WHAT ARE NAILS GELS?

WHAT ARE GEL NAILS?

Gel nail polish is a liquid gel which usually comes in a bottle or pot. The gel liquid is painted to the nail in the same way that normal nail polish is, but it’s easier as it’s self levelling and you won’t leave brush strokes.  Each coat of polish is cured under a LED lamp for 300 to 60 seconds or a UV lamp for two to three minutes (depending on the polish brand and lamp).

This curing process sets the gel into a solid state. The polish does not dry until it goes under the lamp, so any slips are much easier to rectify. After curing, the gel polish is completely hard, but will have a sticky layer left, ready to bond to the next layer. Additional coats can be applied after each layer is cured.

Top Coat is usually applied to seal the gel polish and add a finish, such as shine or matte appearance. Gel top coats must be cured under the LED/UV lamp too. Most gel polish manicures are completed by wiping the nail with cleanser to remove the final sticky layer and the polish is completely dry.

 

ARE GEL NAILS BAD FOR MY NATURAL NAILS?

Gel polish is not bad for your natural nails. Reports of nail damage from gel polish can be quite common but this is usually caused by incorrect removal – for example if polish is pulled/picked off or nails are scraped during the removal process.

If removal instructions are followed carefully and high quality gel nail removal products are used, no damage should be done to the nail.

 

HOW LONG DO GEL NAILS LAST?

Depending on the salon, brand and application, gel nails can last from one to three weeks.

When applied correctly, Kiki London gel polish should last for up to 2-3weeks. That means no chipping, cracking or smudging. Whether you’re doing the washing up every day, chasing kids around or plastering a wall! After-Care is extremely important of course)