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Getting a Gel Manicure: What You Need to Know
Getting a gel manicure is one of the most popular choices that many fashionistas go for. And why would they not? These include different styles and looks, including nail art. And unlike normal manicure, the process of application is very easy. It is done through LED or UV light which cures the gel polish on your fingernails
Indeed, they are highly durable too, and they last for many weeks, unlike most manicures. And if you have less time on your hand to spend on getting a manicure, this takes very little time, too. However, while the advantages seem amazing, you need more information before getting one yourself.
Important Facts To Know About getting A Gel Manicure
Certainly, there are things you should learn first before getting a gel manicure. They are as follows.
- UV lights or LED lights
After applying the gel to your fingernails, your hands would go into a machine. Then, a purple light would dry it instantly. This light is, in reality, UV rays. But, these machines are not harmful, as some use the LED curing method instead.
- Cost is high
The gel manicure cost depends mainly on the place you get it from, and the style you prefer. In the US, basic one-color options range between $30-$40. However, high-end nail studios can charge their prices at $100 cost or more.
- Pedicure possible too
If you want, you can get a pedicure using this gel technology as well. If you are wondering about whether you can get gel nails on short nails besides the big toe, do not worry. Plus, all toenails take too much time to grow anyway, so this pedicure would actually last longer.
- Quick dry
A good thing about gel manicures is that it does not take much time to dry. Indeed, you simply have to put your fingers into a LED or UV light dryer, and bingo! It is instantly cured and not wet anymore.
- UV rays may harm
While getting a gel manicure, the UV rays can harm your health too. The radiation can cause cancer and have side effects on the skin. However, there is no guaranteed proof of this theory, as the time of exposure is very small.
- Long-lasting
These manicures can last up to 2 to 3 weeks, great for times of events you have to attend back-to-back. Indeed, you can stop worrying about it chipping too much, and flaunt your natural gel nails each day.
- Mini dryers are available in the market
A good thing about the mini-dryers is that you can buy one for yourself too. This would save a lot of money for going to the salon occasionally. However, you should get a salon manicure of this type first though if you have never tried it before. You would know which types of equipment are good and if it suits you.
- Nail removal hurts your nails
When you are getting gel nails off, a normal polish remover would not work here. Instead, you would have to go to the salon to get an appointment or try the process at home.
Also, make sure not to rip off the gel as they are stuck well to the nail layers. That can damage your nails. Plus, water can get under the gel manicure, so take care of it correctly.
- Importance of moisturizers
Moisturizers and cuticle oils are very important to keep your fingernails durable and healthy. Thus, use them to hydrate your nails, and keep off hang-nails.
- Safe removal technique at home
Luckily, there is an available best way to get gel nails off at home. Firstly, you should get a glass bowl and a bottle of acetone (100% acetone content). Then, use a light grit file to remove the top coat seal. Following this, soak your fingernails in the acetone for 3 minutes.
Take a wooden stick-like cuticle pusher to scrape the jelly substance off, slowly. After completing this process, buff the nails gently. Later, moisturize your hands and nail with creams and cuticle oil, respectively.
- At-home kits are good
If you are contemplating getting a gel manicure at your home, you can buy the at-home kits. And the good thing about these is that they are actually good. You would not get a salon-quality look, sure. But, if you follow the given instructions and practice often, the outcome would still look great. And, it is money-saving.
- No need for breathing
While considering getting a gel manicure, many people choose not to go ahead with it. This is because there is no need to let it ‘breathe’ here. This is a very common term for regular nail polishes. However, it is important to mention that this is mainly a myth and there is no scientific need for this.
- Cuticle trims are harmful
Many of the salons you go to may not cut the cuticles before going ahead with the process. However, it is actually an important step to think about. If they cut it, that would increase the chances of getting infected. Thus, you should ask your salon nail artist to instead push the cuticles backward.
- Checking the ingredients is important
When you get a clear gel manicure, you must read the label well for the ingredients. These are very important to consider so that it does not harm your skin. Some include chemicals like toluene, dibutyl phthalate, and formaldehyde. They can cause cancer, so you should stay wary of them.
- Gel VS acrylic
One can get confused between gel and acrylic overlay nails. However, in reality, both are very different from each other. The former is available in nail polish colors and cured using the technology of LED and UV lights.
On the other hand, the latter has color varieties but the tone is either natural or clear. Plus, they are used to make the nails longer and stronger than the regular nails. It is made up of powder and solvent mixture, too, which is another point of contrast.
All in all, keeping these details in mind would help you with your decision of getting a gel-based manicure. Overall, though, they are a good choice to try at least once.
