There’s no better way to pamper yourself than with a nice, long manicure. Whether you give one to yourself or you sit back and relax as someone treats you with one, manicures have a way of distracting you from your everyday stress. Why not better the experience with a solid gel manicure? While we agree that treating yourself to a shiny new set of nails at the salon can become an expensive affair, a gel manicure lasts long enough to give you your money’s worth! Plus, you can always do a self-care DIY with gel nail polish or a set of press-on nails with our tips and recommendations.
What’s all the hype about gel manicures, you may ask? Like we said earlier, a gel manicure will last up to three weeks, giving you ultra-glossy, impossibly long nails, and takes about three minutes to dry with no risk of smudges. On top of it all, gel nails actually strengthen your brittle nails and lengthen short ones. Now, before we share expert advice, let’s dive right into the basics!
What Is A Gel Manicure?
A gel manicure includes many of the same steps as a traditional manicure – your nails are trimmed, filed, and shaped, and your cuticles can be cut if you prefer. But that's where the similarities end.
Gel nail polish is applied much like regular polish, but it’s cured under a UV or LED light to ensure it stays in place for long-lasting wear. Each layer of gel polish needs to be cured for around 30 to 60 seconds. Unlike regular manicures, there’s no need to wait for your nails to dry – you’re ready to go as soon as the final topcoat is cured.
An Expert Explains Gel Manicures
We spoke to Teresa Chen, owner of Glory salon in Mumbai, our go-to expert for this stylish trend. She’s in love with gel nails and can’t stop talking about how her fabulous customers come to her just for that. “Gels are long-lasting and they don’t smudge the moment you finish putting them on. The reason gel nails are so popular is because they can be used by just about anybody. They’re a boon for nail biters and women with short nails that chip away easily,” says Teresa.
Find out all the reasons to binge-buy gel nail polishes, with beauty stylist Teresa Chen.
The 101 On Gel Nail Polishes
Somewhere in between regular nail polish and artificial acrylic nails, gel nail polishes have revolutionised the world of manicures. Thin layers of gel are applied to natural or artificial nails and cured under ultraviolet or UV light (or with a special gel activator) to create a high-gloss finish.” For a home manicure, you can try the Gorgio Professional T2 Gel Nail Dryer Led Lamp. Already a hit in Asia and Eastern Europe because the non-yellowing, odourless, and chip-free formula strengthens nails and provides the perfect base for funky and flirty designs.
Nail Art Possibilities
Depending on the customer’s preference, French tips, painted designs, sparkles and other nail art are stuck on before the final top coat is applied. Exotic top jobs include marbling, a process where gelled nails are dipped into a small saucer of water containing swirls of different nail paints. The result: a curious fusion of nail polish, each finger looking different from the other,” Teresa explains.
She also offers nail piercings, much like nose and tongue rings. A tiny drill is used to drill a hole through the extended nail tip from which a tiny ring hangs. You can also go for rhinestones, glitters, and gothic spikes - yikes! You can do just about anything with your nails provided you keep them clean, says Teresa.
The best part? It’s all hassle-free for up to three weeks. “For about Rs. 2,500 you get beautiful, strong nails that are nearly shatter-proof.” For cute and quirky designs with gel nail paints, try Pippin Paris Stamping Nail Art Plate or Bronson’s Professional Nail Art Kit Brush Set Dotting Pen Dual Side Tool.
Nail Health After Using Gel Polish
“The only precaution we advise is not getting food particles stuck under the nails to prevent infection,” says Teresa. Follow-up sessions when the gel starts to loosen as the nail grows out involve filling in the gel or filing nails down and getting creative all over again. Easy-peasy. However, we recommend some nail care products to keep handy, like O.P.I Nail Polish Mini - Nail Envy Nail Strengthener, Nykaa Nail Care 7-in-1 Nail Spa, & Vaadi Herbal Nail & Cuticle Oil.
Popular Gel Nail Brands
There’s no dearth of designs, colours and combinations,” Teresa adds. “While French tips and reverse manicures are always popular, collegians prefer eye-popping neons and fluorescents and professionals prefer shorter nails in deeper wine and burgundy. A nail art maven, Teresa sticks to reputed names and products including Sally Hansen, OPI, Ciaté London, and Artisan Gel Nail System. Our favourite products? Check out Deborah Gel Effect Nail Enamels, Kay Beauty Nail Nourish Nail Enamel Polish, Sally Hansen Miracle Gel, Lakmé Absolute Gel Stylist Nail Polish & Nykaa Salon Shine Gel Nail Lacquer.
Gel Nails vs Acrylic and Stick-Ons
The reason gel nails score over acrylic or stick-ons is because they not only last longer, but also cause less damage to the nail bed. “ Stick-on nails are convenient and easy to use but the adhesive makes it easy for air pockets to form between the nail and the stick-on, increasing the risk of fungal infections.” Moreover, they last just a week and the whole process of removing them regularly can get quite tedious and damaging. Acrylic nailsAcrylic nails are made of a combination of monomers (a powder) and polymers (a liquid). Combining the two creates acrylic that dries on the nail, dehydrating it. Teresa says besides feeling ‘heavy’, removing acrylics tends to damage the nail bed because some layers of the nail are lifted off as well. Gel nails, on the other hand, are a “boon for women who aren’t blessed with strong nails” says Teresa. They’re easy to apply and are hassle-free.
How long do gel manicures last?
Gel manicures generally last between 10 days and up to three weeks due to the curing process. While they are said to last around three weeks, natural nail growth and wear can affect their appearance beyond that time frame. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, a healthy human will experience fingernail growth of about 3.47mm per month. Further, using strengthening base gels can help improve their longevity. While gel polish itself is known for its durability, the application process is crucial. It's important to ensure that your nail beds are dry before applying gel polish. This means avoiding any water, lotion, or oils on your nails, as these can prevent the polish from adhering properly. Though gel manicures are less prone to chips and breaks compared to traditional manicures, it's still possible for them to occur. If you do chip or break a gel nail, having a nail file handy can be useful.
How much do gel manicures cost?
The final cost for gel nails would depend on where you are getting them done. For instance, if you are headed to a high-end salon in a big city, you can expect to pay at least INR 2,000 onwards for each hand. Plus, you may be charged additionally for any art on a per-nail basis. On the other hand, if you want to pinch a few pennies, you can always opt for a set of good-quality, press-on nails with a gel finish.
Got more burning questions gel nails? Scroll through as we answer FAQs below.
Gel Manicure: FAQs
1. Are gel manicures safe?
The main safety concern with gel manicures is the potential carcinogenic effects of the UV lights used to cure the polish. These small UV lamps might have similar skin cancer risks as tanning beds, as explored in a 2023 study. However, there's not enough evidence to determine a safe frequency for gel manicures, but caution is advised. To minimise risk, reduce the frequency of gel manicures and use UV protection, such as wearing sunscreen or UV-protective gloves during treatments.
2. Can gel manicure damage the nails?
Unfortunately, yes; gel manicures can harm the nail bed by making it more brittle, mainly due to the improper removal of gel nails. To maintain strong nails, experts suggest taking breaks between gel manicures. You can also alternate between gel and regular polish, or leave your nails bare for 1–2 weeks. Also, you can strengthen your nails between appointments by using a good cuticle oil. Remember to remove your gel manicure properly to ensure you don’t cause further damage.
3. How do I remove gel manicures at home?
It's always best to visit a professional for gel nail polish removal; however, this can be a pricey affair. Alternatively, you can get rid of gel polish at home with time and patience. Avoid peeling or picking off the gel polish, as this can damage the top layer of your nails. Remember, your gel nail polish will eventually grow out with your nails.
Follow these steps to safely remove it:- File the gel to break the topcoat seal.
- Soak cotton balls in pure acetone and place them on your nails.
- Wrap your fingertips in tin foil and let them sit for 10-15 minutes.
- After the time is up, use a wooden nail stick to lift the remaining polish gently.
Wrapping Up
Now that you know all about gel nails, we hope you are as excited as us to flaunt your new gel manicure! Which colours and designs will you opt for? If you are a minimalist, opt for something classic, like a French gel manicure. If you want to go all out, get a multi-coloured pastel set to go with all your outfits and moods!
4. How many times can you fill gel nails?
Ideally, you can get your gel nails refilled every two to three weeks to maintain their appearance. When you go for a fill-in, your nail technician will remove the portion that’s grown out and add a fresh layer of gel to fill in the gaps.
5. How do you maintain gel nails?
With a little care, gel nails can go a long time while looking as good as new. Here are some tips to keep in mind for maintaining gel nails:
- Keep them clean at all times
- Keep them dry, as moisture can weaken the gel base
- Stay away from harsh chemicals in products to keep your gel nails shiny
- Give your nails a breather between nail appointments so they have time to recover
