Hard gel

Types of hard gels

A hard gel is a nail product that allows users to create beautiful nail extensions. It usually comes in different colors and has a jelly-like appearance. There are several types of hard gel, including:

• Clear gel: A clear hard gel is a transparent, colorless gel. It is versatile and can be used for various nail enhancement techniques, including creating natural-looking overlays, strengthening nails, or forming the base for nail art. Clear hard gel provides a glossy finish, making it ideal for users who want subtle yet durable nails.
• Pink Gel: This is a hard gel with a soft pink tint. It gives nails a natural-looking blush and is often used for overlaying on natural nails or extending into a french manicure style. Pink hard gel provides a healthy, subtle color while adding strength and durability to the nails.
• White gel: As the name suggests, white hard gel is a gel with a bright white color. It is mainly used to create the free edge of french manicures, giving it a crisp and clean appearance. Some white hard gels have a little opacity, making them perfect for classic french nails or nail art.
• Colored gel: These are hard gels pre-mixed with different colors and designs. They are available in various shades, from vibrant to subtle, for use by nail technicians who love art. Using colored hard gel saves time and effort when creating colorful and artistic nail designs since no extra painting is required.
• Glitter gel: This is a hard gel infused with different types of glitter. It is mostly used for nail art and comes in several sizes and densities of glitter particles. Some are fine, while others are coarse. Glitter hard gel is the go-to nail product for users who love to sparkle and shine. It can be used alone or layered over other colored gels to create a festive and glamorous look.
• Builder gel: Builder hard gel is a thick gel. It is used to build up nail extensions and give them strength and structure. This hard gel is mainly used by professional nail technicians because of its consistency, which can be molded to create the desired shape for the nail tips. Some builder gels come in different colors and shades to give nails a natural look after application.

How to choose hard gels

• Brand: Choose well-known brands when selecting hard gel for purchase. Well-known brands frequently employ quality assurance procedures to guarantee that the quality of the product remains constant. New brands, on the other hand, may cut corners and compromise on the quality of raw materials to establish themselves in the market. The trade-off between quality and price is another factor to consider. Well-known brands are usually more expensive, while new brands are cheaper to attract customers. If quality is of utmost importance, choose well-known brands. However, if one is working on a budget, new brands can be considered.
• Ingredients: Select hard gels whose ingredients are listed clearly on the label. Some manufacturers do not disclose the ingredients used in the hard gel, which can be a red flag. The ingredients should be of high quality and approved by the relevant authorities. Avoid hard gels with harmful chemicals that can cause skin allergies or other health complications.
• Quality assurance: Choose hard gels from manufacturers that have undergone quality assurance tests and received certifications. The certifications indicate that the hard gel has been tested and found to meet the required quality standards. Quality assurance tests also ensure that the quantity and quality of the product are not compromised.
• Customer reviews: Read the hard gel's online reviews before purchasing. The reviews provide information on the product's quality from previous customers. Check the rating, which can be 5-star, 4-star, or 3-star. The rating shows how the customers value the product. The reviews can also provide information on the product's delivery, ease of use, and customer service. However, the reviews can be manipulated by some manufacturers to make the product appear good. Use the reviews wisely.
• Recommendations: Ask for recommendations from friends, family, and people who understand hard gels. People who have used the product before can provide valuable information on the quality, ease of use, and value for money. Online forums and groups can also provide useful information on the hard gel to purchase.
• Cost: Consider the cost of the hard gel. Compare the prices of different hard gels and choose one that fits the budget. Avoid gels that are too cheap because they may compromise quality. On the other hand, expensive gels do not always guarantee quality. Consider the quality, ease of use, and quantity.

How to use and product safety

Hard gel nails are popular for their long-lasting and strong aesthetic appeal. Here's how to use them and ensure their safety:

How to use

• Prepare the Nails:

  Begin by removing any old polish. Gently push back the cuticles with a cuticle pusher. Buff the nail surface with a nail file to create a smooth canvas. This helps the gel adhere better. Use a soft brush to remove any dust from the nail.

• Apply a Base Coat:

  Apply a thin layer of hard gel base coat to each nail. This protects the natural nails from staining and helps the gel stick. Cure the base coat under the UV or LED lamp for the recommended time, usually 30 to 60 seconds.

• Build the Nail Length:

  If one wants to lengthen or sculpt the nail, use a gel brush to apply a small amount of hard gel onto the nail. Gently shape the gel into the desired length or contour. Cure each layer under the lamp for the recommended time. Add more gel layers until the desired length is achieved.

• Apply Color Gel:

  Select a hard gel color. Apply a thin color gel layer to each nail. Cure under the lamp. Repeat this step until one gets the desired color intensity. Thin, even layers give the best results.

• Finish with Top Coat:

  Apply a hard gel top coat to seal the color and add shine. Cure under the lamp. Wipe away any sticky residue using a lint-free wipe and gel cleanser or alcohol.

Product Safety

• Use Quality Products:

  Choose hard gel products from reputable brands. Quality gels have fewer harmful chemicals. Don't use gels from unknown sources.

• Don't Overexpose to UV Light:

  Limit exposure to UV or LED lamps. Follow the recommended curing times. Protect the skin around the nails with sunscreen or lotion before using the lamp.

• Keep Cuticles Healthy:

  Avoid pushing back cuticles too harshly. They protect the nails from infection. Use cuticle oil to moisturize and prevent dryness.

• Avoid Using Gels as Treatment:

  Don't use hard gels to treat nail issues like fungus or discoloration. Consult a nail technician or doctor. Gels hinder nail breathing and may worsen the problem.

• Take Breaks Between Applications:

  Take breaks between gel applications to let the natural nails recover. During the break, use a nail treatment formula to strengthen the nails.

Functions, features, and design of hard gels

Hard gel has several functions and features that help users achieve their desired nail look. Below are some of them.

• Long-lasting

  Hard gel is long-lasting compared to regular nail polishes. They don't chip easily, making them ideal for professional manicures. This is because they cure under UV or LED light, making them more resistant to wear and tear.

• Customizable

  Hard gels come in different colors, shades and textures. This allows users to customize their manicures to their liking. Also, different types of hard gels are available, like glitter and color, for a more unique and creative look.

• Quick application and curing time

  The hard gel process takes a shorter time than acrylic gel or extension. The manicurist only needs to cure each layer for 30 seconds to 1 minute for the gel to harden. This gives busy people or those who prefer a quick service an option for their next manicure.

• Enhances natural nail

  Hard gel can be used to create a stronger and more durable nail. It is applied to the natural nail to prevent it from breaking easily. This maintains the health of the nail and prevents it from being exposed to harmful chemicals during the manicure process.

• Safety

  Hard gels are made with fewer or no toxic chemicals. They don't have harmful chemicals like formaldehyde or toluene that can put users at risk. However, they still provide a safe alternative to traditional nail polishes.

• Environmentally-friendly

  Some hard gels are made with raw materials that are less harmful to the environment. They also use LED lamps that consume less energy to cure the gels. This helps to create a safer and healthier environment for both the manicurist and the clients.

Q&A

Q1. What is the difference between hard gel and soft gel?

A1. Hard gel is stronger than soft gel. It cannot be removed with a wooden stick. One can only remove hard gel with a nail drill.

Q2. Can hard gel be used on natural nails?

A2. Yes. However, using hard gel requires an LED or UV lamp to cure the gel. It is not the same as regular nail polish that dries after air exposure.

Q3. What are the disadvantages of hard gel?

A3. Hard gel nails tend to be more expensive than other nail products. The application process is longer and more complicated. One mistake during the application process can ruin the entire set.

Q4. How long do hard gel nails last?

A4. When properly applied, hard gel nails can last up to three weeks. They can last longer if the client does not do heavy work and follows proper after-care.

Q5. Can hard gels be filed?

A4. Yes. Hard gel nails can be gently filed to change the shape or style. It is important to use a nail drill to remove the hard gel instead of regular nail cutters.