Are you wondering what gel polish is and how it is better and different from acrylic nails?
In recent years, gel nail manicures have gained immense popularity among fashion-savvy individuals seeking durable and high-quality solutions. Whether you're getting dressed up for a special birthday party or simply want to maintain flawless nails for an extended duration of time, they are superior to traditional nail paints due to their long-lasting nature.
Further, gel polish is a type of nail polish cured under a UV or LED lamp to achieve a durable, shining nail art design. The advantages of both ordinary nail paint and gel enhancements are combined in this product.
- Offers a glossy finish
- Withstands everyday wear and tear
- Doesn't peel or chip
- Keeps its shine for a longer time period
What is the Difference Between Gel Nails and Acrylic Nails?
Gel nail paint and acrylic nails are two common solutions for manicures that have gained fame in the beauty industry. However, they are different from each other, specifi in terms of how they are applied, maintained, removed and generally affect the nails' health.
Also, gel paints are applied with the help of a UV or LED lamp. Acrylic nails are made by combining a liquid monomer and a powdered polymer. To create a hard, long-lasting layer, the resulting mixture is moulded and sculpted into natural nails or nail tips. Besides, the application of acrylic nails involves roughening the natural nail surface to improve adhesion, which can weaken the nail bed. On the other hand, gel nails are a safer alternative as they don’t cause harm to your nails.
What is the Expected Gel Nail Life?
While depending on numerous factors, gel nails typi last between two to three weeks. Moreover, it is crucial to remember that each person's experience may differ as it significantly relies upon the quality of your product. Similarly, some individuals find that their gel nails last closer to the two-week mark, while others may enjoy their manicures for up to four weeks or longer with proper care.
To attain the best results, it is recommended to purchase gel polish, which is renowned for maintaining its sheen and original appearance for up to four weeks.
4 Major Factors That Affect Your Gel Nail Longevity
As mentioned above, multiple factors determine the longevity and lifespan of your gel manicures, a few of which are listed below:
Nail Preparation
For gel nails to last as long as possible, prepare your nails in accordance with specific instructions. The nail surface must be thoroughly cleansed, filed, and buffed to remove any oils or residue that can prevent effective adhesion.
If you haven’t used a gel nail kit before, you may visit a salon once to learn the right techniques and then practise at home to avoid paying hefty fees at salons. Moreover, the appropriate measures will be taken by a qualified nail technician to build a strong foundation for the gel application.
Product Quality
The effectiveness of the gel products you use will directly impact how long your gel nails last. For instance, improved adherence, exceptional versatility, and resistance to chipping are some features that high-quality gel polishes and base/top coats have.
Thus, you must not choose to buy cheaper polishes in order to save time because it may end up costing you double. Low-quality products can also damage the health of your nails and lead to unfavourable skin conditions. So, investing in professional-grade products is essential for achieving longer-lasting results.
Nail Care Routine
Your nail care routine plays an influential role in promising the durability of your gel nails. You should avoid using your nails as tools for tasks like opening cans or scraping surfaces because doing so could cause the gel to chip or peel.
In addition, regular moisturising also promotes health and avoids dryness of the cuticles and nails. If you perform nail care activities on a daily basis, you can easily sustain the lustrous appearance of your gel nails.
Lifestyle Factors
How long your gel nails last may be affected by your way of living.
Shorter gel nail lifespans may be experienced by people whose hobbies require a lot of:
- Hand washing
- Exposure to harsh chemicals
- Strenuous physical labour
Taking precautions, such as wearing gloves, can help protect your gel manicure in such scenarios.
Application Procedure for Gel Polish
Nail Preparation:
- Cleanse and sanitise the nails.
- Further, file and shape the nails to the desired length.
- Gently buff the nail surface to create better adhesion.
Base Coat Application:
- Cover the entire nail with a light coating of gel base coat.
- Make sure the base coat completely covers the nail, including the edges.
- Cure the nails in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations using a UV or LED lamp.
Gel Polish Application:
- Now, paint the nails with a coat of gel polish.
- In order to ensure smooth coverage, begin painting at the nail's base and work your way up to the tip.
- Moreover, keep the gel polish away from the skin and cuticles.
- Dry the nails with an LED or UV lamp.
Additional Layers:
- Repeat the gel polish application process for additional layers to achieve excellent colour intensity.
- Lastly, cure each layer of gel polish under the lamp.
Top Coat Application:
- Use a thin layer of gel top coat to seal the gel polish and add shine.
- Cover every inch of the nail, including the borders.
- Finally, cure the nails with an LED or UV lamp.
Finishing Touches:
- After curing, clean off any leftovers with an alcohol or gel-based cleanser and a lint-free wipe.
- Besides, apply cuticle oil or moisturiser to nourish the cuticles and surrounding skin.
Removal Procedure for Gel Polish
Nail Preparation:
- In order to break the seal, gently buff the gel polish's shiny top layer.
- Apply each nail with a little piece of cotton that has been dipped in nail paint remover.
Foil Wrapping:
- Wrap a piece of aluminium foil around each finger to hold the cotton in place and provide a barrier.
- Now, leave the foil wraps on for about 10-15 minutes to allow the gel polish to soften.
- Removal:
- Press and slip the foil covers off of each finger carefully when the time has passed.
- Moreover, gently scrape away the softer gel polish with an orangewood stick or a delicate nail pusher.
- Be careful not to damage the natural nail surface.
Final Steps:
- To get rid of any leftover material, clean the nails with a lint-free wipe and some alcohol or gel cleanser.
- Furthermore, apply a small amount of cuticle oil or moisturiser to the cuticles and nails to rehydrate them.
Takeaway
Gel nails offer an incredibly remarkable alternative to conventional nail paints, enabling women to perform their daily life activities with feasibility due to their durable nature. To maximise the lifespan of your gel nails, you must avoid exposing your nails to excessive moisture. It can cause the gel to peel. Also, it is recommended to seek professional assistance for gel polish application and removal to determine ideal results and lessen the risk of damage to the natural nails. Hence, you may schedule regular maintenance appointments with an expert nail artist to address any lifting or chipping issues.
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