Nail Gels

Nail gels are a nail strengthening product used in manicures to create a strong and durable coating. They are cured in LED or UV lamps, resulting in a hard, chip-resistant coating that maintains its shape and appearance for several weeks. Nail gels come in various forms, such as sculpting gels, colored gels, and bottle gels, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Nail gels are harder and more durable than base coats and are used for strengthening and lengthening nails. Ideal for creating artificial nails and for nail extensions using forms, nail gels provide a robust foundation for the entire manicure.

Proper application of nail gel is the key to a long-lasting and high-quality coating. The process begins with preparing the natural nails: the nails are cleaned with a cleansing agent, then a dehydrator and nail primer are applied, followed by a thin layer of rubber base, which is cured in a UV or LED lamp. Applying a rubber base provides a flexible foundation for the nail gel. Avoid applying the nail gel too thickly, as it can lead to uneven curing and potential peeling. Use the gel for sculpting nail architecture, correcting shape and length. After application, cure the gel in an LED or UV lamp for the manufacturer's specified curing time. To avoid improper or insufficient curing of the nail gel, ensure that the lamp and its power are compatible with the gel you are using. Finish with a top coat as the final layer. After a gel manicure, moisturize the cuticle and skin around the nails with cuticle oil.

Nail gel offers several advantages, making it a popular choice for professionals in salons and beginners:

• Durability: Nail gel is known for its excellent strength, allowing the manicure to last three weeks or more without chipping or peeling.
• Quick Curing: Curing in a UV/LED lamp means that the nail gel sets instantly, reducing the risk of smudging or spreading.
• Protective Layer: Nail gel protects the natural nail from damage and mechanical impacts.
• Variety: A wide range of nail gel colors allows for creating various nail designs and intricate manicures. Adding nail gels to the list of materials used significantly enhances the quality and longevity of the manicure, facilitates the work of the manicurist, and ensures high-quality services for the client.

Opting for nail gels instead of a traditional nail base coat offers several advantages. Firstly, nail gels are known for their durability and strength. Unlike a traditional nail base coat, which may peel, chip, and lose nail architecture, nail gels can last three weeks or longer without layering. Secondly, nail gels are suitable for clients with weak, brittle, and thin nails. Additional nail strengthening helps prevent breakage. The even, resilient, and high-quality coverage achievable with nail gels is a primary reason for their popularity among nail service professionals.

For manicures, sculpting gels, colored gels, camouflage gels, and bottle gels are most commonly used. Nail gels are often used in a three-phase system of nail modeling or extension, along with a base and top coat for nails. Sculpting gels are chosen for creating nail length and shape, often in extensions, as they have a thicker and more viscous consistency, being harder and more durable compared to bottle gels. Bottle gels are hard materials poured into a bottle with a brush, like nail bases, nail tops, gel polishes, and others. Bottle gels have a liquid consistency, self-level well, and allow for quick, efficient, and quality reinforcement of nails of any length and shape, as well as fixing a broken corner or slightly lengthening a short nail. They can be used as a standalone top coat (without gel polish), as bottle gels come in beautiful shades to suit any taste. Colored gels can be either sculpting gels or building gels in a bottle; they have the same properties and purpose as sculpting gels and bottle gels, with the only difference being the amount of pigment and variety of shades. Colored gels are available in various colors such as blue, green, yellow, gray, and even neon orange, and are an excellent way to create even the most complex and glamorous nail designs, and can also serve as a standalone coating without the need for gel polish.

Safe and effective removal of gel nails requires knowledge and proper technique to avoid damaging natural nails. Hard gel can only be removed using a file or a nail drill, for which nail drill bits are needed. To safely and comfortably remove the gel, follow the rules for using a file and drill bit attachments: If you decide to remove the gel using a file or use replaceable files, choose the appropriate grit for artificial nails - 80, 100, 150 grit. Finer abrasives of 180/240 grit should be avoided, as filing will be ineffective, and excessive pressure will lead to heat sensation and discomfort for the client. When working with abrasive files or using abrasive files, watch the motion of the file to avoid injuring the cuticle and skin around the nails. If you decide to remove artificial material using a manicure drill, choose the suitable shape and abrasiveness, i.e., the corresponding color code (usually red or blue). Carbide manicure drill bits or ceramic nail drill bits are suitable for removing gel nails. To effectively use nail drill bits, you need to know the drills and the correct technique for working with them. Be careful not to damage the nail plate.