If you want beautifully-polished nails in attractive colours that will last, you could go nail polish to a salon and spend quite a bit of money to get the look you love. Or, you could invest in the tools you need to treat yourself to gorgeous manicures in the comfort of your home.
Gel nail polish differs from traditional formulas because it lasts much longer without fading or chipping — sometimes as long as three weeks. And although you’ll also need to invest in a UV or LED nail lamp to cure gel polish once you’ve applied it, you’ll save money in the long run with lasting results for a fraction of the cost of repeated trips to the nail salon. Gel vs. traditional nail polish
If you’ve ever painted your nails, you are probably used to swiping on traditional nail polishes that dry quickly and tend to chip easily, often noticeably, within a couple of days. Gel nail polish works a bit differently, as it has gel-based ingredients that combine with other chemicals to produce brilliant shine and long-wear once cured.
UV and LED nail curing lamps are made especially for “setting” gel nail polish. The heat emitted from these lamps creates a chemical reaction in the ingredients of gel nail polish to seal it so it’s virtually flawless for weeks to come. There are pros and cons to both gel and traditional options.
Wears longer than traditional polishes — usually two or three weeks.
Not as prone to chipping or wearing away from normal day to day activities.
Salon-like quality shine.
Available in numerous fashionable colours, from classic opaque to vivid shimmer.
Takes a while to apply due to the curing process.
Can be difficult and time consuming to remove because you can’t just wipe it off with regular gel nail polish remover.
Requires more tools than traditional polishes.
Some are concerned about the required UV or LED light to set it (potential skin damage).
Can damage nails, especially if they are thin and brittle. Gel polish should only be used on strong, healthy nails.
Traditional nail polish
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Also available in many colour options and finishes, even matte.
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Only air drying is required.
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Usually less expensive.
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More formulas (vegan, fortifying, strengthening, etc.).
Doesn’t wear very long — as little as a few days.
Chips and fades easily.
Some colours look dull and flat.
Some have a strong odour.
It’s a myth that nail polish inhibits nails’ ability to “breathe,” because the bloodstream provides the oxygen and nutrients they need.
BestReviewsWhy do you need a curing lamp?
The formula that gives gel nail polish its staying power simply won’t dry and harden properly without being cured, and that process requires special heat. That’s where a curing lamp comes in. You’ll 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 about half the time as their UV counterparts, and should not cause skin damage like old-school UV lamps can (although some still opt to wear fingerless gloves for protection). 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 don’t 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. Steps for applying gel nail polish
Purchase the necessary items. In addition to gel nail polish, you’ll need a curing lamp, base and top coats, nail file or emery board, nail buffer, cuticle removing tool and scissors, acetone nail polish remover, and cotton pads. You’ll also need foil or nail soak clips for removing old gel polish, and alcohol to wipe your nails when finished. A cuticle removing gel or liquid may also be needed.
Remove old nail polish. If it’s a gel, apply acetone with the cotton balls or pads and cover them with foil or clips. After about 15 minutes, you can begin scraping off the softened polish with the cuticle tool.
Prepare your nails. Trim and file your nails and cuticles as needed, and use cuticle remover if necessary. Buff your nails for smooth, even surfaces, and wash and dry your hands.
Apply a thin base coat. Cure your nails under the lamp.
Apply the gel nail polish. Carefully coat your nails. Apply additional coats as needed to achieve your ideal shade, but remember to place your nails under the curing lamp to set after each coat.
Apply the top coat. Cure your nails one last time.
Wipe your nails with alcohol. This step will remove excess resin build-up that is a product of the curing process. However, some no-wipe formulas don’t require this step.
The curing time for each coat may vary, depending on the brand of polish you use and the thickness of the layers. However, cure times typically range from 30 to 120 seconds. As you apply more coats, you may have to increase the cure time a bit.
Gel nail polish features
We’ve 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 you’ve 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 (as is the case with any nail polish), 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.
Gel nail polish prices
Gel nail polish is available in single bottles and in sets or kits. A quality kit will contain a variety of colours, although the bottles are often small (about 7 to 10 millilitres). They range in price from about $15 to $30 for around eight to 20 bottles, and some include base and top coats. You can purchase top and base coats together, or smaller sets that include one to a few colours and a base or top coat. Expect to pay around $10 to $23 for this option. You can also choose your favourite premium gel nail polish individually, which runs approximately $13 to $25 or a bit higher per standard size bottles (about 15 millilitres). You may also opt for a complete gel manicure kit, with everything you need for an at-home manicure, although usually, the quality isn’t the best, and a decent kit should cost close to $100.Tips
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Always allow your nails to cure under a UV or LED lamp for the appropriate time. Otherwise, the polish may lack the shine and longevity you are expecting. You also don’t want to cure them much too long, or you could cause skin damage. If you get sunburned easily, we recommend wearing fingerless gloves or even applying sunscreen to the skin that will be exposed to the light.
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Keep a bottle of acetone nail polish remover, cotton balls, and cotton swabs close by when applying gel nail polish. You’ll be prepared to clean up any messes or mistakes quickly and effectively.
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If you are new to polishing your nails, start with light, natural colours. They are easier to apply evenly, plus missed spots and mistakes aren’t as obvious as they are when dark colours are used.
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Apply gel nail polish in thin layers using even, vertical strokes for the best results.
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Whether applying gel nail polish or using acetone to remove it, make sure your room is well ventilated to avoid any adverse reactions from the fumes.
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Moisturising your nails and cuticles in between gel manicures will help to prevent them from drying out from the acetone remover.
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As with any product that contains chemicals, discontinue using gel nail polish if you experience a reaction such as irritation or inflamed skin, or thin and brittle nails.
FAQ
Q. What will happen if I use gel nail polish without a curing lamp?