Gel nail polish is a type of manicure that offers a long-lasting, durable finish. This type of polish provides a glossy and smooth look for up to three weeks without chipping or peeling.
It has become increasingly popular due to its longevity and the fact that it dries faster than traditional nail polish. Unlike regular nail polish, which air-dries and can take up to 30 minutes to dry completely, gel nail polish requires curing under a UV or LED lamp.
Types of Gel Nail Polish
There are two main types of gel nail polishes: hard gel and soft gel.
Hard Gel Polish
Hard gel polish is thicker than soft gel polish. It is used for adding length or building up the nails’ thickness.
It can also be used as an overlay on natural nails for added strength. Hard gel polish requires filing when removing the manicure as it cannot be soaked off like soft gel.
Soft Gel Polish
Soft gel polish has a thinner consistency compared to hard gel. It is easier to apply than hard gel because it self-levels upon application, meaning fewer brush strokes are required for an even finish.
The soft gel can be easily removed by soaking nails in acetone solution without damaging natural nails underneath. Overall, whether you opt for hard or soft gel nail polish, it is important to choose a high-quality product and follow the proper application and removal techniques for optimal results.
How Long Does Gel Nail Polish Last?
Gel nail polish is a popular manicure choice for its added durability and extended wear time. Typically, gel nail polish lasts between 2-3 weeks with proper application and care. However, the longevity of a gel manicure can be affected by several factors.
Factors that Affect the Longevity of Gel Nail Polish
The length of time a gel manicure lasts can be influenced by various factors, including the quality of the product used, application technique, and exposure to external factors.
Quality of the Product
The quality of the gel polish used plays a vital role in determining how long it will last. High-quality brands tend to last longer than cheaper ones because they contain better ingredients to adhere to your nail surface.
Cheaper polishes may peel or lift off quickly, making them less durable.
Application Technique
Another factor that affects how long your gel manicure will last is the application technique. If you rush through the process or use too much product during each layer, it could lead to peeling or chipping.
You want to make sure you apply thin layers and allow each coat to cure correctly under an LED light before moving on.
Exposure to External Factors
External factors such as sunlight exposure, water contact or chemicals could affect how long your gel manicure lasts.
Sunlight exposure causes fading and may lead to yellowing nails over-time while water contact softens gels making them more likely prone to chipping or peeling.
Chemicals such as household cleaners can also cause damage by weakening or softening gels leading them to lift off easily from nails while hot temperatures like applying heat with a hairdryer can soften gels making them prone to peeling.
How to Make Your Gel Nail Polish Last Longer?
Tips for Prolonging Your Manicure
Having a gel nail polish manicure is not only time-consuming, but it can also be costly. So, it’s important to know how to make your polish last longer. Here are some tips that can help you prolong your manicure.
Clean Your Nails before Applying Polish
The first step in making your nail polish last longer is ensuring that your nails are clean before applying the polish. You can use an alcohol-based solution or acetone to remove any dirt, oil, or residue from your nails. This will help the polish adhere better and last longer.
Apply a Base Coat
A base coat is essential in maintaining the longevity of your gel nail polish manicure. It provides an even surface for the polish to adhere to and prevents staining or discoloration of your natural nails.
Make sure you apply a thin layer of base coat and allow it to dry completely before proceeding with the color coats.
Apply Thin Layers
When applying color coats, always remember to apply thin layers instead of thick ones. Thick layers take longer to cure properly, leading to chipping or peeling of the polish. Additionally, thin layers ensure even application and prevent bubbles from forming underneath the surface.
Cure Each Layer Properly
The curing process is critical in ensuring that each layer of gel nail polish dries properly and adheres well with the previous layer. Follow the instructions on your UV lamp regarding the curing time for each layer of gel polish you apply.
Seal The Edges
The edges are often neglected when it comes to applying gel nail polish, but they are crucial in maintaining the longevity of your manicure. Ensure that you seal the edges of each nail with the color coat and topcoat to prevent lifting or peeling.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Harsh chemicals such as cleaning agents, detergents, and acetone can weaken the bond between your nails and gel nail polish. These chemicals can also cause premature chipping or peeling of your manicure.
Always wear gloves while doing household chores, avoid using harsh products on your hands, and use a gentle acetone-free nail polish remover to take off the manicure.
How to Remove Your Gel Nail Polish Safely?
The Dos and Don’ts of Removing Your Manicure:
Removing gel nail polish is a process that requires care and patience. As tempting as it may be to pick or peel off the polish, this can cause severe damage to your nails. Here are some dos and don’ts for removing safely: Do:
- Use acetone-based nail polish removers specifically designed for gel polishes.
- Cut small pieces of aluminum foil and wrap them around your nails to hold the cotton balls soaked in acetone in place.
- Gently buff the top layer of each nail before applying the remover. Don’t:
- Pick or peel off the gel polish, as this can cause severe damage to your natural nails.
- File too much or too vigorously, as this can also damage your natural nails.
Conclusion
Gel nail polish has revolutionized manicures by providing long-lasting wear without chipping or peeling. The longevity of a gel manicure depends on several factors such as the application technique, quality of products used, and exposure to external factors.
Also Read:
- How To Remove Gel Nail Polish With Sugar
- Why Do Guys Wear Black Nail Polish?
- Can You Use Builder Gel As Nail Glue?
- Why Do My Polygel Nails Pop Off?
- Can A 12 Year Old Get Polygel Nails?
Maya serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Beauty section of HealthMagazineLab.com, bringing decades of industry expertise to uphold standards of accuracy and reliability for the publication’s millions of monthly readers seeking the latest beauty insights.