The Magic Gel: Nails Inc's Secret To Perfect Manicures

what gel does nails inc use

Gel manicures are a popular choice for those wanting long-lasting nail colour. Nails Inc offers a range of gel nail polishes that provide a glossy finish and exceptional coverage. The Nails Inc Gel Effect polish is highly pigmented and comes in a 14ml bottle with an extra-wide brush for easy application. Founded in 1999 by Thea Green MBE, Nails Inc has become known for its innovative, catwalk-inspired nail polishes, utilising the latest professional technologies to deliver uncompromising quality and instant results. While gel manicures offer durability, it's important to be mindful of potential nail damage and skin irritation. To maintain nail health, it's recommended to take breaks between manicures and rehydrate nails with moisturising products.

Characteristics Values
Hardening time Less than a minute with a special curing lamp
Chipping Chip-resistant
Removal Soak fingertips in acetone or use cotton balls soaked in acetone
Allergic reaction May cause an allergic reaction over time due to methacrylates
Brand Nails Inc.
Brush Extra wide for easy application
Pigmentation Highly pigmented
Application Glides on effortlessly

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Nails Inc Gel Effect Nail Polish

The Nails Inc Gel Effect Nail Polish is a bestselling polish range that offers a flawless manicure at home. The Gel Effect polish is formulated with revolutionary plasticiser technology, allowing it to glide on effortlessly with an extra-wide brush for easy application. Its highly pigmented formula provides exceptional coverage, and it also contains a plumping agent to level out any imperfections on the nail.

To use the Nails Inc Gel Effect Nail Polish, start by applying a coat of the Nails.INC base coat. Then, follow with two coats of the gel polish. Finally, finish with the Nails.INC 45 Second Top Coat for a glossy finish. This product is certified cruelty-free by PETA and is suitable for vegans.

Gel nail polishes, in general, differ from regular nail polishes in terms of price, application, and removal. Gel polishes tend to be more expensive than regular polishes. They are cured under a special lamp, which hardens the polish in less than a minute, resulting in a manicure that is less prone to chipping. However, the use of UV light for curing gel polishes has raised some safety concerns. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that individuals who regularly receive gel manicures protect their skin with sunscreen.

Additionally, gel nail polishes cannot be removed with regular nail polish removers and typically require soaking in acetone or using cotton balls soaked in acetone. It is recommended to take breaks between gel manicures and to rehydrate the nails with a moisturising product to maintain nail health.

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Gel-X manicures

The soft gel formula is altered during the manufacturing process with heat and pressure, making it ten times stronger than in its liquid state while still being easily removable with acetone. This makes Gel-X a good option for those with sensitive skin or allergies to acetone, as it can be removed in the same way as regular gel polish.

The application process for Gel-X manicures is quick and easy, as the extensions are pre-formed to the desired length and shape. A layer of the Aprés Nail pH Bonder is applied first to dehydrate the nail plate and remove any oil or residue. Then, an acid-free gel primer is used to create a tacky layer for the gel to adhere to, ensuring more comfortable wear than acid-based primers.

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Gel nail polish chemistry

Gel nail polishes are an alternative to conventional nail polishes. They consist of methacrylate compounds and photoinitiating compounds. Photoinitiators are molecules that produce reactive species when exposed to radiation. The two commonly used photoinitiators are benzoyl peroxide and diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide. The photoinitiators absorb ultraviolet light and split into radicals that kick-start polymerization.

The monomers that the photoinitiator pushes to polymerize are a mixture of various methacrylates. Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) is a major component of many gel polishes. Di-HEMA trimethyl-hexyl dicarbamate is another common ingredient with two methacrylate groups, allowing it to function as a cross-linker between polymer chains. There may also be other small methacrylates in the formula, as well as oligomers or polymers with reactive methacrylate groups. The oligomers are molecular complexes of chemicals that consist of several repeating units or monomers. The interconnected polymer network these compounds form gives gels their chip resistance and staying power.

The process of applying gel nail polish involves applying the polish in layers and exposing each layer to ultraviolet light. This triggers a polymerization process, solidifying the polish. The top coat or sealing layer is then applied and UV-cured, adding a protective layer that prevents chipping or discolouration. After curing, the top coat will be slightly sticky, and a cotton ball with an acetone/water mixture can be rubbed on top to remove the stickiness and add shine.

While gel manicures offer a sleek and durable look, they require special care. It is recommended to remove gel nail polish by soaking only the fingertips in acetone or using cotton balls soaked in acetone wrapped in aluminium foil. To care for nails between gel manicures, it is suggested to take breaks from wearing nail polish, rehydrate nails with a moisturising product, and apply sunscreen to protect the hands from UV radiation during the manicure process.

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Removing gel nail polish

There are several methods for removing gel nail polish. One option is to let your nails grow out and clip them once a week. This method takes longer but helps prevent damage to your nails. It takes about six months to grow out your fingernails, and 12 to 18 months for toenails. It is important not to pick at your gel nail polish, as this can also damage your nails.

Another method for removing gel nail polish involves using acetone, which is the most effective way to remove gel nail polish at home. You can use a gel nail polish remover, or the traditional method, which involves soaking your fingertips in acetone. You can also soak cotton balls in acetone and apply them to your nails by wrapping small pieces of aluminium foil around your fingertips. After about 15 minutes, the nail polish should come off.

You can also try the double bowl hot water and acetone technique, where you put hot water in a bowl with a removable bottom and then add acetone on top. You can then use a triangle-shaped scraper to remove the soaked gel nail polish.

It is important to note that acetone can be harsh on your nails and skin, so it is recommended to use cuticle oil to keep your cuticles hydrated and nails healthy. Additionally, acetone can damage sinks, countertops, and furniture, so it is important to protect your work area when using this method.

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Health and safety concerns

Gel nail polishes are known to be durable, glossy, and chip-resistant. However, they can be harsh on nails, and the chemicals and harsh removal process can cause damage. Nails Inc's gel nail polishes are unlikely to have long-term negative effects on nail health if used occasionally. Nevertheless, it is important to be aware of the potential health and safety concerns associated with gel nail polishes.

One of the main concerns with gel nail polishes is the exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation during the curing process. Most curing lamps emit ultraviolet A light, which is known to cause cellular damage, increase the risk of skin cancer, and lead to premature skin aging. While the exposure time during a gel manicure is short, the American Academy of Dermatology and dermatologists recommend protecting the skin with a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Alternatively, wearing fingerless gloves or open-toed socks during the manicure can also protect the skin from UV radiation.

The chemicals used in gel nail polishes can also be a cause for concern. Methacrylates, commonly found in gel polishes, are known skin irritants and sensitizers. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals can lead to serious allergies, and people with such allergies may also be unable to tolerate certain medical products containing acrylates, such as bone cement, dental fillings, and diabetic insulin pumps. Other reported side effects of gel nail polishes include itchiness, swelling, burning during application, and nail damage during the removal process, such as weakened nails, splitting, white spots, grooves, and changes to the nail plate.

To minimize the potential health and safety risks associated with gel nail polishes, it is recommended to use them sparingly, such as for special occasions only. It is also important to remind nail technicians to avoid aggressive buffing, especially electric buffing, and to not scrape the nail plate forcefully during the application and removal processes. When removing gel nail polish, it is recommended to only soak the fingertips in acetone and to avoid picking or peeling the polish off, as this can damage the nail plate and lead to brittleness. Taking breaks between manicures and maintaining proper nail care, such as rehydrating the nails with moisturizing products, can also help maintain nail health.

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Frequently asked questions

Nails Inc uses a gel effect polish that glides on effortlessly and has an extra-wide brush for easy application. The polish is highly pigmented and provides exceptional coverage. It also contains a plumping agent to level out any imperfections on the nail.

Nails Inc gel polish is removed by soaking fingertips in acetone. Another option is to use cotton balls soaked in acetone and wrapped in small pieces of aluminum foil around the fingertips.

Nails Inc gel polish is more expensive than regular nail polish. It hardens in less than a minute with the help of a special curing lamp and is much less likely to chip. It also has a glossy finish.

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