Isla Bennett
Poly Nail Gel is a great way to create nail extensions and achieve your desired nail look. The process is beginner-friendly and can be done at home. It involves applying the gel with a brush, sculpting it to the desired shape, curing it under a UV or LED lamp, and then shaping it further if needed. The gel can be removed by filing or soaking with acetone. To ensure the health of your natural nails, it's important to start with clean, oil-free nails and follow the proper application and removal procedures. With proper care, your Poly Nail Gel can last for several weeks.
How to put on Poly Gel Nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Clean Nails | Start with clean, oil-free nails. |
| File Nails | Use a nail file to gently file the top shine off your nail bed. |
| Shape Nails | Shape nails to the desired length and shape. |
| Prep Cuticles | Push back cuticles and ensure no dead skin around the nails. |
| Base Coat | Apply a thin layer of base coat to protect your natural nails and enhance adhesion. Cure under a UV/LED lamp for 30 seconds to 2 minutes. |
| Choose Nail Forms | Choose the best form to fit each finger, leaving ample space between the model and your natural nails for the nail extension. |
| Apply Poly Gel | Take a small amount of gel and apply it to the dual form. Use a brush and slip solution/alcohol to extend the width and length of the gel. |
| Smooth and Shape | Smooth the gel over the nail and over the cone/dual form. Try to apply in the shape you would like. |
| Cure Nails | Cure the nail under a UV/LED lamp. |
| File Nails | Once cured, file over the gel to get a smooth surface. Smooth off any bumps and don't leave the gel too thick. |
| Apply Top Coat | Apply a thin layer of the top coat and cure under the UV/LED lamp one last time. |
| Finish | Trim, shape, buff, and polish your nails for the desired look. |
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What You'll Learn
Prepping your nails
Next, trim your nails to the desired length and shape them with a nail file. If you are doing overlays, it is recommended to shape your nails beforehand as it will be easier to shape them once the PolyGel is applied. You can also gently file the top shine off your nail bed.
Before applying the PolyGel, it is important to prep your cuticles. Push back or remove any dead skin and cuticles surrounding your nails. This will help the PolyGel last longer and ensure there is nothing compromising the gel.
Finally, apply a base coat to protect your natural nails and enhance adhesion. You can use a base coat gel or a regular base coat. Cure the base coat under a UV or LED lamp for at least 30 seconds. The gel will adhere to the base coat, so be sure to apply it evenly.
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Applying the base coat
Poly gel nails are a hybrid between hard gel and acrylic. They are stronger than regular gel polish but not as strong as acrylic. They are lightweight, comfortable, and durable, and they will stay where you place them, making them easier to mould.
To apply poly gel nails, start by prepping your nails. Clean your nails and remove any dead skin and cuticles. File the surface of your nails to ensure better adhesion.
Now, we can move on to applying the base coat. Choose a darker place to apply the base coat as poly gel is sensitive to light. Apply a thin layer of the base coat provided in your kit to protect your natural nails and enhance adhesion between your nails and the nail extensions. Cure the base coat under a UV/LED lamp for 30 seconds to two minutes. The gel will adhere to the places where the base coat is applied, so apply it evenly.
After applying the base coat, choose the best form to fit each finger from the nail box. Usually, leave ample space between the model and your natural nails for the nail extension.
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Using a nail form
Polygel nails are a hybrid nail product that offers the strength of acrylic nails and the elasticity of gel nails. They are lightweight, comfortable, and can be expected to last for at least 20 days. The process of applying polygel nails using a nail form is as follows:
Firstly, ensure your natural nails are clean and free of any dead skin and cuticles. File the surface of your nails to create a rough texture that will help the polygel adhere better.
Next, apply a base coat to protect your natural nails and improve adhesion between the nails and nail extensions. Cure the base coat under a UV/LED lamp for 30 seconds. Choose a nail form that best fits each finger, leaving ample space between the form and your natural nail for the extension.
Now, take a small amount of gel and apply it to the nail form. Use a brush and slip solution to extend the width and length of the gel, ensuring that it is thickest in the middle of the form. Dip your brush in the slip/alcohol-based solution to allow the polygel to be moved and shaped more easily.
Once you are happy with the shape, cure your nails under an LED light to set the polygel. Remove the nail form, and cut, file, and shape your nails as desired. Finally, apply a top coat and cure your nails under the LED light for a final time.
It is important to note that the curing time may vary depending on the wattage of your lamp and the thickness of the gel. Always refer to the instructions provided with your kit for the best results.
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Curing the gel
Before curing the gel, you should shape your nails to your desired length and smooth out the polygel. You can use a brush or spatula tool to spread the gel evenly and sculpt it into the desired shape. If you are using a dual form, ensure that there is a thick layer of polygel before pressing it onto your nail. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this may cause the gel to stick to the brush. You can use a slip solution or alcohol to help with this step.
Once you have shaped and applied the polygel, it is time to cure the gel. Place your nails under the lamp and cure for the recommended time. If you are using a coloured polygel, you may need a higher-powered lamp, such as a 72-watt LED lamp, to ensure proper curing. After curing, you can file your nails to smooth out any bumps or uneven areas.
Finally, apply a thin layer of the top coat and cure your nails under the lamp one last time. This will complete the process and ensure that your polygel nails are strong and long-lasting.
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Finishing touches
Once you've applied the polygel and cured your nails, it's time for the finishing touches! Start by filing your nails to smooth out any bumps or uneven areas and to get your desired shape. Be gentle and careful during this step to achieve a smooth and flawless finish. You can use a nail file to shape your nails and create your desired look, whether it's a square, oval, or something more unique.
After filing, it's time to apply the top coat. Choose a high-quality top coat that will protect your polygel nails and give them a glossy finish. Apply a thin layer of the top coat, and then cure your nails under the LED lamp for the recommended time, typically around 30 seconds to 2 minutes. This final curing process will ensure that your polygel nails are fully set and will help them last longer.
Finally, don't forget to clean up your nails and cuticles. Use a lint-free wipe or a cotton ball soaked in nail polish remover to wipe away any excess polygel or top coat from your skin and cuticles. You can also apply cuticle oil to moisturize and nourish your cuticles, leaving them looking healthy and hydrated.
At this stage, you can also add some extra flair to your nails. Once your top coat is cured, you can paint your nails with regular nail polish or gel polish. Get creative with colours, designs, and decorations like rhinestones or stickers. You can also add nail stickers or stamps for an even more unique and personalized look.
Remember, practice makes perfect! The more you do your own polygel nails, the easier it will become, and you'll be able to create salon-level nails at home in no time!
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Frequently asked questions
First, prep your nails by cleaning them and shaping them to your desired length. Then, apply a base coat and cure it under an LED or UV lamp. Next, apply the Poly Gel and shape it as desired. Cure your nails again, and then file and shape them. Finally, apply a top coat and cure your nails one last time.
Poly Gel Nails can last for 20-21 days, or three weeks or more, depending on how quickly your nails grow and how well you take care of them.
You can remove Poly Gel Nails by filing them down or soaking them off with acetone. Soaking them off is a gentler method, but it may take longer.
