UV gel nails are artificial nail improvements created at the nail salon with a thick gel coating that cures and sets when exposed to ultraviolet light. Unlike normal nail polish, UV gel polish is applied layer by layer to a set-up natural nail or nail tip and then cured under a UV lamp for 30–90 seconds per layer.
This curing procedure allows the layers of gel polish to cure completely, resulting in a smooth, strong, and glossy nail with the desired color and design without the possibility of coating. Gel nails can last 2-3 weeks with the coat of varnish intact, but normal polish only lasts a few days before chipping. Most UV gel paints for nails are soak-off gels, which means they can be safely removed after their long-lasting manicure when desired.
What exactly is UV nail gel used for?
UV gel is a nail improvement product that is treated with a UV lamp. It is usually more sticky and thicker than normal nail polish or nail glue, making it easier to deal with when attaching fake nails. UV gel is also known for its durability and long-lasting hold.
Some important points about UV gel nails:
- The gel polish used is a thick polymer compound that gels and sets under UV rays. This allows the polish to dry quickly while avoiding coating or lowering.
- Gel nails normally last 2-3 weeks without peeling or splitting, while traditional polish lasts for a few days. This makes gels a popular choice due to their durability.
- Gel nail preparation is a multi-step process carried out in salons. Shape the natural nail, then add layers of gel polish and cure each layer under a UV lamp for 30-90 seconds.
- Soak-off gel paints are commonly used so that the manicure can be safely removed at home or in a salon after many weeks without hurting the natural nails.
Here are the typical steps for applying UV gel nail changes:
- Prep: Natural nails are filed to shape them and remove any oils from the nail surface. They are then pulled back and cut, presenting more of the nail plate.
- Prime: The nails are softly cleaned for better grip and adherence. They are dried with alcohol or acetone to get rid of moisture and oils. Lastly, a priming gel is used.
- Base Gel: A thin layer of clear base gel is brushed evenly onto the natural nail. This layer creates adhesion between the gel polish and the nail plate. Each layer is cured by a UV or LED lamp.
- Gel Polish Coats: Two or more thin layers of colored UV gel polish are applied on top of the base layer to build coverage and depth of color. Each layer is cured before the next is painted on.
- Top Coat: Once full coverage is achieved with the color, a glossy top coat gel is applied to seal and protect the polish. This layer is cured to seal the entire gel manicure
- Shape and Finish: If using nail tips, the extensions are shaped and smoothed using files and buffers. Cuticle oil is applied. The finished enhancements have an even, glossy surface across the natural nail and gel tip.
- Removal: After 2-3 weeks, the gel manicure is soaked gently with acetone-based gel remover, revealing healthy natural nails underneath. Nails are cleaned and re-prepared for any reapplication of gel polish.