Gel manicures are all the hype right now, with celebrity nail art posts collecting likes on Instagram in the thousands. Obviously, we all love to have the look of a fresh manicure that boosts our confidence and makes our hands stand out. Unfortunately, no matter how much we love it, a regular manicure won’t keep its pristine look for more than a couple of days. That is fine if you are not pressed for time and are willing to apply a fresh coat on your nails at least twice a week. If you have a packed schedule or are going on vacation, you might want to splurge on a gel manicure. When taken care of really well, a gel manicure can last up to a month. That will more than compensate for the higher price of getting a gel manicure, which can range, depending on where you live and the design you want on your nails, between $40 and $100. You can cut down the costs by purchasing a gel manicure kit, which will more than pay for itself if you get gel manicures on a regular basis. But before fishing for your wallet, here are the 5 things that you need to know before getting a gel manicure:
What is a gel manicure?
The difference between a gel manicure and a regular one is made by the type of gel polish used and the curing process. Gel manicures require the application of gel-based polishes on top of primers and the use of a UV or LED lamp to cure each coat for about a minute. The multiple layers and the curing process will result in a sturdy shell that will last for much longer than a regular manicure. The key to a lasting gel manicure is its maintenance. Apply good at-home care on your mani: avoid soaking your hands for too long (don’t linger in your tub!) and keep away from handling any abrasive materials.
Shop around for gel manicure ideas before getting one
Once you decided to step into the enchanted world of gel manicures, you can find plenty of inspiration online. Our Instagram feeds are full of pictures of spectacular nail art. Celebrities like Kylie Jenner, Rita Ora, Jennifer Lopez, or Rihanna keep us hooked on their nail art. If you are going to splurge on a gel manicure (at the salon or at home), we recommend the power of bling. You might not be able to fork out 5K on a diamond mani, as Rihanna did, nor adorn your nails with Swarovski crystals, like Jennifer Lopez, but you sure can get a gel manicure adorned with rhinestones or opt for glitter gel polish. The gel nail polish is the most versatile environment for nail art. Design options are quasi-infinite. To get an idea about gel manicure designs, check out gel manicure Rossi Nails. You will definitely find something for every season, social occasion, and mood.
What is a gel French manicure?
Add a touch of French sophistication to your look with this super elegant and sleek gel manicure. You can get a gel French manicure in two ways. The first option is to use a nude or pale pink gel nail polish and apply the white gel polish on the smile line in the standard procedure of gel manicure. Or you can try the innovative option of the nail gel, also called the poly gel. The tricky application of gel nails is made easier when you use nail gel. It looks like a paste that you spread on the nail surface with a nail brush that was dipped in nail cleaner. This option is particularly handy for a French mani because it will be easier to trace the limit between the pink or nude surface of the nail and the white of the smile line.
Are at home gel manicures worth it?
The answer is a resolute yes! If you have a steady hand and are interested in exploring your creative side, then it’s definitely worth spending money on a gel nail kit, that you can use whenever you feel the need to pamper yourself. A basic gel manicure kit will need to include: base coat, gel nail polishes (in as many colors as you are willing to pay for), a top coat, cuticle oil, and essentially, a UV or LED lamp. Premium packages will have other nail equipment: files, buffers, brushes, nail stickers, rhinestones, acrylic extensions, and gel polishes in various shades. With a little bit of practice and patience, you can get that beautiful gel manicure at home and indulge in the pleasure given by a fresh manicure in the comfort of your home.
How to remove a gel manicure
When your beautiful mani will start to fade away you will be tempted to pick at it or to peel it off. Resist that temptation! It will only damage your nails. You can go to a salon and have a professional gently remove it or you can do it at home. Either way, it implies soaking your hands in acetone. To do it at home, start by filing gently the top layer. Then, pour acetone into a glass bowl and soak your nails in it for 5 minutes. Remove the peeling layers with a cotton ball soaked in acetone. Buff your nails gently and apply plenty of cuticle oil and hand cream to hydrate your nails and hands.
A gel manicure will ensure that your hands will look immaculate and they will make you feel confident and elegant. They are an affordable treat and you can do them at home. Whether you want to add spark to your nails with a glittery gel polish or you aim for the pristine look of a French manicure, opt for the lasting solution provided by the gel manicure.
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