Caleb Foster
It is possible to mix gel nail polish colours to create new shades, but there are some important considerations. Firstly, it is generally recommended to only mix the same brands of gel nail polish, as different brands may not be compatible and can cause issues with durability and long-wear. Even when mixing the same brand, gels can react strangely, and it may be challenging to reproduce the desired colour consistently. Additionally, it is crucial to allow sufficient drying time between layers to avoid lifting. While mixing gel nail polish colours can be a creative way to expand your colour options, it may require some experimentation to achieve the desired results.
Characteristics and values of mixing gel nail polish colors
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mixing gel nail polish colors | Possible |
| Reproducibility of colors | Difficult |
| Compatibility of different brands | Not recommended |
| Consistency of results | May vary |
| Durability | May be affected by mixing |
| Layering technique | Recommended |
| Curing process | May vary with different colors |
| Use of glitter | Possible to mix in |
| Pigmentation | May vary with different brands |
| Strength | Varies with type of gel polish |
| Soak-off | Easier with hybrid gel polish |
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What You'll Learn
Mixing different brands of gel nail polish is not recommended
While it is possible to mix gel nail polish colours, there are some important considerations to keep in mind, especially when it comes to mixing different brands. Firstly, it is generally recommended to avoid mixing soft gel brands. Brands like OPI, Gelish, Shellac, Vetro, Kokoist, Leafgel, and Bio Sculpture are considered soft gels, and while they can be used to create nail art, they may not yield consistent and long-wearing results when mixed. These brands are flexible products that move with the natural flexing and bending of your nails. However, gel polishes are thinner and may not absorb this movement well, potentially leading to micro-shattering or wearing off at the free edge.
Additionally, gels from different brands can react unpredictably with each other, even if they are from the same brand. This can affect the evenness of coverage and the overall durability of the manicure. It is also challenging to reproduce colours when mixing gels, as it is difficult to measure such small amounts consistently. This can lead to wastefulness, as you may need to discard mixtures that do not turn out as expected.
Another important consideration is the curing process. Different gel polishes have distinct cure stages, and mixing them before application can interfere with the evenness of coverage. It is generally recommended to paint and cure one colour, and then layer another colour on top to create a new shade. This technique allows for more control over the final colour and helps avoid potential issues with uneven curing.
Lastly, when it comes to mixing regular nail polish with gel polish, it is crucial to exercise caution. While it is possible to apply a gel top coat over regular nail polish, it is essential to wait at least 24 hours or until the nail polish is completely dry to avoid lifting. Lifting occurs when the nail polish is still wet underneath the gel topcoat, causing it to peel or separate from the nail. Therefore, it is generally recommended to avoid mixing regular nail polish and gel polish unless you are confident in your understanding of the process and potential risks.
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You can layer colours to create new shades
Yes, you can mix gel nail polish colours to create new shades. However, it is recommended to stick to mixing only two colours, as adding more can cause the mixture to appear muddy. Before you begin, it is a good idea to do a rough draft on a piece of plain white paper to see if the combination will work.
When mixing colours, it is best to use nail polishes with the same base type, such as glitter, sheer, opaque, or matte. Primary colours tend to mix well together, for example, to make purple, mix red and blue, and to make green, combine yellow and blue. Similarly, like colours also tend to mix well. For instance, to create a hot orange, mix a darker orange with yellow, and to make a lighter pink, combine a deeper pink with white.
It is important to note that gels from different brands may react strangely with each other, so it is recommended to stick to the same brand when mixing. Additionally, only mix enough polish for the set you are working on, as it can be challenging to reproduce the same colour again due to the small amounts involved.
When mixing, start with only a few drops of each colour and gradually combine them until you achieve the desired shade. If you want a swirl of colour, stop mixing before they are completely blended. You can also adjust the shade by adding a drop at a time of either the lighter or darker colour used in the mixture. However, avoid using black to darken the shade, as it can overpower the other colours.
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Pure gel nail polishes are more pigmented
Soft gel polishes are cured under an LED or UV lamp and can be worn for up to two to four weeks. They add minimal strength to short to mid-length nails and are not strong enough to support nail extensions. On the other hand, hard gels are also cured under an LED or UV light and can be worn for three to four weeks. They are an excellent alternative to acrylic overlays because they are softer and can be shaped to form any nail shape.
If you're looking for highly pigmented colour in just two coats, the V Beauty Gel Nail Polish Starter Kit is a great option. This vegan and cruelty-free formula recommends curing each layer for 60 seconds under an LED lamp. OPI's GelColour is another popular choice, offering dreamy pinks, punchy reds, and more in 606 shades and counting. Their polishes are known for their vibrant, opaque finish, and they can last for up to three weeks.
While gels are a great option for long-lasting colour, it's important to note that they can be difficult to mix at home. Gels can react strangely with each other, even if they are from the same brand, and it can be challenging to reproduce the same colour consistently. Additionally, the small amounts of gel required for mixing can be wasteful if you don't like the resulting colour.
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Gels from the same brand can react strangely with each other
While it is possible to mix gel nail polish colours, gels from the same brand can sometimes react strangely with each other. This could be due to the highly reactive nature of monomers, which are present in gel formulas. When exposed to UV light, these monomers can instantly bond with other molecules, including other monomers, to form a polymer film that gives gel nail polish its characteristic hard and strong finish.
The high reactivity of monomers can become problematic when they come into contact with or enter the body, as they can start to attach to or bond with other molecules, potentially causing skin irritation and
In addition, different gel formulas may cure at different rates, and using a lamp with the wrong wattage can also affect the curing process. This could be another factor contributing to the strange reactions observed when mixing gel nail polishes from the same brand.
To avoid potential issues, it is generally recommended to only mix enough polish for the set you are working on and to stick to mixing polishes from the same brand or line, as they are likely to have the same formulation. It is also important to be cautious when mixing different brands, as some formulas may not be compatible and could result in undesirable results.
Overall, while it is possible to mix gel nail polish colours, including those from the same brand, it is important to be aware of the potential for strange reactions and to take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and satisfactory outcome.
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Hybrid gel polishes are mixed with other ingredients
Hybrid gel polishes are designed to combine the qualities of traditional nail polish with the durability and strength of gel polish. The term "hybrid" refers to this merging of characteristics. Hybrid gel polishes contain components of traditional polish, such as nitrocellulose, which is a common film-forming agent in regular nail polishes. They also include solvents and plasticizers like Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Butyl Acetate, and Ethyl Acetate, which are found in both traditional and gel nail polishes. Additionally, ingredients like various forms of acrylate contribute to the gel-like qualities, resulting in enhanced durability and longer wear time.
When it comes to mixing gel nail polish colors, it is possible, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended to mix colors from the same brand to avoid unpredictable reactions between different gel formulas. Even then, gels from the same brand may still react strangely with each other, so it's a good idea to mix only the amount you need for a single application. This way, you can create unique colors without worrying about reproducibility issues or wasting product.
While you can mix gel nail polishes, it's important to note that achieving precise color matching can be challenging due to the difficulty in measuring such small amounts consistently. This may result in a slightly wasteful process as you experiment with different colors and ratios. However, if you're looking to add some sparkle to your nails, you can mix in tiny glitters or use solvent-resistant glitters for nail art.
In terms of compatibility with other nail products, gel polishes offer a versatile canvas. Once cured, you can treat your gel-coated nails as you would a plain prepped wall, adding various decorations such as paint, decals, or epoxies to create texture. You can also apply regular nail polish or nail lacquer on top of gel polish, but it's important to wait until the gel polish is fully cured to avoid lifting or wet polish underneath. This waiting period is typically around 24 hours.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can mix gel nail polish colors to create new colors.
While it is possible to mix different brands of gel nail polish, it is generally advised against. Gels can react strangely to each other even if they are from the same brand. Moreover, manufacturers cannot guarantee the longevity of mixed products.
Yes, you can mix regular nail polish with gel nail polish. However, you must wait 24 hours, or until the regular nail polish is fully dried, before applying a gel top coat. Otherwise, the regular polish will be wet underneath and will likely lift.
It is not recommended to store mixed gel nail polish as it is nearly impossible to measure such small amounts consistently. Consequently, the colors will not be reproducible.
Yes, you can mix gel nail polish with other products like cheap pigments and solvent-resistant glitters to create nail art.
