Gel polish in the cabin and at home. Why do you need a primer?

Tired in a day to cross your nails? Tired of chips and peeling varnish? This article will tell you about gel polish, technologies for applying it at home and how it will help to fight your problem.

Gel polish is only a few years old, and he has already firmly settled in all beauty salons, and the coating with gel polish is the most popular service of manicure masters, it is unlikely that you will find a salon where it is not. In Russia today, several dozen firms offer their lines of this product, these are also known as CND and NSI, and Chinese -made “know -notim”.

What is gel polish?

The development of gel varnishes was carried out in the distant 90s, but at that time there were at the peak of their popularity to extensions of nails with gel or acrylic. In order not to create competition in the nail service market, the development of gel polish was set aside for a while. However, the masters of manicure have long tried to combine ordinary varnish with gel, but most often attempts were unsuccessful.

In 2010 The famous CND company introduced its innovative novelty, which was something between nail polish and Shellac gel.

The advantages of gel polish consist of advantages of ordinary nail varnishes, and modeling gel:

it is convenient to apply
a wide variety of colors
persistent shine
the manicure rushes up to 3 weeks and the color does not change
has no unpleasant chemical smell
hypoallergenic materials are used

And one of the largest advantages of gel polish is its simple removal, it does not require cutting, like extensed acrylic or gel nails. Thanks to this, the nail plate is not injured and does not suffer.

Today, almost any company in the nail service market has its own line of gel polishes.

How is gel polish done? The technique of applying gel polish

If you perform the coating with gel polish in the correct sequence and not make mistakes, you will receive an impeccable manicure for as long as 3 weeks, while there will be no chips or cracks and the coating will shine as soon as after application.

However, there are times when gel polish exfoliates or cracks in the first week. To avoid this, you need to be able to apply it correctly.

So, for the correct application of gel polish, you need to maintain the following sequence:

Preparation of the nail for the coating: file the edge, remove the cuticle, remove the gloss with a buff, remove the dust with a brush.
Degrease nail plates.
Apply an invocated primer.
Apply the base layer and dry in the lamp.
Cover the nails with gel polish and dry in the lamp, repeat 2-3 times.
Cover the nails with a top and dry in the lamp.
Remove the sticky layer.
Squeeze the cuticle with oil.

At first glance, everything is very simple, but every step has its own characteristics that need to know and adhere to recommendations. Masters of manicure, of course, know all the subtleties, because they take special courses and receive certificates that allow this type of coating. However, you can familiarize yourself with all the nuances yourself and, having practice, can make coating with gel polish yourself.

Gel-varnish manicure at home

I will not say that the coating of gel polish at home is very simple. But there is nothing particularly complicated in it. It is only necessary to follow the recommendations for applying gel polish and prevent the mistakes that we will tell you below.

The word gel polish itself hints that this is still a varnish, or rather its variety, a mixture of gel and varnish, and this product is applied just like varnish. Any woman knows how this is done, so there should be no complexity.

The only disadvantage of covering nails with gel polish at home is the lack of the necessary material and tools that cannot be dispensed with, and which is not so much worth it. Below, we will give a list of everything necessary for home manicure with gel polish, but first let's figure out the application technology.

Step-by-step gel polish at home

Follow our recommendations and tips to get a persistent coating with gel polish up to 3 weeks.

Preparation of the nail for coating

Tip: If you make a manicure for yourself, do all the above first completely do it on one hand, and then on the second.

Sprinkle your nails so that their free edge is absolutely even, remove the dust with a brush
If the nails are laying, trim them with a file

Make a regular manicure. If at the same time you used oil or cream, you need to clean the nail plate well and dry it for at least 10 minutes
Be sure to remove the cuticle from the nail, this will prevent the gel polish detachment
A coarse-grained buff (240 or 180 Grit) polish the nail, removing the glossy coating from it, otherwise the gel polish will not catch on the nail plate. Do not overdo it, do not press a lot of buff to the nail so as not to injure it, you only need to give dullness

To completely clean the nail from fat and dust, moisten a bottomless napkin in a degreasing tool, or it is also called Bond, and wipe it with the nail plates

Important: After preparing nails for applying gel polish, do not touch them with your fingers! Do not allow dust or moisture to get on them!

Applying the primer and the base layer

If you have thin and brittle nails, or they often lay down, you definitely need to use a primer in front of the base layer. The primer will help gel polish better to clarify with his nail, so there will be no detachment of the coating or its rolling out. Apply a primer to the entire nail plate and do not forget about the end.

Basic gel, if easier - the base, performs the following functions

connects the nail and gel polish so that the coating holds firmly
protects the nail plate from colored pigments that are in gel polish, and can damage the nail

Important: the base layer is applied with a thin layer!

Take a little base on a brush and, as if rubbing, apply it to the nail in the direction from its edge to the cuticle
Then go through a brush, as you usually apply, from cuticle to the edge.
It is important not to touch the cuticles or skin so that the coating is sealed and does not exfoliate
Seal the end of the nail, this will prevent chips of gel polish
Dry the base layer in a special lamp, depending on the base of the base and on the type of lamp, this can take from 10 seconds to 2 minutes
Your nail will be sticky, this layer does not need to be removed, it provides the best adhesion with the following. It can only be neatly distributed throughout the nail plate with a dry brush, then the next layer-colored gel polish, will not spread on the sides

Coating nail with colored gel polish

To get a translucent effect, apply one layer of gel polish, for a more saturated color, you need to make two or three layers. Each layer is dried in a lamp from 30 seconds to 2 minutes.

All layers of gel polish must be applied, as well as the base, with a very thin layer, otherwise, after drying on your nails, waves and bubbles will appear. Even if you see an uniform application of color varnish, this is especially noticeable when using dark colors, it is better to make several thin layers than one thicker.

Do not forget to paint the nail from the end, then the varnish will stay longer and not exfoliate.

Applying the top of the top - finish coating

The top fixes the manicure with gel polish and gives it an incredible shine, which remains all the time wearing manicure.

You need to apply the top with a slightly thicker layer than the previous ones. Again, do not forget about the end of the nail. Dry the layer in the lamp, in time as well as colored gel polish. Do not save time and dry the top well, otherwise it will lose all its brilliance.

On the surface of the finish coating, as on the rest, there remains dispersion, i.e. The very sticky layer, which only after covering the top must be removed. This is done using a special liquid, which is called "to remove the sticky layer." This liquid also moisturizes the skin slightly.

After all this procedure, do not forget to lubricate the cuticle and skin around the nail with moisturizing oil.

That's all, you see, there is nothing complicated in this. The whole procedure takes an hour and a half in time, which depends on the manufacturers of varnishes, the number of layers applied and the type of lamp.

Such a coating, with proper execution, is worn on average about 2 weeks. But still, it is advisable to do homework in gloves so that the coating lasts longer on your nails.

Set for gel varnish at home

Not everyone can afford to go to manicure in a beauty salon 2 times a month, but all women want to have beautiful and well -groomed nails. To make gel polish yourself is a way out of this situation. However, in order to apply gel polish at home, you need to collect at least a minimum set of necessary materials and tools, which includes:

Lamp. There is UV lamp, LED lamp and hybrid. Read about their features below
Color gel polish. There are a lot of different types and firms. There are matte, glossy gel polishes, with shimmer, with the “cat's eye” effect, chameleons, thermo-varnishes-the choice is huge
Base Gel - base coating
Top Gel - finish coating
Primer, but you can do without it. However, if the gel polish is poorly held, perhaps the reason will be in its absence
Batf, for grinding the nail before applying a primer or base. Choose an abrasiveness 180-240 Grit (240 is better)
Livery napkins, it is better to use them, because they will not leave the villi that can ruin your manicure
Deafer. It is needed to remove the remnants of fat and dust from the nail, when preparing it to apply gel polish. It can be replaced with a conventional remedy for removing varnish with acetone or medical alcohol
Means "to remove the sticky layer", it can also be successfully replaced with medical alcohol
Remedy for removing gel polish or biogel, it can be replaced with ordinary varnish fluid, just see that it must be with acetone, otherwise the gel polish will not be removed
Cotton wheels
Foil, you need to remove gel polish (read about this below) or special clips-clips
Orange sticks

You can’t do without some things in this list, such as a lamp, base, top, colored varnish, and some can either skip or use cheaper counterparts, for example, with varnish liquid, you can replace both a degreasing and a removal of gel polish.

Such a set, of course, will not cost you cheap, but it pays off quite quickly if you save on hikes in the beauty salon. In addition, there are many different companies that produce products necessary for gel polish, and their prices are quite different. We only advise you not to save on the basis and top, this is the basis of manicure and its resistance and quality depend on them, the rest can be selected from cheaper analogues.

Lamps for polymerization of gel polish

Before you buy such a lamp, you need to familiarize yourself with their types, characteristics, pluses and minuses to choose the most suitable option for yourself.

UV lamp (or uf lamp) with fluorescent bulbs

Luminescent lamps save electricity and are therefore called energy -saving. These lamps operate from 5 to 10 thousand hours. However, the lamp service life is very dependent on how many times a day it is included, in what conditions it is used and whether there are voltage surges on the network.

The main advantage of UV lamp is its low price. Also, these lamps emit light in a wide range of waves, therefore they cover all varieties of gels and gel varnishes, and can dry them, because each gel dries only when it gets into the light with its own wavelength.

But such lamps have quite a few disadvantages, they can be attributed to them:

the temperature reaches 50 ° C, such a temperature can burn the nails, and the lamp itself heats up
over time, the light flux lamp weakens and gel polishes can dry poorly, in order to dry them more time
with voltage jumps and deviations by more than 10%, the lamp will most likely not work
the same thing happens if the ambient temperature is less than 10 ° C
light flow can damage vision, so you can not look at the working lamp
environmentally not safe (contain mercury) and need special disposal
the more often you turn on and turn off the device, the faster it will expire.

Gel polish in such a lamp is dried for 2-3 minutes.

LED LED lamp for gel polish

LED lamps surpass their competitors in several parameters:

such a lamp does not heat up, does not bake nails during operation
its service life reaches 100 thousand hours
she dries gel polishes in 10-30 seconds
consumes much less electricity
environmentally safe and do not require special disposal
no need to change light bulbs often
do not need repair maintenance
do not affect vision, because They do not radiate the pulsation of the light flow
if one or more LEDs are burned out, they can not be changed immediately, because This is inconsistent with the work of the lamp in general

But LED lamps still have flaws:

high price
it does not dry some gels, because The lamp has a narrow range of light waves, and not all manufacturers get into it gel polishes

To compare the wavelength range and the efficiency of UV lamps and LED lamps, look at the graph below. It shows that one gel polish, red straight, does not fall into the range of long-lamp waves, so it does not polymerize in it, but in the UV lamp it will dry. But the other gel polish, green straight, will dry in both lamps, and in the LED lamp it will happen faster.

Polymerization schedule c — Polymerization schedule in UV and LED lamp

Hybrid lamps CCFL+LED

These lamps combine all the advantages of UV and ice of the lamp, because consist of LEDs and cold cathode lamps working simultaneously. These devices are the best option for drying nails with gel polish.

Hybrid lamps have the following advantages:

polymerize gel polishes of any firms and manufacturers
gels are hardened in 10-30 seconds if gel polish falls under the wavelength of LED lamps and 2-3 minutes, if it does not fall
almost does not heat up when drying
the time that the lamp will last does not depend on how many times you turned it on and turned off it
saves electricity and has a long service life, up to 100 thousand hours
you can apply gel polish with a slightly thicker layer, they do not twist and do not go in waves
environmentally friendly, do not need special disposal

The only drawback of a hybrid lamp is a high price, but there are rather inexpensive good models.

Tips for choosing a lamp for gel polish

When choosing a lamp, note that the bulbs are on its entire surface, not only from above, but also on the sides
Choose a lamp with a power of at least 36 watts, because in less powerful gel polish may not dry, go in waves or bubble
There are lamps with automatic turning on, it works when a woman inserts her hand in the inside, and the timer turns off the lamp through a given time. This is very convenient, you do not need to turn it on and monitor the time

Biogel with gel polish-application technology

Let's first find out what biogel is and why it is used.

Biogel is one of the materials with which the nails are extended, it freezes easily in a special lamp, for drying gel varnishes and biogels. This material is used to strengthen its own nail plate.

Biogel is widely used, because Enough of many women are weakened, laying and breaking, in the main way it is caused by homework and constant contact with cleaning products. And this material is precisely designed to protect female nails from harmful effects and, in addition to strengthening from the outside, gives them the opportunity to heal independently, become stronger and stronger.

The advantages of biogel:

elastic material, easily applied with a brush
has no unpleasant odor
it is easily removed by removing gel polish and biogel or any liquid to relieve varnish with acetone
the layer of the nail plate is well aligned
used separately or in combination with gel polish
the nails under the biogel look natural, because it lays a thin layer
on top of the biogel you can make different designs
stays on nails for up to 3 weeks

The biogel is applied very simply, like ordinary varnish, as well as gel polish, it must be dried in a special lamp.

The procedure for applying a biogel with gel polish is as follows:

Prepare your nails, give them a form, make a manicure, remove the cuticle.
Remove gloss from the nail plate with a buff and remove the dust with a brush
Degrease the surface of the nail and let it dry. Use bottomless napkins
Apply an unconscious primer
Cover the nail with the base layer, dry in the lamp
Apply biogel with a brush, it itself is evenly distributed along the nail plate. Dry in a lamp for 2-4 minutes
The next layer can be made gel polish or somehow decorate the nail: sliders, stamping, painting, etc. Gel polish is dried in a lamp.
Apply the finish layer - top and dry in the lamp
Remove the sticky layer from the nails and apply a moisturizer or cream

There is a more shortened technology for applying biogel. It misses points with the base and top, but there is no guarantee that the manicure will last long.

Properly applied biogel will last on the average of 2 weeks, and the surface of the nail when using it will be perfectly smooth.

Primer for gel polish

The primer, although it is an optional stage in the application of gel polish, is very desirable to use it, because It has many necessary and useful functions:

degreases
provides much better adhesion of the nail and base layer
removes moisture
does not allow harmful microorganisms that can harm the nail plate
helps to fight white stripes on the nails

There are several types of primmers, but under gel polish, it is the vicious primer that is used. Its action resembles a bilateral adhesive tape - it adheres to a natural nail and gel base.

Gently apply the primer to the nail, it is advisable not to get to the skin, because If you have it sensitive, it can cause irritation and redness.

How to remove gel polish at home?

To remove the gel polish, it is not necessary to go to the beauty salon, this can be done at home.

First, with a file or a buff, polish the gel coating a little on top to remove the shine
Illuminate a cotton pad with a gel polish removal, it can be replaced with ordinary varnish relief, but it should be with acetone
Attach the soaked cotton pads on the nails and wrap them with foil. Foil can be used by ordinary, food

Also, instead of foil, you can use special clips-clips, they are designed for reusable use

You may feel warm under foil or a light burning sensation - this is normal
Wait for about 15-20 minutes and remove the foil and a saturated disk
The gel polish softened and now it is easy to remove it with an orange stick that does not injure the nail, unlike other tools

Remove the remnants of the gel, wiping with a new cotton pad soaked in the product.
A little polish your nails with a buff

Technology for applying sparkles to gel polish

When coating with gel polish, you can and should use sparkles, because they give manicure of individuality. In almost any manicure, the addition of sparkles will harmoniously fit into the overall design, so they are often used by masters of manicure. However, you need to apply the sparkles for gel polish adhering to the recommendations, otherwise you can get an uneven coating, with lumps and sharp edges that will cling to everything.

There are two ways to apply sparkles on gel polish:

Mix a little gel with sparkles in a separate bowl or on a piece of foil. Apply the gel to the nail after the base or colored gel polish, the sparkles are distributed evenly over it. The number of sparkles that you want to add to the gel, you determine for yourself. Such a gel can be covered with both the entire nail and its specific part. Dry this layer in a lamp. Cover on top with another layer of transparent gel, dry and apply the top
After the base or colored gel polish, apply a gel layer a little thicker than usual, but do not dry it immediately in the lamp. Dry brush, pick up sparkles and point them pointily on the nail. If you want to make a thin line of sparkles, use an orange stick. After that, dry this layer in the lamp and cover with another layer of a transparent gel, and dry again. Finish the work by applying the top, dry and remove the sticky layer

Cat Eye

The cat's eye gives the gel polish unusual and beautiful overflows, so it is often used to cover gel polish and is one of the favorites of many women.

Application of gel polish cat's eye is somewhat different from the usual gel polish. It is also necessary to cover the nail after the base layer. The technology of preparing the nail also does not change. A cat's eye is simply applied instead of colored gel polish.

After covering, but before drying, you need to bring a special magnet to the nail, at a distance of 3-5 mm and hold it without moving for a while (usually 10 seconds) until the glare manifests itself. This magnet creates such a magical radiance - these are metal particles of varnish rise to the surface of the nail and fall into the pattern.

If you look at the nails covered with a cat's eye, you can see a voluminous glare that shimmers in the light. If you turn your hand, the glare disappears. This is the effect of a chrysoberill stone, better known as a cat's eye.

To create a manicure using gel polish, a cat's eye, you can use various magnetic plates, thanks to which interesting patterns are obtained. Try to attach the plates not only vertically, but also horizontally, and diagonally.

Tip: Use the magnet immediately after applying gel polish, make each nail separately.

French Gel-Lacca-application technology

French is good for its versatility:

it is perfect for working in the office and for going to the club
under it you do not need to choose clothes in color or that it harmonizes with manicure
it can be done both with short nails and long
suitable for any fingers: short, long, and full, and thin

Such a design can be worn for several months, only updating it in time. And the jacket is gel polish is just a find. To all these advantages, its aesthetic appearance is also added even 3 weeks after application, because It is completely not noticeable that the nail has grown and its upper part is not varnished.

The technique of execution of the jacket is very simple:

Prepare the nail, as mentioned earlier
Apply a primer
Cover the nail with the base layer and dry it
Apply the translucent varnish of the basic color you have chosen and dry it in the lamp. This item can be skipped
Remove the sticky layer
Paint the free edge with a white gel varnish for a classic jacket with stencils or kisochka. You can use other colors or varnishes with effects, such as a cat's eye. In this case, do not forget to use the magnet
Dry this layer and if you need to repeat it again
Remove the sticky layer and with a sharp movement, remove the stencils if you used them
Cover the nails with a top and after drying remove the sticky layer

French gel polish is ready!

To make French manicure with the help of stencils is an order of magnitude easier and more interesting precisely when covering gel polish, because The previous layer does not peel off with the stencil, as often happens when coating with ordinary varnishes. In addition, you can create a different multi -colored design.

Here are a few ideas of manicure gel polish using stencils Gel polish is very convenient due to its resistance, and is useful for nails, because Under the gel they break less. At the same time, gel polishes do not injure the nail plate, because Easy to be removed using special tools, and not washed down, as in the case of nail extensions.

And making gel polish at home, you can also save on campaigns to the master. Follow our recommendations above, plus a little experience and dexterity, and you will have an ideal and unique manicure, which will last a long time on your nails without any abrupts and chips. And after all, this cannot but rejoice, especially when there is no time to cross the nails every other day, as in the case of ordinary varnishes.