There’s a new saying among people who get regular manicures: Once you go gel, you’ll never go back. So what’s the big deal about gel nail polish, and why should you consider it?
Gel is a type of nail polish that is cured under UV or LED light. Gel is applied in a similar way to regular nail polish, with a base coat, colour coat (possibly two or even three colour coats, depending on the colour), and top coat. However, after each coat is applied, it is cured under a UV or LED light. This hardens the gel and creates a bond with the nails’ surface. Once the final layer is applied, the nails are cured one final time to ensure that the gel is fully hardened.
Gel is known for its durability and long-lasting shine, typically lasting for up to 2-3 weeks without chipping or peeling. It is also more resistant to scratches and dings, which makes it a popular choice for those who want a more durable and long-lasting manicure, particularly people who use their hands for work a lot. It’s also more water-resistant.
Gel is a good option for people who want long-lasting, glossy nails without the need to constantly reapply regular nail polish. It’s also a popular choice for people who have weak or damaged nails, as it can strengthen and protect them. However, it’s important to note that removing gel can be more difficult than regular nail polish and it requires a special removal process.
Overall, a gel manicure works out to be about the same price or may even be cheaper than a regular nail polish manicure, because gel will last longer than regular nail paint, so might be better value for you if your nail varnish is prone to chipping and scratching. Gel can take longer to apply and to remove and reapply because of how the process works.
Gel nail polish is removed by filing it down. The process is called buffing, it’s a process of gently sanding the surface of the nail with a nail file to remove the top layer of the polish, which will weaken the bond between the gel and your natural nail. This process should be done carefully so as to not damage the natural nails.
Once the top layer of the gel polish is removed, a soaking solution is applied to the nails to soften the remaining varnish. The nails are then wrapped in foil and left to soak.
After the nails have soaked, the foil is removed and any remaining gel is gently pushed off using a cuticle pusher. If there are any remaining bits of polish, they can be removed with a nail file. The nails are then buffed, cleaned, and moisturised to remove any remaining debris and to restore the natural oils and moisture to the nails.
It’s important to note that this process should be done by a professional, as improper removal can cause damage to the natural nails and lead to infections. We know how tempting it is to pick your gel polish off at home, but please don’t! We’ve seen many clients come in with damaged nails from picking off their manicure, and it can take a long time to restore the nails’ health (and you may not be able to have polish on your nails while they’re healing).
