Liam Carter
Gel nail polishes are cured under UV or LED light and are known for their durability and glossy finish. They can be purchased online from stores such as Walmart, Sally Beauty, and Ulta Beauty, as well as from Amazon. Gel nail polishes are also available for purchase in physical stores.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types | Gel nail polish, gel nail strips, gel nail powder, gel nail remover |
| Brands | OPI, Nina Ultra Pro, ASP, Beetles, Modelones, Lavender Violets, Gelish, DND Gels, Kiara Sky, Sally Hansen |
| Application | Prep nails by filing, buffing, and cleaning with nail polish remover, apply a thin base coat and cure under an LED or UV lamp, apply gel polish in thin layers, finish with a top coat |
| Benefits | Longer-lasting without chipping, glossier finish, dries faster than regular polish |
| Removal | Some brands require soaking in acetone, others can be removed with regular nail polish remover |
| Availability | Available for purchase online and in-store at Walmart, Sally Beauty, Amazon, and Ulta Beauty |
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What You'll Learn
Where to buy gel nail polish
Yes, you can buy gel nail polish from a variety of retailers. Some of the places where you can purchase gel nail polish include:
Sally Beauty
Sally Beauty offers a wide range of gel nail polishes, powders, and removers. They have a large selection of colours available, including White Hot, Creme De La Creme, Wink, He Makes Me Blush, and many others. Sally Beauty allows you to purchase products online and pick them up at your selected store.
Walmart
Walmart sells gel nail polish online, including brands such as OPI and Nina Ultra Pro. You can find various colours and base and top coats.
Beyond Polish
Beyond Polish offers a range of gel nail polishes, including brands like China Glaze, Essie, and Madam Glam. They provide free shipping for orders over $75.
Madam Glam
Madam Glam is a brand that offers gel nail polishes directly to consumers through their website. They provide exclusive sales and free US shipping and exchanges. Madam Glam also offers free returns and exchanges within 30 days of purchase. The brand is proud to use eco-friendly practices and exclude the 21 most toxic ingredients from their gels.
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Gel nail polish brands
Yes, you can buy gel nail polish from a variety of brands. Some popular brands include:
OPI
OPI offers a range of gel nail polishes, including the GelColor collection, which provides a long-lasting, high-shine finish. The brand also offers a PROHEALTH Base Coat + Top Coat duo for added nail protection and shine.
Nina Ultra Pro
The Gel Effect by Nina Ultra Pro is another option, with shades like Skipping Stone.
ASP
ASP's Soak-Off Gel Polish collection offers 97 colour options, including shades like White Hot, He Makes Me Blush, and Mermaid Tales.
Sally Beauty
Sally Beauty offers a range of gel nail polishes, powders, and removers, with options for online purchase and in-store pickup.
Beyond Polish
Beyond Polish carries a wide range of gel nail polish brands, including butter LONDON, Essie, Gelish, and CND.
Nail Supply Inc.
Nail Supply Inc. offers professional gel polish from brands like Gelish, Artistic, and Entity.
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Gel nail polish kits
One popular option is the Le Mini Macaron Gel Nail Kit, which comes in two variations: Le Mini and Le Maxi. Both kits include an LED lamp, with Le Mini being a portable one-finger lamp and Le Maxi featuring a four-finger design. The polish in these kits dries in 30 seconds with the mini lamp and 60 seconds with the maxi lamp. The 3-in-1 gel polish combines the base, colour, and top coat in a single bottle, simplifying the manicure process.
Another well-known brand, Kiara Sky, offers professional gel nail kits that provide long-lasting gel nails with various shapes like almond, coffin, stiletto, and square. Their kits include prep, primer, builder, top coat, Gelly Tips, and a Beyond Pro Flash Cure Mini Lamp. Kiara Sky's kits are perfect for those who want to express their creativity through nail art, even without a nail drill or e-file.
The DND Gel Starter Kit is another all-in-one option, providing everything needed for high-quality manicures and pedicures. With these kits, users can create gorgeous, long-lasting nail looks effortlessly.
Gel nail kits offer convenience, affordability, and the ability to achieve salon-quality results from the comfort of your own home. They are perfect for beginners and experienced users alike, providing a wide range of options to suit different needs and preferences.
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Gel nail polish application
Gel nail polish is a great alternative to regular polish. It provides a super glossy shine, has no drying time, and can last for up to two weeks without chipping. The best gel polishes will last over two weeks without chipping and will have a vibrant shine when applied.
Firstly, prepare your nails by using a nail clipper to trim them to the desired length and shape. Then, use a nail file to smooth out the edges for a smooth application. Next, use a cuticle pusher to push back your cuticles, creating a cleaner and more visible nail surface area. You can also use it to remove any dead skin from your nail plate. It is recommended not to trim your cuticles, as this may open up the root of your nails to infections.
Secondly, lightly buff your nails to make the surface of your natural nail smooth and shiny, and primed to bond with the gel polish. You can then apply a super-thin base coat to your dry nails. Work in smooth vertical strips and wipe off any base coat that gets on your surrounding skin. You can dry the base coat under a UV or LED lamp for 45 seconds to 2 minutes, or let your nails air dry for 10 minutes.
Thirdly, apply a thin layer of your gel polish colour. Paint all the way through the tip of your nail as well as over the surface. This will prevent the gel from curling back off your nail. It will probably look streaky, but that is normal for the first layer. Cure the first layer of gel nail polish under a UV or LED lamp for 30 seconds to 2 minutes, following the curing instructions that came with your gel nail polish.
Finally, apply a second layer of gel polish. This will look more opaque and colourful on top of the first layer. Cure your nails under the lamp, in the same way, you cured the first layer. You can add a third coat if you wish, but it is usually unnecessary. Apply your top coat to protect the gel nail polish. Coat your nails completely, like you would with a third layer of gel polish. Cure the gel polish under a UV light for 2 minutes, or an LED lamp for 30 seconds.
You can use regular top coat products to protect your gel nails, or use a special gel top coat.
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Gel nail polish removal
There are several methods to remove gel nail polish. Board-certified dermatologist Shari Lipner, MD, PhD, FAAD, recommends using acetone, which is the most effective way to remove gel nail polish at home. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Acetone Method:
- Prepare the necessary items: You will need 100% pure acetone, cotton balls or pads, aluminium foil or plastic food wrap, a nail file, a cuticle pusher or orangewood stick, a nail buffer, and cuticle oil or hand cream for aftercare.
- File the top coat: Use a coarse nail file to gently buff away the shiny top layer of the gel nail polish. Start with your non-dominant hand and file from the cuticle to the edge of your nail, moving left to right. Avoid using a back-and-forth motion or focusing on just one spot. Filing down the top coat helps the acetone penetrate the gel polish faster and makes it easier to remove the polish.
- Soak cotton in acetone: Saturate the cotton balls or pads with pure acetone. If using cotton balls, tear off pieces that are about 1.5 x 1.5 cm. Ensure they are thin but large enough to cover your nail bed.
- Wrap each nail: Place the soaked cotton on your fingernail and secure it with aluminium foil or plastic food wrap. Plastic wrap creates a tighter seal, preventing the acetone from dripping.
- Wait 10-15 minutes: Let the acetone dissolve the gel nail polish. Check one nail after 10 minutes. If the polish is flaking off, you can move on to the next step.
- Gently push off the gel: Use a cuticle pusher or orangewood stick to carefully remove any softened gel. If the polish is not coming off easily, continue soaking the nail with the acetone-soaked cotton for another 5 minutes.
- Remove any remaining polish: Use a washcloth soaked in warm water to gently rub off any remaining gel nail polish. Be careful to only rub the nail and avoid the surrounding skin.
- Wash your hands: Wash your hands or feet with gentle soap and water to remove the acetone. Use fragrance-free or mild soap to avoid irritating your skin.
- Apply petroleum jelly or cuticle oil: Gently rub petroleum jelly or cuticle oil into your cuticles and the skin around your nails to reduce any irritation caused by the acetone and to keep your nails hydrated and healthy.
Another method recommended by Dr. Lipner is to simply let your nails grow out. Clipping your nails once a week will help remove the gel nail polish and prevent your nails from catching on objects. It takes about six months for fingernails to grow out and 12 to 18 months for toenails.
It is important to note that picking, filing, or scraping off gel nail polish can damage your nails and cause white spots. Therefore, it is recommended to use gentle methods and take care of your nails during and after the removal process.
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Frequently asked questions
You can buy gel nail polish from a variety of online and in-store retailers, including Ulta Beauty, Walmart, Sally Beauty, and Amazon.
There are many brands of gel nail polish available, including OPI, Nina Ultra Pro, Kiara Sky, DND, Beetles, Modelones, Lavender Violets, and ASP.
To apply gel nail polish at home, you will need a few basic tools, such as nail polish remover, a base coat, an LED or UV lamp, your chosen colour, and a top coat.
First, prep your nails by filing, buffing, and cleaning them with nail polish remover. Apply a thin base coat and cure it under an LED or UV lamp. Then, apply thin layers of your chosen colour, curing each layer under the lamp. Finish with a top coat, curing it under the lamp to seal in the colour and provide a glossy finish.
Gel nail polish can last anywhere from 8 to 21 days, depending on the formula and application.
