Liam Carter
Polygel nails are a hybrid between hard gel and acrylic nails, offering the advantages of both. The process of applying polygel nails using forms is beginner-friendly and can be done at home with a polygel kit. The steps include preparing the nails, applying a base coat, choosing the right-sized form, applying the polygel, curing, filing, and applying a top coat. The curing process involves using an LED or UV lamp to harden the polish. With proper nail preparation and the use of base and top coats, polygel nails can last up to three weeks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of nail | Poly gel |
| Pros | Poly gel is a hybrid between hard gel and acrylic, retaining the advantages of both |
| Cons | Requires more filing than other methods |
| Tools | Base coat, top coat, nail forms, LED nail lamp, sculpting brush, rubbing alcohol, slip solution, nail file, nail polish, rhinestones |
| Steps | 1. Prepare nails by trimming, shaping, and cleaning. 2. Apply base coat and cure. 3. Choose and apply nail forms. 4. Apply poly gel and cure. 5. File and shape nails. 6. Apply top coat and cure. |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare your nails
Preparing your nails is the first step in achieving the perfect set of poppy gel nails. Start by removing any existing nail polish and trimming your nails to your desired length. If your nails are too long, you can use a nail clipper to shorten them, but if they are already at a comfortable length, you can simply file them to shape the edges and smooth out any roughness.
Once your nails are at your desired length, it's important to gently push back your cuticles. This step is crucial as it creates a clean nail bed for the gel application. You can use a cuticle pusher or even an orange stick wrapped in cotton to gently nudge the cuticles back. Be careful not to cut or trim your cuticles, as this can lead to pain and infection.
After pushing back your cuticles, you can further clean the nail plate by using an alcohol solution. Soak a lint-free wipe in 90% alcohol and gently wipe the nail surface, ensuring you remove any dust or residue. This step is especially important if you are using Japanese gel, as it ensures maximum adhesion for the gel.
Now that your nails are clean and prepped, it's time to apply the nail forms. Nail forms are used to create the desired shape for your nails, whether it's square, oval, or stiletto. Choose a form that best fits the size and shape of your nails. Peel off the backing from the form and carefully align the curved edge with the base of your nail. Press down firmly to secure the form in place, and repeat this process for all your nails.
With these steps completed, your nails are now ready for the application of the base coat and gel polish to create your desired poppy design.
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Apply a base coat
Once your natural nails are prepped, it's time to apply the base coat. Start by choosing a base gel in a colour that matches your desired nail colour. If you are using a darker nail colour, you may want to use a darker base coat to provide better coverage.
Next, take your base gel and apply a thin coat to your entire nail, capping the free edge. Be sure to use enough product to cover the entire nail bed, and don't forget to apply it under the nail tip. The base coat will help the gel nail colour adhere to your nail and provide a smooth surface for application.
Cure your base coat under a lamp. If you are using an LED lamp, cure for 60 seconds. If you are using a UV lamp, cure for 2 minutes. This will harden the base gel and prepare your nails for the gel colour application.
After curing, take a look at your nails. Ensure there are no streaks or uneven areas. If there are any imperfections, now is the time to fix them. Use a small brush or cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover to gently wipe away any mistakes. Once you are happy with the base coat application, you can move on to the next step of applying the gel nail colour.
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Choose the right forms
Choosing the right forms for your poppy gel nails is crucial to achieving the desired look and ensuring a comfortable fit. Here are some detailed instructions to help you select the appropriate forms:
First, it's important to understand that "pop its" or "dual forms" are commonly used with polygel nail applications. These are essentially nail extension guides that help create the desired length and shape for your nails. If you're a beginner, polygel and dual forms are excellent options as they are known for their ease of application.
When choosing the right forms, consider the size and shape that best fit your nails. Forms typically come in various sizes and shapes, such as square, oval, or stiletto. Experiment with different forms to find the shape that suits your style and the look you wish to achieve.
Additionally, pay attention to the condition of your nails. If you have thick or broken eponychium (the skin at the base of your nail), you may need to trim it to ensure even growth. However, trimming is not always necessary, and it's generally recommended to leave it intact unless absolutely needed.
Before applying the forms, prepare your natural nails by removing any existing nail polish and trimming them to the desired length. Use a nail file to shape the edges and smooth out any roughness. Pushing back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher will create a clean nail bed for the gel application.
Remember, the key to choosing the right forms is finding the ones that fit your nail size and shape while also considering the style you want to achieve. With the right forms and some practice, you'll be well on your way to creating beautiful and personalised poppy gel nails.
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Apply and cure the polygel
Polygel nails are a hybrid between hard gel and acrylic nails, combining the advantages of both. The process of applying polygel nails is similar to that of gel and acrylic nails. However, polygel nails offer unparalleled customisation and durability.
To apply and cure the polygel, start by selecting the appropriate dual forms for your nails. The dual forms should match your nail size, and you can choose between less curved dual forms or regular nail tips, depending on your preference.
Next, apply a base coat to your nails and cure it. The curing time can vary, with some sources recommending 60 seconds, 90 seconds, or even as little as 10 seconds. After curing the base coat, apply the chosen polygel colour to the dual form or nail tip. Use a brush with a slip solution or alcohol to spread the polygel evenly and sculpt it into the desired shape. Ensure a thick layer of polygel on the dual form before gently pressing it onto your nail.
At this point, you can use alcohol to smooth out any imperfections and ensure a seamless finish. Cure your nails under an LED or UV light to set the polygel. LED lights are preferred as they create a more intense cure, making the product last longer on the nails. Cure times can vary, with some sources recommending 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, or even 2 minutes, depending on the type of light used.
After curing, remove the dual form if you're using one. Cut, file, and shape your nails to your desired look. You can now apply the top coat, and cure your nails under the light one last time.
With proper application, polygel nails can last for up to three or four weeks before needing a fill. They offer exceptional strength, flexibility, and durability, making them a popular choice for those seeking long-lasting and customisable nail enhancements.
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File and shape your nails
To achieve the perfect gel manicure, it's important to start with well-prepared nails. Begin by removing any existing nail polish and trimming your nails to the desired length. If your nails are particularly long, you may want to trim them down to a more manageable length, which will also help to prevent breakage.
Once your nails are at your desired length, it's time to file and shape them. Select a nail file that is suitable for your nail type—a glass nail file is a good option for natural nails as it is gentle and won't cause tearing. For gel or acrylic nails, a higher-grit file is needed to effectively shape and smooth the nail edge.
When filing, always file in one direction, never back and forth, as this can cause the nail edge to split and fray. File the nails into your desired shape, bearing in mind that the nail form you choose will also affect the final shape. For example, if you wish to create a square-shaped nail, you will file your nails squarely across. If you prefer a more rounded or oval shape, gently round the corners of your nail as you file.
After filing, ensure you smooth out any rough edges and buff the surface of the nail to create an even canvas for the gel application. This will help the gel adhere better and create a longer-lasting manicure.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to prep your nails. Start by gently cleaning your natural nails, removing any dead skin and cuticles surrounding the nails.
After applying the polygel, cure your nails under an LED or UV lamp for 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
There are two ways to remove polygel nails without damaging your natural nails. You can use a drill machine or acetone.
