Gel Nails

When it comes to natural looks gel nails definitely stand out from the other types of artificial nails to enhance the beauty and look of your nails. Know more about them-types, application procedure, and benefits of fiberglass nails in the following article.

Gel nails i.e. gel makes your nails beautiful, nonporous, flexible and strong naturally. They give your nails a natural look along with strength and durability.

Types of Gel Nails

• Most commonly gel nails are made of pre-mixed ‘light cured’ gels containing a mixture of polymers and monomers. This ‘light cured’ gel is applied on the surface of the nails and is then allowed to ‘cured’ i.e. dry with the help of ultra-violet light that bakes the gel in place and hardens it.
• The most recent addition to the gel nail types has been the ‘No-light’ gels, which are gradually becoming quite popular. Unlike the ‘Light cured’ gel nails, the ‘No-light’ nails do not require any light to get set but require dipping of the fingernails into water.

How to Apply Gel Nails?

It is said that gel nails are easy to apply, but it is not really so easy to apply on your own. For the first 3 to 4 applications, it is always wise to visit your manicurist and get it done.

Here are some simple steps for you get it done:

• Remove the shine of your natural nails by buffing the surface of the nails with the help of a buffer.
• By using a medium grade emery board, you can then shape the free edge of the nail plate according to the size of your finger nail.
• While holding the gel nail tip at a 45 degree angle apply a drop of nail adhesive with the tip of the artificial nail against the outer edge of your natural nail.
• Press the artificial nail in the proper position after sliding it and wait till the adhesive holds the nail securely.
• A single coat of acrylic bonding agent can then be applied on the surface of your natural nail but not on the acrylic tip.
• Pour small amounts of acrylic powder and liquid in separate glass containers and use a brush to dip in to the liquid and press it lightly against the dish. This process helps you in releasing excess acrylic after which you can sweep the brush on the powder so that it has carried sufficient amount of it.
• The resultant ball should be big enough to cover your nail entirely. You may then place the tip of the brush carrying the acrylic ball in the center of the nail.
• Push some acrylic into the cuticle region, working towards the front and sides as quickly as you can, although you need not rush for it. This will fill in your nail behind the acrylic tip completely.
• Using the brush handle, tap your nail gently on the filled in area when it is dry. The setting of the acrylic is indicated by the familiar sound of clicking.
• Finally, buff and file the nails as per requirement before applying a base coat varnish, nail polish followed by a top coat. Applying a drop of cuticle oil to the cuticle can also prove beneficial.

It is important to note that all kinds of gel nail enhancements require to be filled in every two to four weeks, which might vary according to the growth rate of the nails.

Benefit of Gel Nails:

• Gel is a nail treatment that does not cause any harm to natural nails. It conditions, strengthens, treats yellowing of nails and prevents fungal growth.
• They are quick and easy to apply and the gel dries out instantly.
• Resist lifting
• Odorless
• Natural look
• Thin and flexible
• Crystal Clear
• Light Weight
• Durable
• Fashionable

Risks Associated with Gel Nails:

Risks associated with gel nails arise when you become allergic to the gels and you may develop any of the following.

• Burning
• Redness of the cuticles
• Pain