Noah Sinclair
Polygel nails are a long-lasting manicure option that combines the strength of acrylics with the flexibility of gels. While traditional nail polish and gel polish are the weakest options for nail treatments, polygel is a more durable alternative. You can paint regular polish or gel polish over a polygel base, but it's important to finish it off with a top coat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you use gel nail polish on polygel? | Yes |
| What is the process? | After nail prep, dehydrate and use a primer. Then add a base coat and cure it. Then apply the polygel and cure it. Once cured, file them into shape. Then, brush off the dust and clean with rubbing alcohol. Add the colour coats, any nail art, and finish with a top coat. |
| How long does it last? | Polygel lasts for around three to four weeks. |
| How is it removed? | Polygel is similar to hard gel and is not acetone-soluble. It needs to be filed down. |
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What You'll Learn
Yes, you can use gel nail polish on polygel
If you're looking to get creative, you can paint regular polish or gel polish over a polygel base. However, don't forget to seal your masterpiece with a top coat. Many brands offer polygel in classic, understated colours, so you can simply apply the polygel and top coat with a clear finish. You can even attempt a French manicure using a neutral base and a white tip, but this requires a lot more skill.
Polygel typically lasts around three to four weeks, similar to other nail enhancements. When it comes to removal, polygel is similar to hard gel and isn't acetone-soluble. Instead, you'll need to file it down, which can be time-consuming, so consider using an e-file to speed up the process.
Here's a step-by-step guide to applying gel polish over polygel:
- Prepare your nails by dehydrating them and using a primer.
- Add a base coat and cure it.
- Apply the polygel and cure it.
- File your nails into the desired shape.
- Brush off the dust and clean your nails with rubbing alcohol.
- Add your gel polish colour coats and any nail art.
- Finish with a top coat to protect your design.
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Nail prep, dehydrate, and prime before applying a base coat
Preparing your nails before applying a base coat is essential to achieving a long-lasting manicure. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare your nails, dehydrate them, and prime them before applying a base coat:
Nail Prep:
Firstly, push back your cuticles and gently file your nails into your desired shape. You can use a nail file to shape your nails and a cuticle pusher or orange stick to gently push back your cuticles. If you have any nail polish or residue on your nails, wipe them clean with a cotton pad soaked in acetone or rubbing alcohol.
Dehydrate:
After prepping your nails, it's time to dehydrate them. A nail dehydrator, also known as nail prep, is a solution that helps eliminate moisture and oil from the nail plate. This step is crucial because the natural oils and moisture on your nails can interfere with the adhesion of the nail products you will be using, such as the base coat. Apply a thin coat of a nail dehydrator to your nails and wait for it to dry. It usually takes about 10 seconds for the dehydrator to evaporate.
Prime:
Once your nails are clean, dry, and dehydrated, it's time to apply a nail primer. The primer will create a smooth and even surface for your base coat to adhere to properly. It also helps protect your natural nails from potential damage. Apply a thin layer of nail primer to your entire nail, and wait for it to air dry. Do not apply the base coat until the primer is completely dry.
Apply Base Coat:
Now that your nails are prepped, dehydrated, and primed, you can apply your base coat. Apply a thin layer of the base coat to your nails, ensuring that you don't apply too much or too thick of a layer, as this can cause chipping. Cure your nails under a UV/LED lamp according to the manufacturer's instructions. The base coat will be sticky after curing, but do not wipe it.
Remember, it is essential to follow the correct order of nail prep, dehydration, and priming for the best results. Additionally, always work with clean and dry nails and use high-quality products to achieve a long-lasting and flawless manicure. You can then apply gel nail polish over the polygel base and finish it off with a top coat.
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File into shape after curing
After curing your polygel nails, you can file and shape them. The process of curing polygel nails involves placing them under a UV or LED lamp for 30 seconds or two minutes, respectively. Unlike acrylic nails, polygel does not harden until it is cured under one of these lamps.
Nail technicians will often use a nail form to create the desired nail shape and length before curing. However, after curing, you can file and shape the nail to your liking. This can be done with a nail file, buffer, and surface cleaner, which helps to smooth and prep the nail.
If you are doing your nails at home, be cautious when handling uncured gel as it can cause a severe allergic reaction if it comes into contact with your skin. This reaction can manifest as a severe rash. It is recommended to have your nails done by a professional to avoid this risk.
The process of filing and shaping your nails is an important step in achieving the desired look and feel of your manicure. It allows you to customize the shape and length of your nails to your preference. Whether you prefer a classic French manicure or a more extravagant design, filing and shaping your nails will help you achieve the perfect canvas for your nail art.
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Finish with a top coat
After you've applied your polygel and cured it, it's time to finish with a top coat. This will protect your nail art and give your manicure a sleek, finished look.
First, brush off any dust that may have accumulated during the filing process. Then, clean your nails with rubbing alcohol to remove any remaining debris or oils. This step is important to ensure that your top coat adheres properly and lasts longer.
Next, choose a high-quality top coat that is compatible with gel nail polish. Apply a thin, even layer of the top coat to each nail, being careful not to flood the cuticles. Cure your nails under a UV or LED lamp according to the manufacturer's instructions.
If you're using a regular nail polish top coat, allow the polygel colour coats to dry completely before applying. Regular nail polish will not require curing under a lamp.
Finally, once your top coat is cured, finish by wiping your nails with rubbing alcohol to remove the sticky residue and give them a high shine.
Remember, if you're applying a top coat over polygel, it's important to use a compatible product and follow the proper preparation steps to ensure your manicure lasts.
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Removal is best left to professionals
While polygel nails can be applied at home, removal is best left to professionals. This is because improper removal can damage your natural nails. Removing polygel is similar to removing hard gel and requires filing down the product. The process can be time-consuming and should be done carefully.
Manicurist and Orly educator An Cao recommends that fill-ins, which are sometimes called "rebalances", should be done by a professional. A fill-in involves removing the top gel polish layer and filling in 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 explains that polygel has the strength of acrylic but is lighter, stronger, and more flexible. It has a gel-like consistency before it is cured, giving it more flexibility than acrylic. This flexibility means that polygel can be built upon to prevent snapping and breaking, which can occur with traditional nail polish and gel polish.
While polygel can be long-lasting, with a typical nail enhancement lasting around three to four weeks, it is important to consider the removal process. Leaving the removal to professionals ensures that your natural nails remain healthy and undamaged. They will have the expertise and tools, such as an e-file, to efficiently and effectively remove the polygel without causing any harm to your nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use gel nail polish on top of a polygel base.
After nail prep, dehydrate and use a primer. Then, add a base coat and cure it. Next, apply the polygel and cure it. Once cured, file the nails into the desired shape. Brush off the dust and clean with rubbing alcohol. Add the colour coats and any nail art, and finish with a top coat.
Polygel combines the strength of acrylics with the flexibility of gel. It is lighter, stronger, and more flexible than acrylics. It is also long-lasting, with a duration of around three to four weeks.
Removal of polygel is similar to removing hard gel. It is not acetone-soluble and requires manual filing. An e-file can be used to speed up the process, but it is important to be careful to avoid damaging your natural nail.
