Having cute nails instantly puts you in a great mood each time you glance at them. Be it complicated designs, simple nail art, or just a basic coat of polish in a cheerful color, it’s great. However, investing in nails can be a costly affair. Gel nails are a good way to customize your nails while still adhering to your monthly budget. So, if you want to know what a gel manicure is, then you are at the right place. Read on to get yourself familiar with the art of gel nails.
Gel manicures, what’s the hype?
If you’ve seen beautiful gel nails all over social media, you’re not alone. They’ve become quite trendy and for the right reasons. Gel nails are durable, cost-effective, and super customizable! You can pretty much get all your favorite colors and designs. There’s little room for dislike, especially if you do not have the time to visit the salon every week for a fresh manicure. And anyway, what is a manicure, if not an affordable form of therapy?
Everything You Need to Know About Gel Nails
Whether you’re already a fan of gel nails or just thinking about trying a semi-permanent polish, there is way more to know about gel manicures than you might think. Gel manicures have become incredibly popular because they’re able to survive a busy workweek, a family vacation, or days upon days of hands-on activities.
UV-curing Gel Nails
However, the UV-curing method of gel manicures has some controversy. So, what do you need to be aware of when using UV gel nails? Nail experts and a dermatologist join us for this thorough report on everything gel manicures-from exactly what they are to their benefits, costs, and safety tips. This also applies to gel pedicures.
What are Gel Nails?
A gel manicure is like a regular manicure, wherein your nails are clipped, filed, and shaped, and cuticles are trimmed. Nail gel is applied instead of regular thin polish. Gel x nails are done according to your preference.
The process: Gel nails Explained
The difference is in the polish and curing processes. Gel nail polish is applied similarly to regular nail polish, but the layers are cured underneath an ultraviolet or light-emitting diode light to set for long-lasting wear. Each layer of the gel polish needs to be cured for 30-60 seconds, and unlike regular polish, there is no drying time after you’re finished. A gel pedicure follows the same pattern.
Unique Effects
Gel manicures are more resistant to chips and wear and tear. They also stay glossy throughout the duration. Nail designs are also endless, so get creative!
How long does gel polish last?
Thanks to the curing process, gel manicures generally last anywhere from 10 days to three weeks. Gel nails are made to last three weeks. That is the time you can enjoy your nails, on average. Beyond that, due to natural nail growth and wear, they look worse for wear.
Extending the life of Gel Nails
The strengthening base gels on the market can extend the wear. Although it is known that gel polish is longer-lasting than traditional lacquer, techniques also come into play with the application of it. It’s essential that the nail beds be free of water, lotion, and oils to make sure they adhere properly to the nail.
Taking care
While they are tough, you still can chip or break your gel nails. For minor ones that are most often caused by picking, scratching, or a bang, you can file them to a desired shape and use a similar polish to fill in the color. Nail designs can be harder to replicate by yourself. That is the case if you can’t get to the salon right away.
The Cost of Gel Nails: An Affordable Affair?
The general cost that has been reported is an additional $10 to $15 to get gel nails. This is over the price of a regular manicure, again depending on your location. In places like Los Angeles or New York City, expect to pay between $30 and $50 or more. If you remove the gel in the salon it is applied at, usually the salon will charge between $5 and $15 more, depending on the location.
Gel Nails vs. Shellac Nails
Some people use the terms “gel nails” and “shellac nails” interchangeably, but they actually are not the same thing. With gel manicures, real gel polish is used. With shellac manicures, CND developed a formula that combines gel with classic polish. Both of these options offer semi-permanent manicures, but these nails often provide more color choices. Also, they just look so much cuter over a period of time.
Professional vs. At-home gel manicure
Gel nails at-home kits are super trendy, and brands such as Deborah Lippman and Sally Hansen already offer kits touting the same results as the salon gel manicure sans UV curing. And while these products will, in fact, give one a chip-free and long-lasting finish, they don’t quite measure up to the durability or precision of a professional gel manicure. It’s the steady hand and knowledge of a pro.
Are gel nails safe? Skin concerns & more
The major safety issue surrounding gel manicures pertains to the use of UV lights in the curing process. Can that exposure lead to carcinogenic effects, as it does with tanning beds? A recent study this year highlighted these possible risks, but experts say we don’t quite have enough research to determine a safe frequency.
Reduce the effects
You can reduce those risks by protecting your skin with sunscreen or UV-protective gloves. The newest innovation is the LED lamps, which are taking the place of UV lamps; they cure the gel faster and are also considered safer due to the shortened exposure.
Can Gel Manicures Damage Your Nails?
But other than possibly giving you the same kind of UV exposure as a tanning bed, gel manicures can also be harsh on your natural nails. It can cause them to become more brittle and parched. Still, experts say it’s actually the removal process that’s the worst offender.
Removal process: painful?
The biggest disadvantage to gel manicures is perhaps the improper removal. To really keep your nails safe, you need to take a slow approach to taking off gel on your own or with a professional.
Experts advise having breaks in between gel manicures, alternating with regular polish, or going polish-free for a week or two to protect one’s nail health. Furthermore, using cuticle oil can keep your nails nourished and strong in between manicures.
How to Safely Remove a Gel Manicure
Although it’s best to have a professional remove the gel nails (the most a salon will usually charge is $10-$15), it can also be done at home with some time and care. Never peel or pick at gel polish, as this can take the protective layer of your natural nail off. Otherwise, gently file the top coat to break the seal, then soak cotton balls in pure acetone and place them on your nails, wrapping the fingertips in foil. Leave them for 10-15 minutes, then use a wooden stick to gently lift what is remaining. When the polish easily peels off, remove the foil and cotton balls.
Aftercare for your nails post-gel removal
Afterward, slather on that cuticle oil or serum because acetone can render your nails brittle. And when all else fails, according to Lim, you can lock in all that juicy moisture with a gross-sounding but very efficient trick of slugging your nails: Slather on a thick balm all over those digits.
Conclusion
Due to their low maintenance and easy process, for ladies who want nice nails without much effort, gel nails might be the way to go. One salon visit will have you with glossy, chip-resistant finishes. The use of LED lights for curing instead of UV lamps maintains safety, and of importance is the application of sunscreen to hands. Get professional removal and regular application of cuticle oil, and one should not pick or peel off the gels. If gel polish isn’t your thing, you can totally stick to traditional polish. But, if you’re interested in having fun and lasting manicures, these nails may be the best for you.
FAQs
What is the cost of getting gel nails?
Answer: It depends on your locality, but the range can be from 15$ to 50$.
Can teenagers get gel nails?
Answer: Yes! People of all age groups can try these.
Are gel nails hard to remove?
Answer: The removal process is the biggest disadvantage about gel nails. Either go to a salon, or remove them carefully at home with our tips.
Can you put charms on gel nails?
Answer: The good news is, gel nails are incredibly versatile. Ask your nail tech for to find cute charms and designs.
Are el nails durable?
Answer: Gel manicures can last up to three weeks without major chipping.
