Sophia Delgado
Gel nail polish is a popular alternative to traditional nail polish due to its durability and long-lasting nature. It is made up of acrylic monomers and oligomers that bond together when placed under UV light, triggering the curing process. This results in a hard coating that resists chipping and cracking. The application process for gel polish involves shaping and buffing the nails, pushing back the cuticles, and applying thin coats of gel polish, followed by curing under a UV or LED lamp. While gel polish offers a strong and long-lasting manicure, some may prefer the ease of regular nail polish, which allows for more frequent colour changes. It is important to note that gel manicures may raise safety concerns, such as the potential impact of ultraviolet lamps on the skin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Durability | Gel nail polish is stronger and more durable than regular nail polish. |
| Application | Gel nail polish requires curing under a UV or LED light to dry and can last up to three weeks. Regular nail polish dries through solvent evaporation and is more delicate, prone to chipping within a few days. |
| Removal | Gel nail polish must be filed off or soaked off using straight acetone. Regular nail polish can be easily removed at home with an acetone-free remover. |
| Colour Options | Regular nail polish offers a wider variety of colours than gel nail polish. |
| Convenience | Regular nail polish allows for frequent colour changes and can be applied at home without professional assistance. |
| Safety | There are concerns about the potential skin damage caused by ultraviolet lamps used for gel nail polish curing, due to established links between UV exposure and skin ageing and cancer. |
| Customisation | Both gel and regular nail polishes can be customised by mixing colours or adding glitter. |
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What You'll Learn
Gel polish application steps
Gel nail polish is a popular alternative to traditional nail polish due to its durability and long-lasting shine. If you want to try applying gel nail polish at home, here is a step-by-step guide to achieving a beautiful gel manicure:
- Nail Preparation: Start by shaping your nails using a nail clipper and file. Trim your nails to the desired length and shape, ensuring smooth edges. Then, use a cuticle pusher to gently push back your cuticles, creating a clean and visible nail surface. Avoid cutting your cuticles as this can open up the root of your nails to potential infections.
- Buffing: Lightly buff your nails to create a smooth and shiny surface. This step helps prepare the natural nail for better adhesion to the gel polish.
- Cleansing: Use a cleanser or alcohol and nail polish remover to clean your nails thoroughly. Remove any leftover polish, dirt, or residue. Ensure your nails are completely dry before proceeding.
- Base Coat: Apply a thin, even base coat to your nails. This acts as a protective layer between your nail and the gel polish, helping the manicure last longer and adhere better. Cure your nails under an LED or UV lamp, following the recommended time.
- Color Application: Apply a thin layer of your chosen color gel polish. Start by placing the brush in the middle of the nail and brush towards the free edge. Gently push the polish back towards the cuticle. Cure each layer for 30 seconds under the lamp, repeating for two to three coats.
- Top Coat: Once you have achieved the desired color opacity, apply a strong top coat to protect your manicure from chipping. Paint over the tips of your nails, just like you did with the color gel polish. Cure for 2 minutes under the lamp.
- Final Cure: After completing the final cure, turn your hand, with the palm facing up, parallel to the table for 3-5 seconds. This helps set the gel polish.
Remember to work in a well-ventilated area when using gel nail polish and curing lamps. Additionally, always follow the specific instructions provided with your chosen gel nail polish kit for the best results.
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Regular polish over gel polish
It is possible to apply a gel top coat over regular nail polish. However, it is generally not recommended as it can negatively impact the health of your nails and be challenging to remove.
Regular nail polish can take up to 24 hours to dry completely. Applying a gel top coat before the regular polish is fully dry can result in a messy, uneven finish. It is crucial to ensure that the regular nail polish is entirely dry before considering a gel top coat.
If you choose to apply a gel top coat over regular nail polish, it is essential to wait at least 24 to 48 hours after applying the regular polish. This extended waiting period ensures that the regular polish is completely dry, reducing the risk of undesirable results.
Once the regular polish is dry, you can proceed with the gel top coat application. Cure the gel top coat under a UV/LED light for 30 to 60 seconds, depending on the formulation. The gel top coat will provide a hard and durable finish, enhancing the longevity of your manicure.
It is worth noting that combining regular and gel polish can make removal more complicated. When it comes to removing the polish, the process will be similar to that of a full gel manicure. It will require time to soak in acetone, and the removal process may be messier compared to removing regular nail polish.
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Gel polish safety concerns
Gel nail polish is a popular alternative to traditional nail polish due to its durability and long-lasting nature. However, there are several safety concerns associated with its use:
Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure
The curing process of gel nail polish involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which are known to cause skin ageing and DNA damage that can lead to an increased risk of skin cancer. This is a concern regardless of the type of lamp used, as even LED lamps can emit UV radiation. It is important to note that this cumulative UV exposure can have harmful effects, especially considering the frequency of manicures and the lack of protection typically afforded to hands.
Chemical Exposure
Gel nail polishes contain various chemicals, including acrylate and methacrylate, which are associated with allergic reactions such as contact dermatitis and, less commonly, hives. The removal process of gel polish can also be damaging to nails, leaving them dry, brittle, and temporarily weakened. Improper removal methods, such as aggressive buffing, scraping, or peeling, can further injure the nail plate, leading to issues like cracking and peeling.
Sanitation
The use of communal jars of powder in salons can pose a risk of bacterial, fungal, or viral infections. It is recommended to avoid this type of manicure unless the salon employs proper sanitation practices, such as transferring powder into individual containers for each client or using a clean brush for application.
Nail Damage
The application and removal processes of gel nail polish can result in temporary nail damage, such as cracking, peeling, and dryness. Prolonged use or frequent manicures without adequate recovery time can lead to severe brittleness and overall weakening of the nail plate.
To minimise the potential risks associated with gel nail polish, it is important to follow proper application and removal techniques and allow time for nails to recover between manicures. Consulting with a certified nail technician who prioritises hygiene and safety can also help address these safety concerns.
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Removing gel polish
The first method involves using acetone, which is an effective way to remove gel nail polish, according to board-certified dermatologist Shari Lipner, MD, PhD, FAAD. Here are the steps:
- Protect your work area: Acetone can damage surfaces, so cover your work area with a cloth or plastic wrap.
- Prepare your nails: Cut 10 squares of aluminum foil, big enough to wrap around each fingertip. If using cotton balls, tear off 10 pieces that fit just the nail bed of each nail.
- Apply acetone: Soak cotton balls or pads in acetone and place them on top of your nails.
- Wrap your nails: Wrap each nail with plastic food wrap or aluminum foil to create a tight seal. This prevents the acetone from dripping.
- Wait: Leave the wrap on for about 10 minutes.
- Remove the wrap: Most of the gel nail polish should come off with the wrap.
- Gently remove any remaining polish: Use a warm, wet washcloth to gently rub off any remaining gel polish. Be careful to only rub the nail and avoid the surrounding skin.
- Wash your hands: Wash your hands with gentle soap and water to remove any remaining acetone.
Another method is to use a gel nail polish remover, which is a faster and simpler alternative that requires fewer tools and is less likely to damage your nails. Here are the steps:
- File the top coat: Use a coarse nail file to gently file down the top coat of the gel polish until it's no longer shiny and smooth.
- Apply gel nail polish remover: Put a thick layer of the remover on your gel nails, avoiding your skin as much as possible.
- Wait: Allow the remover to soak in for about 5 minutes. You will see the edges of the gel polish start to peel or crack.
- Remove the polish: Use a metal cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick to gently push and remove the gel polish from each nail.
- Clean your nails: Use a nail buffer to clean and smooth your nails, removing any remaining bits of gel polish.
Additionally, Dr. Lipner suggests that letting your nails grow out is another option for removing gel nail polish. This method involves clipping your nails once a week to gradually remove the gel polish. However, it is a slow process and requires patience, as it can take about 6 months for fingernails and 12 to 18 months for toenails to grow out completely.
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Gel polish vs. regular polish
Gel nail polish is a popular alternative to traditional nail polish. It is made up of acrylic monomers and oligomers that bond together when placed under UV light, triggering the curing process in seconds. This process gives extra strength to the nails, making them resistant to scratches, cracks, and chips.
The biggest advantage of gel polish is its longer wear time. A gel manicure can last up to 21 days, while regular nail polish tends to chip and damage easily and doesn't stay on the nails for very long. Gel polish is ideal for those who don't have the time or patience to deal with frequent polish changes. However, the removal process for gel polish is more labour-intensive and time-consuming than that of regular nail polish. To remove gel polish, you must remove the shiny layer and then soak your nails in acetone, either using foils or a double boiler method.
Regular nail polish, on the other hand, is easy to apply and remove, allowing for frequent colour changes. It is also more accessible and cost-effective, as it can be done at home without the need for professional equipment or technicians. The wide range of colours available in regular nail polish is another advantage, as gel polish options are more limited.
In terms of application, gel polish requires a base coat, similar to regular nail polish. However, the gel base coat is cured under a UV or LED lamp to harden the gel and provide longer-lasting results. It is important to note that gel polish should not come into contact with the skin, as it can cause damage to the nail beds and cuticles. Therefore, it is generally recommended to get gel polish removed by a professional to ensure safe and proper removal.
While gel polish offers longer-lasting results, regular nail polish provides more convenience and flexibility in terms of colour options and ease of removal. The choice between gel and regular nail polish ultimately depends on personal preferences, lifestyle, and how often one changes their nail colour.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can apply gel polish to your own nails. First, trim and shape your nails to the desired length and shape using a nail clipper and file. Push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher and remove any dead skin from your nail plate. Buff your nails to create a smooth and shiny surface. Apply a thin base coat, then cure your nails under an LED or UV lamp. Apply thin coats of gel polish, curing each layer before adding another.
To remove gel polish, you must file or soak it off using straight acetone. Note that acetone can be drying to the nails, so it's important to always take care to moisturize your nails and hands after removal.
Yes, you can apply regular nail polish over gel polish. With proper nail prep and careful application, you can achieve a beautiful finish. Start by buffing the gel polish that is already on your nails, then cleanse them with a product like Young Nails' Swipe to create a clean, smooth surface. Apply thin coats of regular nail polish, and finish with a strong top coat to protect the polish from chipping. Remember that regular nail polish can be easily removed with an acetone-free remover, but acetone can break down the gel polish underneath.
