Liam Carter
Gel nail polish is a type of nail coating that is cured with a UV or LED lamp to create a shiny, long-lasting manicure. Unlike regular nail polish, gel polish is thicker, does not air-dry, and needs to be cured under a lamp to harden. Each coat of gel polish needs to be cured for 30 seconds to two minutes, and once cured, the layer of gel polish hardens and is immediately dry, so there is no risk of smudging. The final result is glossy nails that are more resistant to chips and wear and tear, and can last for up to three weeks.
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What You'll Learn
Gel Nails vs Acrylic Nails
Gel nails and acrylic nails are two of the most popular salon nail services. While they may appear similar, there are some key differences between the two.
Gel Nails
Gel nail polish is applied in a similar way to traditional nail polish. However, it is cured with a UV or LED light to help lock it in place for long-lasting wear. Each coat of gel polish will need to be cured for about 30 to 60 seconds at a time. Gel manicures are more resistant to chips and wear and tear and can last anywhere from 10 days to three weeks.
Acrylic Nails
Acrylic nails are a mix of polymer and monomer. When combined, these ingredients create a gummy paste that is painted onto the nail with a brush. Acrylics are used to strengthen and shape the natural nail, and nail polish is usually painted on top to add colour. Acrylic nails can be longer than gel nails and do not have a specific appearance, so you can get any look you want. Acrylic nails do not require light to harden but do so when exposed to the air.
Health and Safety Concerns
The UV curing method used for gel nails has raised some safety concerns. The small UV lamps used to cure gel manicures could have similar skin cancer implications as tanning beds. It is recommended that you apply sunscreen to your hands or wear UV-protecting gloves before your treatment to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
Removal
Both gel and acrylic nails can be properly removed using an acetone soak. To remove gel nails, you can use a fine grit five-in-one drill or torpedo nail bit to break the seal, then place a cotton ball soaked in acetone on each nail and wrap them in aluminium foil for 15 to 20 minutes. For acrylic nails, you can clip off the ends, file and buff the tops, and then follow a similar process, soaking the nails in a bowl of acetone for 20 to 30 minutes.
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Pros and Cons of Gel Nails
Gel nail polish is a type of manicure that uses a specific type of nail polish that is cured with a UV or LED nail lamp to create a shiny, long-lasting manicure that doesn't require extensive time to dry. It is painted on similarly to classic lacquer but is cured with a UV or LED light to help lock it in place for long-lasting wear.
Pros of Gel Nails
- They are more resistant to chips and wear and tear.
- They stay glossy for the duration of the manicure.
- They can be applied on natural nails, acrylics, and nail extensions.
- They are easy to achieve and are a great way to look put together for any event.
- They can be done at a salon, by an independent nail technician, or at home.
- They are more flexible than acrylics, which can cause bleeding under your nail when it hooks or knocks against something.
- They are highly pigmented and consistent in their application.
Cons of Gel Nails
- The UV curing method used to achieve long-lasting results has elicited safety concerns.
- The UV nail lamps that cure gel nail polish emit harmful UV rays, which can cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to skin cancer.
- Removal can be tricky and can damage your nails.
- It can be time-consuming to apply and remove, depending on the experience of the nail technician, the condition of the nails, and the complexity of the design.
- It can be expensive, with salons charging $35-$60 for the initial gel application, then $10-$20 more for each removal and reapplication every 2-3 weeks.
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Application Process
The application process for nail gels is relatively simple and can be done at home or in a salon. The process is similar to that of a traditional manicure, but with a few key differences. Firstly, it is important to ensure that your nail beds are completely dry and free of any lotions or oils, as this can interfere with the adhesion of the gel polish. You can use a cuticle stick and acetone to clean your nails and push back any dead skin. Next, you can cut, file, and shape your nails as desired.
The next step is to apply a thin base coat to your nails. This can be dried under an LED lamp for 1-2 minutes or air-dried for about 10 minutes. Some gel nail polishes come with a specific primer, in which case you should use that instead of a base coat. Once the base coat is dry, you can apply a thin layer of gel nail polish. It is important to remember that gel nail polish is cured using a UV or LED lamp, so you cannot apply it without access to one of these lamps. Each layer of gel polish needs to be cured under the lamp for about 30 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on the type of lamp and the instructions for your specific polish. You will need to repeat this process for two to three coats of colour.
Finally, seal your gel nail polish with a layer of clear topcoat to protect the colour. Cure the topcoat under the lamp for about 2 minutes, and then you are done! You don't need to worry about smudging or drying time, and your nails will be glossy and long-lasting.
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Removal Process
Gel nail polish is cured with a UV or LED light to help lock it in place for long-lasting wear. Due to this, the removal process for gel nail polish differs from that of traditional nail polish. There are several methods to remove gel nail polish, each with its own set of tools and steps.
One method is to use a gel nail polish remover. This method is faster and simpler, requiring fewer tools and causing less damage to the nails. First, use a coarse nail file on the top coat layer until it loses its shine and smoothness. Then, apply a thick layer of gel polish remover to your gel nails, being careful not to get it on your skin. After about 5 minutes, the edges of the gel polish should start to peel, crack, bubble, or burst. If your gel polish is thick, you may need to wait longer. Use a metal cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick to gently push off the gel polish from each nail. Finally, clean your nails with a nail buffer.
Another method is to use acetone. This method takes about 15-20 minutes. First, cut 10 squares of aluminum foil, big enough for each fingertip. If using cotton balls, tear off 10 pieces that fit just the nail bed of each nail. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to each cuticle and the surrounding skin to protect your skin from the acetone. Cut the cotton balls or strips to the size of each nail, and soak them in acetone. Place each piece of soaked cotton on the corresponding nail, and wrap the nail with plastic food wrap to create a tight seal. Leave the plastic wrap on for about 10 minutes. When you remove the wrap, most or all of the gel nail polish should be gone. Remove any remaining gel nail polish with a washcloth soaked in warm water. Wash your hands with a gentle, preferably fragrance-free, soap and water to remove the acetone. Apply petroleum jelly to your cuticles and the skin around your nails for seven days to reduce any irritation caused by the acetone.
Alternatively, you can let your nails grow out and clip them once a week to remove the gel nail polish. This method is slow, taking about six months for fingernails and 12 to 18 months for toenails. It is important to resist the urge to pick at the gel nail polish, as this can damage your nails.
It is worth noting that the UV light used to cure gel nail polish can be harmful to your skin, possibly causing skin cancer. Therefore, it is recommended to apply sunscreen to your hands or wear UV protection gloves before your gel manicure.
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Safety Concerns
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those seeking long-lasting, glossy nails. However, despite their attractive results, there are several safety concerns associated with gel nail applications.
The primary safety concern with gel manicures is the UV curing method used to achieve enduring results. The UV nail lamps emit harmful UV rays, which can cause DNA damage to the skin, potentially leading to premature ageing and even skin cancer. A 2023 study explored the link between UV nail lamp exposure and skin cancer, finding that the cumulative damage from the light frequencies emitted by the lamps can have carcinogenic effects. While the study could not determine a safe frequency for gel manicures, dermatologists recommend taking precautions such as wearing sunscreen or UV-protecting gloves during treatment.
In addition to the risks associated with UV exposure, there are other safety considerations to keep in mind when opting for gel manicures. For instance, the removal process typically requires acetone, which can be irritating or harmful to the skin and nails if not used carefully. It is recommended to only soak the fingertips in acetone or to use cotton balls and aluminium foil to minimise contact with the surrounding skin. Additionally, it is important to ensure that your manicurist is using sterilised tools and is disinfecting them after each client to prevent the risk of infection.
Furthermore, it is advised to avoid letting your manicurist push or cut your cuticles, as this can lead to inflammation and infection. Instead, focus on keeping your nails and cuticles hydrated with a moisturising product like petroleum jelly to prevent brittleness and minimise chipping.
While gel manicures can provide aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting results, it is crucial to be aware of the potential safety hazards and take the necessary precautions to minimise any adverse effects.
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Frequently asked questions
A gel manicure is a type of manicure that uses a specific type of nail polish—gel nail polish—that is cured with a UV or LED nail lamp to create a shiny, long-lasting manicure that doesn’t require extensive time to dry.
Gel manicures typically last anywhere from 10 days to up to three weeks.
Salons charge $35-$60 for the initial gel application, then another $10-$20 for each removal and reapplication every 2-3 weeks.
Removing gel nails needs acetone soaking. Soak your nails for 15 minutes and they will be ready for another shade.
The UV light used to cure gel manicures has been linked to skin ageing and cancer. However, there is not enough evidence to specifically state how often it is safe to get gel manicures.
