Isla Bennett
PolyGel nails are a hybrid between hard gel and acrylic, combining the advantages of both while eliminating their disadvantages. PolyGel is lighter and less damaging to your nail beds than acrylic, and it is also stronger than regular gel polish. You can buy a PolyGel kit from various websites and stores, including eBay, Amazon, and Gelish. The process of applying PolyGel nails involves cleaning and filing your natural nails, applying a base coat, curing it under a UV/LED lamp, applying the PolyGel, curing it again, filing and shaping the nail, and applying a top coat. The entire process can take around 3 to 5 hours, and the nails can last for about 2 to 8 weeks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Strength | PolyGel is stronger than regular gel polish, but not as strong as acrylic. |
| Durability | PolyGel is more durable than hard gel, but less durable than acrylic. |
| Flexibility | PolyGel has stronger flexibility than hard gel. |
| Application | PolyGel is applied like acrylic but cured like gel polish. |
| Cure time | PolyGel can be cured under a UV or LED lamp. |
| Cure duration | PolyGel should be cured for at least 30 seconds under an LED lamp or 2 minutes under a UV lamp. |
| Lasting time | PolyGel nails can last for at least 20 days, or even up to 2 months with touch-ups. |
| Removal | PolyGel nails can be removed with a drill machine or acetone. |
| Difficulty | PolyGel nails may take longer to apply than acrylic nails, especially for beginners. |
| Health | PolyGel is lighter and less damaging to the nail bed than acrylic. |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing your nails
Next, prepare your cuticles by pushing them back gently. Ensure that the polygel is applied near the cuticle to promote longer-lasting results and prevent any gel compromises. You can then apply a base coat to protect your natural nails and enhance adhesion. Cure the base coat under a UV/LED lamp for at least 30 seconds; the gel will only adhere to the areas where the base coat is applied, so be sure to apply it evenly.
If you are doing extensions, place a cone onto your nail and smooth the gel over the nail and the cone, shaping it as desired. Cure the nail under the lamp, and once cured, you can remove the cone. File over the gel to achieve a smooth surface, removing any bumps and shaping as needed.
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Applying PolyGel
PolyGel is a hybrid between hard gel and acrylic, combining the advantages of both while eliminating their disadvantages. It is stronger and more flexible than hard gel and is softer and more durable than acrylic. It will also not harden until cured under a UV/LED lamp.
Firstly, gently clean your natural nails, removing any dead skin and cuticles surrounding the nails. File the surface of your nails to ensure a rough surface for better adhesion. Shape and trim your nails as desired. Push back your cuticles to ensure the PolyGel is near the cuticle to last longer.
Next, apply a base coat to protect your natural nails and enhance adhesion between the nail and nail extensions. Cure it under a UV/LED lamp for 30 seconds. The gel will adhere to where the base coat is applied, so apply it evenly.
Now, take a small amount of PolyGel and apply it to your nails with a metal tool. Smooth it out with a brush to your desired thickness and length. If you are doing extensions, place a cone onto your nail and smooth the gel over the nail and the cone, trying to apply it in the shape you would like. Then, cure the nail under a UV/LED lamp. Once cured, you can pop off the cone.
Finally, file over the gel to get a smooth surface and shape it as desired. Then, wipe off the nails to remove the adhesive layer. Apply a top coat and style your nails with nail polish, rhinestones, and other decorations.
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Curing the PolyGel
Choosing the Right Light
PolyGel is cured using a lamp that emits light at a specific wavelength. It is recommended to use a 36W LED lamp that emits light within the range of 395-405 nanometers. This ensures that the PolyGel cures thoroughly and evenly. While some sources suggest using a UV lamp, others advise against it, as LED lamps are more suitable for curing PolyGel.
Cure Time
The cure time for PolyGel depends on the type of lamp you are using. For an LED lamp, cure each nail for at least 30 seconds. If you are using a UV lamp, increase the cure time to 2 minutes per nail. Ensure that you cure all the nails adequately to achieve the best results.
Avoiding Air Bubbles
Before curing, ensure that there are no air bubbles trapped between your natural nail and the PolyGel. Gently press down on the nail to remove any air bubbles, as they can cause lifting and affect the adhesion of the PolyGel.
Curing Technique
When curing the PolyGel, place your hand with the PolyGel-coated nail(s) under the lamp, positioning the lamp as close to the nail as possible. Cure each nail individually, ensuring that all areas of the nail are exposed to the light. You may need to cure the nail from different angles to ensure complete curing.
Final Steps
After curing, gently remove the nail model or form by moving its edge until it pops off. Repeat this process for all your nails. Once all the nails are cured and the forms are removed, you can further file and shape them to your desired look. Finally, wipe off the nails to remove any residue or adhesive layer left over from the curing process.
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Filing and shaping
After applying the PolyGel, you will need to file the nails again to achieve your desired shape and smoothness. This step ensures you smooth out any bumps and create a uniform surface. You can use a nail file or a buffer to gently shape and smooth the PolyGel. If you are not confident in your filing skills, you may want to leave the PolyGel a little thicker to avoid filing down too far and potentially damaging your natural nail.
Once the PolyGel has been shaped and smoothed, you can further sculpt and refine the nails by curing them under a UV or LED lamp. This step hardens the PolyGel, giving it strength and durability. The curing process also helps to create a lightweight and comfortable feel to your nails. It is important to note that PolyGel is sensitive to light, so be sure to work in a darker place.
Finally, after curing, you can further shape and refine the nails using a nail file or buffer. This step ensures that your nails are smooth and even, and it helps to create a polished and flawless finish. It is normal to need to file your natural nails during this process, especially if you are a beginner. With practice, you will be able to achieve the perfect shape with minimal filing.
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Removing PolyGel
It is worth noting that removing PolyGel can leave your nails feeling weak and thin. One user reported that their nails curled up after removal. Therefore, it may be a good idea to apply a nail strengthener or treatment after removing PolyGel. Additionally, be sure to follow the correct procedure when applying PolyGel to ensure it adheres properly and does not pop off. Start by gently cleaning your natural nails and removing any dead skin and cuticles surrounding the nails. Then, file the surface of your nails to create a rough texture for better adhesion. Apply a base coat to protect your natural nails and enhance adhesion, and cure it under a UV/LED lamp for 30 seconds. Choose the best form to fit each finger, leaving ample space for the nail extension. Take a small amount of gel and apply it to the dual form, using a brush and slip solution to extend the width and length. The PolyGel should be thickest in the middle of the form.
Gently press down on the nail to remove any air bubbles, as these will cause lifting. Turn the nail over and smooth out the back of the PolyGel, then clean the nail form's edge to ensure the gel is even with your natural nail. Cure the nail extension for at least 30 seconds in an LED lamp or 2 minutes in a UV lamp. After finishing all your nails, file and shape them, then wipe off the adhesive layer. Apply a top coat and style your nails as desired.
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Frequently asked questions
Poly Gel is a hybrid between hard gel and acrylic, combining the advantages of both while eliminating their disadvantages. It has stronger flexibility and is softer and more durable than hard gel. It is also harder than acrylic but will not harden easily.
First, gently clean your natural nails, removing any dead skin and cuticles surrounding the nails. File the surface of your nails to ensure better adhesion. Apply a base coat to protect your natural nails and improve adhesion between your nails and the extensions. Cure it under a UV/LED lamp for 30 seconds. Take a small amount of gel and apply it to your nails with a brush, shaping it as desired. Cure the nail under a UV light like regular gel polish. File the nails for extra smoothness.
Poly Gel nails can last for at least 20 days, and up to 8 weeks, depending on how quickly your nails grow.
There are two ways to remove Poly Gel nails at home without causing damage. You can use a drill machine or acetone to safely remove the Poly Gel.
