There are many things we love about Katie Jane Hughes’ approach to beauty. Whether it’s the most beautiful eye makeup tutorials we’ve ever seen or a step-by-step account of how to get micro blading on your Insta Stories, we’re hooked. When Katie needs to look extra ordinary she used gel nail polish from Sephora to be the one she has planned.
Regular nail polish was always tried and true. It’s a must have for high school sleepovers and a staple for working woman outfit planning. But what about gel nails? What can a gel manicure offer you that a normal nail polish cannot? Here’s how to find out.
Even if you can wait long enough for your nails to dry perfectly, your new polish can chip in a few days. If you are very lucky or are one of the few experts who has discovered the secret to a flawless mani, you may not be familiar with this fight. But if you remembered that amazing blue polish that went perfectly with your dress and then got smudged an hour after application or chipped the day before your event, gel polish may be the savior you are looking for.
MAKING THE SWITCH TO GEL NAIL POLISH
Gel nail polish has only been on the market since 2010. However, gel manicure has quickly become a salon staple. However, for all those who are unsure about trying new gel polishes, we have compiled a list of their benefits for you:
- QUICK TO DRY
Gel polish is thicker than ordinary nail polish. The main feature that distinguishes it from a classic manicure is part of the curing application process, as gel nail polish does not dry naturally.
Curing refers to placing the nails under an LED or UV light to activate the chemical process that dries each layer of polish. Since gel nail application takes extra time for the polish to cure, you can leave your appointment or application at home right away with perfectly dry nails.
- NO CHIP
- With a long-lasting, quick-drying formula, the gel polish hardly chips. Your gel manicure is very resistant to breakage or staining, and the color will stay as bright and shiny as the first day.
- DURABLE
While gel polish is generally said to last at least two weeks, your gel manicure can last up to a month, or as long as you want to keep it. The only long-term side effect of wearing gel nails for a while is that the nail will eventually grow out.
Removing gel nails is a bit longer and more complicated than removing regular hairspray, but the ability to get a manicure once is worth the time it takes to remove.
- MOST COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT THE GEL AGAINST REGULAR POLISH
Since gel is still a relatively new polish offering, there is confusion as to what it is. Here are some of the most common questions about gel polish and how it compares to regular polishes.- HOW STRONGER IS THE NAIL POLISH IN GEL VS. REGULAR?
Gel polish lasts 2-3 weeks minimum, while regular polish is lucky enough to go a week without chipping. With light use, your gel nails last at least twice as long as regular polish, but realistically, they get four to six times the standard manicure mileage.
In terms of retained wear and tear, gel polish does not flake off as is known with normal polish. If applied correctly, it is also not likely to stain. The strength of this type of polish is evident in its removal process, and it is clear that you must be very intentional when removing the gel polish to prepare for a new application.
- DOES NAIL POLISH IN GEL RUIN YOUR NAILS?
No. Because gel polish is applied to the natural nail, unlike false nails, which stick to the top of the nail, it will not cause any permanent damage. While you must take care to properly remove your gel nails, with proper maintenance your natural nails will not suffer any lasting damage.
The best way to remove gel nails is to go to a salon and have a professional do the process.
With that said, you can also do it at home quite easily if you are familiar with the steps. Just soak your nails in 100% acetone for at least 10 minutes. Then the edges should start to lift up, and with a gentle push from a cuticle pusher, the polish should peel off immediately.
Another important part of using gel nail polish is letting your nails sit between applications. A common misconception is that this step is necessary because nails need to breathe. While this is not the case, nails are made of keratin just like hair and therefore do not need to breathe like skin does, it is true that your nails will need a gel break from time to time.
With adequate time between manicures to restore the nail bed, the use of gel polish will not have harmful effects on natural nails.
- IS GEL NAIL POLISH FALSE NAILS?
No. This is a common mistake. Acrylics are what are generally known as false nails. Acrylics are applied to the natural nail, usually with some type of glue or adhesive, and can be harmful if used frequently.
On the other hand, gel polish is a real polish that is applied to your natural nail. It can look as dramatic as a false nail or as subtle as a regular professional nail polish. Gel polish does not damage nails the way false nails do, despite its long-lasting formula.
- IS IT BETTER TO REMOVE GEL ENAMEL AT HOME OR IN THE SALON?
Generally, it is recommended that a professional nail technician remove gel polish, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it as a DIY at home. The process will look very similar in whatever way you choose. These are the steps:
First, soak your nails in acetone. This will mean dipping your hands in an acetone bath or soaking cotton balls in 100% acetone, applying them to each finger, and securing them with aluminum foil.
Let your nails soak like this for at least 10 minutes. You may have to wait a bit longer, but you know the process will take effect once the edges of the polish start to lift naturally.
Then remove the aluminum foil or take your hands out of the acetone bath. With a cuticle pusher or similar tool, gently push the gel in and the polish will slide on immediately. If not, you may need to soak a bit more.
Nail polish may remain on your nails. Buffer any excess color with a nail file or polish.
Finally, hydrate your nails by applying cuticle oil. This process can be taxing on the nail bed, so make sure they have time to rest between gel polish applications.
Whether you choose to remove your gel nails at home or in the salon, the steps in this process are worth knowing. Sometimes even professionals can rush or use wrong techniques. Paying attention to this process is definitely worth it for the health of your nails.
- SHOULD I USE UV LIGHT OR LED LIGHT TO CURE THE GEL POLISH?
Any. The curing light you use for your nails depends on two criteria: your preference and the type of gel polish. Gel polish can be made in two different ways: UV curing or LED curing.
With that said, it is important to note that LED lights are less harmful to the skin because they do not use UV rays. If you plan to use gel polish regularly, it may be worth considering an LED light instead, so make sure the LED can cure your favorite polish.
Whichever curing lamp you choose, protecting your skin beforehand is always a good idea, especially if you plan on getting your nails done frequently. There are special gel manicure gloves that you can use to protect the skin around your nails, or use the traditional method of UV protection – apply a lot of SPF.
- IS MY SKIN SAFE WITH GEL MANICURES?
Yes. The curing lamps used to dry each layer will expose your skin to additional stress, but that doesn’t mean it can’t protect itself.
If you have a choice, LED curing will be better for your skin than UV.
Whichever curing option you choose, look for a broad spectrum SPF sunscreen to protect your skin before applying gel polish. There are also special gel manicure gloves that you can buy for this exact purpose, and if you’re particularly concerned, wearing manicure gloves and SPF won’t hurt.
If you have unhealthy nail beds, weak cuticles, or other concerns, see your manicurist. They will advise you if gel nails are right for you and what to do better to protect or strengthen your skin and nails.
