5 Tips for Buying Gel Nail Systems

5 Tips for Buying Gel Nail Systems

A gel manicure adds a long-lasting splash of color to your natural nails. Gel nail polish uses a unique formula that reacts to UV or LED light. The light "cures" the polish so that it stays smooth, shiny, and free from chips for up to two weeks. Salons have offered gel manicure services for many years, but only recently have home kits become widely available. With the right gel nail system, it is easy to recreate a gel manicure at home.

1. Choose the Right Curing Light (nails salon in riverside)

When buying a gel nail system, it is important for shoppers to choose the right curing light. UV nail lights are popular because they work with any type of gel polish and are usually more affordable than LED lighting. However, consumers may be wary of UV lights because they expose users to UV radiation, which can be harmful in large doses. LED nail lights work only with specially formulated gel polish. They tend to be more costly than UV nail lights, but they do not come with the same radiation hazard.
Light Power Source

In ad***ion to the type of light, it is important for consumers to consider the power source for the light. Some nail lights run on batteries. Those lights can be just as effective as ones that plug into the wall, but replacing batteries can make the system more costly over time.

2. Find Compatible Accessories (nails salon in loves park)

Applying gel manicures is more involved than applying standard nail polish. Consumers, besides curing the polish using a light source, must also prepare the nails for the manicure. Not all gel nail systems come with all the required accessories, so it is a good idea for shoppers to find accessories that are compatible with the system they purchase.
Cleanser, Base Coat, and Top Coat

Before applying gel nail polish, the nails must be completely clean of old polish and any dirt or oils. That means applying a nail cleanser as well as gel polish base coat. Users must also seal the polish with a gel top coat so that the manicure stays shiny and smooth. A gel nail system may come with all or none of these items, so shoppers should be sure to check which are included and to purchase the other parts separately for a complete gel nail experience.

3. Select Strips vs. Polish (nails salon in honolulu)

Gel nail systems usually come standard with at least one color application. Shoppers then need to choose between gel polish and polish strips for ad***ional applications. Gel nail polish is just like tra***ional nail polish regarding application, and gel nail polish strips are individual adhesive strips of polish that people apply one fingernail at a time. The appearance is similar, but there are a few differences to consider.


Gel Nail Polish

Gel Nail Strips
Application


Just like tra***ional polish


Trim and place each strip individually
Color Options


Huge array of solid colors available


Both solid colors and intricate printed designs
Lasting Power


Up to two weeks on average


Up to two weeks on average


It is always possible to purchase ad***ional strips or polishes that work with the curing light after the initial purchase of the system. Still, it is good for shoppers to know the different options the two types of gel manicures offer.

4. Consider the Time Commitment (nails salon in honolulu)

Many consumers experiment with gel nails because a longer-lasting manicure means less time spent removing polish, doing touch ups, or visiting a nail salon. However, it is important to consider the time necessary to applying gel nails at home. The gel nail process takes longer than a tra***ional manicure does, and some gel nail systems come with a light that cures only one nail at a time, which can take up to a minute per nail.
Removing Gel Nails

Removing gel nail polish takes longer than removing tra***ional polish. Because gel nail polish adheres strongly to the nail, it needs to be soaked off using an acetone polish remover. The process can take at least 10 minutes.

5. Remember Aftercare (nails salon in honolulu)

Although gel manicures are long lasting, maintenance and aftercare are necessary for the nails to continue looking their best. Gel nail polish can be drying to the skin and cuticles, which is the reason some gel nail systems include moisturizing cuticle oil. Applying cuticle oil and a moisturizing hand lotion regularly keeps gel nails smooth and shiny and keeps the nails healthy.