Gel nails are created by applying several layers of gel polish to the nail and curing each layer under a UV or LED lamp. After several rounds of painting and curing, your nails are completely dry and strong enough to last for several weeks. In other words? Say goodbye to beautiful nails that split when you least expect it.
These nails should be your choice if you want a long-lasting design that also protects your nails. Gel nails are great for creating almost any look. You can have solid matte nails one month and a beautiful mix of ombre and patterned nails the next.
Like any other type of manicure, you’ll probably want to learn a few things before booking your next nail appointment. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to decide if gel nails are right for you.
How are gel nails made?
The nail technician first prepares and cleans your nails, then applies and cures several coats of polish to each nail. To prepare their nails, they cut, file, and shape them. They will also push or trim your cuticles to ensure the nail polish adheres. Some nail artists may use isopropyl alcohol to remove any remaining dirt before applying the color.
After your nails are prepped, your nail technician will apply a base coat to help the polish adhere to your nail and prevent staining of your natural nail plate. Next, they apply color and design to your nails. They apply several layers depending on the desired design. Finally, they apply a top coat to make the color and design last as long as possible. Your artist will use a LED light to cure each coat.
How long do gel nails last?
A gel nail appointment can last anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes, depending on your nail artist’s experience level, there technique, and their nail goals. For example, glittery and patterned nails will last much longer than solid nails.
Types Of Gel Nails
You can get soft or hard gel nails depending on the nail design you want and what you want to get out of your manicure. Below are the important things you need to know about each type:
Hard Gel Nails
The hard gel is applied to the nail directly from the cup (no mixing ratio is necessary) and each layer is cured under UV or LED light. The curing process, called polymerization, creates a strong, compact polymer that solvents cannot penetrate – meaning the hard gel can only be removed by filing.
- Can be used to add length
- Lasts up to 3-4 weeks
- Light, strong and durable
Soft Gel Nails
Soft gel nails are easily removed by soaking in acetone. They are lighter than hard gel and are more often used with gel manicures. It is not strong enough to hold extensions, but it provides strength to natural nails that are short to medium in length. Its consistency is between hard gel and gel polish. It is applied with a brush and cures under UV or LED light in about 30 seconds. It can be used on its own as it comes in many colors, or under or over gel polish (to ensure strength). A soft gel service usually takes about 1.5 hours and will cost about $45. They can last and look decent for about 2-4 weeks, but there will be wear on the loose edges.
Gel changed into the primary newbie at the scene, in 2009, created with the aid of Gelish who added gel polish in a bottle. all at once we have been able to reap no-chip polishes that lasted multiple weeks. Gel nails became the splendor treatment of desire.
Gel nails are made with liquid gel and are to be had from a huge number of different producers similarly to Gelish. If we need to get technical, they work by means of blending oligomers and acrylic monomers which harden beneath a UV light.
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