What is gel polish? What are the pros and cons of gel polish, and how does it work?
Do you also always see those beautiful, well-groomed hands and nails and think, I want that too. Do you suffer from nails that always break or nail polish that is completely chipped after a day of wear? Then gel polish is the perfect solution for you! Gel polish is cured under a UV/LED lamp, which usually keeps the result looking beautiful for 2 to 3 weeks. And you don't necessarily have to go to the salon for it. You can also simply apply gel polish at home, as long as you use it the right way.
What is gel polish?
Gel polish (also known as gel nail polish) is nail polish that you apply in thin layers and that only hardens when you cure it under a UV/LED nail lamp. As long as you don't cure it, it remains a wet layer of polish. As soon as you hold your nails under the lamp, the curing process starts: the ingredients in the polish bond to each other, so to speak, and form a hard, wear-resistant layer. That is why gel polish is immediately solid after curing and you don't have to wait for it to dry.
Why does gel polish last longer than nail polish?
Regular nail polish dries in the air (the solvents evaporate). Gel polish works differently: by curing it under the lamp, a stronger layer is created that is more resistant to water, bumps, and daily use. In combination with a base coat and top coat, gel polish forms a solid whole, which is why it usually stays looking beautiful for 2 to 3 weeks and chips or peels off less quickly.
Gel polish is often slightly thicker than regular nail polish, so applying it takes some getting used to at first. You get the best result by working in thin layers and curing each layer properly. You can use gel polish on natural nails and on artificial nails.
Soak-off (soaking off)
LAKKIE gel polish is a soak-off product. This means that you usually soak it off with remover instead of filing it off completely. In practice, it works like this: you first very lightly file off the shine of the top coat, so that the remover can work in better. Then you wet a nail wipe with gel polish remover, place it on the nail and wrap the nail in foil (or use soak-off clips). Let this work for 10 to 15 minutes and then carefully slide the gel polish off. If the gel polish is still stuck in some places, repeat the steps again.
Removal must be done properly and carefully, pulling, scratching, or filing too hard is the biggest cause of damaged nails.
Okay, it all sounds good, but what are the real pros and cons?
The benefits of gel polish
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Stays beautiful for a long time: usually 2 to 3 weeks on hands. On your toenails it can often stay on much longer.
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Less likely to chip: gel polish is a harder, wear-resistant layer after curing, which makes it more resistant to scratches and bumps than regular nail polish.
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Immediately “dry” after curing: you don't have to wait for it to air dry. After curing under the UV/LED nail lamp you can continue immediately.
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Shine stays crisp longer: gel polish often retains that salon-like finish for longer.
- More strength: Gel polish is harder than regular nail polish after curing and gives your nails extra strength. Because of this, they often break less quickly.
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Nice for nail art: details stay sharp and you can enjoy your design for longer.
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Less strong smell than nail polish: many people experience gel polish as less smelly than traditional nail polish.
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A huge choice: just like with nail polish you have a huge amount of colors, glitters, and effects to choose from.
Extra plus point (honest and important): when applied and removed correctly, gel polish is a pleasant, nail-friendly option for many people. Problems usually arise from filing too hard, pulling, or when the product comes into contact with the skin.
The disadvantages of gel polish
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You need some basic products: a UV/LED nail lamp, prep/dehydrator, gel polish remover, lint-free wipes, base coat, color, and top coat.
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More time than nail polish: applying it is a multi-step process (curing layers) and removing it also takes time (soaking off).
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Technique is important: if you apply it too thickly, the nail is not properly prepared, or you touch the skin, it can come loose more quickly or turn out less beautifully.
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Removal must be done properly: removing it incorrectly (scratching/pulling/over-filing) can make your natural nail thin and damage it.
Conclusion:
It is a small investment in money and time, because a manicure can easily take an hour. But in return you will enjoy your beautiful nails for a very long time, so it is definitely worth that little extra work! Got excited? Want to get started yourself? View all LAKKIE gel polish colors here: View LAKKIE'S here.
Is there an alternative to gel polish?
What are some other good alternatives for when you do want the perfect manicure, extra strength for your nails, but don't want the chipping effect of nail polish?
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Gel nail stickers (PLAKKIE'S) – fast & super easy
Want a well-groomed manicure without the hassle? Then gel nail stickers are ideal. You are usually done in ±20 minutes and you don't have to apply it in layers like with gel polish. We also have fun PLAKKIE'S/ gel nail stickers with nail art designs, for when you don't have such a steady hand yourself to make it. Shop all PLAKKIE'S here
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BIAB (for extra strength, but a different technique)
Do you mainly want extra strength and a natural look? Then BIAB is a nice choice. Applying BIAB is, however, a different technique than gel polish: you work with more build-up/structure and it requires a bit more control and experience. That is why BIAB is usually best suited for more experienced polishers. Shop all BIAB colors here
