Isla Bennett
Gel nail polishes are cured under UV or LED light and are known for their durability and glossy finish. Most gel polishes require a UV or LED lamp for curing, but some no-light-required options exist. You can buy gel nail polishes and curing lamps from various brands such as Light Elegance, Gelous, Ulta Beauty, and Walmart. These brands offer a wide range of gel nail polish colours, starter kits, nail lamps, and other manicure tools.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Gel nail polish |
| Curing | Requires UV or LED light |
| Durability | Long-lasting |
| Finish | Glossy |
| Removal | Requires buffing, soaking, and gentle removal |
| Options | Various colours, effects, and types (e.g., temperature-changing, glitter, magnetic) |
| Brands | Essie, OPI, Sally Hansen, Gelous, Light Elegance, CND Shellac, Gelish, Daisy Gel, OPI GelColor, etc. |
| Kits | Starter kits available with nail lamps and polish |
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What You'll Learn
UV or LED nail lamp
If you want to do your gel nails at home, you will need to buy a UV or LED nail lamp. This is because gel nail polish requires curing under a lamp to set and harden. The two types of nail lamps used to cure gel nail polish are classified as either LED or UV, which refers to the type of bulbs inside the unit and the kind of light they emit.
LED nail lamps emit light in a specific wavelength, activating photoinitiators in the gel polish and causing it to harden. LED nail lamps often cure gel polish faster than UV lights, usually taking less than a minute to dry. However, this type of nail light may not work for all gel polishes as it uses a narrower wavelength than UV lamps, so some polishes may not cure properly.
UV nail lamps emit a broader light spectrum than LEDs, making them compatible with a wider range of gel polishes. They also activate the photoinitiators in gel polish. UV lamps typically take about two minutes to cure gel polish thoroughly. Over-exposure to UV light can be dangerous, but UV lamps for nail curing emit much lower levels of ultraviolet light than tanning beds or the sun.
You can also find UV/LED nail lamps on the market that have both types of bulbs, allowing you to switch between different types of gel polishes. While LED lamps are more expensive upfront, they also last longer, so you won't need to worry about changing the bulbs.
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Gel nail polish starter kits
Gel nail polish is cured under UV or LED light and is known for its durability and glossy finish. While most gel polishes require a UV or LED lamp for curing, there are some no-light-required options available.
There are several gel nail polish starter kits available on the market, which provide everything needed for a professional-grade DIY gel manicure at home. Here are some examples:
Le Mini Macaron Gel Nail Kit
Le Mini Macaron offers two gel nail kits: Le Mini and Le Maxi. Both kits include everything needed for a salon-quality gel manicure at home, including an LED lamp. The Le Mini kit comes with a portable one-finger LED lamp that dries gel polish in 30 seconds, while the Le Maxi kit features a four-finger LED lamp that dries gel polish in 60 seconds. The 3-in-1 gel polish combines the base coat, colour, and top coat in a single bottle. The kits are affordable, easy to use, and perfect for beginners.
Light Elegance Gel Polish
Light Elegance offers a range of gel nail polish options, including glitter gel, builder gel, and HEMA-free formulas. They provide professional-grade UV/LED gel nail products that are cruelty-free, vegan, and compliant with European Union safety standards. Light Elegance offers various bundles, such as the Spring P+ Gel Polish Bundle and the Spring ButterCream Bundle, which include multiple shades and essential tools.
Manucurist Nail Polish Kits
Manucurist offers the Green System nail polish kits, which are vegan and plant-based. The kits include everything essential for a manicure: degreaser, drying drops, base coat, top coat, and colours. The Green Flash option dries without a lamp and provides long-wear for over seven days.
DND Gel Starter Kit
The DND Gel Starter Kit is an all-in-one solution for creating high-quality manicures and pedicures at home. This kit provides all the necessary tools and products for effortless and gorgeous nails.
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Removing gel nail polish
Traditional Acetone Method:
This method uses acetone, cotton balls or pads, aluminum foil, a cuticle pusher, and a nail file. Cuticle oil and a nail buffer are optional. First, use a coarse nail file to buff the surface of your nails and break the seal of the top coat. Then, place a piece of cotton soaked in acetone on each nail and wrap it with plastic food wrap or aluminum foil. Leave it on for about 10 minutes, then try to rub off the gel nail polish with the cotton. If the polish is not coming off easily, soak the nail with the acetone cotton for another 5 minutes. Finally, gently buff your nails to smooth out ridges and remove any remaining polish.
Gel Nail Polish Remover:
This method is faster and simpler than the traditional acetone method and requires fewer tools. It is also less damaging to your nails. First, use a coarse nail file to file down the top coat layer. Then, apply a thick layer of gel polish remover to your nails, being careful not to get it on your skin. After 5 minutes, use a metal cuticle pusher or orangewood stick to gently push off the gel polish. Finish by cleaning your nails with a nail buffer.
Letting Nails Grow Out:
This method is recommended by dermatologist Shari Lipner, MD, FAAD. Simply let your nails grow out and clip them once a week. This will gradually remove the gel nail polish and prevent your nails from catching on things. However, this process can take up to 6 months for fingernails and 12 to 18 months for toenails. It is important to resist the urge to pick or scrape off the polish, as this can damage your nails.
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Gel nail polish brands
When it comes to gel nail polish, there are several brands to choose from, each with its unique offerings. Here are some popular gel nail polish brands to consider:
OPI
OPI is a well-known brand in the nail polish industry, offering a range of gel nail polishes. Their Infinite Shine Long-Wear Nail Polish provides a durable and glossy finish when cured under a UV or LED lamp.
Sally Hansen
Sally Hansen is another popular brand that offers both gel nail polishes and top coats. Their Miracle Gel line includes chip-resistant formulas with bold colours and glittery options. The top coat provides a glossy finish and seals in the colour. Additionally, Sally Hansen also has no-light-required options, such as the Miracle Gel Desert Oasis Nail Polish Collection, which dries naturally.
Light Elegance
Light Elegance specialises in HEMA-free gel nail polishes, which are cruelty-free and vegan. They offer a wide range of gel polishes, including glitter gels and builder gels. Light Elegance also provides professional UV/LED gel nail products for salon use. Their P+ Gel Polish line includes a range of colours and effects, such as the Girls Night In Collection.
Essie
Essie offers gel nail polishes in light, pastel shades, perfect for spring. Their Bedazzled Longwear Nail Polish Collection includes colours like Bling It, a muted sage green. Essie's formulas provide a glossy finish and long-lasting wear.
Le Mini Macaron
Le Mini Macaron is a brand that offers gel nail polishes suitable for the cooler months. Their "French Bisous!" Gel Polish Duo Set includes deeper tones like the sultry Rouge Dahlia. Their formulas are designed to be chip-resistant and provide a glossy finish.
Other Brands
In addition to the brands mentioned above, there are several other popular gel nail polish brands, such as Gelish, Artistic, and Entity. These brands offer professional-grade gel polishes with a wide range of colours and finishes to choose from.
When choosing a gel nail polish brand, consider your personal needs, preferences, and the amount of time you're willing to dedicate to your manicure. Some brands may offer easier application, longer-lasting formulas, or nail-healthy options. Additionally, consider the colour range, finish (glossy or matte), and the type of lamp required for curing the polish.
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Gel nail polish colours
When it comes to gel nail polish, there is a wide range of colours to choose from. The best gel nail polish for you depends on your personal needs, preferences, and the time you can dedicate to your manicure. You can opt for classic nudes or reds for a professional look, or go for bold or glittery options for a night out. Warmer shades tend to complement darker skin tones, while cooler shades suit lighter skin tones.
For the spring, light and pastel shades are ideal, such as the muted sage green from Essie's Bedazzled Longwear Nail Polish Collection. Sultry, deeper tones like the Rouge Dahlia from the "French Bisous!" Gel Polish Duo Set by Le Mini Macaron are perfect for the cooler months. You can also consider colours that match your wardrobe, such as the Infinite Shine Long-Wear Nail Polish by OPI, or experiment with different shades to express your personal style.
If you want to create nail art, Light Elegance offers a range of gel polishes, including spring shades like Naive, Love Bug, and Soft Serve. Their Girls Night In Collection features six warm, rosy pink shades with a pearl finish. For a glossy finish, try Red Carpet Manicure's Velvet Magnet Special Effect Gel Polish, or opt for a chip-resistant formula like Sally Hansen's Miracle Gel.
When applying gel nail polish, start with a thin coat of your chosen colour and cure it under a UV or LED lamp. Repeat with a second coat for a deeper colour, and finish with a top coat, curing it again to seal in the colour and add shine. Remember, curing is essential to the durability of gel polish, so be patient and ensure each layer is fully cured.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel nail polish is a type of polish cured under UV or LED light. It is known for its durability and glossy finish.
Most gel polishes require a UV or LED lamp for curing, but some no-light-required options exist.
Gel nail polish can last anywhere from 8 to 21 days, depending on the formula and application.
When used and removed properly, gel polish should not damage your nails. Overuse or incorrect removal can cause weakness.
You can buy gel nail polish and UV/LED lamps from various online retailers, including Walmart, Ulta Beauty, Light Elegance, and Gelous. You can also find gel nail polish from popular brands such as CND Shellac, Gelish, Daisy Gel, and OPI Gelcolor.
