Now that your hair's damp but not moist, you want to put a little gel on your hands (more gel = stronger hold), and rub it around on your hands to even it out. Then rub it smoothly and uniformly through your hair. Kind of treat it like shampoo, you want to get it in your hair and you certainly don't want chunks.
Adjust the size and shape of the nail tip as needed. Buff and clean the surface, then apply your gel polish as usual. Start with a base coat, then add at least two layers of color, curing each coat as it is applied. Before applying the top coat, wipe off the tacky surface, buff the top layer of color, and clean it.
To attain a flawless, glossy manicure finish, it's ideal to paint and cure one hand at a time. Begin by using the nail lamp on one hand before using the same hand to apply polish on the other. For best results, brush gel polish in thin layers until you reach an opaque colouration--usually, between 2-4 coats will do.
Over-curing can cause the colour to adhere directly to the nail plate, making removal difficult. Avoid this issue by ensuring adequate curing without overcooking the gel polish. Gel Polish Top-Coat: Cure the top coat for a maximum of 90 seconds, even if you feel that 60 seconds may be insufficient.
First off, never pick at your gel nails. It's not just bad for the look—it can also damage your natural nails underneath. Tempting as it might be, steer clear of using your nails as tools. They're not meant to open soda cans or peel stickers.
Inadequate Nail Prep
It may surprise you that the nail should not be buffed smooth, rather, lightly filed so it has a slight texture before gel application. In fact, too smooth of a nail can stop the gel from adhering properly, leaving it liable to peel quickly.
Applying both your cream and your gel before you brush style can help reduce frizz.
How much gel should I use? As a general rule, you should go with the “loose change” method of measurement on this one. Use an amount roughly the size of a dime if you have very short hair, the size of a quarter for medium length hair, and 2 or more quarter sized squeezes for longer and thicker hair.
You may have applied the gel polish too thickly, therefore they'll need longer to cure under your lamp. You should apply polish in thin and even layers, curing for 60 seconds under an LED lamp and 120 seconds under a UV lamp - but they will need a little longer per coat if the layer is thick.
Please be kindly aware that it's normal for each layer of gel nail polish ( especially base coat) to remain sticky which would give the next coat of polish something to hold onto. In the end, the top coat will seal it all in. Hence, you don't need to wipe off the stickness from base coat.
GEL APPLICATION:
Avoiding skin and cuticle area, apply an even layer of Brush-on Gel to one nail as you would polish. Next, over WET GEL, use brush from Brush Cleaner and dip into Activator. Apply a thin coat of Activator over WET GEL as you would apply polish.
3 thin coats is better than 2 thick ones.
This is especially true when working with gel polish. The thicker the application, the less the LED or UV light can travel through it to cure it properly. Resulting in premature peeling and all that hard work of yours will have gone to waste.
Peeling Off Gel Polish Instead of Proper Removal. Peeling off UV gel polish can damage your natural nails, causing thinning, peeling, and breakage. Many people make this mistake when their manicure starts to lift, but it weakens the nail plate over time.
Although gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, they can be tough on nails. Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk for skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands.
Though dip powders are generally considered the gentlest option, both gels and dips can be used long-term without damaging your nails. Once again, choosing a high-quality product – and taking care of your nails properly – are the most important factors when it comes to nail health.
However, the greater problem is that under curing dramatically increases the risk of developing adverse skin reactions such as skin irritation or allergy in both nail professionals and clients.
Soak in Acetone
Using 100 percent pure acetone will yield the best and quickest results. To remove the gel extensions, there are two different ways you can go about it. The first one is to fill a small glass bowl with just enough acetone to cover your nails. Soak them for 15 to 20 minutes.
Drying gel nail polish without UV light is not only possible but can be just as effective with the right techniques and products. By opting for LED UV lamps, air drying, ice water baths, or non-UV gel formulas, you can achieve a stunning, durable manicure while minimizing potential health risks.