or pick at your cuticles as this can lead to infection.
- Finish up with a nourishing hand scrub to deeply cleanse hands and nails then rinse thoroughly. This removes surface oils that can cause the lifting of polish. Gently pat your hands dry.
- Your nail tech will apply further prep products including pH balancers before polish application to help with adhesion.
Application and Curing Process of Gel Polish Manicures
Your manicurist uses a special gel polish brush to seamlessly apply each layer of gel polish without streaks:
- Base coat gel – Creates a tacky surface for polish layers to stick
- Color coats – Typically 2-3 color layers. Cured between each.
- Top coat – Protective glossy sealant layer
Each layer is cured or “set” under an LED or UV lamp for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before the next layer. The setting causes photoinitiators in the gel formula to harden when exposed to the correct wavelength of light.
Don’t pull your hands out early! The proper cure time is key to getting your money’s worth in wear time. Insufficient curing can lead to weak spots in the gel polish layers.
Aftercare Do’s and Don’ts
How you treat gel polish manicure and pedicure impacts how long they last:
Do:
- Apply cuticle oil daily to keep skin hydrated
- Use gloves for wet work to avoid damage
- File gently only along the free edge if shaping needed
- Carefully remove at first sight of lifting or growth
Don’t
- Peel or pick at the polish
- Use nails as tools or scratch surfaces
- Overexpose hands to sun and chemicals
- Get refills past the new growth stage
Putting thought into aftercare protects your investment in the long-lasting color and health of your nails below.
Removal Process of Gel Polish Manicures
While it’s tempting, skip the dangerous DIY removal – leave it to the professionals! Here is the safest gel removal process:
- Gently file off the shiny top layer using a coarse file or e-file drill. Filing through the color exposes the layers for soaking. Never try to just peel off gel polish as this can take layers of the nail with it.
- Next, soak cotton pads in 100% pure acetone and place them on each finger to dissolve any remaining product. Wrap each finger in foil to aid the acetone in breaking down the gel.
- After 10-15 mins, use a cuticle pusher to gently guide the product from the cuticle area if needed. Then use a towel and gentle rubbing motion to remove residue.
- Follow up with a conditioning hand soak or massage to replenish moisture after the drying acetone soak.
Final Words – The Right Choice for You
While gel manicures require more effort than a standard manicure, they yield weeks of perfect polish with no need for touch-ups. Evaluate your budget, nail care regimen, and how often you want to schedule beauty salon time. For those who want to get the best results between manicure visits, know an introduction to gel polish manicures and avail this service accordingly.
