Whether you have already been a gel manicure enthusiast or just wanted to try it for your coming events, there might be many things you need to know. Gel manicure has become popular immensely among women because of their ability to withstand every occasion. Whether you are on a busy workweek or vacation, or going to attend any family events or rituals, gel nails or manicure aligns everywhere.
This article is a detailed account of what is a gel manicure. From how long a gel manicure lasts to the safe removal of it, learn everything under the guidance of experts.
What is a gel manicure?
A gel manicure consists of the same steps one follows during a regular manicure – cutting, shaping, and filing the nails. However, a gel manicure additionally involves a gel-based polish requiring LED or UV light. This light helps gel or polish to stay in place for a prolonged time.
Every coat of gel polish may require to cure for about 20 to 60 seconds. However, instead of waiting for your gel manicure or polish to become dry, you may be allowed to leave the saloon once your last topcoat cures.
Having a gel manicure is among the relaxing beauty treatments. The charm of the treatment you can enjoy in the comfort of your own place or your favourite salon. Similar to traditional manicures, gel manicure starts with getting rid of the old polish. The process begins with smearing a base coat. Then 2 coats of gel are applied by a specialist. After this, the specialist asks you to pop your hands under the UV light to make the polish dry.
How long does a gel manicure last?
Compared to traditional manicures, gel manicures may last anywhere from 10 days to 3 weeks. The curing process of gel manicures is appreciated for this long-lasting result.
Besides this, the process of applying gel manicure also defines how long it will last on your nails. Makeup experts suggest there must not be any lotion, water, oil, or any other liquid in your nail beds. They must be as dry as possible. This is because the presence of any liquid in the nail beds may prevent the gel polish from latching on.
Moreover, professionals also revealed that the duration of the gel manicure on your nails may also be determined by the fact of how quickly your nails grow. In the last, we would also like to share that the life of a gel manicure may also defined by the gel nail kits you or your makeup artists choose.
Gel manicure vs regular manicure
Gel nails or manicures are different from regular manicures in many aspects, including their durability, composition, removal process, and overall maintenance. Here is a comprehensive difference between these two modes of manicure, helping you get an exact idea of each method:
| Features | Gel Manicure | Regular Manicure |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | A composition comprising the use of polish that is gel-based and cured under LED or UV. | It uses classical nail polish that dries under air over time. |
| Time to dry | It dries immediately under LED light or UV. | It may take longer to become dry and sometimes may also require additional time to prevent smudging |
| Durability | It may last up to weeks | It may last around a week |
| Process to apply | Comprised three stages: base coat, colour coat, and top coat | Comprised the same stages: base coat, colour coat, and top coat |
| Removal process | You can remove it by soaking it in acetone or by using gel polish removal wraps | You can use regular nail polish remover to remove it |
| LED light or UV exposure | For curing each layer, you may be required to expose it to LED light or UV | The process does not require any exposure to LED light or UV |
| Designing | As the curing time is longer, the option is ideal for intricate nail art and designs | As it dries quickly, you may get the limited design options |
| Cost | Comparatively expensive (30$ to 50$) | Usually affordable (20$ to 30$) |
| Maintenance | It has a long-lasting nature and requires less frequent maintenance | It may require more frequent upkeep |
| Nail damaging risk | Improper removal may cause nail damage | Fewer chances of nail damage |
What is the cost of the gel manicure?
The cost of a gel manicure depends upon the design and the area where you live. In general, gel manicure is expensive compared to regular ones. However, if you live in a big city or where the type is most demanding, you may get the services of a gel manicure anywhere between 30$ and 50$. However, you must ensure the exact price or service charges before taking services from anyone.
How long does it take to have a gel manicure?
The overall process is not a time-consuming task. However, compared to a general manicure, it may take longer. For a general idea, the gel manicure process may take up to 50 minutes, requiring a proper pamper treatment for your nails. You can contact manicure professionals to get further ideas about how long it takes to have a gel manicure.
Benefits of the gel manicure
Ever wonder how gel nails or manicures can benefit you and beautify your nails? Here we got you covered:
- The gel polish dries extremely immediately so that there is no risk of smudging it.
- The process, compared to other types of manicures, is durable enough, causing no danger of chipping it when you leave the saloon.
- Compared to other sorts of nail polishing or manicures, gel manicures may last up to weeks.
- Gel manicure does not lose its shine and never fades.
- With the help of gel manicures, you can extend your nails without waiting for them to grow.
- Unlike other types, such as standard acrylic polish, gel manicure is odourless.
How to safely remove a gel manicure
In order to safely remove gel polish, it is advised to visit a professional. It usually costs between 10$ and 15$. However, in the case, visiting professionals is not possible, you can also do it at home.
Before going to start removing gel from your nails at home, ensure that the removal process must never peel or pick off your nails – ripping off the upper protective layer of your nails. Follow the given instructions, suggested by experts, to safely remove the gel manicure at home:
Gibson Tuttle, CEO and founder of Olive & June suggests breaking the topcoat seal by filing the gels at first. Now place the cotton balls on your nails that are soaked in pure acetone and then wrap your fingertips in tin foil. Wait for at least 10 to 15 minutes before starting to remove the gel or polish.
Once the required time goes off, start lifting the remaining polish by using a wooden nail stick. Pushing minimally or applying a slight pressure will help you remove the gel easily or safely. If the removal process does not go well with minimal effort, it is better to repeat the acetone soak for a further 15 minutes.
Is there any downside to gel manicures?
Indeed, gel nail polish comes with long-lasting results. However, when used excessively or not performed or removed healthily, potential downsides or considerations may come to face:
- Brittleness and dryness: As the removal process requires nails to dip into acetone, they may strip away moisture and natural oils from nails. It leads to peeling, brittleness, and dryness.
- Nail plate thinning: The application process involves filing and buffing that gradually thins the nail plate, making it more susceptible to damage. The thinning process may aggravate due to frequent or excessive manicures.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may be sensitive or develop an allergic reaction to the chemical used in gel polish. They may experience itching, dryness, swelling, redness, and other discomforts around the skin.
- Premature skin ageing: The process requires skin exposure to LED light or ultraviolet radiation. Prolonged exposure to them may accelerate skin cancer risks or premature skin ageing.
- Limited flexibility: Excessive manicuring may cause nails to become less flexible, making them more susceptible to breaking or cracking. The condition usually happens due to moisture or physical stress.
Tips to get a safe and healthy experience of gel manicure
A gel manicure is considered the most effective way to enhance the beauty of not only your nails but your overall appearance. However, making little mistakes may lead to serious concerns. Here we come gel manicure tips for healthy nails, suggested by experts. Following these tips will surely help you get a safe and healthy experience with gel manicure:
- Be proactive with your manicurists by asking them to sterilize the tools. Ensure that they clean or disinfect tools after every session or client.
- Wearing sunscreen on your hands during manicure keeps the hands safe from UV, preventing premature skin ageing and skin cancer.
- If you are not well aware of the ideas about how to remove gel safely, do not take the risks and consult the specialists instead.
- While removing the gel ensure you only soak the fingertips in the acetone, helping protect the surrounding skin.
- If you are allergic to acetone and your nails are susceptible to damage during the preparation of gel nails, avoid it and use a regular manicure instead.
The bottom line
Gel manicure is among the most popular beauty trends among women. If you are already familiar with the process, you must double-check the things to avoid any harm. However, if you are a beginner, you must go through the complete guide to know what to choose and what to avoid to have a good experience with gel manicures.
Tell us in the comment section what you love about gel manicures. Also, share your learning experience with this comprehensive guide. We would love to hear from you!
