What is a Gel Manicure?

If you’ve ever looked at manicure services in Tampa then you might have wondered, what is a gel manicure? The gel manicure is a type of nail treatment that relies on a special nail polish, which is hardened under the UV or LED lamp and provides a lasting, shiny, and impervious surface to the nails, in comparison to the conventional nail treatment. Unlike the traditional lacquer that takes days to air dry, and can chip in days, gel hardens on the spot and will last for weeks when exposed to light.

Gel and a traditional nail manicure or dip powder are very different, and you might want to know what to do with your nails after the nail salon visit. At Busch Nails and Lashes, a nail salon with a history of Satisfaction, these are common questions that clients have about gel nails. We will address the most frequently asked questions about gel manicure services below, ranging from how long the manicure will last until how to remove the manicure safely.

How Long Does a Gel Manicure Last?

The gel manicure should last for 2 to 3 weeks before chipping or peeling. That’s much better than the traditional manicure that typically wears out in 5-7 days.

Several factors affect how long your gel manicure holds up:

Many Tampa clients opt for this touch-up because it’s easy to care for and lasts a long time, and it’s a very popular type of touch-up for vacations, weddings, or busy work seasons when it’s not feasible to have a touch-up.

Gel Manicure vs Regular Manicure

But what makes a gel manicure different from a normal manicure? The main difference is in the polish and drying process.

A standard or “classic” manicure is typically a standard nail lacquer which will dry over time. It’s an easy to apply and easy to remove polish, but can be more susceptible to chipping and smudging the first few days.

A gel manicure, on the other hand, is a polish that is formulated from a polymer and only hardens when exposed to UV or LED lights. The glossy finish and long-lasting wear of gel is a result of this curing process. For quick comparison, here’s a comparison:

If you are unsure whether to choose between the two, you should consider the amount of time you have and how long you are looking for your manicure to last. If you have any questions about the pros and cons of each choice, your nail technician at a nail salon in Tampa can help you decide.

Gel Manicure vs Dip Powder

Dip powder is another long-lasting choice, and can be directly compared with gel. Both are durable, but operate in entirely different ways.

Dip powder involves dipping your nails into a colored powder, layer by layer, then sealing with a top coat, no UV light required. Gel, on the other hand, needs to be cured under a lamp between each layer.

Here’s how they generally compare:

• Durability: Dip powder can last three to four weeks; gel typically lasts two to three
• Application time: Gel is usually faster, as it takes only seconds to cure per layer
• Feel of the nail: Gel will feel thinner and more pliable than dip powder will feel
• UV exposure: Gel needs to be lamp cured; dip powder does not

Both choices are not exactly “better”, it depends upon your priorities. If you’re looking to avoid any UV damage to your hair, dip powder is the choice for you, but if you prefer a glassy look, gel is the way to go.

How to Make a Gel Manicure Last Longer

Knowing the basics of a gel manicure, a few simple tips can make it last even longer:

• Wash dishes and clean with harsh chemicals while wearing gloves.
• Apply oil to the cuticles every day to keep them moist and stop them lifting up at the edge.
• Do not use nails as tools to open packages or to scratch surfaces.
• Cuticle oil can be used at night to make the nail bed stay moist.
• If necessary, schedule fills or touch-ups every 2-3 weeks before any signs of regrowth are seen.

You don’t have to wait until your next appointment at your nail salon to take care of your polish; these steps will also help keep your nails as healthy as possible in between manicures and pedicures.

Dispose of gel polish safely.

The most frequent reason for nail damage is the removal of gel polish incorrectly. The removal or peeling off of gel will cause layers of the nail to be removed, which will make the nail very thin and weak.

Instead, gel should always be soaked off using acetone. The top layer is usually stripped by a technician who wraps each nail with an acetone soaked cotton pad and then covers it with foil for approximately 10-15 minutes. The softened gel is then carefully removed and the nail buffed and conditioned.

Ideally, removal should be performed by a professional, as improper techniques can lead to a weakening of the nail plate over time, the American Academy of Dermatology advises. If you’re removing gel at home, be sure to moistenurize afterwards to replenish the moisture lost from the acetone soak.

Does Gel Manicure Damage Natural Nails?

One of the most frequent inquiries that clients have prior to their initial gel manicure consultation. The truthful answer: gel is not necessarily harmful; it is harmful only if applied and removed incorrectly.

Over-peeling gel or over-filing nails in preparation can make them thin, brittle or dry. There have also been concerns with the safety since frequent UV curing has been implemented. Research published in Nature Communications has shown that repeated UV exposure of skin cells due to nail-curing lamps can have an impact on them, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies these lamps as being low risk when used as directed. To keep hands protected, the FDA advises using broad-spectrum sunscreen on hands before curing.

To ensure minimum risk, select a salon that has experienced technicians, do not pick a polish and allow your nails a break between gel applications.

Conclusion

With this information, you can feel confident about choosing to get a gel manicure, know how it is different from the other kinds, and understand how to keep your manicure fresh and healthy. While it provides unmatched shine and durability, it is worth stressing that proper use and aftercare is rewarded in the case of gel.

Looking for Telphonic nail care services in Tampa, look no further than Busch Nails and Lashes, which provides expert gel manicure services as well as classic and dip powder services in a clean and inviting environment with knowledgeable techs. At a trusted nail salon in Tampa, we are happy to assist you in figuring out the perfect service to match your nails and way of life.

Ready to try a gel manicure? Schedule an appointment at Busch Nails and Lashes, Tampa today.