Isla Bennett
The history of nail art goes back thousands of years, with the earliest instance of coloured nails dating back to 3200 BC when males in Babylon dyed their nails with kohl before going into battle. In 3000 BC, the Chinese and Egyptians used beeswax, egg whites, gelatin, natural gums, and flowers to make nail colours. The use of henna may have started in India during the Bronze Age, but it was also used in Egypt, as evidenced by the mummified pharaohs. In the early 1980s, gel nail polish was introduced in the US, offering a longer-lasting and more durable alternative to traditional nail polish. However, due to issues with curing methods, it was pulled from the market and not reintroduced until the end of the 1990s. Today, gel nail polish is a popular choice for those seeking a wide range of colours and finishes, quick-drying formulas, and the ability to strengthen and protect natural nails.
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What You'll Learn
The history of gel nail polish
The history of nail art and nail polish dates back thousands of years, with the earliest instance of coloured nails being in 3200 BC when males in Babylon dyed their nails with kohl before going into battle. In 3000 BC, the Chinese and Egyptians used beeswax, egg whites, gelatin, natural gums, and flowers to make nail colours. During the Zhou dynasty (around 600 BC), the royal house preferred gold and silver colours, but red and black eventually replaced these metallics as royal favourites.
In the early 1980s, gel nail polish was introduced in the US. It was said to offer a longer-lasting and more durable alternative to traditional nail polish, but it had limited success due to its curing methods. This involved curing the polish under a UV or LED light to create a hard, durable layer on the nails. Many companies pulled their gel nail polish from the market, and it was not reintroduced until the end of the 1990s. After its reintroduction, gel nail polish evolved with better formulas designed to cure faster and more safely.
In 2007, the first long-wear polish was introduced, which did not require curing and could be removed with regular nail polish removers. In 2009, coloured acrylics and UV gel polishes were introduced, followed by Shellac in 2010. UV gel polishes are supplied in a bottle with a brush and can be removed by filing off or soaking the cured coating in pure acetone. Shellac is a generic name for a type of gel varnish that reacts to UV light and stays on the nails for about two weeks.
Today, gel nail polish is a staple in the nail industry, with a wide range of colours and finishes, quick-drying times, and the ability to strengthen and protect natural nails.
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How is it different from traditional nail polish?
The history of gel nail polish dates back to the US in the early 1980s. It was said to offer a longer-lasting and more durable alternative to traditional nail polish. However, due to its curing methods, it was initially unsuccessful, leading many companies to pull their gel nail polish from the market. It was reintroduced at the end of the 1990s with improved formulas that cured faster and more safely.
Gel nail polish is cured under a UV or LED light to create a hard, durable layer on nails, whereas traditional nail polish dries on its own. This results in a significant difference in durability, with gel polish lasting for several weeks without chipping or peeling, while regular nail polish can chip or peel more easily, requiring touch-ups or reapplication.
The composition of gel and traditional nail polishes also varies. Gel polish is made of a thicker, gel-like substance, while regular nail polish has a thinner, lacquer-like consistency. This makes gel polish more challenging to remove, often requiring a trip back to the salon for professional removal to avoid damaging nails. The removal process typically involves removing the shiny layer of gel polish and then soaking nails in acetone.
In terms of application, the process for gel and traditional manicures is similar, including shaping, cleaning, and applying a base coat. However, after the gel base coat, gel nails are cured under a UV light, with each new coat also set under the light. This makes the overall gel manicure process longer.
Gel nail polish is a good option for those who want their manicure to last longer and do not wish to change their nail colour frequently. It is also beneficial for those trying to grow their natural nails as it adds a protective layer that helps prevent breaking.
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The curing methods
Curing gel nail polish is not an easy task and requires intensive training to master. However, with the right technique and patience, you can learn to cure your gel polishes perfectly every time. Before starting the curing process, it is important to understand what gel polish is and why it needs to be cured.
Gel nail polish is a type of nail polish that is cured with a special UV or LED lamp. The process of curing gel polish is called polymerisation, which involves using a specially designed UV or LED light to seal and harden the gel nail polish on your nails. This causes the molecules in the gel polish to bond together, forming a solid layer of colour that is resistant to chipping or wearing off.
The curing process for gel nail polish typically involves the following steps:
- Set the timer and activate the lamp by pressing the power button. The curing time can vary depending on the product and lamp used, ranging from a few seconds to several minutes.
- Remain still while the nails dry under the lamp. This is crucial for achieving a perfect shine and ensuring each gel layer is completely cured before proceeding.
- Cure each hand separately to avoid smudging the gel polish. Paint and cure each finger individually, starting with the index finger. This approach ensures optimal light exposure for faster drying, especially for the thumbnail.
- Apply thin coats of gel nail polish in multiple layers to achieve an even and professional finish.
- Once the light turns off, the cycle is complete. Remove your hands from under the lamp and proceed to apply additional coats, including the base and top coats.
- Cure each coat under the lamp for proper sealing and long-lasting results.
- After the final layer, use a cotton pad soaked in alcohol or a specialised gel cleanser to remove any sticky residue.
- For maintenance, replace the UV bulb in your lamp every 2-4 months for frequent use, or once or twice a year for infrequent use.
It is important to note that leaving uncured gel on the nail plate can lead to skin irritation and allergies. Therefore, it is recommended to test the curing process by applying a small amount of gel to a form, curing it for the recommended time, and checking if the underside is still liquid. If the gel is not completely solid, it indicates that the curing process was not effective.
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The reintroduction in the market
The reintroduction of gel nail polish onto the market in the late 1990s was a significant moment in the history of nail care and decoration. This moment had been a long time coming, with the history of manicures stretching back several decades and even millennia.
Gel nail polish was first introduced in the early 1980s in the US. However, due to the longer curing times required by the available formulas, it was pulled from the market. It wasn't until the end of the 1990s that gel nail polish made its comeback, with improved formulas that could be cured more quickly and safely. This evolution in formula composition was key to the success and popularity of gel nail polish.
The curing process involves hardening the gel polish under UV or LED light, creating a hard, durable layer on the nails. This process results in a glossy finish that can last for several weeks without chipping or peeling, a significant improvement over traditional nail polishes. The durability of gel nail polish is due to its thicker, gel-like substance, in contrast to the thinner, lacquer-like composition of regular nail polishes.
The reintroduction of gel nail polish in the 1990s paved the way for further innovations in the nail care industry. For example, in 2007, the first long-wear polish was introduced, offering the benefits of gel polish without the need for curing. This was followed by the introduction of coloured acrylics, UV gel polishes, and Shellac™ in the late 2000s and early 2010s.
Today, gel nail polish is a staple in the nail industry, offering a wide range of colours and finishes, quick-drying times, and the ability to strengthen and protect natural nails. The advancements in gel nail polish technology have also influenced the development of other nail care products, such as hybrids, dip systems, and press-on nails, expanding the options available for nail decoration and protection.
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The popularity of gel nail polish
Gel nail polish offers a longer-lasting and more durable alternative to traditional nail polish. Unlike regular nail polish, which can chip or peel within a few days, gel polish forms a hard, durable layer that can last for several weeks without chipping or peeling. This extended wear time reduces the need for frequent touch-ups or reapplication, making it a convenient and low-maintenance option for many individuals.
The introduction of gel nail polish revolutionized the nail industry by providing a solution to the common issue of premature chipping associated with traditional nail polishes. The durability of gel nail polish is due to its composition and curing method. Gel polish is made up of a thicker, gel-like substance that is cured under UV or LED light, resulting in a hard and resilient finish. This curing process creates a strong molecular bond between the natural nail and the gel material, ensuring that the polish adheres securely and resists damage.
Another factor contributing to the popularity of gel nail polish is its ability to provide a glossy and aesthetically pleasing finish. Gel polishes offer a wide range of colours and finishes, allowing individuals to express their personal style and creativity. The glossy appearance of gel polish is highly sought-after, as it enhances the overall look of the manicure and gives nails a well-groomed and polished appearance.
The evolution of gel nail polish formulas has also played a significant role in its widespread adoption. After its initial introduction in the early 1980s, gel nail polish experienced a resurgence in the late 1990s with improved formulas. These newer formulations were designed to cure faster and more safely, addressing the limitations of earlier versions. The continuous innovation in the gel nail polish market has resulted in products that are not only long-lasting but also vegan, cruelty-free, and non-yellowing, catering to a diverse range of consumer preferences and ethical concerns.
Additionally, the popularity of gel nail polish has been influenced by cultural and social factors. The rise of social media has contributed to a growing nail art culture, with individuals sharing their creative manicures and designs online. This has spurred a demand for diverse colours, textures, and decorative elements, which gel nail polish manufacturers have readily supplied. Celebrities and fashion trends have also played a role in shaping nail polish trends, with iconic colours and styles gaining widespread popularity, such as Chanel's Rouge Noir during the grunge era.
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Frequently asked questions
The history of gel nail polish dates back to the US in the early 1980s.
James Giuliano is credited with creating the first UV top coat in 1990, which was formulated to dry traditional nail polish. However, the term "French Manicure" was trademarked by Jeff Pink in 1978, and he is also known for inventing the classic white-tipped nude nail look.
Gel nail polish is made of a thicker, gel-like substance that is cured under UV or LED light. The polymer used is usually an acrylate copolymer, and the solvents are often butyl acetate or ethyl acetate.
Gel nail polish can last up to two to three weeks without chipping or peeling, much longer than traditional nail polish.
Removing gel nail polish is more difficult than regular nail polish. It usually involves soaking the nails in pure acetone for five to fifteen minutes, depending on the formula.
