Liam Carter
There are several products on the market that claim to turn any regular nail polish into gel nail polish, such as Hydracol XOX Gel Nail Polish and Gelibility. These products are applied in a similar way: by mixing equal parts of the product with your chosen nail polish, before applying to the nails and curing under a UV lamp. Some people also choose to seal their regular nail polish with a UV gel top coat, but this can cause problems if the polish is not fully dry.
Can I turn regular nail polish into gel?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Possible | Yes |
| Methods | Using a product like Hydracol XOX Gel Nail Polish or Gelibility Fix It! |
| Steps | Mix regular nail polish with gel nail polish, apply to nails, cure under UV light, and finish with a top coat |
| Pros | Long-lasting, shiny, chip-free, durable, cost-effective, professional-looking |
| Cons | May be streaky or uneven, may require experimentation to get the desired results |
| Tips | Ensure regular nail polish is completely dry before applying gel, wipe nails with alcohol before application for better adherence |
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What You'll Learn
Using a gel top coat
While it is possible to use a gel top coat over regular nail polish, it is generally advised against as it can be harmful to your nails. Regular nail varnish takes about 24 hours to become completely dry. However, it may be dry to the touch in a shorter amount of time, but it will still be vulnerable to dents and creases. On the other hand, gel polish dries within 30-60 seconds and takes on a much harder consistency. This means that when you apply a gel top coat, you are trapping the moisture from your nail varnish against your nail bed, which can create a breeding ground for fungus.
If you still want to use a gel top coat over your regular nail polish, it is recommended that you wait at least 12-24 hours to ensure that your nail polish is completely dry before applying the gel top coat. You can also apply a regular quick-dry top coat over your nail polish first to protect it while you wait. Additionally, you should wipe your nails with alcohol before applying the gel top coat to assure adherence and prevent the gel from slipping or forming craters.
It is also important to note that the success of this method may depend on the specific products you are using. Some combinations of regular nail polish and gel top coat may not work well together, and the gel may "bead" and pull away from the normal polish. This may be less likely to occur if you use a good quality gel top coat, as cheaper products may be more prone to peeling.
There are also products available that are specifically designed to turn any regular nail polish into a gel polish. These products are typically used by mixing them with your regular nail polish, and they can provide a long-lasting, chip-free finish. However, some customers have reported mixed results with these products, with some experiencing issues such as streaking and unevenness.
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Mixing with gel polish
Yes, it is possible to turn regular nail polish into gel polish. There are several products available that can be mixed with regular nail polish to transform it into gel polish, such as Hydracol XOX Gel Nail Polish and Gelibility Fix It!. These products typically involve mixing equal parts of the gel solution with your chosen nail polish, although some sources recommend experimenting with the ratio to achieve the desired colour intensity. After mixing, simply apply the polish to your nails as usual and cure under a UV or LED lamp.
It is also possible to use a regular nail polish as a base colour and then seal it with a UV gel top coat. This method can be a little more tricky as the UV gel may not adhere properly to the regular polish, causing it to "bead" and pull away. To help prevent this, it is recommended to let the regular nail polish dry completely before applying the UV gel top coat. Some sources suggest waiting 12 to 24 hours to ensure the polish is fully dry, and using a regular quick-dry top coat to protect the polish while you wait. Additionally, wiping the surface of the nails with alcohol can help improve the adherence of the UV gel.
Using a gel top coat can give your manicure a beautiful shine and help it last longer without chipping. However, it's important to note that the longevity of this method may not be as good as using a dedicated gel polish system.
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Hydracol XOX Gel Nail Polish
How to Use
To use Hydracol XOX Gel Nail Polish, simply mix equal parts of your chosen regular nail polish with the Hydracol product. It is recommended to mix the products on a small, flat plastic plate, ensuring they are combined thoroughly and rapidly.
The ratio of regular nail polish to Hydracol is important, and it is advised not to exceed a 50/50 mix. You can then apply the mixture to your nails, curing each layer under an LED light until the desired opacity is achieved. Remember that multiple thin coats cure better under the LED light than thicker layers.
Durability and Removal
Additional Tips
- It is important to ensure your nails are clean and dry before applying the gel polish.
- You can use a gel base coat and top coat for added shine and protection.
- Always wipe off any residue with alcohol after curing your nail colour.
- If you are using a UV gel top coat with regular nail polish, be aware that some products may not be compatible and could bubble or pull away.
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Gelibility Fix It
It is important to note that the mixing ratio of colour to Fix It may affect the results. Some reviewers recommend using a ratio of 2:1 (colour-to-Fix It) to achieve the desired opacity and make the Fix It last longer. Additionally, the quality of the regular nail polish used can impact the outcome, with cheaper polishes potentially requiring multiple coats.
When using Gelibility Fix It, it is crucial to follow the instructions carefully. This includes using separate brushes for mixing and application to avoid discolouration and ensuring that the nail polish is completely dry before applying the gel top coat.
Overall, Gelibility Fix It offers a creative solution for those who want to transform their regular nail polishes into gel polishes, providing the opportunity for unique colours and long-lasting manicures. However, it is essential to manage expectations and be open to experimenting with the mixing ratios to achieve the best results.
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Curing with UV light
UV nail lamps emit ultraviolet radiation, which can be dangerous for your health with prolonged exposure. It is important to be mindful of this when curing gel nail polish with UV light. LED lamps are an alternative to UV lamps and can cure gel polish faster, but they may not be compatible with all gel polishes. Some gel polishes are designed specifically for UV nail lamps, so it is important to check the product specifications before purchasing a lamp.
When curing gel nail polish with UV light, it is important to follow the instructions on the product carefully. The curing time can vary depending on the wattage of the lamp and the type of gel polish being used. Typically, a high-wattage LED lamp can cure gel polish within seconds, while a UV lamp can take up to two minutes.
To cure gel nail polish with UV light, start by applying a thin layer of the gel polish to your nails. Then, place your hand under the UV lamp, making sure that the nails are facing the light. Turn on the lamp and leave your hand under the light for the recommended curing time. Repeat this process for the other hand.
It is important to note that UV gel top coats may not be compatible with all regular nail polishes. In some cases, the top coat may "bead" and pull away from the normal polish, even if the nails are wiped with alcohol first. This is because UV top coats are formulated to stick to UV colour polish, not air-dry polish.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can turn regular nail polish into gel. You can use products such as Gelibility Fix It! and Hydracol XOX Gel Nail Polish to transform regular nail polish into gel polish.
Put equal amounts of Gelibility Fix It! gel and your regular nail polish on a palette or in a small dish. Wipe off the nail polish brush. Using the regular nail polish brush, mix the Gelibility Fix It! and the nail polish well. Using the same brush, apply a thin coat of your mixture to your nails. Cure in a UV, LED, or CCFL lamp. Apply a second coat of the mixture and cure again.
It is recommended to wait for at least 12 hours to ensure that the regular nail polish is completely dry before applying the UV gel top coat.
