The Beginner's Guide to Gel Manicures: Gel Nails in 2024 (2024)

Most people tend to explore gel nails beyond traditional nail polish because they heard gel nails offer stronger, longer-lasting nails — and they’re right.

This article will explain everything you need to know about gelnails and gel manicures - how they work, the process, and tips for makingthem last longer. You'll learn the differences between UV and LED lamps, salon versus at-home application, popular gel nail polish brands, and how to get the most out of your chip-free gel mani.

Jump to the section you'reinterested in:

• What are gel nails?
• What gel nails look like
• Downside of gel nails
• Gel nails vs other nail options
• How to get gel manicures done
• How much does it cost to apply and remove?
• How much time does it take to apply and remove?
• What are the most popular gel polish brands?
• How to decide which brand to begin with
• How long does a gel manicure last?
• How long should you wait between gel manicures?
• Are gel manicures safe?
• Removing gel polish
• UV vs LED lamps

What are gel nails?

Gel nails use a nail polish that can only harden on your natural nails when exposed under UV or LED light to create a hard, chip-resistant manicure. This is why gels can only be set by lamps that emit LED or UV light.

The result of this process is a strong, flexible glossy finishthat's chip-free and long-lasting. Gel manicures use only polish; no acrylic tips or other artificial nails are applied.

What gel nails are not

Gel manicures differ from acrylic nails, dip powder nails, shellac nails and regular manicures in a few key ways. With gel manis:

• No acrylic nail tips or extensions are needed, only polish on natural nails
• No powder dipping products are used to coat the nails
• The gel nail polish is cured under UV or LED lamps, not air dried like regular polish and shellac nails

What gel nails look like

Gel manicurestend to have asmooth, high-gloss shine with an even coverage and color across the nails.Compared to regular nail polish, the color of gel polish tends to appear more vivid and intense on the nails.

This comes from the fact that the gel formula allows for deeper, richer pigment saturationthan your traditional polish. The gel formula also resists fading and yellowing, which allows it to maintain its color for weeks.

Downside of gel nails

Gel nails can be hard on your natural nails. If you get them often, they can make your nails weak or thin. This is because taking off the gel is tough on your nails. You have to soak your nails in acetone, which makes them dry and brittle. Also, when you file your nails to remove the gel, it can make them thinner over time.

The other aspect to consider is that the UV light used to set the gel can be harmful to your skin.This is why we recommendapplying sunscreen on your hand before applying gelnails or wearing a UV protection glove that only exposes your fingernails.

Gel nails vs other nail options:

There are some notable differences between gel manicures and other popular nail options:

Gel vs powder dip nails

Powder dip manicures involves dipping your nails (or artificial nail tips glued onto your nails) into colored powder. The powder is then shaped and polished. With gel manicures, a base coat, gel nail polish and a top coat are applied in that order to the natural fingernails only.

gel vs acrylic nails

Gel manicures use only polish anddon't apply acrylic nail extensions or tips. Acrylics require skilled application of liquid and powder polymers to sculpt and extend the natural nails before polish is applied. Gel is simply painted on like regular polish but cured to be long-lasting.

gel vs regular polish

Regular nail polish is painted on and left to air dry. It can dent, smudge, and peel within days. Gelpolish needs to be cured underLED or UV lampsto harden and adhere to the nails. Gels resist chips and scratches for 2-3 weeks vs regular polish lasting only 2-7 days before needing a touch up.

Gel vs Shellac

The main differences between Shellac and gel nails are in the polish formulation and polish removal process. Shellac is a brand name for a nail polish made by CND that is a hybrid of regular polish and gel polish that cures underan LED or UV lamp.Removing gel nails andShellac both require acetone soaking on the nails, but Shellac can be removed more easily due to its unique formulation.

How to get gel manicures done

You can get your gel manicures done either at a salon,by an independent nail tech, or at home.

At a salon

Getting your gel manicure at a nail salon provides professional service but comes with recurring costs. Salons charge $35-$60 (high-endsalons, orlocation convenientcan charge significantly more) for the initial gel application, then $10-$20 more for each removal and reapplication every 2-3 weeks.

These costs add up over time. While nail salons aim to provide excellent service, you have less say in customizing your nail shapes or lengths.

Independent nail technicians

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When you choose to visit an independent nail technician, you get the chance to experience their unique and personalized services in the cozy and welcoming atmosphere of their home-based studio.

Since independentnailtechsoften curatetheir own services and focus on their passions,they oftenchoose to specialize in specific techniques or styles. This specialization allows them to become true experts in their chosen areawith high level of skill.

Choosing to go toan independent nail tech can also meanbetter affordabilitythan salons when getting gel nails done, but removal and reapplication costs are still present every few weeks.

At home

Doing your own gel manicure allows you to have full creative agency overyour own nails. Look forat-home gelnail kits that providethetools you need to both apply and remove yourgel nails.

DIY gel manisminimize the costs of doing your nails removing them. With agel nail kit, you can apply gel polish andremoveit yourself for a significant fraction of salon prices.

You havegreater controlover how you want your nails done too.Keep in mind, proper technique isneeded to avoid damaging nails when prepping and removing gels.

How much does it cost to apply and remove?

On average, a basic gel manicure costs between $35-$60 at a professional nail salon depending on your location. Higher end salonscan cost upwards of $100.In high cost of living cities like New York and Los Angeles, the cost of a gel manicure can range from $45 to $100, not including potential extra charges for nail art or gel removal.

How much time does it take to apply and remove gel nails?

The time it takes to apply and remove gel nails can vary depending on the experience of the nail tech doing it, the condition of the nails, and the complexity of the design. However, in general, it takes about:

• 30-60 minutes to apply gel nails at a salon.
• 15-30 minutes to remove gel nailsat a salon.
• 5 minutes to remove gel nails at home with

What are the most popular gel polish brands?

The best selling and most reputable professional gel polish brands are:

1. S&L Beauty Company

S&L Beauty Company tops the list becausethey are professional grade gel polishes, but at a fraction of the cost compared to the rest.Their colors are highly pigmented and areconsistent in their application, which is a key markerofhigh-quality gel polishes.

2. OPI

OPI is one of the most popular salon-quality gel polish lines with a huge color selection. They offer a wide range of colors, including both classic and trendy shades. OPI gel polishes are known for their glossy finish and easy removal.

3. Gelish

Gelish is another popular gel polish brand that is known for its high quality. Gelish polishes offer great coverage and shine, and they last for up to two weeks without chipping.

4. Bio Seaweed Gel

Bioseaweed Gel is a slightly more affordable option that promotes nail health. BSG is water-based and enriched with vitamins and minerals to promote their overall nail strengthening.

5.CND Shellac

CND Shellac is a hybrid polish that combines the best of both gel and traditional polishes. It is applied like a traditional polish, but it is cured under a UV light like a gel polish. This makes it more durable and chip-resistant than traditional polish, but it is also easier to remove than gel polish.

How to decide which brand to begin with

The differences between various gel polish brands comes down to quality, longevity, durability, consistency and pricing.

• Durability -Prioritize a brand whose gel polishthat canstay flawless for weeks without chipping or wearing down.
• Color selection - Having a wide range of rich, highly pigmented color options to choose from is important. The more diverse the color palette, the better.
• Removal ease - Ease of soaking off or filing off the polish is considered. Brands that remove cleanly without too much effort are desirable.
• Quality - Brands that have intense pigment and aren't diluted are regarded as higher quality.
• Consistency -Aimfora brand thatfeatures aneasy-to-control brush and smooth application where the thicknessis consistent.
• Shine -Considera gel polish where the top coat isglossy and luminous thatdries to a brilliant shine.
• Value -The price of a gel polish brand should reflectit* quality. Cheaper brands tend to lack in certain aspects of those mentioned above.

Are gel manicures safe?

Gel manicures are generally safe for most people. They involve applying a gel-based polish to the nails, which is then hardened under a UV or LED light. However, there are some concerns:

• UV exposure: The UV light used to cure gel polish can contribute to skin aging and potentially a risk of skin cancer implications.
• Nail damage: Frequent gel manicures can weaken nailsif removing the gel often involves soaking in acetone, which can dry out nails and skin.
• Allergic reactions: Some people might be allergic to theingredients in gel polish.

To counter or mitigate theseconcerns,it's generally advised to:

1. Wear UV gloves for gel manicure or applysunscreen onyour hands before placing them under a UV lamp.
2. Use a gel nail polish removertoavoid the step of soaking your nails in acetone.
3. Search for healthier ingredients used in the formulation of the gel polish.

How long does a gel manicure last?

With proper application and curing, a gel manicure typically lasts 2-3 weeks before starting to peel or chip. But there are a few factors that affect how long your gel mani lasts.

Here are a few tips on how tosustain a longer lifespan for your gel nails:

• Apply 2-3 gel polish coats for longer wear.Thinnergel polish layers can lead to a shorter lifespan of the gel nails.
• Properly cureeach coat (base coat, gel polish and top coat) under the LED or UV lamp for durability. If the gel is not cured well enough, it can cause early chipping.
• Nailcare: moisturize yourcuticles with cuticle oil, avoiding picking at nails, and when filing your nails, do so lightly.
• Buyquality gel polishes. Higher end gel formulas last longer on nails before thinning or peeling.Read the reviews of gel polish brandsto confirm if customers experience earlier than expected chipping.
• Avoid frequentexposure of your nails to water. Liquids canlift theedges of the gel polish.

Properly cared for gel nails can go 3-4 weeks without needing a fill or reapplication.

How long should you wait between gel manicures?

You should wait about two to three weeks between getting gel manicures. This time is important because the process of putting on and taking off gel polish can be hard on your nails. If you do gel manicures too often, your nails might become thin and weak. Taking a break helps your nails get stronger again.

If you're wondering whether to take a break from gel manicures, look for these signs:

1. Weaker Nails: If your nails bend more easily or don't feel as strong as they used to.
2. White Marks: Small white spots or lines on your nails could mean they're stressed or reacting to the gel or removal process.
3. Easily Broken Nails: If your nails start to split, peel, or break more than normal.
4. Color Changes: Any new, odd colors on your nails could be a bad sign.
5. Dryness: If your nails or the skin around them feel very dry or the nails seem more fragile.

Removing gel polish

The main difference between removing gel nail polish and traditional nail polish is that gel nails requires extra steps to dissolve the bonds before it can be taken off.

While regular polish can be peeled or rubbed off with remover, gel polish is hardened under UV light, forming a hardened layer on the nail that resists chipping. To remove gel polish, acetone is needed to dissolve the bonds.

Gel nails can be removed using either acetone-soaked cotton pads wrapped around each nail to dissolve the gel, followed by gentle filing, or by directly applying gel polish remover and scrubbing it off after a certain duration.

UV vs LED Lamps