Sophia Delgado
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those wanting long-lasting, durable nail polish. However, some people find that gel manicures can damage their natural nails, causing them to become weak and brittle. To keep gel polish on natural nails for as long as possible, it is important to use the correct application and removal techniques, practice good nail care, and choose suitable products. This includes using a base coat, builder gel, colour coat, and top coat, as well as a UV/LED lamp to cure the polish. Additionally, it is important to rehydrate nails with a moisturising product between polishes and to be cautious of the tools and techniques used by manicurists.
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What You'll Learn
- Use the complete Gelous system: Base Coat, Builder Gel, Colour Coat, and Top Coat
- Avoid filing your nails with a coarse file as it will cause the layers of the natural nail to split
- Ask your manicurist if their tools are sterilized and ensure they don't push or cut your cuticles
- Don't pick at the polish when it starts to come off
- Apply a moisturising product like petroleum jelly to your nails and cuticles between polishes
Use the complete Gelous system: Base Coat, Builder Gel, Colour Coat, and Top Coat
For the best gel manicure results and to keep your nails in top condition, Gelous recommends using their complete system: Base Coat, Builder Gel, Colour Coat, and Top Coat, in addition to their UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp. The Gelous system is designed to ensure proper curing, which helps to avoid issues like irritations and allergies.
The Base Coat creates a strong foundation for your manicure, providing the best base for colour polishes to stick to. The Builder Gel, applied after the Base Coat, adds strength and thickness to your manicure, creating a hard, protective layer that decreases flexibility and supports nail growth. It also serves as a protective barrier that helps maintain the strength of your nails when it's time to remove your manicure.
The Colour Coat is the next step in the Gelous system, with 2-3 coats recommended for best results. Finally, the Top Coat is applied, and each layer of Nail Gel cures in just 60 seconds under the Gelous UV/LED Lamp. The gel polish is formulated to cure perfectly within a specific wavelength range, ensuring a smooth, safe, and long-lasting finish.
It is important to note that the removal process for gel polish is crucial to maintaining nail health. Picking at and peeling off gel polish will leave your nails thin, weak, and prone to breakage. Instead, follow the Gelous Removal Guide, using their E-File Pen, Removal Tool, or Orangewood Cuticle Sticks to gently lift and remove the polish. Patience is key, and if the polish isn't lifting off easily, it needs more soaking time.
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Avoid filing your nails with a coarse file as it will cause the layers of the natural nail to split
When it comes to gel polish on natural nails, it's important to consider the health of your nails. While gel polish doesn't inherently damage your nails, improper techniques for application and removal can cause harm. One crucial aspect is the use of appropriate tools, such as files, and understanding how to use them correctly.
Nail files come in various grit grades, which refer to the coarseness of the file. A Grit 240 file is generally recommended for natural nails. It is a softer file that helps shape and shorten the nails without causing damage. This grit level ensures that you can file the free edge of the nail without destroying the bond between the keratin cells, which can lead to nail separation and layer splitting.
On the other hand, using a coarse file with a grit coarser than 240 on the surface of your natural nails can be detrimental. Coarser files can destroy the nail's structure, making it porous and causing the layers to separate. This can weaken your nails and lead to breakage. Therefore, it is crucial to select the appropriate grit level for your natural nails to avoid such issues.
Additionally, when using a nail file, it's important to consider its quality and condition. A new nail file tends to have sharp edges, so it's recommended to file the sides of a new file with an old one to smoothen them out. Regularly brushing off the dust, washing, and disinfecting your nail file are also essential for maintaining its effectiveness and longevity.
By following these guidelines and choosing the right tools, you can help ensure that your natural nails remain healthy and strong while enjoying the benefits of gel polish. Remember, proper nail care practices are crucial to maintain the integrity of your nails.
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Ask your manicurist if their tools are sterilized and ensure they don't push or cut your cuticles
When getting a manicure, it's important to ask your manicurist if their tools are sterilized. This is crucial for maintaining proper hygiene and preventing the spread of bacteria and infections. In addition, you should ensure that your manicurist does not push or cut your cuticles.
Cuticles serve as a protective barrier for your nails, and pushing or cutting them can leave your nails vulnerable to bacteria and infections. Instead of cutting them, a gentle removal of the dead skin around the nail with a cuticle pusher can help achieve a well-groomed appearance. Exfoliating the hands and cuticles beforehand can make this process easier.
It is recommended to use cuticle oil daily, as this helps to nourish and care for your nails and cuticles. Additionally, you can maintain the strength of your nails by leaving a layer of Builder Gel behind after removing your gel manicure. This protective barrier helps to support nail growth and maintain the integrity of your nails.
To ensure the health and safety of your nails, it is crucial to prioritize proper techniques for both application and removal. Patience is key when removing gel nail polish. Rushing or being forceful can damage your nails, so it's important to take your time and use the appropriate tools, such as the Gelous Removal Tool or Orangewood Cuticle Sticks, to gently lift and remove the polish.
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Don't pick at the polish when it starts to come off
While gel polish offers a smooth, safe, and long-lasting finish, it's important to know what to do when it starts to come off. One thing to avoid is picking at the polish. Although it may be tempting to pick off your gel polish, doing so can cause damage to your natural nails. When you pick off the gel polish, you are also removing the top layer of your natural nails, weakening them and making them more prone to cracking, breaking, and odd textures. It can take months for your nails to recover from this damage as you wait for the healthy nail to grow out.
To resist the temptation of picking off your gel polish, it is recommended to take proper care of your nails. This includes wearing gloves when cleaning, using cuticle oil, and avoiding using your nails as tools. These steps will help prevent your hands and nails from becoming dry and your gel polish from chipping. Additionally, keeping your nails hydrated with cuticle oil after gel polish removal can help maintain their health.
If you find yourself struggling to resist the urge to pick, it may be helpful to schedule regular visits with a nail technician. They can advise on the best plan of action to get your nails back to normal and provide guidance on safe removal techniques. Proper removal techniques are crucial to prevent damage to your nails during the gel-removal process.
Instead of picking, gently lift and remove the polish using a removal tool or orangewood cuticle stick. If the polish is not lifting off easily, it needs more soaking time. Rushing the process or being forceful can damage your nails, so patience is essential to protect their integrity.
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Apply a moisturising product like petroleum jelly to your nails and cuticles between polishes
Keeping your natural nails moisturised is essential for maintaining their health and strength. One way to do this is by applying a moisturising product like petroleum jelly to your nails and cuticles between polishes.
Petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, is an occlusive moisturiser that seals in moisture and protects your nails and cuticles from dryness. It is a popular remedy for dry cuticles as it helps to repair and protect them. It is also a less expensive alternative to cuticle remover. To apply, use a cotton swab to dab a small amount of petroleum jelly onto your cuticle and nail bed before going to sleep. You can also use your index finger to rub the product around, paying special attention to your cuticles and any hangnails. Leave the product on for 3-5 minutes to allow it to soak in and provide its full strengthening power, then rinse it off. Make sure to wash your hands after application, as the greasiness can cause acne if it comes into contact with your face. It is recommended to perform this routine once every 2-3 weeks, as doing it too often can make your nails sting.
In addition to petroleum jelly, there are other products and practices you can use to keep your natural nails healthy while wearing gel polish. For example, you can use a cuticle oil containing vitamin E, which is moisturising and anti-inflammatory. It is also important to practice proper application and removal techniques when using gel polish. This includes using the correct tools and being gentle and patient during the removal process to avoid damaging your nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Use the complete Gelous system: Base Coat, Builder Gel, Colour Coat, and Top Coat.
Gel polish should last for about 2-4 weeks.
Use a product like the Gelous Removal Tool or Orangewood Cuticle Sticks to gently lift and remove the polish. If the polish isn't coming off easily, it needs more soaking time.
Apply a moisturising product like petroleum jelly to your nails and cuticles to minimise brittleness and prevent chipping.
Ask your manicurist if their tools are sterilised, and ensure they don't push or cut your cuticle, as this can lead to inflammation and infection.
