How to care for gel polish: secrets to a lasting manicure.

Disadvantages of manicure with gel polish

First of all, you need to consider that any nail coating, be it regular polish, gel or acrylic, is a polymer. That is, a chemical substance. Gel polish, according to its chemical structure, is a polymer coating. And covering the nail plate, this coating prevents the nails from breathing.

Before applying gel polish, the nail is polished, as a result of which its nail plate becomes thinner over and over again. As a consequence of this, after 4-5 procedures, the nails become not only thin, but also fragile, their delamination and cracking appear.

The procedure for a gel polish manicure is quite complex and requires a certain level of professionalism. Therefore, a manicure done by a non-professional, with poor-quality treatment of the nail plate before applying gel polish, can cause the development of infection and the appearance of inflammatory processes under the coating.

The procedure for removing gel polish coating, which cannot be done without liquid with acetone, also has negative factors. Which additionally dehydrates the nails (and with them the skin around them). Often, women themselves remove gel polish by simply peeling it off their nails, not realizing that the top layer of the nail plate is also removed along with the coating.

Lack of care for gel polish

Despite the durability of the coating, this type of manicure requires daily care. The cuticle should be treated in a timely manner and a moisturizer with jojoba, olive or apricot oil should be applied. It is also worth making strengthening masks to make your manicure last longer.

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Causes of nail damage with gel polish

If the master follows the correct technology for working with gel polishes and the client wears the coating for no more than 3 weeks, damage to the nails is unlikely. But if the condition of the nails still worsens, something clearly went wrong. Let's look at the possible reasons.

Poor quality gel polish

The durability of gel polish is provided by methacrylic acid, which is contained in the polymer coating. The higher the content of acid and harmful impurities, the more pungent the smell. The more acid in the composition, the more aggressive the effect on the nails. Too much methacrylate in the composition dries out the nail plate, making it very fragile and brittle. In this case, the coating usually holds up well, but over time the nails simply begin to crumble.

Unprofessionalism of the master

For example, an inexperienced master can “saw” his nails, and they will become thin and brittle. In addition, some craftsmen, while advertising the durability of their coatings, use gels containing too high a percentage of methacrylic acid and other harmful substances.

Mistakes when performing a manicure

When processing the cuticle, damage and thinning of the nails is also possible, especially with hardware manicure. Damage to the matrix is ​​very dangerous, because it can lead to irreversible damage to the nail.

Removing gel polish coating using liquid

All gel polish removers contain acetone. And even if it is written on the bottle that the product does not contain it, this means that it does not contain acetone, but some of its derivatives. It is obvious to everyone that micellar or violet water will not dissolve the polymer. Acetone dries both nails and skin, so it is better to remove the coating using a manicure machine. But it is important that a competent master does this.

“Over-wearing” of the coating

Clients often boast about the professionalism of their manicurists, showing each other their regrown coating: “Look how long it lasts, look how much it has already grown.” The recommended period of wearing gel polish is 2-3 weeks. Manufacturers usually recommend 2 weeks, because... Afterwards, the material ages and the coating begins to peel off.

Wearing the coating for too long can lead to breakage of the overgrown nail. The nail may break inside the covering into the meat. This is not only painful, but also dangerous, since it is fraught with infection and the development of an inflammatory process under the nail. In such a situation, you must immediately go to a specialist and remove the coating.

So-called “detachments” are also dangerous. They are a favorable environment for the growth of fungus and bacteria, which can lead to serious nail diseases. Frequent, prolonged contact with water contributes to the appearance of detachments, so it is recommended to do homework with gloves. Regular visits to the sauna, swimming pool, trip to the sea, etc. - all these are reasons to change the coating more often than once a week to avoid detachments.

Every girl should know

It is worth remembering that gel polish is a coating that combines the properties of varnish and gel. It is applied like a varnish and dried like a gel under an ultraviolet lamp.

In order for the manicure to last a long time, the products for proper nail care with gel polish must be of high quality.

Contact a responsible craftsman who values ​​his reputation and strictly adheres to application technology.

In rare cases, there is an allergy to gel polish. It manifests itself in the form of swelling of the fingers, burning, and redness around the nail.

Photo: appearance of healthy nails

But this happens if you use a base that is too cheap or a top coat of dubious origin.

It is advisable that the base and top coat be of the same brand, and that the coating be fresh, since the old gel thickens and air bubbles form in it.

As a result, the coating lays down unevenly and peels off quickly. There are a few more rules for good nail care with gel polish, which are worth examining in more detail.

What our marigolds don't like

Nails do not like hot water and aggressive chemicals. Therefore, when washing dishes, cleaning the floor, cleaning the stove, cleaning the bathroom, and carrying out other household work related to cleaning, only wear rubber gloves.

This will extend the life of the coating by several days. Wearing gloves while cleaning is a good habit.

It helps keep the skin of your hands in excellent condition. Toxic substances that can cause allergies do not penetrate the skin, while gloves protect the skin and nails.

Although it is known that nails are keratinized cells without blood vessels and nerves, this does not mean that they do not need to be looked after.

Photo: cleaning gloves

The surface of the nail can undergo mechanical damage, and under the influence of acids it can become cloudy, change color, and collapse. When nails are not straight, have lost their shine and strength, this is immediately noticeable.

The nail plate is not very sensitive to oils and creams. But the cuticle that surrounds the nail requires careful care.

Massage your fingers with castor oil or use special cosmetic products aimed at skin regeneration.

We must not forget to use oils and gels for the feet, because the toenails must also be in perfect condition.

Nails absorb water well, so with frequent contact with water, they become softer and thicker. The shine of the nail comes from inclusions of fat and water in its structure.

The condition of nails is greatly affected by a lack of vitamins, amino acids, and minerals. Marigolds especially suffer when they do not receive enough protein, sulfur, zinc and phosphorus.

Products containing vitamin B2

It is necessary to include sea fish, eggs, fermented milk products, and vegetables in the diet. Proper balanced nutrition will soon make itself felt - the condition of the skin and nails will improve.

Manicure mistakes

In any process, the sequence of actions must be strictly followed in order to obtain an excellent planned result.

Applying gel polish does not deviate from this rule. The main mistakes that beginners make:

• improper preparation when the edge of the nail is uneven and not smooth enough
• using a polisher instead of a buff
• applying cuticle oil immediately before the gel
• application of acid primer
• applying too thick a layer of gel
• using too much base
• shaking the bottle of gel, which leads to the formation of bubbles.

Separately, it is necessary to say about the buff. It is used to create a slightly rough surface. The gel polish adheres well to it and holds securely in the future.

If you use a polisher, the effect will be completely opposite. When working with a buff, do not overdo it.

Just two or three movements are enough to get the desired roughness. Why can't you apply oil, while general nail care with gel polish is approved?

Just like polisher, it reduces adhesion. The gel simply won't stick. Instead of oil, use a dehydrator or fresher.

As a result, the surface is degreased and the gel adheres firmly to the nail plate. A jar of varnish should not be left open. It’s not for nothing that they make it with an opaque coating.

From exposure to sunlight and lamp lighting, the varnish dries out and becomes unusable. The gel must be dried thoroughly by positioning your hand correctly under the lamp.

It is best to dry each nail separately, but to save time, do it differently. Only the thumbnail is dried separately, while the rest are placed in the center of the lamp.

How to save damaged nails?

First of all, you need to know that a dry, cracked nail will no longer be saturated with new strength and will not recover. Even if you give it a “rest” for two to three weeks from any decorative coatings. The only way to restore a damaged nail is to grow it again. This will take 2-3 months and the following procedures must be completed.

Trim the length

If the nails are damaged, it is best to cut the length, leaving a free edge of the nail no more than 1 millimeter. This will avoid the occurrence of additional cracks and chips, and will also speed up the process of restoration of the nail plates.

Trim your nails in a straight line. The corners of the nails should form a right angle, which can be slightly rounded using a glass nail file. This will prevent ingrown nail plates.

Don't forget to hydrate

Your nails are the same skin, just with a slightly different structure. Therefore, they also need moisture. To do this, it is enough to keep your fingers in warm water for 10-15 minutes every evening. Don’t forget about brewed medicinal herbs - infusions of chamomile, calendula, oak bark, and St. John’s wort will work perfectly.

If desired, you can add sea salt or lemon juice, which strengthen the plates well, promoting growth.

Do oil baths

For healthy growth and beautiful appearance, nails and hand skin need not only to be moisturized but also nourished. Oil baths restore the nail bed after injury, detachment, or dystrophy.

The main component of the bath solution is base vegetable oil. We use any oil: castor, almond, olive or coconut, which we heat in a water bath and dip our fingertips into it.

For best results, add a few drops of oil solutions of vitamin A (if you are not allergic), E or essential oils. To prepare an oil bath, you will need 1/2 cup of oil and about 5 drops of additional ingredients.​

After the procedure, do not wash your hands, but blot them with a napkin. Rub the remaining oils into your fingertips with massage movements, this stimulates nail growth and allows you to prolong the effect of nutrients. I recommend doing these baths once a week.​

Use strengthening agents

There are many nail strengthening products available on the market, used at different intervals. Some of them are applied daily, others every three days. You should choose the form that will be used “without absenteeism.”

For nails with grooves and a ribbed structure, strengthening bases are suitable for smoothing the relief; for those that have changed their color (without signs of infection), use whitening compounds; for dry and thin nails, use rich nutritional compounds.

Use nail hardeners

If the nails are very thin and brittle, peeling, they require more intensive care. Namely, the use of hardeners. They can be found in professional stores or purchased at a nail salon.

Such products nourish the nail plates well, even if they are severely damaged. The best options can replace several products at once: base, clear varnish and repair agent. They are easy to use: apply to your nails and wait until dry. You can apply decorative varnish on top, but in case of severe damage to the nails, this is not recommended.

Take care of your cuticle

While carefully caring for the plates, many people forget about the cuticle, but the health of the nails and their growth largely depends on the condition in which it is. First of all, you don’t need to trim the cuticle - there is a risk of infection. It is best to push back the skin at the base of the nail with an orange stick after a relaxing hand bath or bath or shower.

Lubricate your cuticles with a natural oil of your choice every night before bed to give them time to soften and nourish overnight. But that's not all - after the oil has dried, you should apply a moisturizer on top to seal the results. And since we have taken a course on natural ingredients, you can use regular sour cream for these purposes. This will create a "glove" effect that will protect and restore softness to your cuticles while you sleep.

Protect your nails from water and chemicals

If there is damage to the nails in the form of cracks or delamination, then all “wet” housework using detergents and chemicals should only be done with gloves.

Review your diet

The beauty and health of nails are directly dependent on the quality of nutrition. To keep your nails healthy, you need to eat healthy foods rich in vitamins or drink special complexes. B vitamins must be supplied to the body. Their lack causes darkening and brittleness of nails.

Vitamin A supports skin protein fibers and restores nail structure. Vitamin E increases elasticity and helps fight delamination. Zinc deficiency makes nails weak and brittle, and white spots may appear. Omega-3 acids are also essential for healthy nails.

Dairy products, carrots, broccoli, red fish, turkey, whole grains, and nuts will help fill the deficiency of vitamins and useful elements.

Limit the consumption of fatty, spicy foods, and alcohol. They disrupt digestion, impair liver function, which negatively affects the condition of the nails.

Nail extension without interruption

Of course, gel polish can come to the aid of those who have naturally weak and brittle nails, but in order not to aggravate the situation, you need to take a break of several months between extensions. During this time, using vitamins and special care products, your nails will recover. And you will repeat the gel coating procedure again, but more safely.

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Cautions

Rules for caring for nails coated with gel polish warn against:

1. Prolonged contact with hot water.
2. Mechanical impact (filing with a nail file or trimming with nail scissors).
3. Washing floors, dishes, cleaning the bathroom, etc., without rubber gloves.
4. Removing the coating without pre-soaking.

It is also best to avoid any hand baths while the gel polish is applied. Nourish the skin of your hands using only creams and oils. Also, after applying gel polish, do not visit saunas and baths in the next 2 days, where there is a lot of steam and hot air, and also do not take long baths with hot water.

Do not open anything or scrape it with your nails under any circumstances. Any coating, even the strongest, will not withstand such exposure. It is not recommended to bang your nails on hard surfaces - this can cause the polish to crack.

Proper care of gel polish will help maintain a great design for as long as possible, no more than 2-3 weeks.

Properly care for short nails

Short nails are not a punishment, it is also a very big advantage. Firstly, they are much more practical than long ones, and secondly, many men do not like “huge female claws.” But if the nails break even in this form, they are peeling and thin, then you need to learn to find the root cause.

First, analyze your diet. Eat more vitamins and fresh fruits, soak your nails in a solution of sea salt and minerals. Taking calcium and fluoride helps a lot. You can also strengthen your nails at home with calcium baths. You just need to dissolve two calcium gluconate tablets in a glass of water.

Gelatin baths help a lot. Dissolve one sachet of the substance in warm water and gently apply the mixture to your hands. Leave it like this for half an hour and then rinse it off carefully. Afterwards, it is recommended to apply a nourishing cream, preferably home-made.

Don't forget about the cuticles on your hands. A European manicure without cutting the cuticle looks safe and neat.

Gel nail care: tips

— Always keep your nails and hands clean. Be sure to follow hygiene rules. — Extensions should not be carried out for those people who have a fungus or have hangnails or unhealthy nails. If you often work at a computer, then you should choose an oval nail shape, as long, sharp nails will break and make an unpleasant clicking noise. — Painting on gel nails looks very harmonious and beautiful. You should not choose too bloody bright colors, as the impression of such nails will not be the most pleasant. For example, using such a manicure in an institute or office is unacceptable. — For painting your nails, it is better to choose pastel colors that will look appropriate with any outfit. - General advice - all household work should be done with gloves. A well-groomed woman in the modern world should not neglect any little things and take proper care of her gel nails. A beautiful and fashionable manicure and a good hairstyle are the basis of your attractiveness.

New and popular gel polish coatings

Today it is difficult to surprise anyone with a classic manicure. But all of us girls love attention from the outside and catch the admiring glances of others. That’s why, when going to a nail salon, we carefully consider all possible options for designing our favorite nails. Today, nail technicians can offer many interesting techniques.

In terms of price, all coatings can be divided into economy options up to 500 rubles. for home use and materials for professional use in salons and home studios, the cost of which will be higher.

Let's look at the most popular types of UV coatings and the latest fashionable gel polish colors.

Gel polish “Cat's eye”

You can create a beautiful and effective design using cat eye gel polish. Possessing a special formula that includes the smallest metallized particles, cat eye gel polish on nails allows you to get an interesting pattern that imitates the pattern of a gemstone of the same name. The design is created using a special magnet, which is always sold together with varnish. Metal particles, under the influence of magnetic waves, form the necessary pattern.

The most popular brands of magnetic gel polishes: KODI, FOX, LiaNail, Bluesky, InGarden, Masura, TNL, Ell lourel, Irisk, Vogue Nails, etc.

SECRETS AND FEATURES OF USE

• Nail preparation : leveling the nail plate and applying a base;
• Covering your nails with black gel polish : if you want to get a clearer highlight effect, then it’s better to apply the “cat’s eye” over black polish, but you can do without it.
• Preparation of magnetic gel polish : it is recommended to shake the contents of the bottle with magnetic varnish well and mix;
• Application and creation of effect : it is recommended to apply the material in two layers (you can put a highlight on the first one, or you don’t have to). The most comfortable distance from the surface of the nail to the magnet when placing a highlight is approximately 5-6 mm.
• Fixing the result : the manicure is fixed, as usual, with a top coat.

Cat eye designs are often combined with rhinestones, vintage designs, lace and matte tops and foils. Stained glass decor is also in fashion now.

CHARACTERISTICS OF MAGNETIC VARNISHES OF POPULAR BRANDS

CAT EYE DESIGN OPTIONS

New: cat's eye and stained glass pattern.

Another new product: cat's eye on wet (drops and brush drawing).

Fashion design: cat eye with inlay.

Classic: matte cat eye.

Single-phase gel polish

Single-phase gel polish is a very convenient option for creating a beautiful manicure at home. Unlike conventional products, 3 in 1 gel polish has an innovative formula, due to which there is no need to apply a base and top coat.

The most popular brands of 3 in 1 coatings: TNL, Bluesky, Nailico, Patrisa Nail, Joy, ruNail, etc.

FEATURES OF USE

No subtleties or secrets. The coating is a universal 3 in 1, so the number of manipulations when creating a manicure is kept to a minimum:

• Nail preparation : buffing and degreasing;
• Application : cover nails with 2-3 layers of gel polish;
• Final stage : removing stickiness if necessary.

These coatings have one feature. Because If you do not use a top coat during the manicure process, your nails will not be as shiny as with a classic manicure.

Thermo gel polish

Not so long ago, the attention of fashionistas was attracted by a new product - thermal gel polish, which changes color depending on the temperature. The coating looks especially interesting on long nails. It reacts not only to the ambient temperature, but also to the temperature of the nails themselves.

The most popular brands of thermal coatings: TNL, Masura, Bluesky, Vogue Nails, Patrisa Nail, Vera Nail, FOX, KODI, etc.

OPERATING TECHNOLOGY

The stages of applying thermal coating are no different from a regular manicure:

• Nail preparation : light sanding, treatment with degreaser;
• Application : Usually 2 coats of color are required;
• Consolidation of the result : top and removal of stickiness

When choosing a material for work, carefully read the instructions on the bottle. The temperature range at which the coating on the nails changes color is very important (it should not be too wide).

THERMO MANICURE OPTIONS

Thermal coating gives an interesting effect of transition from one color to another at the tips of the nails. It turns out a gradient jacket.

Matte gel polish

Matte gel polish is a stylish and interesting coating option that does not give a glossy shine when dry. It is used to create various designs. Combines perfectly with glossy gel polishes.

Popular brands of matte coatings: Masura, LoveEasy, etc.

APPLICATION FEATURES

Matte varnish is usually single-phase (3 in 1) and is very easy to apply.

• Preparation : before application, you only need to properly prepare the nail plate using a buff and degreaser (in addition, you can use a primer);
• Application: as a rule, 2 layers of gel polish are required to achieve a rich color;
• Final stage : no need to use top, you just need to remove the stickiness.

Single-phase varnishes are very convenient to use, but some of them last only a short time. In this regard, nail designers prefer to do a classic manicure with gel polish using a matte top coat.

POPULAR DESIGN OPTIONS

The simplest and most beautiful manicure options with a matte UV coating for nails: French manicure and droplets on the nails.

Stained glass gel polish: transparent glass coating

Another option that will help you create an original manicure is stained glass gel polish. With its help you can create amazingly beautiful designs: “broken glass”, liquid stones, aquarium nails. Gel polishes have a translucent texture. Therefore, if it is necessary to achieve a more intense effect, stained glass gel varnishes are applied in several layers.

The most popular brands of stained glass gel polishes: Vogue Nails, Bluesky, Kodi, Irisk, TNL, BDNail, etc.

APPLICATION

This coating is used to create a decorative effect.

• Nail preparation : includes polishing, cleaning, degreasing nails, applying a base coat;
• Application of color : coating of nails with 2 layers of colored gel polish;
• Creating an effect : applying stained glass coating (can be used for decoration);
• Consolidation of the result : top.

Stained glass enhances the effect of a cat's eye if you choose coverings to match. Also, varnish with a stained glass effect is used for nail designs with foil, with diamonds, with sparkles, with broken glass, and what’s more, you can draw patterns with “stained glass.”

MANICURE DESIGN OPTIONS

New: enhancing the cat's eye effect with stained glass.

More new designs: stained glass covering with diamonds and broken glass

Stained glass coating on foil

Gel polish chameleon

Fans of thermal varnishes will definitely appreciate another new product – gel varnishes with a chameleon effect. They contain special particles that react to changes in temperature and light. Many manufacturers add pearlescent chips to their products, making the coating truly shine. This effect looks especially luxurious on long nails.

Popular brands of chameleon effect coatings: TNL, KODI, CANNI, BDNail, Patrisa Nail, RuNail, etc.

HOW TO USE

Chameleon coatings are applied according to the standard scheme:

• Preparation : standard using base
• Application : 2 layers of color coating
• Fastening : top.

Chameleon is often used as a decorative finish, for example to create abstract designs on nails or an ombre effect.

MANICURE OPTIONS WITH CHAMELEON EFFECT

Chameleon coating is ideal for creating abstract and cosmic designs.

Gel polish with glitter

You can get a spectacular shiny manicure using glitter gel polish, and they can be of different sizes and shapes. Glitter gel polish can be combined with a colored coating to create a bright and unusual design.

Popular brands: TNL, OPI, Entity, Bluesky, In'Garden, MASURA, IRISK, Haruyama, Patrisa Nail, etc.

HOW TO USE

Coatings are applied according to the classical scheme:

• Preparation : base coat;
• Application : 2-3 layers of color;
• Fastening : top.

Shiny coatings allow you to create a simple and at the same time interesting manicure in the Feng Shui style.

MANICURE OPTIONS WITH GLITTERS

Mirror gel polish

Not long ago, a mirror gel polish appeared on the market, which allows you to get a perfectly smooth and shiny surface. Silver and golden shades are especially popular. It contains a large number of reflective particles.

Brands of mirror coatings: TNL, OPI, Nayada, Orly, Patrisa Nail, CND, etc.

APPLICATION

Metallized coatings are applied in the same way as conventional UV varnishes.

• Preparation : leveling the nail plate with a buff, degreasing, applying 1 or 2 layers of base (depending on whether there are visible flaws on the surface of the nails);
• Application : two layers of metallized coating are usually sufficient;
• Fixing : applying a top with good detailing of the ends of the nails so that the coating does not chip off during wear.

“Chromatic” and mirror coatings have one very important distinctive feature. They highlight all the imperfections of the nail plate, which is why you need to align your nails well before applying metallic polish.

DESIGN OPTIONS

Gel polish with spreading effect

Nika Nagel gel polishes with a spreading effect are a choice of bright and extraordinary natures. With their help, you can create unusual designs and at the same time it is not at all necessary to have artistic skills.

APPLICATION FEATURES

Manicure is done using a regular base and top and special flowing coatings for wet design. How to create a beautiful pattern or design on your nails?

• Nail preparation : leveling, degreasing, base;
• Application : apply white varnish from the kit (we polymerize the first layer, but not the second);
• Creating an effect : on top of the undried varnish, use a thin brush to draw patterns with the colored varnish from the set and wait a couple of seconds until the pattern spreads over the surface of the nail, then dry it.
• Fixing : apply top coat.

The colored gel polishes in the set have a fairly liquid consistency, so they spread quickly and create a beautiful effect of one color flowing into another.

MANICURE OPTIONS

Craquelure

This type of decorative coating cracks on the nails, forming a beautiful texture. Recently, it has become fashionable to cover the craquelure with classic colored gel polish. The cracking effect is not so pronounced, but this design can be used as an everyday one.

Which collections have coatings with a craquelure effect: TNL, OPI, Nayada, etc.

HOW TO APPLY?

• Preparation : Nails are prepared for coating in the traditional way using a base coat.
• Application : a special base for craquelure (light or with glitter) is applied to the base, dried in a lamp, then covered with craquelure, air dried for 1 to 3 minutes.
• Consolidation of the result : top.

Recently, there has been a tendency to cover craquelure with color.

CRAQUELURE DESIGN OPTIONS

Hypoallergenic gel polishes

Hypoallergenic varnishes are a real godsend for women who are sensitive to various components of conventional varnishes. This type of varnish can be used during pregnancy or nursing mothers. They are produced on a water basis.

The most popular brands of hypoallergenic gel polishes: Patrisa Nail, Haruyama, Cuccio Veneer, Vogue Nails, Grattol, etc.

The hypoallergenic coating is applied in the standard way.

Bio gel nail polish

Bio gel nail polish will help maintain the health of natural nails and give them a beautiful and well-groomed look. The specially developed formula significantly eliminates common problems such as brittleness and delamination.

The most popular bio coating is EL CORAZON.

FEATURES OF USE

The bio-coating is applied without base or top, like simple nail polish, and air-dried. Dries quite quickly.

APPEARANCE OF BIO-GEL MANICURE