Gel Nail Polish Features
Weve talked about the application process of gel nail polishes and how they differ from traditional options however, they also have features.
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Just like traditional polish, gel polish comes in many colour options, from neutral to bold and everything in between.
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Gel nail polish is available in bottles of various sizes, including miniature and standard sizes.
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Just like the types of nail polish youve most likely used for years, you apply gel nail polish with a small brush that is attached to the cap.
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Most gel nail polish has a fairly strong odour , although some are milder than others.
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Gel nail polish comes in a wide range of prices, with premium, professional brands like OPI and Dior falling higher on the price spectrum just like traditional nail polish.
Other Products We Considered
If youve perused our favourite picks for the best gel nail polish, you probably see several that youd like to try. But there are so many varieties on the market that we wanted to recommend a few more options for you to consider, like AIMEILI Top and Base Coat Set. Youll get two essentials for creating a beautiful finish in no-wipe formulas that will cut down on mess and time. We also like the Sexy Mix Pink Gel Kit for those who cant get enough of the colour, because this collection contains several pretty hues in the pink family. Anyone who loves to try a wide spectrum of nail colours should check out Lavender Violets 18-Color Kit, which includes almost every shade in the rainbow and also comes with top and base coats, all with no-wipe formulas.
What Should Be In A Gel Polish Starter Kit
Getting started, your gel nail polish cost will initially be a bit higher than for normal polish.
However, youll likely save money in the long run. This is because your colour will last longer and need less touching up.
Heres what you need as part of a gel polish starter kit:
- gel polish colours you like
- gel polish base coat
- aluminium foil
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Let Your Natural Nail Breathe In Between Gel Manicures
Whether or not you opt for a gel or traditional polish formula, the truth is that regular manis of any kind can weaken your natural nails. “The manicure process can lead to dehydration and thinning of the nail plate,” says Dr. Adigun. “I’ve seen my clients come in with peeling, thin, breaking, discolored nails and even painful nail beds,” explains Jenna.
But that fact isn’t to deter salon regulars, nor those who live for an at-home manicure. Unfortunately, according to Dr. Adigun, by not looking at your natural nail at least every two weeks you won’t be able to properly assess its condition, plus you might even be missing infections and in certain, severe cases, tumors. The thick, armor-like coating of polish also blocks nails from being able to transfer oxygen, explains Jenna.
Dr. Adigun encourages patients to avoid back-to-back gel appointments to prevent lasting damage. “I always tell my patients to go on a gel ‘honeymoon,'” says Dr. Adigun. “This break will allow their nails to rehydrate and repair.”
What Is Gel Nail Polish
Regular nail polish dries when exposed to air. Gel polish will dry only under direct UV or LED light.
When cured under a lamp, gel polish dries harder and shinier than regular nail polish. Its also much more durable.
We offer a range of salon gel polishes for sale online, so you can achieve a professional result at home.
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Gel Nail Polish : Everything You Need To Know About Gel Manicures
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Theres a reason why gel nail polish has become a modern beauty mainstay: it’s virtually indestructible, impossibly glossy, and offered at nearly every nail salon. However, the most enticing aspect of a gel mani? Zero risk in chipping your polish the minute you dig through your handbag to check your phone not to mention, for several weeks to come.
“Gel polishes are comprised of stronger ingredients that grasp the nail tighter than traditional lacquers and are strong enough to stand up to daily wear and tear without chipping, explains Essie Global Lead Educator Rita Remark. A few differences between the formula and your regular lacquer? “Gel polishes are more flexible, so they stand up to chips gels are cured under a UV or LED lamp and polishes cure in oxygen. Gels have to be removed by soaking in acetone for at least ten minutes, while polishes can be easily wiped away with nail polish remover.
We spoke with celebrity manicurist Jenna Hipp and Dr. Chris Adigun, a Chapel Hill, North Carolina-based dermatologist who specializes in nail health, to learn how to get gel manis the safe way.
Ahead, discover 11 tips for making your gel manicure last and keeping your natural nails healthy, plus a roundup of our favorite gel nail polishes.
Youre Removing An Old Gel Manicure Without Professional Help
Once a gel manicure is on its last leg, you may be tempted to remove it yourself, but experts advise against it. The safest way to remove gel polish is by a professional, says Harpring.
If you absolutely cant make it to the salon for removal, she advises you first gently file the top of the polish to remove the shine, which allows the acetone to penetrate and dissolve the gel easier. Next, soak cotton balls in acetone , apply a cotton ball to each nail, and wrap it in tin foil. Leave the wraps on for 10 to 15 minutes, and then, using a wooden cuticle pusher, gently push the gel off of the nail plates. To finish, lightly buff the surface of the nail with a buffing tool, and apply oil to your nails and cuticles to rehydrate.
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Try To Limit Your Exposure To The Uv Lamp
A recent study from the American Academy of Dermatology revealed that gel manicures may not be a safe option for people who are highly sensitive to UV light. The UV dose that you receive during a gel manicure is brief, but its intense, Dr. Adigun said in the study. Over time, this intense exposure can add up to cause skin damage.
“An additional concern is the rise in popularity of LED nail lamps,” Dr. Adigun notes of her own research on the safety of gel manicures. LED lamps have become popular as much for their faster curing times as the belief that they’re safer than UV lamps, but Dr. Adigun insists this is not the case. “Although many people mistakenly believe these lamps do not use UVA to cure, they in fact use higher intensities of UVA wavelengths in order to achieve the shorter curing times. This higher intensity of UVA irradiance means that it requires less time for these lamps to potentially harm the skin,” she explains.
Instead, Dr. Adigun recommends bringing along your own pair of YouVeeShield gloves to protect your hands against UVA radiation . “It is the most protective material protects the entire digits and wrist,” Dr. Adigun says.
Does It Contain Quality Polish
If youre fully committed to at-home gels and looking to cut back on salon visits, Aaron recommends investing in a kit that contains quality, professional polishes, such as the LeChat Perfect Match Gel Polish. On the other hand, if youre simply testing the waters between your usual salon appointments, she doesnt think its necessary to invest too much money into the process.
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In Which Order Should I Use Products In My Gel Kit
Always start your manicure by prepping the nails, file your nails, push back your cuticles and buff the surface of the nail bed. Cleanse the nail using Prep & Wipe on a Lint-Free Wipe. Then go in with your base coat, gel colour coats, and top coat, curing thoroughly under the lamp between each layer. Finish your manicure by rubbing in cuticle oil. Keep the Gel Remover on hand to remove your mani when required.
Youre Not Using Cuticle Oil
According to Hadley, you can assess nail damage based on their flexibility: Normal nails are somewhat flexible, but the harder and sturdier the nail, the more likely it is to break. Since cold weather tends to make skin drier overall, proper cuticle hydration can make a big difference. Additionally, acetone can be extremely drying to the nail bed, causing nails to break or become brittle over time.
To combat nail dryness, experts suggest keeping cuticle oil close at hand . I swear by cuticle oil and personally love NCLA’s, Pulaski tells SELF. I used to think that cuticle oil wasn’t essential, but I started using it about two years ago and I always carry it with me now, especially in the colder months! Adding a few drops of oil to your nails and cuticles in between salon visits will keep them hydrated.
Keeping my nails looking good, with or without polish, is definitely a priority. So while I probably wont give up on gel nail polish altogether, Ill definitely think twice before trying to stretch my manicure for longer than two weeks at a time.
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Try Not To Pick At Peeling Gel Polish
One thing that’s pretty common among gel devotees is the picking process. When the color begins to lift, you may be tempted to remove it, almost like you would a scab. “As peeling and lifting begin, water can seep into the nail,” says Jenna. “This can harbor bacteria and possibly cause fungus. Once the peeling phase starts, it’s hard not to pick at your polish. If you rip it off, you’re probably taking some layers of your nail off with it. This kind of damage can take over six months to repair.” Dr. Adigun adds: “In one study, nail plate thickness was measured both before and after just one gel manicure and thinning was observed.” It’s not clear exactly which component caused the thinning, but one or more points in the gel process are to blame.
“When applied and removed correctly, gels are completely safe to wear on an ongoing basis, adds Rita. “Gels can certainly weaken the nails if they are peeled or pried off the nail, which can strip layers of the natural nail, or if the nail if over buffed prior to gel application.”
How To Remove Gel Polish
To remove gel polish, you need to soak it for several minutes in a soak-off product, which contains acetone.
Wet cotton wool with the soak-off product and attach to nails with strips of aluminium foil.
Leave for the specified time usually around ten minutes. Then remove the foil and wash your nails.
If necessary, lightly scratch off the remaining polish with a nail file. Be careful to avoid over-filing, which can weaken your nails.
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About Nail Polish Direct
When youre looking for a high quality, professional range of nail products at affordable prices there’s only one online store that you will need Nail Polish Direct.
With years of experience in the nail and beauty sector supplying a wide range of high quality nail care products to the consumer market, and of being official UK stockists of iconic nail brands, we pride ourselves on bringing you the latest nail products used by professionals all over the world. Enjoy the salon quality, professional nail polish and nail care products from the likes of OPI, China Glaze, NailBerry, Deborah Lippmann. From UV nail lamps and gel nail polish ranges to false nails for a glamorous look, we aim to keep our customers up-to-date with the latest nail polish collections and nail varnish trends from all our featured brands. With a wide range of nail lacquers, nail treatments, nail polish removers, base coats & top coats and all the tools and accessories that are needed to achieve that flawless manicure and pedicure, you know you can rely on us to help you achieve professional, long-lasting results every time. Purchase your favourite nail products for less with Nail Polish Direct!
Hot Baths Or Showers Can Cause Gel Polish To Lift
“A gel manicures worst enemy is hot water, says Rita, hence why soaking them is the most effective way to get them off. “Long baths, showers, or time spent in a hot tub can cause lifting, so try your best to avoid these or keep them to a minimum and always wear rubber gloves when you do the dishes! Duly noted.
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Opi Gelcolor For Professionals
While some gel nail colours are available for you to use at home under a curing light, OPI GelColor is available exclusively through nail salons for professional use only. If youre a professional seeking some new gel polish colours, choosing OPI GelColour at your salon will guarantee your clients a stronger, durable and aesthetically-pleasing manicure. If youre not a professional, and youre looking for a sleek long-lasting polish you can apply at home, browse our full collection of gel polishes for a whole host of stunning colour choices.
Gelous Is New Zealand And Australias Go
Gelous Gel Nail Polish paints on like an ordinary nail polish, but lasts up to two weeks without fading, peeling or chipping. You dont have to worry about waiting for your nails to dry or smudging them afterwards they are hard and perfectly dry once cured with the Gelous UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp. Stacked up against a regular manicure, a Gelous mani lasts longer, feels stronger, and shines like noones business. Gelous products are cruelty free, vegan, non toxic , high quality and affordable – kind to your nails, your wallet AND the planet.
Convenient packs provide the instructions, manicure tools, polishes and lamp you need to get you on your way to creating your your dream DIY manicure. All products are also available individually for those of us who have a beauty stockpile at home.
Gelous orders are dispatched every business day throughout New Zealand, Australia and the rest of the world, so you can have peace of mind that our product will be in your hands as soon as possible. We also offer pick-ups from our handy Auckland warehouse. Can’t wait until payday? Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with Afterpay and Zip. Well ship your order straight away and you can pay it off with 4 interest-free payments.
The Process
To apply your DIY Gel Nail Polish at home, you start by filing the nails, pushing back the cuticles, buffing the nails and cleaning the hands. Make sure to protect your skin by applying sunblock about 30 minutes before commencing your mani.
The Tech
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How Do I Remove My Gel Manicure
Buff your nail to break the seal on your gel manicure and allow the product to soak in. Then soak a Lint-Free Wipe or cotton pad with the Gel Remover and wrap around the nail using tin foil. After 10-15 minutes remove the wrap and gently push the loose polish from your nail using the Wooden Cuticle Stick. If polish remains, repeat these steps until all polish is removed.
The Next Best Thing To A Salon Gel Manicure That You Can Do At Home The Longer Lasting Manicure Number 1 Selling Gel Polish In The Us
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Mistakes Youre Making When Wearing Gel Nail Polish
Chipping a perfectly good manicure is one of lifes most annoying frustrations. Since Im constantly opening packages and typing stories, wearing gel nail polish has been a saving grace when it comes to preserving my mani. While I love the flexibility a regular manicure provides, gel polish is so much more durablewhich is why I tend to stretch each manicure for as long as possible.
With gel polish, your manicure can last from two to three weeks, but with regular polish you’re lucky if it lasts five to seven days without chipping, Kristin Pulaski, owner of Paintbucket Nails in Brooklyn, tells SELF. According to Pulaski, in addition to staying power, another great benefit of gel is that it provides a harder layer of protection over the natural nail, which can result in increased nail growth.
Unfortunately, this durability and protection can be rough on your nails and make them weaker and prone to splitting. No one wants that, so there are a few things to keep in mind to maintain the health of your nails when youre getting gels. We asked Pulaski, celebrity manicurist Skyy Hadley, and Christy Harpring, co-owner of Sea Salt and Sugar Nail Bar in Savannah, Georgia, to clue us in on gel polish mistakes to avoid.
Why Do You Need A Curing Lamp
The formula that gives gel nail polish its staying power simply wont dry and harden properly without being cured, and that process requires special heat. Thats where a curing lamp comes in. Youll be able to choose from lamps that produce UV or LED light. Newer models have automatic timers built in, so you need only press a button to turn on for each step of the curing, which takes one minute or less.
Lamps that emit UV lights were the first used to cure gel nail polish however, the technology has evolved. LED lamps set gel polishes in a about half the time as their UV counterparts, and should not cause skin damage like old-school UV lamps can . You can expect to pay a bit less for a UV lamp, so this is still an option if you are watching your budget and dont mind spending a bit more time with your hands under the light source as your polish cures.
Keep in mind that some types of nail polish have the term gel in their descriptions, but only those that require curing with a lamp are true gel formulas that provide long-lasting wear. They are often referred to as soak off polishes, and while they might last slightly longer than traditional nail polish, the main appeal is a glossy, gel-like finish.
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