Sophia Delgado
Polygel nails have become a popular manicure option, combining the strength of acrylics with the flexibility of gels. This trend has taken over TikTok, with many people opting to do their polygel nails at home. One of the benefits of polygel is its durability, lasting around three to four weeks, similar to other nail enhancements. When it comes to the application process, you can paint regular polish or gel polish over a polygel base. However, it's important to finish it off with a top coat for the best results.
Can I use gel nail polish on polygel?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can gel nail polish be applied on top of a polygel base? | Yes |
| What is the process? | Nail prep, dehydrate, use a primer, add base coat, cure, apply polygel, cure, file, brush off dust, clean with alcohol, add colour coats, add nail art, add top coat |
| Can you top coat your polygel? | Only if you aren't adding anything else on top |
| How long does polygel last? | Three to four weeks |
| How is polygel removed? | Similar to removing hard gel, i.e. filing down the product, buffing with an e-file, then filing down by hand |
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What You'll Learn
Yes, you can use gel nail polish on polygel nails
Polygel nails combine the strength of acrylics with the flexibility of gels, so they provide a good base for gel nail polish. You can paint regular polish or gel polish over the top of a polygel base, but remember to finish it off with a top coat.
If you're using a classic or understated colour, you can also just apply the polygel and top coat with a clear coat to wear it on its own. You can also create a French manicure with polygel using a neutral base and a white tip, but this requires a lot more skill.
Polygel lasts the same amount of time as a typical nail enhancement, around three to four weeks. But polygel doesn't need to be soaked off; you can just get it filled in. A fill-in, or rebalance, requires your manicurist to remove the top gel polish layer and fill in the base of the nail where you've had growth.
When it comes to removal, this is often best left to the experts, even if you did the original manicure at home, because this is where you can damage your natural nail. Removing polygel is similar to removing hard gel. It isn't acetone-soluble and requires you to file down the product.
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Nail prep, dehydrate, and prime before applying the base coat
To prep your nails before applying a base coat, start by performing any cuticle work and filing and shaping your natural nails. Wipe away any dust with a brush or acetone. You can also use a simple pure alcohol wipe on your nails before applying the gel. Then, apply a thin coat of nail dehydrator to the natural nail to remove natural oils and water from the nail surface, creating a smooth, dry canvas for the gel polish to adhere to.
After the nail is fully dry, apply a thin coat of acid-free primer to the entire nail. This will remove any remaining oils and grease on the nail plate, which can otherwise lead to your base coat not adhering to the nail. It also prevents the creation of any air bubbles for better adherence. If you have oilier nails, you can use a PH bond before the primer to balance the pH of your natural nails, which will further ensure optimal polish adherence.
Once the primer is dry, you can apply your base coat. Apply a thin layer of base coat and cure under a UV/LED lamp for 60 seconds. The base coat will be sticky after curing, but do not wipe it. One thin coat is enough—applying too much or too thick a layer may cause chipping.
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File polygel nails into shape after curing
Polygel nails are a hybrid nail product that combines the strength of acrylics with the flexibility of gels. They are strong, flexible, and light, and can be applied as a natural nail overlay or as an enhancement for nail extensions. Polygel nails are cured under UV light or using an LED lamp and can be easily filed off using a hand nail file or an e-file.
After curing your polygel nails, you can file them into your desired shape. It is important to note that if you bend the seals too much while trying to file and shape your nails, it can cause the polygel to lift. Therefore, it is recommended to be gentle and careful during the filing process.
To file your polygel nails into shape, you can use a hand nail file or an e-file. If using a hand nail file, choose an appropriate grit level, such as a 180-grit nail file, and gently file your nails into the desired shape. Take your time and be careful not to over-file, as this can damage your natural nails.
If you prefer to use an e-file, also known as an electric nail file, you can start by buffing the material down to a thin layer. This will help speed up the process and make it easier to shape your nails. However, be cautious not to over-buff, as it can weaken the integrity of your polygel nails. After using the e-file, you can switch to a hand file to gently shape your nails and smooth out any rough edges.
Remember, it is always recommended to seek the services of a professional manicurist or nail technician to ensure the best results and prevent any potential damage to your natural nails. They will have the expertise and experience to properly shape and file your polygel nails, ensuring a gorgeous and long-lasting manicure.
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Finish with a top coat
After you've applied your polygel and cured it, it's important to finish with a top coat. This will help to seal in the colour and add a layer of protection to your manicure.
The first step is to brush off any dust that may have accumulated during the filing process. You can use a soft brush to gently sweep away any debris. Next, clean your nails with rubbing alcohol. This will help to remove any remaining dust or oil and ensure that the top coat adheres properly.
Once your nails are clean and dry, it's time to apply the top coat. Be sure to use a thin, even layer and avoid flooding your cuticles. Seal the tips of your nails by capping them with the top coat, this will help to prevent chipping.
Allow the top coat to dry completely. This may take a few minutes, but you can use a fan or a hairdryer on a cool setting to speed up the process if needed. Once it's dry, you can gently buff your nails to add shine and smooth out any imperfections.
If you're using a regular nail polish as your top coat, you may need to reapply it every few days to maintain the finish. However, if you're using a gel top coat, your manicure will last for weeks and you won't need to reapply.
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Removal is best left to experts
While polygel nails can be applied at home, the removal process is best left to experts. This is because improper removal can damage your natural nails. Removing polygel is similar to removing hard gel, and it isn't acetone-soluble, so you can't simply soak it off. Instead, you need to file down the product, which can be time-consuming and may damage your natural nails if not done correctly.
Manicurist and Orly educator An Cao recommends that fill-ins, which are sometimes called "rebalances", should be done by a professional. A fill-in requires the removal of the top gel polish layer and the filling in of the base of the nail where there has been growth. If the product is not removed or prepared correctly before applying the fill, there is a risk of getting fungus on your nail.
Nail-care specialist Rica Romain recommends using an e-file to remove polygel, as it will take a long time to remove manually. She suggests buffing the material down to a thin layer with an e-file and then filing down the rest by hand with a 180-grit nail file.
It is important to note that polygel nails are a more durable option than traditional nail polish or gel polish, providing the strength of acrylics with the flexibility of gels. While polygel can be painted over with regular polish or gel polish, it is important to finish with a top coat to protect the colour and ensure the longevity of your manicure.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use gel nail polish on top of a polygel base.
After applying and curing the polygel, you can add a base coat before applying gel polish.
Traditional gel polish is flexible but does not provide structure or strength to your nails, unlike polygel.
Polygel lasts for around three to four weeks, which is the same amount of time as a typical nail enhancement.
Polygel is not acetone-soluble and requires you to file it down. You can start by using an e-file, then filing down the rest manually with a 180-grit nail file.
