- How to Make Gel Manicures Last Longer
- Preparing cuticles before applying gel nail polish
- Adding a top coat to gel nail polish
- Avoiding air bubbles
- Adding a dehydrator
- Avoiding hot water
- Adding a primer
- Can You Use Regular Topcoat Over Gel Nails?
- IBD Just Gel
- NSI Gel Polish System
- OPI Gelcolor
- OPI Geltop
- NSI Dip Top Coat
How to Make Gel Manicures Last Longer
Before having your nails done with a gel manicure, you must ensure they are adequately prepared and moisturized. The process can be very drying, and you must continue to moisturize your nails to prevent premature chipping and cracking. To help you make your gel nail polish last longer, read about some of the best strategies for making them last longer. Listed below are just a few:
Preparing cuticles before applying gel nail polish
The best way to extend the life of gel nail polish is by preparing your cuticles beforehand. This preparation is essential and will help you get a better manicure. Soak a cotton ball in acetone and secure it to your nail using aluminum foil to schedule your cuticles. Let the acetone soak into the cotton ball for about 15 minutes. Once done, remove the aluminum foil.
Using a cuticle stick can help nourish the skin around the edges of the nail. Be careful not to apply it too late since oily residue will interfere with the adhesion of the base coat. Also, when applying gel nail polish, it is essential to clean the nail thoroughly so that the polish adheres to the natural nail and not to the surface of the cuticle.
Another critical step in applying gel nail polish is preparing the cuticles. Although many people overlook this vital step, preparing the cuticles before the application will help the manicure last longer. A cuticle pusher will allow you to reach a more comfortable area when painting your nails. Avoid painting over the cuticles, as this will cause the Gel Polish to come off more easily.
Adding a top coat to gel nail polish
The best strategy for making your gel nail polish last longer is to add a topcoat. The reason is that the coat will prevent chipping. You should buff your nails before applying gel polish. This will also help the gel adhere to the pin. After applying the topcoat, you should wait 30 seconds. Once the topcoat has dried, you can remove the top coat and use a new one.
When choosing between regular nail polish and gel nail polish, choose the one with a higher shine and more extended wear. Gel nail polish tends to be more expensive and has a limited color selection. A UV gel top coat can help make your regular nail polish last longer. It works like glue and anchors to the nail plate. It also prevents peeling and chipping.
The more time you spend prepping the nails, the better the results. Be sure to remove any dead skin and cuticles from the nail. Otherwise, you risk picking off the gel polish and exposing the pin to bacteria and fungus. This damage can take up to six months to repair. If you want your gel nail polish to last longer, make sure you spend more time prepping.
Avoiding air bubbles
Whether you’re going for a traditional manicure or a fancy, new gel manicure, there are several tricks for avoiding air bubbles and making your manicure last longer. First of all, avoid rubbing the polish between your palms or shaking it. Doing so can cause millions of tiny bubbles to form, and those bubbles will appear on the surface of the finished nail polish. To prevent this, apply a thin layer of gel to your nails.
Another trick for avoiding air bubbles is to use nail polish thinner. Usually, the thinner polish will come off the nail easier, and the air bubbles will not form as quickly. However, if you have a thick layer of polish, you should avoid this as it will weaken the bond between the nail and the polish. To get a thinner layer of polish, you can add a little acetone to the bottle. Keep in mind that acetone can also thin out the thick polish. However, this will make the polish chip earlier.
Another tip for avoiding air bubbles is to soak your hands in cold water before painting your nails. This will help keep the gel polish from drying out too quickly and causing air bubbles. Secondly, do not paint your nails outdoors when the temperature is high or in air conditioning. If you’re painting your nails outside, avoid doing them in strong winds or air conditioning. Always try to paint your nails indoors, in a well-ventilated room.
Adding a dehydrator
Adding a dehydrator to your gel nail polish will help it last longer by improving the adhesion of the color to your natural nail. While dehydrators and primers are similar, they are pretty different in how they work. Dehydrators are more specialized and can be applied directly to the pin, while primers work on the entire nail. A dehydrator is more suitable for use in the evenings.
Dehydrating the nail before applying gel polish is a good idea. While the nail polish does dry up and harden during curing, the nail dehydrator will make it last longer by removing moisture from the nail bed. This will make the nail color adhere to the nail better and prevent chipping. Another benefit of adding a dehydrator to gel nail polish is that it prevents chipping after it has been applied. The primer should be applied to the entire nail or the tip since it is easier to remove if there are any chips. Also, because the curing process uses UV light, many people apply sunscreen before applying the dehydrator to gel nail polish.
Nail dehydrators are expensive and are used for different purposes. Some contain ingredients to protect and care for your nails. Others contain acetone, a volatile liquid that evaporates quickly at room temperature. Alcohol kills harmful bacteria. Hence, using a dehydrator is recommended for gel nail polish. However, if you already use a dehydrator, you may wish to buy one first before you start applying your gel polish.
Avoiding hot water
One way to keep your gel nail polish looking beautiful for as long as possible is to avoid bathing or showering in hot water. Hot water can soften the gel and cause it to lift or peel prematurely. Unless you’re taking a shower or bath for an extended time, you should use a gel-friendly base coat containing cuticle oil. Likewise, you should wear rubber gloves when dishwashing.
Another common mistake is running your fingers through your hair while showering. It’s tempting to remove the color, but this is not recommended. The water can seep into your nails and cause your gel nail polish to peel off prematurely. This also causes your nails to expand and contract when they’re wet, which can cause chipping. Using cuticle oil on your nails will prevent your gel nail polish damage.
After applying your gel polish, you should wait at least an hour before putting on your topcoat. Using a top coat on your nails can also help extend the life of your gel manicure. If you’re worried about lifting your manicure, you can add a sparkle to your nail polish. This will make it look intentional instead of just a result of dryness. But if you’re not a fan of glitter, you can always apply cuticle oil.
Adding a primer
The main reason why a primer is necessary for your gel manicure is that it prevents the addition of air bubbles to the gel polish, which is required for the gel to adhere to the nail plate. An acid-free primer is best for natural nails, while one containing an acid ingredient should be used for problematic nail plates and those with hormonal problems. Both types of primers will help the enhancement adhere to the nail plate.
The first step in applying a gel nail polish is to buff the natural nails. This is important because it ensures that the gel adheres to the pin and keeps it looking shiny and beautiful for longer. A good gel base coat will also help the color stay on the nails, preventing them from lifting prematurely. While you can use any gel nail polish you want, a good base coat will guarantee that your gel polish lasts as long as possible.
Applying a base coat before applying gel nail polish will also help it last longer. A base coat provides a good foundation for gel nail polish and makes it more flexible and less likely to break. Also, some base coats can protect your natural nails from dyes. If you are concerned about your natural nail color, invest in a stain-preventing base coat. An excellent one to use is the OPI Base Coat.
Can You Use Regular Topcoat Over Gel Nails?
Many people ask: Can you use a regular top coat over gel nails, and how long will the color last? The answer depends on your body chemistry and the quality of the manicure. Gel manicures are considered a time-saving service because they last for up to 2 weeks. In addition, this service is a perfect solution if you have multiple events back-to-back.
IBD Just Gel
IBD Just Gel is a trendy brand of gel topcoats. This product is made from 100% gel formula, meaning that it applies just like regular polish. It cures quickly under UV or LED light, so you can achieve a beautiful high-gloss finish in no time. This topcoat will also protect your natural nail from damage. Just one coat is enough to create stunning results, and you can easily remove it within 10 minutes. IBD Just Gel is available in more than 50 different colors.
Using a high-quality base coat is essential to get the best possible gel nails. A gel base coat prevents the nail polish from staining. Apply the gel topcoat 24 hours after applying the base coat. Gel top coats don’t require lengthy application and curing times, so it’s an excellent option for busy women who need to look their best at work and at play.
Before using the IBD Just Gel topcoat, you must ensure that your nails are dehydrated. If you don’t allow your nails to dry completely, you may cause damage and develop fungus in the nail bed. Moreover, gel topcoats should be cured under UV or Led lamps. After you apply them, it’s recommended to use rubbing alcohol to remove the excess layers of the gel topcoat.
NSI Gel Polish System
The NSI Gel Polish System uses a variety of items in the polishing process. There are two types of topcoats: a gel top coat that needs to be cured and a clear topcoat that does not need to be fixed. Neither of these is suitable for use over an epoxy filler. BIAB, on the other hand, is excellent for overlaying natural nails, over tips, and sculpting medium-length nails.
The NSI Gel Polish System is typically applied over a base coat. After the base coat has been applied, the topcoat is applied. The system dries clear to white. A gel topcoat can be used over a base coat to achieve a glossier finish. Alternatively, you can choose to apply a UV top coat over your regular topcoat. After you apply the topcoat, the base coat will become clear.
If you’re in the market for new, innovative nail polish, check out NSI Gel Polish Pro. This revolutionary light-cured formula offers two weeks of chip-smudge-and crack-resistant nails. The system is thinner than regular nail polish and can be dried in just minutes. It is made of raw materials called Poly-Oligomer and goes on like any other topcoat.
NSI Gel Polish System is suitable for use over regular topcoats and is highly versatile. It can be applied over the coat and is incredibly durable. Unlike regular polish, it does not stain your nail plate. It can be removed with non-acetone nail polish remover. If you change color frequently, the traditional polish will be the best choice. Apply a Top It Off Top Coat layer, then apply two of your favorite nail polish layers. Once these layers have dried, remove the second layer of gel.
OPI Gelcolor
Applying a regular top coat over OPI Gelcolor will ruin the effect, but this new formula will make your nails stay shiny for weeks. It features a 100% gel formula and a patented brush for quick application. OPI GelColor stays shiny and provides superior shine and color protection. It will cure under an OPI LED light in 30 seconds, so you’ll never worry about chipping. If you’re unsure whether or not to apply a top coat over OPI Gelcolor, make sure to read this review before you buy.
Apply OPI GelColor Stay Strong base coat. It is thicker and has a higher viscosity. It also requires less product than a regular topcoat. To ensure full adhesion and coverage, use the burnishing technique. Otherwise, you may end up with an under-cured topcoat. It is best to apply the overcoat on the same day as the base coat. Moreover, the thicker skin might result in under-curing.
If you’re looking for a top coat for your OPI Gelcolor manicure, you should use a gel-specific topcoat. This type of topcoat is ideal if your gel topcoat has started to look dull. If you have already applied the top coat, you should wait for it to dry completely before applying the regular topcoat. If you haven’t allowed it time to dry, it will smudge. However, a traditional coat won’t stain your skin or cuticles.
After applying the GelColor base coat:
- Shake the bottle vigorously for 1 minute.
- Apply a thin coat of GelColor, but do not flood the cuticle area.
- Cure it under an OPI LED light for 30 seconds.
- Repeat the process with a regular topcoat. You can also use OPI ProSpa Cuticle Oil to seal the nails.
You can also use a heater or hair dryer to speed up the drying process.
OPI Geltop
The benefits of applying a gel top coat over a regular topcoat are numerous. One of them is that a gel manicure will last for two weeks or more. It is also super-durable – some brands even last up to three weeks! Regular nail polish only lasts about five days, is difficult to remove, and does not come in various colors. So how do you get the best of both worlds?
While traditional nail polishes require a base coat before the primary color, a gel manicure is entirely different. Unlike traditional nail polish, a gel topcoat will not remove the wax or stain the nails. Because of this, it is necessary to use a top coat before the gel nail polish is applied. In addition to removing the base coat, you will need to apply the OPI Geltop regular topcoat over gel nails before applying a gel topcoat.
Before applying a gel topcoat, make sure your nails have had time to air dry. The regular coat will begin to peel off prematurely if you don’t. It also takes about twenty minutes to air dry, which adds to the overall length of the gel manicure. In addition, regular topcoats won’t stain the skin or cuticles! So, if you’d like to get the best results possible, use a gel topcoat.
During the time between the application and removal of the OPI Geltop regular topcoat, you should use a buffer to prevent the polish from sticking to the nail. This way, you will be able to buff the nail polish. This will also make the nails look smoother. If you have any chips, you can use a regular top coat over the gel. However, this top coat will not be as durable as a gel one.
NSI Dip Top Coat
If you’re tired of the look of your chipped gel nails, NSI Dip Top Coat can help you create the look you want. Dip top coats don’t require UV curing liquid, but you must use them after your base coat has dried. Without it, your top skin will not harden properly. You can purchase UV curing liquid separately or buy it at a nail supply store.
Before applying a top coat, make sure you’ve used your Prep and Bond over the entire nail. This helps adjust the PH and dehydrates the nail surface, ensuring that your base coat will adhere properly. Next, use your Conversion Top Coat. Make sure you apply a layer of this product and let it dry for 60 seconds. This topcoat protects the gel and adds shine.
NSI Gel Polish System utilizes a variety of items that include a comprehensive collection of gel glosses. There are also two types of starter kits available for the system. The NSI Gel Polish System uses LED or UV light for setting and healing. The gloss should last at least two weeks without chipping. Depending on the type of topcoat, you could use NSI Dip Top Coat over gel nails or another clear topcoat.
THE GEL POLISH BECOMES CLEAR when NSI Dip Top Coat is applied over gel nails. The topcoat does not have a strong bond with the natural nail. It should be thoroughly dried before the base coat is applied. If the base coat isn’t completely dry, use clear nail polish as the base coat. The white nail polish will turn clear once it dries.