Sophia Delgado
Getting a manicure is a great way to boost your mood and express your personal style. But what happens when you want the durability of a gel manicure without compromising your favourite nail polish colour? Well, you can use a gel top coat over regular nail polish. However, it's not that simple. You must ensure that your regular nail polish is completely dry before applying the gel top coat, as the gel will trap moisture and cause smudging or even nail fungus. Once your regular nail polish is dry, you can apply the gel top coat and cure it under a UV or LED lamp for a glossy, long-lasting finish.
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What You'll Learn
The pros and cons of curing gel top coats over regular nail polish
Curing a gel top coat over regular nail polish has its advantages and disadvantages. One of the main pros is that it can make the polish layer harder and more durable, potentially extending the life of your manicure by a day or two. It can also make removal easier, as you won't need to soak your nails in pure acetone, which can be extremely drying.
However, there are several cons to consider as well. Firstly, it can be tricky to get right, and if not done correctly, you may not get the desired benefits. Regular nail polish can take up to 24 hours to dry completely, and applying a gel top coat that dries like plastic instantly over not-yet-dry nail polish can result in a weird, gross wet layer forming between the two. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the regular nail polish is entirely dry before applying the gel top coat, which can require a lot of patience.
Additionally, some people find that removing gel top coats from regular nail polish is more challenging and messier than removing full gel or full regular polish. While full gel comes off in a solid sheet after soaking in acetone, regular nail polish dissolves into the acetone, making the removal process a little trickier.
Lastly, the safety of gel manicures is still debatable, and there may be concerns about the potential impact on nail health.
In conclusion, while curing a gel top coat over regular nail polish can provide some benefits in terms of durability and ease of removal, it requires careful execution and may not always yield the desired results. The potential cons, such as the risk of improper removal and concerns about nail health, should also be carefully considered.
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The safety of gel manicures
While gel manicures are beautiful and long-lasting, the safety of the procedure is debatable. The curing process involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to skin cancer. The use of LED lamps does not mitigate this risk, as they emit UV radiation. Additionally, the chemicals in gel nail polish can be harmful to your hands.
To protect your hands from UV radiation, you can apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before your gel manicure. Mineral sunscreens with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are recommended as they act faster than chemical ones. You can also wear UV-protective fingerless gloves or dark, opaque gloves with the fingertips cut off.
Gel manicures can also be damaging to your nails. They can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking. To minimise this damage, you should not pick at the gel nail polish when it starts to come off. Instead, soak only your fingertips in acetone or use cotton balls soaked in acetone and wrapped in aluminium foil to remove the polish. It is also important to give your nails a break between manicures. Try not to wear nail polish for one to two weeks to allow your nails to repair and rehydrate.
While a gel top coat can be applied over regular nail polish, it may not be as durable as a full gel manicure. This method can make the polish harder and more durable, but it will still adhere to the nail for the same amount of time as regular polish. Additionally, the removal process for a gel top coat over regular nail polish is easier and less damaging to the nails.
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The application process for gel top coats
Once the base coat has been cured, it's time to move on to the regular nail polish. It is important to apply thin coats of nail polish to avoid a gloppy or uneven texture. This step may require some patience, as it is crucial to let the polish dry completely. The drying process can take up to 24 hours to ensure that the regular nail polish is entirely dry and smooth, without any trapped moisture underneath.
After the regular nail polish is thoroughly dry, it's time to apply the gel top coat. Again, it is important to apply a thin layer to prevent thickening or unevenness. The gel top coat should then be cured under the UV or LED lamp, following the product's recommended curing time. This process will turn the top coat into a hard, protective layer, providing a durable and glossy finish.
The gel top coat application adds a resilient barrier that extends the life of your manicure. It protects your nails from daily activities that typically cause wear and tear, ensuring your manicure lasts longer. Following these steps will help achieve optimal results and a long-lasting, chip-resistant manicure.
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Removal of gel top coats
There are several methods to remove a gel top coat from your nails. One method is to use a gel nail polish remover, which is simple to use and requires fewer tools than the traditional method. It is also faster, taking only 5 minutes to remove the gel polish, while the acetone method takes 15 minutes. To use a gel nail polish remover, first, use a coarse nail file on the top coat layer until it's no longer shiny and smooth. Then, apply a thick layer of gel polish remover to your nails, being careful not to get it on your skin. Wait 5 minutes for the remover to soak into the gel nails, and then use a metal cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick to gently push the gel polish off each nail. Finally, clean your nails with a nail buffer and apply cuticle oil to rehydrate your cuticles.
Another method to remove gel top coats is the traditional acetone method. This method takes longer and requires more tools, but it is still possible to do at home. First, you will need to gather your supplies: acetone, cotton balls or pads, aluminum foil, a cuticle pusher, and a nail file. Cuticle oil and a nail buffer are optional but recommended to keep your nails healthy. Next, use a coarse nail file to file down the gel top coat layer until it is no longer shiny and smooth. Then, tear off pieces of cotton balls or pads that are about 1.5x1.5 cm and soak them in acetone. Wrap each nail with the soaked cotton, and then cover it with a piece of aluminum foil. Wait 10 minutes for the acetone to soak into the gel polish. Finally, remove the foil and cotton, and use a cuticle pusher to gently push the gel polish off each nail. If any polish is still remaining, you can use a wet washcloth to gently rub it off. Wash your hands with gentle soap and water to remove the acetone, and apply cuticle oil to your cuticles and the skin around your nails to reduce any irritation.
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 let your nails grow out and clip them once a week to remove the gel nail polish. This process can take about six months for fingernails and 12 to 18 months for toenails.
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The 'gelly sandwich' technique
The gelly sandwich technique is a method that combines gel topcoats and basecoats with regular nail polish. It is a great way to get the benefits of a gel manicure, such as chip-resistance and shine, while still being able to use your favourite regular nail polishes.
To do this technique, start by applying a gel base coat and curing it as directed. Then, remove the tacky layer with alcohol or a similar product. Next, apply two layers of your chosen regular nail polish and wait for it to dry completely. Finally, apply your gel top coat and cure it as usual.
This method offers more flexibility in terms of colour choices compared to a full gel manicure. It is also easier to remove, as you only need to soak through the gel layers, and it does not require soaking your nails in pure acetone, which can be extremely drying.
However, it is important to note that the gelly sandwich technique may not last as long as a full gel manicure. Additionally, it requires more time due to the need to wait for the regular nail polish to dry.
Some people have also experienced issues with the application process, such as the regular nail polish repelling the base coat or not adhering well to the gel top coat. It is recommended to ensure that your nails are clean and free from oils or dirt before applying the gel topcoat to avoid any issues.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can. However, it is crucial to ensure that the regular nail polish is completely dry before applying the gel top coat. The drying time for regular nail polish can take up to 24 hours.
Applying a gel top coat over undried regular nail polish can trap moisture, leading to potential issues such as smudges and nail fungus.
A gel top coat can extend the life of your manicure by adding a durable and protective layer. It typically lasts for approximately two weeks, providing extra resilience against daily wear and tear.
A gel top coat offers superior protection and shine, enhancing the look and longevity of your manicure. It cures quickly under UV or LED light, forming a hard, glossy, and plastic-like finish that is resistant to chipping.
Yes, it is easier to remove compared to a full gel manicure. Since only the top coat is gel, it provides the advantage of simpler removal without the need for acetone soaking, which can be drying to the nails.
