Premier Gel Reviews: Gel nail paint is popular because it is extremely unbreakable, shiny, and widely available at nail salons. Why not try a gel manicure? You won’t have to worry about your manicure cracking when you reach for your phone in your bag – or for weeks to come. Gel polishes, unlike traditional lacquers, can survive daily wear and tear without breaking, according to Rita Remark, Essie Global Lead Educator.
What distinguishes this substance from traditional lacquer? Gel polishes are more flexible than polishes and may withstand chips better than polishes. Gels must be soaked for 10 minutes in acetone, although polishes can be removed with nail polish remover.” To understand how to get gel manis the safe way, we spoke with celebrity manicurist Jenna Hipp (whose clients include Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez) and Dr. Chris Adigun, a Chapel Hill, North Carolina-based dermatologist who specializes in nail health.
Here are 11 recommendations, as well as our favorite gel nail paints, for maintaining your gel manicure healthy and long-lasting.
- In between gel manicures, take a break
Regular manicures, whether gel or traditional lacquer, may cause natural nail thinning. “Manicuring might induce dehydration and weakening of the nail plate,” says Dr. Adigun. Jenna says she’s witnessed peeling, thin, cracked, discolored, and even painful nail beds. That doesn’t deter regulars at salons or those who prefer a manicure at home. According to Dr. Adigun, if you don’t check your natural nail every two weeks, you’ll miss infections and, in the worst-case scenario, tumors. The thick covering of lacquer also inhibits the nails from transmitting oxygen, according to Jenna.
Avoid picking at the peeling gel Polish
Picking is a common practice among gel enthusiasts. You might feel inclined to scrape the color off like a scab. Jenna advises that while peeling, water can get into the nail. Bacteria and fungus can live here.” When our nails begin to peel, we all pick at them. You’ll likely lose layers of your nail if you rip it. It may take up to six months for repairs to be completed.” “A single gel manicure decreased the nail plate thickness in one study,” explains Dr. Adigun. The origin of the thinning is unknown, but it’s most likely one or more steps in the gel process.
- The ingredients in gel polish are important
Jennifer warns against formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate, the “toxic trinity” carcinogens present in many polishes (DBP). “These compounds caused inflammation and serious side effects in clinical trials, such as altering liver and thyroid function,” Rita says. Most professional nail polishes, thankfully, do not contain these “nasties.” Jenna’s lacquers are devoid of pollutants, just as Jinsoon’s, RGB’s, Zoya’s, and Sally Hansen’s.
- Keep your UV lamp exposure to a minimum
Gel manicures may not be ideal for people who are sensitive to UV rays, according to a study published by the American Academy of Dermatology. The UV exposure experienced during a gel manicure, according to Dr. Adigun, is brief yet intense. “Excessive exposure may result in long-term skin damage.” Dr. Adigun remarked on her own investigations on gel manicure safety, “The popularity of LED nail lamps is also a hazard.” Although Dr. Adigun disputes this, LED lamps have gained favor for their faster treatment times and perceived safety over UV lamps.
Nail Art for Back-to-School: Gels are totally safe to wear as long as they are administered and removed carefully. Furthermore, over-buffing the nail before applying gel may cause it to weaken. Higher UVA wavelength concentrations are used in these lights to achieve faster healing times. “Because of the higher UVA irradiation, these lamps may harm the skin more quickly,” she notes.
Think of gel polish as a liquid acrylic
Have you ever wondered how gel manicures can stay for so long? “Gel polish will only dry under direct UV or LED light contact, whereas regular nail polish can air dry,” says celebrity nail artist Yoko Sakakura. “A lamp cures gel polish, hardening it and making it more durable and long-lasting.” To properly dissolve the formula off of the nail when removing gel polish, immerse the nail in acetone.” As a result, they will not only last longer but will also appear harder and shinier.
- Gel polish can be removed with hot baths and showers
The best way to remove gel manicures, according to Rita, is to soak them. “Long baths, showers, or hot tub sessions may cause lifting, so avoid or restrict them, and when doing dishes, always wear rubber gloves!” Notated.
- Taking a bath can be hazardous
While your manicure may last until you’re ready to take it off, the process of doing so can be painful. After a gel manicure, Jenna and Dr. Adigun believe soaking your nails in acetone wrapped in foil leaves them dry and brittle. The nail plate may be scraped with a file when the foils fall off, generating extra nail tension. This may be avoided by having your manicurist apply and cure your gel polish properly. Uncured gels can be removed using acetone, but uncured gels need to be removed with instruments, according to Dr. Adigun.
- Pamper your skin after the gel manicure
“After removal, it’s vital to rehydrate the surrounding skin, cuticle, and nails using a thick emollient like Aquaphor or an overnight mask like Nails Inc.’s Overnight Detox Nail Mask,” Dr. Adigun advises.
- Take care of your nails
You already know how vital it is to stay hydrated, and your nails are no exception. In between salon visits, moisturize your nails. With vitamin C and coconut, apricot, and avocado oils, the Dermelect Makeover Ridge Filler covers damage while hydrating nails.
- Use nail covers to protect your nails
Do you want to avoid gel damage and drying time? Jenna recommends using NCLA’s painted nail strips and Essie’s Gel Couture Top Coat as a clear gel coat. It never comes into contact with the nail plate and keeps the wrap in place for up to two weeks.
There are also gel polishes for use at Home
There are also “gel-like” polishes on the market with long-wearing properties that last about a week. Covergirl’s XL Nail Gel delivers a high-shine finish at a drugstore price, and Sally Hansen’s Miracle Gel Nail Polish comes in over 70 (!) colors. Selena Gomez attends the 28th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California on February 27, 2022.
Do you require assistance with your nails? We’ve chosen our top gel nail paint products for you after a year of home manicures (and trying every polish under the sun). Unlike salon gels, several of these solutions don’t necessitate the use of an LED or UV light. However, the polishes’ lifespan is still impressive. The added benefit is that you won’t have to deal with the removal process, which can be time-consuming and costly.
The most effective multi-set
It’s probably time to upgrade if you’re a pro-at-home manicure. A nail cleanser, prep step, base coat, polish, topcoat, cuticle oil, remover, and a personal LED lamp are all included in this kit (meaning resistant to chipping and normal wear-and-tear for weeks). “I’ve had this equipment since 2012,” one seasoned user said. This product has more than covered its costs.”
The Best Gel Nail Polishes for Do-It-Yourself
Here are a few of our favorites when it comes to home gel nail paint. Soak-off gel polishes and gel-like regular polishes provide a gel effect without the use of a curing light. Good luck with your purchases!
