Everything You Need To Know About Gel Manicures

Manicures have long been a favourite of those who want to look their best, and are becoming more popular now than ever! The latest nail technology is the gel manicure which is outpacing even classics like acrylic. Gel requires very little drying down time, offers great durability, and gives a high-shine gloss that lasts! So, what does getting a gel manicure entail? 

The process is basically the same as a traditional manicure, your nails are cut, filed, and shaped. When you use a Gel Nail Polish Kit the gel nail polish is painted on in the same way as a classic lacquer, but then it needs to be cured with a special UV or LED light that will lock the gel in place to make it much more long-lasting than other methods. Every coat of gel polish applied has to be cured for only about 45 seconds so instead of having to wait around for your nails to thoroughly dry, you can leave the salon as soon as the final topcoat has been cured. Not only do gels last longer, they are also more resistant to wear and tear and don’t chip, remaining glossy and great looking until it’s time for your next manicure!

The special UV curing process allows gel manicures to typically last up to three weeks, but natural nail growth and wear and tear will eventually require a fresh treatment. There are also strengthening base gels that can increase their longevity. Gel polish has become well known for its ability to last longer than traditional lacquer, but the way in which it’s applied also plays an important role. You need to make sure your nail beds are as dry as they can possibly be when applying gel polish, but that doesn’t mean they are brittle. The idea is to not have any moisture at all on your nail plates, be it water, lotion, or oils, because their presence can prevent the gel polish from sticking on properly. 

Of course even gel manicures aren’t always perfect, and chips and broken nails can still happen, although they aren’t as common. If you happen to have some bad luck and chip or break your gel, having a nail file with you will be a big help. File the damaged nail down to the best possible shape you can then leave it alone until you can return to the salon. If that’s not an easy option, try to find a similarly coloured polish to cover up any visible gaps.

If you ever decide you want to remove your gel manicure for any reason, it’s always best practice to go to a professional to have it done safely. If for some reason that’s not possible you can do it at home if you are patient and take your time. Never peel or pick gel nail polish off of your nails, it might tear off your nail’s protective top layer!

In order to remove gel polish safely yourself be sure to use the following instructions so you don’t damage your natural nails:

• File the gels to break the topcoat seal. 
• Place cotton balls soaked in pure acetone on your nails.
• Wrap your fingertips in aluminium foil. 
• Let them sit for 15 minutes. Use a timer.
• Use a wooden nail stick to gently lift the remaining gel polish.
• The gels should come off easily with slight pressure and a little pushing.
• if they don’t lift off of your natural nails with minimal effort, repeat the acetone soak for another 15 minutes.

Even using the gentlest professional removal, gel manicures can do some damage over time, making your nails feel dry, brittle, and fragile afterwards. It’s usually recommended that you take routine breaks from using gel in order to let the natural nail breathe, which will help maintain its health. 

Professional manicurists recommend that you apply a cuticle oil or serum after a gel manicure because your nails will be somewhat brittle because of the powerful removal solution, and they will need to be rehydrated. Be sure to apply plenty of moisturizing hand lotion, and take the time to thoroughly massage it into your fingertips to stimulate blood circulation around the nail. It is also recommended that you perform ‘slugging’ on your nails using a hydrating occlusive skin product that will help to keep them nourished while they are healing.

It’s important to remember that once the removal has been done your nails will no longer be protected by the gel coating, so they will be a lot softer and more prone to easy breakage. Once you get used to a fresh gel manicure making your nails feel like you’ve got indestructible steel claws at your fingertips, going back to your regular natural nails means treating them more gently.

Gel manicures are a fun and fast way to make your nails look fabulous, give it a try!