Gel nails

Types of gel nails

Gel nails are artificial nail extensions made by adding a gel-like compound to the natural nails. The gel is then cured under UV lamps to harden it and form a protective layer over the fingers. There are different types of gel nail products to choose from:

• Classic gel

  Classic gel nails are the traditional form of gel nail technology. They consist of a gel that is applied to natural nails or nail tips to create extensions. The gel is molded into the desired shape and cured under UV or LED lamps to harden it. This allows for flexible styling and shaping. However, they require frequent refills as the nails grow out.

• Builder gel

  Builder gel nails are a more hard-wearing option. A thicker gel is used to create stronger extensions or overlays on natural nails. It is molded into the desired shape and provides added strength to the natural nails underneath. Builder gels are ideal for those wanting longer-lasting styles without frequent touch-ups. They can also help repair damaged or weak natural nails.

• Sculpting gel

  Sculpting gel nails use a soft gel that stays moldable until cured. It is ideal for creating customized nail shapes from scratch. The gel is shaped over a finger or a nail form and then cured to harden into a perfectly sculpted nail. This allows for very natural-looking nail extensions that closely match the shape of a person's fingers. However, sculpting gels require some skill to mold the gel properly before it hardens.

• Poly-gel

  Poly-gel nails combine the best features of both hard and soft gels. They use a unique formula that blends gel and acrylic properties. Poly-gel is easy to work with and very lightweight when applied to the nails. It hardens fully to form strong extensions. These poly-gel nails provide a natural feel on the fingers without the heaviness sometimes felt with traditional acrylic sets. They are an ideal middle ground between gel and acrylic styles.

• Acrylic-gel

  Acrylic-gel nails use a special mix of acrylic and gel products. The combined formula allows for easy application in either a gel or powder form. They provide the sturdy qualities of acrylic with the versatile styling options of gel. The finished acrylic-gel set offers long-lasting wear and a wide range of color and shape possibilities. They are very flexible for creative nail designs that need to withstand daily use.

How to choose gel nails

• Know the type of nail polish gel: There are different kinds of nail gel, like LED and UV gels; knowing the type will help select the right nail gel. UV gel is a universal nail gel that can dry all kinds of nail polishes but can be very harsh on the skin and nails. It is important to ensure the gel does not contain harmful ingredients like formaldehyde, toluene, or DBP. These ingredients can cause skin irritation and damage the nails. Opt for UV gels that have SPF to protect the skin from the harsh UV rays. Another type is the LED nail gels. They are more economical and energy-efficient but only work with specific nail lamps. The gels cure the nails quickly, taking about 30 seconds, and are considered safer than UV gels. However, they may contain harmful chemicals like acrylates that can discolor the nail or cause allergic reactions.
• Nail shape and length: The shape and length of the nail will determine the kind of gel to use. Some gels work well with long nails; others are better with short, square, or almond-shaped nails. There are different kinds of nail shapes, like stiletto, coffin, oval, square, and almond. The stiletto shape is best for those who want to make a bold fashion statement. They are characterized by a pointed tip and are only suitable for experienced nail users. The coffin shape is similar to the ballerina shape, where the tips are slightly pointed but not as pointed as the stiletto shape. They are best for medium to long lengths and give a chic look. The oval shape has curved sides with a pointed tip like the stiletto but is not as pointed. It is ideal for those who want a more natural-looking nail. The square shape has straight sides and a flat tip, giving a more modern and bold look.
• Skin tone: The kind of gel color will depend on the user's skin tone. There are different gel colors for different skin tones. For darker skin tones, bright and bold colors like deep reds, purples, and blues look great. Pastel shades and nude tones work well with lighter skin tones. They give a soft and subtle look, perfect for a natural and minimalist style. Medium skin tones look great with coral, peach, and pink shades. Metallic and glittery gels are great for all skin tones and can be used for a more festive look.

How to use, install & product safety

• Preparation

  Start by gently pushing back the cuticles on each nail with a cuticle pusher to prep the nails. Lighter hand should be used so as not to damage the cuticles or make them dry. Then, shape the nails by trimming or filing them to the desired length and shape. Gently buff the surface of each nail to remove any shine from the natural nail. This helps the gel polish adhere better. Be careful not to buff too much, as it can thin the nails.

• Base Coat

  Apply a thin layer of gel base coat to all nails, keeping it close to but not touching the cuticles, sidewalls, and free edge. These are the three parts of the nail that, if exposed to polish, can cause lifting. The nails are cured under the LED lamp for 30 seconds to harden the base coat. While the base coat cures, keep the curing hand flat so it doesn't touch the lamp.

• Gel Polish

  Apply one thin coat of colored gel nail polish of choice to all nails, then immediately cure it under the lamp for 30 seconds. After curing the first coat, apply a second coat of gel color and cure it the same way. The first coat is often too sheer to tell what the final color will look like. This second coat makes the color opaque. After the second coat is cured, the nails will be shiny and finished except for the top coat.

• Top Coat and Finishing

  Finally, a gel top coat is applied to all nails. This locks in the color and adds extra shine. The top coat nails are then cured under the lamp for another 30 seconds. After all the coats and the top coat are cured, the gel nails must be wiped to remove any sticky residue. A small amount of rubbing alcohol or gel cleanser on a lint-free wipe is used to remove the stickiness. The nails are then moisturized by applying cuticle oil to finish the manicure.

Features, functions, and design of gel nails

• Gel Nail Polish

  Gel polish is a long-lasting nail polish that requires special UV or LED light to dry it after application. It stays shiny for weeks without chipping. It contains a little bit of resin, hardener, and solvent. The resin makes the nails look shiny. The hardener helps the nails to dry quickly. The solvent makes the gel liquidy so it can be applied to the nails easily.

• Different Types of Gel Polishes

  There are different kinds of gel nail polish. Each kind has something special about it. For example, glitter gel has lots of glitter in it. So, when it's dried under the light, it sparkles a lot. This makes it fun for nail art designs. Another type is color gel. It comes in many bright colors like regular nail polish. But it lasts much longer - up to 3 weeks without chipping. Mood gel is another kind. Its colors change when the fingers are warm or cold! This makes using mood gel very interactive and entertaining.

• Nail Art with Gel Polishes

  Gel nail polish can be used to create pretty pictures on the nails called "nail art". Brushes with tiny, thin lines can be used to paint flowers, stripes, dots, and other designs. The different colored gels can be mixed together to make new shades too! Sometimes, rhinestones or stickers are added to the nail art for extra sparkle. A UV light cures each layer when it's finished so it stays on for weeks. Nail art using gel polish lets people express their style through creative designs that last a long time.

• Manicure with Gel Polishes

  A manicure is a special treatment for the fingers and nails. During a gel manicure, the cuticles are pushed back carefully. Then, a clear base coat is painted first and cured under the light. Next, two layers of the chosen gel color are applied. Each layer is cured separately. Finally, a shiny top coat is added and cured. The hands are wiped with a cleaner to remove any residue. The nails are now beautiful and can last up to 3 weeks! This gel manicure keeps the fingers looking neat and colorful for a long time without any chipping.

• Gel vs. Acrylic Nails

  Gel and acrylic nails are both artificial. But they have some differences. Gel nails use gel that is cured under a special light to harden. Acrylic gets hard when it dries in the air. Gel usually looks more natural and can last up to 3 weeks. Acrylic sometimes needs touch-ups sooner. Gel has a shiny look right away, but acrylic may need a top coat. Gel has less odor since it hardens under the light. Both can be used for nail art, but gel is easier to work with. These are some important things to know about gel and acrylic nails.

Q&A

Q1. Do gel nails damage the health of the natural nails?

A1. If the gels are applied and removed correctly, they shouldn't harm the natural nails. However, harsh removal methods can damage the nail. It, therefore, becomes essential to get the nails removed professionally using the right tools and products.

Q2. Can gel nails last 4 weeks?

A2. Depending on the growth rate of an individual's nails and the health of the nails, gel nails can last 2 to 3 weeks. In some rare cases, they can last up to 4 weeks. However, getting gel nails for a long time can cause them to become brittle and unhealthy.

Q3. Can one shower with gel nails?

A3. Yes, gel nails can withstand water and moisture. However, keeping them exposed to water for long periods of time shouldn't be done, as they become weak and prone to breakage.

Q4. Can gel nails be removed easily at home?

A4. While it's possible to remove gel nails at home, it's recommended that they be removed by a professional nail technician to avoid damage to the nail.