Caleb Foster
A recent viral trend on TikTok suggests curing press-on nails with gel polish to make them last longer. The process involves applying gel polish to the underside of a press-on nail and curing it with a UV lamp. However, the effectiveness of this technique is debated, and there are potential risks to consider, such as nail damage, UV exposure, allergies, and infection. It's important to note that removal can be more difficult as gel-cured press-on nails are more securely adhered to the natural nail. To remove gel-cured press-on nails, it is recommended to soak them in pure acetone or wrap the nails in foil with acetone-soaked cotton balls.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To make fake nails last longer |
| Process | Apply gel to the underside of the fake nail, then cure it with a UV lamp |
| Pros | More secure than traditional methods, longer-lasting |
| Cons | Potential nail damage, UV exposure, allergies, and infection |
| Removal | Soak nails in acetone, then use an orange stick to push off the fake nail |
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What You'll Learn
Prepping your nails
Firstly, it is recommended to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen to your hands before exposing them to UV light during the gel-curing process. This adds a layer of protection to your skin and helps prevent potential damage caused by UV radiation. You may also choose to wear fingertip-less UV gloves for additional protection.
The next step is to prepare your nails, just as you would for a regular manicure. Start by filing your nails to the desired length and shape. It is important to push back your cuticles and ensure they are properly moisturized. Some manicurists suggest “roughing up the nail” to create more surface area for better adhesion. However, this step may be skipped as it can potentially damage your nails.
After prepping your nails, you can proceed to apply the gel. Apply a thin layer of soft gel polish or builder gel to the underside of the press-on nail. You may also apply a nail bonder or glue to the nail plate to enhance adhesion. Ensure that you choose sheer or clear press-on nails, as the UV light needs to pass through them during the curing process.
Before attaching the press-on nails, clean your natural nails with alcohol or acetone to create a clean surface for the press-ons to adhere to. You may also wipe your nails with alcohol to ensure they are free of any oils or residue.
Finally, carefully apply the press-on nails to your natural nails, pressing them down gently to ensure there are no obvious gaps or bubbles. Make sure to press down on the cuticle and push the press-on nail flat, removing any excess gel from your skin.
By following these steps, you will have well-prepped nails that are ready for the gel-curing process, resulting in a longer-lasting and secure manicure.
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Applying the gel
Before applying the gel, it is important to prepare your nails. This includes filing, trimming and buffing your nails, as well as pushing back the cuticles. You should also ensure that your nails are clean by wiping them with alcohol or acetone. Some manicurists recommend roughing up the nail to create more surface area for adhesion, but this can damage your nails.
Once your nails are prepared, it is time to apply the gel. Apply a layer of soft gel polish to the underside of your press-on nail. You can also apply a nail bonder or glue to the nail plate to help the press-on adhere better. Then, place the press-on nail onto your natural nail, pressing it down to ensure there are no gaps or bubbles. Make sure to remove any excess gel from your skin.
After the press-on nail is in place, you are ready to cure the nail under an LED or UV light. This will set and dry the gel, resulting in a longer-lasting manicure. Cure the nails for 30-60 seconds. It is important to note that not all press-on nails may work with this method, as the light needs to be able to pass through the nail. If the press-on is completely opaque, the light won't be able to cure the gel.
It is also worth noting that removal can be more difficult when using gel to cure press-on nails, as they are more securely adhered to the natural nail. Soaking your nails in acetone should be enough to remove them, but it may take longer than with traditional methods. Do not try to pick or pry off the press-on nails, as this can damage your natural nails.
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Curing the gel
To cure the gel, you will need a builder gel, an LED or UV light, and the press-ons of your choice. It is important to note that not all press-on nails may work with this method, as the curing light must be able to pass through the press-on. Therefore, it is recommended to use clear or sheer press-on nails.
Before curing the gel, you should prepare your nails by filing, trimming, and buffing them as usual. You may also want to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen to your hands or wear fingertip-less UV gloves to protect your skin from UV exposure. Next, apply a layer of soft gel polish to the underside of the press-on nail, and then attach it to your natural nail. Ensure that there are no obvious gaps or bubbles.
Once the press-on nail is adhered to your natural nail, it is time to cure the manicure. Place your nails under a standard gel UV or LED lamp for 30-60 seconds. This will set and dry the gel, resulting in a longer-lasting manicure.
It is important to note that there are potential risks associated with gel curing press-on nails, including nail damage, UV exposure, allergies, and infection. Therefore, it is recommended to follow expert advice and tips carefully to ensure the best results.
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Removing the fake nails
Removing fake nails can be done at a salon by a professional, but it can also be done at home. The process for removing gel fake nails is different from that of acrylic nails.
To remove gel fake nails at home, you will need around 15 to 30 minutes. The longest part of the process is the acetone soak, which involves soaking your nails in acetone for 10 to 25 minutes. You can speed up the process by trimming your nails before starting and filing the top layer of the gel polish with a coarse file or an electric file. This disrupts the top layer of gel polish and helps the acetone penetrate better. Using warm acetone can also speed up the process.
Once the gel has softened, use an orange stick to gently push off the gel from your nail. You can then buff any remaining residue from the nail plate with a fine-grit file or buffing block. Finish by washing your hands and applying cuticle oil and moisturiser, as acetone is extremely drying.
An alternative to soaking your nails in acetone is to wrap them in foil with an acetone-soaked cotton pad. This method exposes your skin to acetone, which can be very drying, so it is recommended to moisturise your hands and nails after removal.
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Avoiding damage to your nails
Gel manicures can be tough on nails. To keep your nails healthy before, during, and after gel manicures, consider the following tips:
- If you are prone to recurring nail problems or are allergic to acetone, opt for traditional nail polish instead of gel polish. Acetone is required to remove gel polish.
- Before getting a gel manicure, apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands to prevent skin cancer and premature skin aging. You can also wear fingertip-less UV gloves to protect your hands and fingers.
- Avoid forcefully removing your fake nails, as this can cause damage to the nail plate and nail bed. Instead, soak your nails in acetone to remove them.
- Avoid aggressive scraping to remove fake nails, as this can damage the nail, cuticle, and nail matrix (the nail's growth center).
- Avoid "roughing up the nail," as this can damage the nail.
- If you are experiencing unusual changes to your nails or persistent nail problems, see a board-certified dermatologist.
- To strengthen your nails, practice proper nutrition, drink plenty of water, and avoid certain nail products.
- Take a break from nail polish. Try not to wear nail polish for one to two weeks or longer to allow your nails time to repair.
- Rehydrate your nails by applying a moisturizing product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times a day. This will minimize brittleness and help prevent your nails from chipping.
- Consider getting a gel manicure for special occasions only.
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Frequently asked questions
The process involves applying gel polish to the underside of a press-on instead of glue, then curing it with a UV light.
There are several possible risks to keep in mind, like potential nail damage, UV exposure, allergies, and infections.
The easiest way to remove fake nails is to soak them in acetone. You can also try cutting them down to the length of your natural nails and then filing the surface until the adhesive is exposed.
It takes between 20 to 30 minutes for the acetone to break down fake nails.
If you try gel-curing press-on nails at home, follow these tips: apply sunscreen to your hands 30 minutes before exposing them to UV light, and wear fingertip-less UV gloves to protect your skin.
