Let’s Talk Soak-off Gel Nail Polish
Last February I had my first experience with what is now becoming a major trend in nails; Soak-off UV Gel Nail Polish. You see my pal Heather Park from SeoulDiva had been raving for months about this NYC salon Sakura and showing off her wicked cool nail art designs using the CalGel brand of soak-off polish. Heather has managed to get more than a few of her friends hooked on Sakura including MAC Artist Keri B. who has posted some her designs on Twitter. You can read about my experience and see some more CalGel designs HERE.
Since that time Fanatics have emailed asking about CalGel and the other brands of soak-off polish on the market, including OPI’s new Axxium product so I’m giving you the 411 on the whole soak-off phenomenon after the jump. |
What is Soak-off Gel Polish?
Unlike a traditional nail polish, soak-off gel polish is painted on with a brush and each layer is “cured” under a UV light to dry. Soak-off Gels come in a wide array of colors and finishes and like our “frankenpolishes” they can be mixed to create new colors. The purple on my tips (above) was a custom blended shade.
What are the benefits?
Dry time – The UV light dries the polish within minutes which means no dry time, no smudging, no dents. Talk about the perfect winter pedicure choice
Long lasting – Soak-off Gel lasts from 2-3 weeks with no chipping.
Less damaging – Unlike traditional enhancements you don’t have to fear the drills or filing down of your nails.
Works on natural nails – While you can add length if you choose, Soak-off Gel Polish can be used over a natural nail like traditional polish.
You can layer polish on top – If you want to change your color mid-manicure, you can. Paint right over Soak-Off Gel with regular nail polish and remove it with non-acetone remover.
What are the negatives?
Cost – Soak-off Gel Polish can only be applied by a professional and the service is more costly than a traditional manicure. If you are really skilled, you can buy a UV light and gel polish online but it’s not a cheap set-up.
Removal – While Sakura offers fill-ins, if you want to change your color, you must completely remove the polish every time. You can either pay to have the polish professionally removed or do the soak-off process (or to the MUA nail board “foil method”) at home. Soak a piece of cotton in acetone and then wrap the nail with aluminum foil. For me, even after soaking, I still had to file some of it off.
Nail growth shows – One of the reason’s my pal Heather tends to wear CalGel designs with a clear base is because it makes nail growth less obvious. If you choose a dark, solid color, by week two, growth will be very apparent.
Time – Getting a Soak-off Gel manicure can take longer than a traditional manicure. Especially if you are getting a gradation, nail art or using a dark color. I’ve heard with the darker shades, you need quite a few coats to get it the right color.
Brands
Several brands make a soak-off product with a wide array of colors. The most talked about brands include Akzentz, Bio Sculpture Color Gel, CalGel, Dashing Diva Gelife, IBD, and OPI Axxium. Akzentz, Bio Sculpture, CalGel and IBD come in a range of colors and finishes including glitter. Gelife is currently offering sheer, natural shades to enhance the nail’s natural beauty but I hear they intend to offer additional colors. Axxium comes in 26 colors based on existing OPI polish shades including You Don’t Know Jacques, Russian Navy, I’m Not Really A Waitress, Lincoln Park After Dark and Bubble Bath.
Where can I get a Soak-off Gel Manicure?
I suggest contacting the companies to locate a salon near year using their products but make sure you investigate the salon and ask how long they’ve been using the product. If you are interested in nail art or gradations, ask about their experience doing those as well and inquire about a website or online gallery of their work.
I emailed CalGel and found a salon on the west side of Cleveland and my salon John Robert’s Salon & Spa just started offering OPI Axxium. The last time I was there all the stylists I talked to who were wearing it, were really pleased.
And if you’re in Rhode Island, I suggest you check out the Nail Gallery from Gel Essentialz and book an appointment with Gina Silvestro ASAP. My friend, Celebrity Manicurist Elle, told me about Gina and she creates some sick designs.
So how many of you are curious about Soak-off Gel Polish? Have you tried it? Tell us about your experience, including which brand you used, in the comments!
Just wanted to share my experience of using gel with you. I have very good, strong nails that usually grow beautifully in summer but get dry and brittle in winter. I wanted a polish that would last longer than 3 days without chipping. I tried the gel thing. It was great! It lasted three weeks without chipping and two weeks before the new growth was really noticeable. Once I tried to go a fourth week before having them done. Big mistake! As my nails grow fast there was too much new growth and the nails started breaking down to the skin. One break was very bloody and painiful. I decided to take them off permenantly as this is something that you must keep doing every three weeks without fail. I must add that my nail specialist was very good with my nails but she used the file off system. She didn’t excessively file but she did file off some of the top layer as she said the nails needed to be a bit rough for the polish to adhere. I don’t know if the soak offs existed two years ago. Needless to say my nails were extremely thin for a few months after, as if they needed air to reharden and dry. They recovered in three months.
The bottom line is that this is a product that you must continously use like acrylics if you want your nails to grow and look beautifully. I hadn’t had such long beautiful nails since high school when I used to do nothing but take care of my nails all the time as I had no house chores or kids to take care of. It’s an expensive investment. I was paying €60 a session, every three weeks. That’s a lot to have pretty nails. But boy were they pretty! Not worth it for me though.
That is why I only use shellac by C.N.D. no roughing up the nail before application and they soak off with no effort in 5 min or less !!! Only draw back is they need more colors . I have tried other gels that say they are soak off but have not found a product as gentle on the nail as Shellac . Shellac wears like a gel while keeping nails strong and healthy . ( with proper application and removal of course )
I only use orangewood stick to slide off the polish after soaking .
Shellac requires a 10 minute soak. Not “5 min or less”. Be careful what you are telling others, you can cause others to get the wrong impression of the product or cause damage to their nails if they think it isnt working properly.
There is another brand of Gel polish called “Gelish”. Available in over 100 colors and can last up to 21 days. Depending on nail growth of course. When any of these “Gel polishes” are removed, you will find that your nails and skin around the nail are dry, mainly form the long exposure to Acetone. A basic manicure is recomended to rehydrate the nail bed and surrounding skin. Lotion and cuticle oil will help your hands and nails to resume to their healthy state.
I have used both Gelish and Shellac. I personally thing Shellac is a much better poduct. Gelish chips a lot easier and lifts where new growth is. All 4 of my Gelish manicures had the same issues.
Actually, Sonia, a lot of people ARE doing Shellac soak offs in 5 mins or less, generally by using a regular polish base coat before the Shellac base coat. That’s what I do. Check some of the DIY sites and you’ll see. It isn’t taught on the CND website but some CND educators speak of this method for easing soak off. Some feel that the downside of this way of making removal easier is that it chips and wears in less than two weeks, but some feel that it is worth it for a quicker, easier, and less damaging soak off.
Cheaper product and she charged you more hmmm
i think she gave you a gel set not a polish.
I just had my first manicure ever, so I thought it would be great to get one with the gel polish. I was tired of my at home maincures peeling off after doing dishes. Not having any experience with manis, other than what I did at home, I couldn’t wait to see the results. After I had it done (with Shellac), I was a little disappointed because the manicurist didn’t paint right down to the base of the nail…it looked like it had already grown out for a week. So I went back (which I hated doing becuae I don’t like to complain). The next round was done by a different woman, and this time with Gelish. I definitely prefer the results the second time around, but I’m not sure if it’s the brand or the manicurist. Also, there still seems to be some separation between where the color begins and the base of the nail, as if it has already grown out quite a bit…and only after one week. Is this normal? Does shrinking of the gel occur during curing? Also, I love the shine and lack of chipping, but is this something I could do at home?
The product, whether Shellac or Gelish needs to be applied as close to the cuticle as possible. That way, grow out will be less noticible.
These Gel Polishes can only be purchases by nail techs. I have seen them on EBay and such, but I wouldnt trust buying it from a sourse like that, you have no idea of you are getting a real product.
Check out Ebay and the the sellers rating…you will find that many have outstanding scores and there is nothing to worry about. Harmony is plentiful on Ebay.
Gelish can be purchased,(as a kit) from Sally’s Beauty supply.
Its is suppose to be applied 1/16 inch away from the skin, it not that will cause lifting. Yes the gel does shrink when you cure it.
I had OPI Axxiom applied to my nails. It only comes off after filing, soaking, scrapping, more soaking and filing. So not soak off! After doing this 3 appointments in a row, my nails have been filed down to the nail bed & are very thin. I personally, would not do anything but the C.N.D. Shellac it comes off so much easier than the other gels & is far less damaging. At this time, my nails are so smooth nothing will stick to them. Instead of pretty nails, I have sensitive, smooth, matte nails — not pretty.
I did the gel for the third time and LOVE IT!!!
It stays on, no chipping, and my natural nails are growing and staying healthy.I paid $32.00 in Chino Hills , CA.
HI, I was just wondering do they mix colored powder in clear uv gel to get the effect? Also how is it different from regular nail polish? Thanks.
Tasha,
Any place that mixes in a powder with a gel is cheating you. Powders should not be mixed with a true Gel product. Most of those places will tell you it is a Gel and charge you the Gel price. RUN!!!!
Finally! Someone verifies what I have been saying for 5 years! So many people in nail salons are just flat out liars! They sit there, nodding and nodding, smiling and lying through their teeth. Like Jenn says, “Run!!!”
I had acrylic nails done for a wedding in June. I had issues with breakage so I chose to have them removed a few days ago. The price for removal at the salon is listed as $12. She removed them and, before I could say anything, went straight to doing a manicure with gel polish, without asking me first. I could barely understand her but she appeared to be very insistent that gel polish would help my nails be stronger. Long story short a $12 removal ended up costing me $35. I will never have my nails professionally done again.
I normally have beautiful healthy nails. I work hard and do all my own house work and have never been able to keep a color on for more then two days. When I heard about the gel nail polish I jumped at the chance to keep a beautiful manicure. The first time was perfect. I picked a pretty traditional red. It lasted for more then two weeks but the growth was obvious. The second time I chose a french tip but a couple of days after the manicure my nails begin to feel tender and a little weak. They began to bend in a way they hadn’t before. But, oh they where so pretty with the perfect polish. I tried a third time and now my nail beds begin to hurt. I had to go in and have the polished removed. Two hours after the manicure all of my nails begin to crumble and split into the nail bed. This really hurts! It has been a week now and the nail beds are very tender the tips of my fingers burn and the little nail growth I have experienced is coupled with more painful splitting and crumbling. This has been a terrible lesson in vanity. I spent over a hundred and forty dollars to destroy my nails and cause myself pain.
I’ve done gelish and shellac with good results. My manicures have lasted 3 weeks. My nails are still strong, but I’ve decided to give my nails a breather and do this when I go on vacation, etc. I’ve paid $29-$32 in Parsippany, NJ. It all depends on the brand. It’s a possibility that you were allergic to the chemicals in the polish. My advice to everyone is to use gloves at all times for housework. I do, especially after paying so much for a manicure.
You are lucky. After having gel applied to my nails 3 times in a row, I now have nails that have been filed down to the nail bed to get all the layers of gel off. The salon I went to used the OPI brand gel polish & it is so not soak off. I do things with & without gloves around the house, nor do I think it is the chemicals in the polish. I think it is the removal procedure of the gel — filing, soaking, scrapping, more soaking, scrapping, soaking again followed by more filing. This is not gentle on the nail beds. I would not recommend the OPI, but instead go with the CND Shellac.
I meant I agree, not you are lucky. My brain & fingers were not in sync
This is exactly what has happened to my nails. They are a painful broken mess after my third gel manicure. I heartily recommend against this procedure. The few days of beautiful nails are not worth this longterm outcome.
Hate gel polish!
I had acrylic nails that were poorly done. Went to a different salon to have them removed after three weeks, and the salon talked me into gel polish. Three days later it started chipping and separating from my now-soft natural nails. Nobody told me how much effort it would be to remove it! And my nails are so thin from the bad acrylic job that I can’t file it off.
Back to regular polish once my nails grow out again.
Always give your fingers a rest after any enhancement. I give my clients a basic manicure and have them come back in 2 weeks. If I feel like their nails are rested enough than we do the enhancements.
Shellac and gelish work well with nails thAt are somewhat healthy and strong. Some clients experience weakness and splitting naturally in their nail. Some people habpve good nail genes. Ha! I used to bite my nails when I was young….now you would think my nails would be weak. Yes. Sometimes they get thin…but I think my nails are the strongest when gel polish is applied. Poi axxium destroyed 75percent of everyone I know, hence, why I stick with gelish and shellac. I’ve been a nail tech over 6years and I can honestly say….this is whe the nail industry is going. I’ve never used acrylic or traditional gel, due to the damage it causes. The only break I’ve given myself is 5 days top. It’s changing the way we do nails. Nail tech- pennsylvania
Biosculpture is one of the orignals and there is no roughing of the nail. My nails grow fast so I get two weeks, but my friend get three weeks. It is a good gel for people with weaker nails, some gels are better for those with already strong nails (Gelish).
I can’t seem to get the gel nails to cure?
check the wattage on your light. It doesn’t sound strong enough. If the wattage is the same as recommended than I think you need new bulbs
It might be the light are you applying it to thick
I have been going for no-chip manicures for a while now. The first time I had this done, it was great but like people have been saying, the second time your nails begin to feel weak and chip/break more easily. I recommend taking a break between each no-chip to let your nails breathe and regain their strength. Doing one right after the other is not the best idea.
Hi, I just wanted to say that nails do not need to breath. It is dead hair. Im a professional nail tech and have to say some salons are using acylic/gel which is not good for your nails. I always have checked out a salon to see if they have their certificates on the wall including their insurance one. I do not like e-files and anyone using one to clean the nail bed (cos the gel wont adhere to it!!) is not a professional and is using a bad product and needs to be struck off.
Hear hear!!!! Thank you! You are completely right!
Thank you for the advice. I’m gonna try it!
OMG what horror stories! I am AMAZED that only 1 person has mentioned CND’s Shellac. There is NO other alternative! The fact that ANY nail professional would consider filing the natural nail gives me the chills. If ANYONE ever tells you that they need to “roughen up” your nail in order for any product to adhere, RUN RUN RUN AWAY! Shellac is a product that I have been using since it first came out in April 2010. It NEVER leaves your nat nail fragile, soft, brittle or damaged. It’s like a normal nail polish only it hardens under UV light. The removal process should ALWAYS be done with acetone. Yeah yeah I know acetone isn’t exactly the best thing to have on your nails/skin, but neither are half the products you probably put on your face and body (if you really know what the ingredients are and do). Ladies, find a reputable salon that offers Shellac manicures. Worth the price. I create long lasting, gorgeous results. They recently released 12 new colors so they are up to 24 in all…and more to come. You can even mix and match them. TRY IT! And just for the record, I agree…NEVER use ANYTHING on your nails that you purchase at a hardware store. Use an orange stick whenever possible to remove leftover polish after the acetone process. Your nails are NOT hardware!
I have used CND shellac since December, 2010 and absolutely LOVE it! I have only gotten the french manicure (so as to stretch the manicure out a little longer), maybe I’ll try one of the new colors soon. I have had no adverse effects on my nails…they actually seem stronger.
I love love love CND Shellac. In early Feb 2011 I came back from Paris and decided it was time to take my Acrylic’s off. I had them on for 22 years. My nails were destroyed. The only thing that save me was CND Shellac. It added a layer of protection. I am almost to my own nails after 4 months. CND never once damaged my nails. It has only made them better. I am so grateful for this product. On top of that my manicure lasts two full weeks.
I’m an esthetican and I have worked with both the OPI and CND Lines. I have to tell you as professional its Shellac all the way!!!! Many of my clients came to me with weak, short, cracked or bitten nails. After even ONE application nails are stronger, longer and not bitten! No adverse effects for long term use either, and are harsh chemical free! CND makes its own special remover pads that limit exposure to the acetone. After 5 minutes soak time for each hand, loosened polish is gently scraped off with an orangewood stick.
NEVER let anyone try to buff them off! Always go to a reputable salon. If you go to a chop shop (read cheap nail bar) they will damage your nails and sell you inferior products, and tell you they are a name brand.
Go to the CND website for a list of all authorized Salon’s.
I totally agree with you. Im just about to use the Shellac and have got CND as I trained with them in London. I cannot wait to use this and see what comments clients give afterwards.
I love Gel Polish! I wanted to try it after years of miserable acrylics and I love it! My nails aren’t super brittle, but with my job as a salon manager dealing with opening boxes for retail and constantly on the computer, combined with my love of cooking, I could never get my natural nails to a nice long even length without breaking. So I turned to acrylics….ugh.
The gel gives my nails just enough resilience to not break, and feels natural instead of a hard shell on my tips. I can take it off easily at home with the foil method, and use an orangewood stick to peel up the rest without feeling helpless after a crack and having to go to the nail salon to fix an acrylic nail.
I still have a little bit of peeling if I take them off and don’t have it reapplied immediately, but the damage is NOTHING compared to the drilling and filing required with acrylic/pink and white nails.
I would like to add my own experience with Nail Gel Polish. I am basically a person who does not like to repolish my nails often, so this treatment is PERFECT for me.
I was very lucky my first time as I was wearing nailpolish when I went in to the salon. I had a wonderful woman who actually SOAKED the polish off to make sure it was all off. I got a full manicure as well prior to the gel treatment. I highly recommend this because she was able to clear my cuticles back and got the gel REALLY CLOSE to the cuticles. This woman was an ARTIST. There wasn’t that white space that you see on so many nails newly painted. This woman was truly a nail ARTIST who knew the leveling properties of the gel enough that she was able to place the polish SEEMLESSLY close to my cuticles. She also did several layers with the two minutes curing in between. She was conscious and my nails were stunning beyond belief. This was my first time, and I was lucky to have her.
The nail gel lasted until my nails grew out all they way…..5 months. I was able to find a color that matched, so I weaned the treatment. The thing that is really wonderful about the nail gel as someone mentioned previously, is that you can paint over it. The nails STILL LOOK great, and if your person does a good job at layering and curing, the tips won’t chip off. I play the piano for a living, so, while I might not keep my nails long, they do periodically strike the keys.
The gel is wonderful. If you get a woman like the one who did mine the first time, it will be an AWESOME experience. She DID NOT SAND my nails. She SOAKED my nails.
My second time, a guy did them. Thin layers of Russian blue, tepid layers, SANDED my nailpolish off and HURT ME. Nail polish should NEVER be sanded off. WHY???? He wanted to get more customers in quickly for more tips.
THing with the girl who did me the first time, is that because she took so much time to do mine, and they were So so beautiful, I tipped her 40%. Happy customers mean REPEAT customers and recommendations.
If you are a nail person reading this, please try to get the nail gel close to the nails. The half grown out look with the white between the cuticle and the beginning of the nail lacquer doesn’t cut it. It IS possible to get really close to the cuticle. My first experience with the nail gel is testimony to this. I realize it takes practice, but many happy customers with glistening nails will be your reward.
Once again, while the treatment can be expensive, you can wean the time between treatments by finding nail polish the same color that you could put in the space as the nail grows out. In this latest case, it is RUSSIAN NAVY by OPI.
I am courious about the different brands of soak off uv nail gel.
I am debating between Bella Forma and Opi Axxium.
I already have the new Nailene System for home use so I have a 36 watt lamp. I really like it so far, but I need a larger color selection.
Which brand should I invest in?
[...] nail salons, you may want to opt for Soak-Off Gel Polish (the pros and cons are described in detail here on All Lacquered Up). There are several companies that make it but most are familiar with the OPI [...]
Just had first try with gel nails. Had no understanding prior to reading this so just sort of was talked into it in the salon. No filing to apply and the look is great. They used Harmony brand gel/shellac. Hopefully the product will remove without too much harm to my soft nails. Will let you all know!
I just love the new UV Gel polish range. I am a nail tech and the people that saw it on my nails want it to. I use Magnetic and I’m very impressed.
I’m a nail tech with 23 years experience and while I think the gel polish is awesome I still am finding that with all nail products… the better and stronger the natural nail the better the wear. And, I strongly advise my clients to continue to try and wear gloves and not be in excessive water and NOT to peel the polish off as this weakens their natural nail.
Also, has anyone ever heard of a clear you can mix with regular nail colors? A salon in my area is doing this and I found this site trying to research what it could be? Thanks!
I am a new nail tech and have been asked for soak off gel, which is the best brand and is It true that it fades in direct sun? X
not the sun but from tanning beds it will change
Which Gel nail system is the best?
Hi I have had geleration gel polish put on last week, which is great. Next time I would like to try another range. Can anyone recommend a good one? Gelis looks good, also gelac has a large range of colours. Which is the best?
Other popular brands for Gel Polish are Gelish by Harmony, Shellac by Creative Nail Desgin, GP by Caccee
I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! I get my nails done 0nce a month. My manicurist is the best. My gel polish actually last an entire month. No cracking peeling chipping etc. I do heavy duty housework and yet it still holds out. I wish they had it for the feet as well. The best thing is that it doesnt ruin your nails at all. Within 15 minutes into my pedicure my gel polish is totally off and ready for a fresh polish again. My nails remain strong and undamaged. I must say though … if your nails are to long it wont last. Short sleek and clean is the way to go…. Its amazing and not to mention I ONLY PAY 25.00 A MONTH. Its so worth it. Try it. Robin from Staten Island New York
Hi Robin. I live in Staten Island too and I’m looking for a nail salon that does really good gel manicures. Where do you go to get it done?
Hi laura I go to Russo Nails on Maple pkwy. Its right off of Forest Ave. They r the greastest there. Their pedicures are to die for only 18 dollars but most importantly their nail polishes last on ur feet, about 3weeks out of it. Enjoy.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! I get my nails done 0nce a month. My manicurist is the best. My gel polish actually last an entire month. No cracking peeling chipping etc. I do heavy duty housework and yet it still holds out. I wish they had it for the feet as well. The best thing is that it doesnt ruin your nails at all. Within 15 minutes into my pedicure my gel polish is totally off and ready for a fresh polish again. My nails remain strong and undamaged. I must say though … if your nails are to long it wont last. Short sleek and clean is the way to go…. Its amazing and not to mention I ONLY PAY 25.00 A MONTH. Its so worth it. Forgot to mention the greatest part of it is it dries fully instantly. So the minute you run out of the salon you are totally dry. No worries about smudging. Try it. Robin from Staten Island New York
Had an OPI gel manicure (clear) for my son’s wedding – it was lovely, and my nails grew like crazy. I DID try to peel it off a bit as bits of it grew out – was unaware of methods to kind of “re-base” it with regular polish. I soaked in acetone at the salon 3 weeks later and she had a heck of a time scrrrrraping it off of my nails – and she did something many of you have mentioned, which is she roughed up the nails, etc. – yes, it hurt – and I didn’t know that was bad. Live and learn! I had her give me just a regular manicure that time and I think I shall avoid gels into the foreseeable future.
wow im totally baffled about ur experiences with opi gel. Maybe the places u all go to use cheap stuff lol i dunn0. But i’ve been doing it for two yrs now and i love it. It never ruined my nails. My manicurist put a piece of cotton on my nail tip with acetone then wraps each indivodual finger with alumiun foil. By the time my pedi is done the polish is totally off. I’m sorry for those who went for opi and didnt like it. I should be getting paid from opi company lol. all jokes aside i really do love it. Try another salon. If u get someone who knows how to do it u will love it.
I got 100% pure acetone artificial nail remover at walmart. I tried CND’s shellac for the first time a couple weeks ago and I love it. My nails are horribly thin and peal or tear easily. Along with having a horrible nervous tic of biting at my nails. The shallac has done wonders and my nails are actually growing. My mom does a lot with ibd gel nails. The origial hard gel nails and she has tried to have them work for me but It always ended the same way they would be too hard like acrylics and start popping off when my nails would grow because my natural nail would be so thin and it was made even worse by all the filing you have to do to prep the nail. She found out about about shallacing and soak off polish and I think she may have just found my new friend!! I finally have a way to have nice pretty nails that I can enjoy. They are also job friendly for me as I work in the health care field and am not allowed to wear fake nails for hygene reasons.
I am visiting us next week. can anyone tell me where i can buy CND shellac polish over there please?
@Dee hi hun the system you are referring to is Young Nails ManiQ soak off gel. ManiQ have now also brought out ManiQ colour. HTH xxx
thanks! I figured it out by having a client visit the salon…I haven’t tried it yet but will be this week…it may be time consuming to do, but I figured I could charge more for custom colors providing it works well!?
How does shellac compare with Jessica generation? I’m looking at these two systems once I complete my nail course. Shellac looks good but not many colours, Jessica has more colours, but what is removal like? How do they compare in ease of application?
I have had the CND Shellac in red polished on my nails since the week it came out. Every two weeks I soak my nails for 4 minutes in acetone and I use a metal cuticle tool to scrape shellac off of my nails just before I go for my appointment to have it re-applied. My nails are beautiful every day. My natural nails underneath are very healthy. My salon has priced the shellac cheaper than having artificial nails done, but more expensive than just a regular pedicure. I love this process and am delighted that there is finally a nail polish that is tough enough for me to forget about it, and I have never experienced a chipped nail.
I use the gel polish but don’t know what kind. I was introduced to it by a friend. I love the way it makes my nails look. However, I have only one problem: It bearly last a week before it starts to chip. It is too pricey to do every week. Is there something I can do to make it last longer? I would love for it to last the minimum of three weeks.
I recommend you try the CND Shellac. When I stopped using “fake” nails that had to be refilled / or soaked off, I used nothing but clear polish until my natural nails had grown strong again (several months). Once my nails were healthy, I started using the CND Shellac. I have never had a nail chip and I keep it on for 2 weeks, then take it off, and do it again the same day I take it off. It only takes soaking nails in acetone 4 minutes, and it comes off easily with an orange stick or a metal cuticle tool. When I take it off, my nails are not damaged in any way. CND Shellac goes on your nails just like polish, and it is UV dry in 3 minutes. Base coat, 2 color coats, top coat. Twelve minutes each nail because you put it in the UV light after each coat. My hands are alternating in the UV light until the last coat is done.
Juanita do you do this yourself at home or you have it done?
[...] check out these links: http://imabeautygeek.com/2010/05/10/4-weeks-opi-axxium-soak-off-gel-mani/ http://www.alllacqueredup.com/2010/01/talk-soak-off-gel-nail-polish.html [...]
Can I use base and top coats of Gelish with say a Gelation or a Shelac polish?
I just got my second gel manicure today. The first one was a gel polish and it lasted for four weeks. It was a beautiful French manicure. This time was a the powder (I wanted to avoid the uv lamp) and was supposed to be a “natural” color. It came out a horrible transparent hot pink color. Can I polish over this with another color?
Wondering if it is ok to cut nails and file while the gel is on and the nail is growing. my nails grow fast and its hard to type with long nails. i just got for the first time the gel nails and they are growing after just one week. Pls let me know if it is ok to cut and file or do i risk the gel from chipping off. thank you
I trimmed my nails with regular old nail trimmers while I had cmd shellac and it worked out great.
Interesting reading here. I thought I did my homework before getting an OPI Gel manicure I guess I didn’t get enough. I had finally gotten to the point of life where I was doing something right and my nails were looking great. I went to a salon who followed all the advised way to apply this but even then my nails will take about 4 months to come back to healthy. They started breaking and splitting almost right away. I was told they needed to “lightly” buff the nail for the gel to adhere, that was the end of my nice nails. Maybe I should have tried the Shellac brand but as it is I will never have this done again. Now to finish taking the damn stuff off:(
If the product is applied and removed correctly you should’ve had very little damage done to your natural nails. However, if your nails are naturally very weak and soft there aren’t many products that will adhere very well including nail polish. However, I have clients with this issue and the gel polish is working great! I wasn’t very impressed with OPI, but have had good luck with Shellac and Gelish If that’s the case, my suggestion would be to wear nothing and just high shine buff the nail and use nail oil regularly and try taking the amino acid Biotin which can improve your natural nails. If that’s not the case, don’t give up on the product because it is great just find a better manicurist and protect your nails with gloves etc..:)!
Also, I honestly think any product, including nail polish, changes the condition of your natural nail to a greater or lesser degree depending on your nails and the product used.
Ok, let me say something about the gel polish. First off, one should tell the manicurist NOT to use the drill sander. That is just TOTALLY to much. There are the little 3 sided sanders that anyone can get in the stores that they have on hand there when they do a regular manicure. That should be all they need to do.
I understand that the nails to be rough because the porosity would offer greater adhesion, but they do NOT need to use the drill bit sander.
Also, you should be able to tell your manicurist that you want the gel polish as close to the cuticle as possible. My FIRST time that I had it done, my manicurist did it really close to my cuticles. She was an ARTIST. My gel polish stayed on my nails for FIVE MONTHS. Really. The next time, a GUY did it. He didn’t layer it right, it didn’t look shiny after he did it. Looked like regular polish. He was crap. A good person TAKES THE TIME to really get it close to the cuticle. I HATE that grown out look when you just get your nails donw.
With that said, a 36w can be purchased on ebay, sometimes as low as 33 dollars. It IS possible to get one. Just be sure it’s not from HONG KONG. That’s a long way to travel, you wait a million years to get it, and it’s a fragile piece of equipment and you might get broken lights. NOT GOOD.
I just got some GELISH from Sally’s. I got the nail dehydrater, Ph bond, base coat, polish and top coat. I have a light. When I get the guts and the time, I’m going to try on my own and then let you guys know how I did.
The whole stash of the Gelish stuff ( two colors as well as all the other layer stuff) cost about 68 dollars. In Columbus Ohio, getting a manicure PLUS the gel treatment is about 40 dollars.
I love the gel because as it grows out, you can paint over it and STILL get the no chip situation. I’m a pianist so this is especially wonderful. We’ll see how well I do . I’m right handed, so we’ll see how well I paint with my non-dominant hand. Until then,…
As a professional manicurist I just wanted to comment that while nail services may seem pricey to some people, my clients appreciate my cleanliness, knowledge and services. While some people have the ability to do there own nails well, most don’t have the knowledge to apply this product correctly without experience. I would NEVER recommend leaving ANY nail product on the natural nail (including nail polish)for 5 months with no maintenance. As this could be a great way for moisture to get trapped between the nail and the product and provide a good environment for fungus. I figured when this product came out that some people would try doing it themselves, but I strongly encourage those interested in gel polish go to a good licensed professional because in the long run the health of your nails as well as your time is worth the money spent!
I want to say Ditto to Dee!! you said all I was thinking!!
I loved my gel polish, which was applied at a salon. However, when I went to have it removed, the manicurist peeled off the polish with no soaking at all. When I asked, “How can this be good for the nails?” she answered, “Does it hurt?” I said no, and she continued to rip off the polish. She charged my $5 and I did not leave a tip!! My nail beds have random white spots on them. I am thinking of contacting the salon manager. What do you think?
Absolutely contact the salon manager! Gel polish is never removed that way. Tell the manager your nails have been damaged (they have!) by having the product removed this way, and ask for compensation. I don’t know if you wish to have another treatment performed, if you do, that is what I would ask for but ask for another nail tech. I hate reading stories like this.
It says two things – first, it wasn’t applied properly, gel polish shouldn’t just peel off andl second it was removed improperly. Get your money back and then never go back there. The white spots are likely from dehydration. Did you use Solar Oil every day when you had the gel on? To get rid of them, use some warm Solar Oil or other cuticle/nail oil.
Also, if you go to a good professional manicurist you won’t need to tell her or him how to do there job:)!
Hello Dee,
How do you know if the manicurist is a licensed professional? I would like to try the soak off gel nails. I am going on a cruise and would like to have nice looking nails. I really don’t plan on maintaining the nails after the summer. Regular nail polish never stays on my nails and sunblocking my children kills the polish instantly.
Would you happen to work in a salon close to Bergen County, NJ?
I would contact CND website for a list of salons that use their product and then look for a local salon that is accredited with the better business bureau, doesn’t offer discounted services and has a good reputation with local patron’s (asking the local ladies wear they get their nails done when you see their nice looking nails). And, mainly look for a licensed picture showing proof and remember that word of mouth is a great way to find a good business!
This product when applied properly is great to use…including for short term use! Hope this helps! Dee
Just an FYI… Even those listed on CND’s website arn’t the best. I got a terrible Shellac manicure from a salon listed on their website. I did let CND know about the salon and I even posted pictures for them. I do a better job of painting my own nails.
As a MD state licensed nail stylist I offer CND Shellac to my clients. It’s very different from the “gel polishes” b/c yes it performs similarly but it’s NOT the same. Shellac is comprised of only 10% gel where as a lot of these other brands are comprised of 90% gel that is where the removal difference is apparant. Not all clients are gel manicure clients some clients are best fit with acrylic, traditional gel, or a traditional manicure. Jut like with All things everything isn’t for everybody. But I highly recommend you go to a licensed professional that cares an not these discount salons!
Joy, I am licensed in Florida and just got Shellac. I know it is formaldehyde free. I have 2 clients that have had reactions to all kinds of artifical products. Have you had are heard of anyone having allergy problems with Shellac!
No Mary I have not but keep in mind Shellac is still made up of Monomers and Polymoers just like acrylic and gel to create te chain and bond affect. So if your client has had over exposure to acrylic/gel on the surrounding skin of her nail plate could cause her to react to anything except polish. Also if you are using a primer (acidic or acid free) that can be making her react. And also if you or another nail pro is mixing brands be sure not to use someone else base/top coat that could make her react as well. I don use a primer I just scub my clients nail with CNDs scrub fresh. I hope this helps! Great luck!
Thanks Joy, I will let you know how it goes. She hasn’t had anything on her nails in years except polish. Her reaction is the nail bed lifts. I am not using a primer and will get the scrub fresh.
Mary
PLEASE HELP ME WITH MY QUESTION!
PLEASE HELP ME WITH MY QUESTION!
PLEASE HELP ME WITH MY QUESTION!
Hello all, I recently bought the new Nailene UV Curing Lamp with the Gel primer/top coat and the remover. The lady told me (this was at Shopper’s Drug Mart in Canada) that I could use REGULAR nail polish in between the Gel polish. So I would put the Gel primer/base coat on, then place on REGULAR polish (any brand) and then put the Gel primer/base/top coat on the top….. IS THIS TRUE? I have googled and searched EVERYWHERE and I see nothing about using a regular nail polish? The nailene “Gel colours” only came in pink and white. I don’t want to open anything and test it out if I have to buy special Gel colours. I only bought the system because I thought I could EXTEND THE LIFE OF MY REGULAR NAIL POLISH. Please ANY HELP would be GREAT!!!!!! -Megan from Ontario Canada!
I don’t know about that Megan. Typically if you put gel over polish the polish never dries so in turn the gel doesn’t cure properly so it doesn’t work. I guess unless the polish is COMPLETLY dry then maybe but that could take FOREVER.
I use Sech Vite UV Activated Top Coat it works EXCELLENT @ extending the length of traditional polish you apply base coat 2 coats of polish sit under fan for a few min then 1 thin coat of the Sech Vite UV Top Coat (it’s in a blk bottle) cure for 3min. And your set. It’s not dry like Shellac or SOG but enough for you to function just no purse diving and it lasts about 1-1.5wks!
Also be sure to apply oil to your nails nightly CNDs Solar Oil is excellent. Polish will not stay on Dry Nails. A hydrated nail is the best condition for polish to stay on the longest.
Hello,
So if I buy the Seche Vite UV I would still use the UV curing lamp with it? So apply a regular base coat, 2 coats of the polish of my choice and the seche vite UV top coat and let it sit under the UV lamp for 3 minutes or so?
Thanks so much for your help!
Here is the system I bought (minus the Gel colours)
http://www.nailene.com/products/gels
Megan, I’m a nail tech in the GTA – I don’t know anything about the Nailene line but I will tell you that the beautician in Shopper’s Drug Mart does not know what she’s talking about. You cannot mix nail polish and gel this way and cure it. There are all kinds of reasons why it won’t work, just trust me, it doesn’t. You will need to use whatever Nailene gel products you have in your kit with your lamp. Just make sure you follow all the instructions – and hopefully they’ve given you good ones. Good luck!
Hello Megan, I’m a professional manicurist and I have tried using regular nail polish between the gel base and top coats and what I’ve found is…
a. it’s a little difficult to put the regular polish on evenly but can be done…would be more difficult on yourself as opposed to having a tech do it.
b. you really need to let each coat dry thoroughly unlike curing the gel colors which is dry instantly.
C. i have noticed more chipping doing it this way and I’ve really only tried this on cleints with strong nails.
Another option for you would be to just put on the base and top coat cure it completely and then just polish over it? It really depends on how good the gel is and since you bought it at a drug store I would question the quality. Are there licensed manicurists in Canada?
Yes there are licensed manicurists here, I just saw the UV lamp at my local drugstore and was excited. I don’t really want the fuss and hassle of doing Gel nails myself (I would go into a salon to get them done) BUT the lady working at the drugstore said I could layer the Gel base/top coat between a regular polish (not a gel polish) and it would work. I didn’t want to open everything if it won’t work because if it won’t I will just return it. Here is more info on the system I bought: http://www.nailene.com/products/gels
Just to clarify, we aren’t licensed here in Ontario. Megan, the gel/polish combination will not work, the lady in Shoppers is wrong, just take it back and get it done properly in a salon. If you are interested in a Shellac manicure, go to cnd.com and use the salon finder to find a salon near you that offers Shellac. Depending in where you live you might end up with me
To all professional nail techs:
I am licensed in Florida and just got Shellac. I know it is formaldehyde free. I have 2 clients that have had reactions to all kinds of artifical products. Have you had are heard of anyone having allergy problems with Shellac!
I’ve had no clients with any allergic reactions to shellac or gelish to date. However, gelish takes more time to dissolve with acetone so I would definitely use shellac on any questionable clients as it is far easier to remove (less dissolve time).
I have excellent nails that are strong and grow very well without the gel polish…..I have been considering shellac because I hate to wait for the nails to dry…because my nails are real it takes at least an hour before they are completely dry and even then they are tacky………should I try shellac or will it damage my nails.
I had my first Gellish pedicure on July 7th and I seem to be having an allergic reaction to it. I have demititis on my eyelids, which from what I’ve read is a common allergic reaction to nail polish.
My question is do I attempt to remove it myself or do I go back to the salon that did my pedicure? As you can imagine, I’m very hesitant to go back there at this point.
You could be having a sensitivity to the gelish. I would go back to the salon to have it removed. Be prepared to pay a nominal fee, its the manicurists time….remember that and tip appropriately They are providing a service. Everyone is different. I know a client who only uses 1 brand of nail polish because she is allergic to everything. Interesting, right? It takes as little as 10 minutes. Then have them apply solar oil. I would recommend shellac maybe a few weeks later to see if if it’s soak off gel polish…or just the gelish system. Both are great…but have different chemistry makeup. Good luck.
My nails are so thin then bend if I let them grow even a little . I have read somewhere there is a gel a lil stronger then gel off colors I could apply under. Could you please tell me what it is and where I can buy it.. Also I still have a problem curing. I try putting gel off thinner and less coats still cant get it to cure . I bought another new uv lite 45 watts . I have alot invested just dont know why they wont cure . Im using opi gel off .
Any suggestions
Jude
This website was so helpful! Thank you!
After my mom told me about OPI’s new “gel” paints, I immediately began looking into it. I have always had very weak, brittle nails that do not grow long. I have tried acrylics and other gel-type fake nails and they have always left my nail beds hurting and severely damaged.
However, I am an actor and it is important to have nice looking nails when going on print and commercial auditions. (Believe me, they often want to see them!) I wanted to hear that the OPI system worked, but when I read into this I found that there was a BETTER system, which is called CND. It doesn’t damage nails, but adds beautiful color that lasts for two weeks and helps protect the nail from normal wear and tear.
I will post back after a couple weeks have past, but as of right now, I will be telling everyone I know about CND!
The opi version you were probably hearing about hasn’t been released yet! Stay tuned winter 2012. The older version is opi axxium. It’s awful. However, Shellac and gelish rock!!!
I got the OPI axium both times I had gel nails done. It really DOES depend on who does your nails. The woman I had who did them the firs time was wonderful. She did not sand, drill or anything. For the smoothing out she used a hand sanding paper, just like a regular paper nail file. She got the gel close to the cuticles and they did not peel. In fact, the gel lasted FIVE MONTHS on my nails and I painted in the spots that were grown out with a similar color. Painted over the existing gel and filled in the grown out part with nail polish. regular nail polish works GREAT and stays on longer . You can change colors with NON ACETONE remover and still get the good smooth results with the regular polish over the nails while they grow out.
At the time of this writing, I have the gel from APRIL which has about an 8th of an inch to go yet before it is fully grown out.
MY QUESTION IS, I am interested in doing some of this myself on my own nails.
I got the harmony GELISH kit with nail dehydrator, ph bond, base coat , two colors, and the top coat. I only have a 9 w lamp. I have not had the guts to try to do it myself yet. Will a 9 watt lamp work? Does anybody have any idea how long I should wait for it to cure?
I have heard such great reviews about the GELISH, that i am really curious to try it, but realize that I might need a higher wattage lamp.
I’ve seen some 36 watt lamps on ebay for as low as $33.00.
Should I just go with the 36 watt lamp??
The GELISH looks too good to be true. I’ve had good luck with the OPI Axxium. SHould I go for it? I haven’t seen anybody say anything negative about GELISH. Is it really that great? I hope so. From reading these reviews, I spent about $100.00 on Gelish materials.
I realize that I may not be adept at the actual painting of the nails.
ALSO, if I have gelish base, top, ph bond etc, can I still use color from another system if I really like that particular color, and still use the coats/ products from the Gelish system?
Looking forward to seeing more comments.
Until then, I’m waiting to drum up the nerve to actually do my nails with the GELISH.
i have had gel-polish done two times now and although i love it the last time she files my nails until they hurt.. there has to be a better why to get a great look with gel-polish
Oy Vay…. I have read all of these comments and there is so much swirling through my head!!! For starters, we actually have to have MORE hours of training to be a licensed nail tech in Canada than most states : ) Anyway, the bottom line is this: ALL gel polishes will damage your nails if 1. you try to do this yourself. It is NOT an “at home” procedure. If you are not trained and then things go badly at home, it’s not fair to the product to say it “ruined your nails”. 2. It is removed improperly. 5min. vs. 10 min. I personally would never compromise the integrity of a gel by putting a base coat under it simply for a faster removal, not a good idea IMO. Hardware store acetone is NOT appropriate either, use things on nails that were intended for nails. And finally, I have used OPI Axxium for 2.5 years, IBD Soak off, and Shellac since it came out and I can tell you that there is basicly no difference between them all. It is not necessary to rough up the natural nail for any gel polish service. It is a CRIME that what is being done out in the field keeps happening! Unfortunately, Axxium has gotten a bad rap due to overzealous filing by techs when this is NOT necessary. The biggest probelm with gel polish is uneducated nail techs, not the product. Before anyone gets a gel mani they should ask how it will be applied ( will there be filing) and how it will be removed. If they say “file” anywhere in there, go somewhere’s else. Also, I just wanted to note that even with Axxium, Shellac, etc. it is possible to get a back fill and/or change colors without soaking off first, it just depends on what color you’re switching too. And finally, do not be tempted to do this yourself. It may “look” easy, but there are techniques. Obviously if licensed, trained nail techs are having this many issues, a DIYer is going to as well, and probably X10. There are reasons that we don’t apply gel to the cuticle etc, but that’s why we’re trained. I’m sorry if this is “rant-y” but the gel polish craze has come with a myriad of headaches too, and it’s good to clear the air. Gel polish IS and SHOULD be a beautiful, fast, and healthy alternative to traditional gels and acrylics. It’s the most popular service at my salon and I am 100% happy with it. Hopefully in time the kinks will get worked out. : )
I agree completely with you, as I’ve been in the business 23 years and have had my own successful salon for going on 10…it’s good to know there are other techs who really care about keeping things professional as well as sharing experience and knowledge:)!
what advice would you give a new nail tech about getting clients and keeping them
I must respectfully disagree. Gel polish is perfectly within the ability of most DIYers. I’ve been doing my own Shellac/Gelish/Gelac/Geleration for a year now. It does have its quirks and nuances, but nothing that a little practice and research can’t resolve. There’s tons of good information and instruction out there to be had by anyone. The chemicals used are fairly benign. And I know my nails better than any nail tech can. In fact, I believe that consumer use was the plan for gel polishes in the first place. After all, Gelish is now sold at Sally’s! That said, If you’re not willing to do the homework required of this nail technology, don’t go the DIY route- there are lots of competent nail techs out there who will do it for you.
But let’s face it, ladies, the ones doing harm with gel polishes are not the DIYers who only do damage to themselves. Read these boards, or the ones at tPF. They are just loaded with stories of women who have had bad gel polish experiences and/or poor service at the hands of nail techs. These uninformed/incompetent “professionals” are the ones doing the real damage. There are lots of great nail tech doing great work out there. I have seen amazing artistry and skill from many of the nail techs I’ve met online and IRL. But, with all due respect to professional nail techs, there are a lot of butchers out there and the profession would be well served to push such folks out of the business.
I agree with you also, but fortunately for me most people aren’t adept at doing their nails as efficiently as I can. As well they enjoy the entire salon experience that I provide.
Unfortunately there are many salons that just care about the bottom line and not the personal service and condition of the natural nail…which infuriates me as I would rather lose money than perform a service on someone who for instance is allergic to a product. I wish STATE BOARDS were really doing there job and weeding out the bad salons, but as with anything the consumer needs to stay informed and report bad experiences to boards and better business bureaus.
You’re probably correct that I probably can’t do my nails as efficiently or as well as you. But since I’m not a hand model, I don’t require either that level of perfection or efficiency! : ) And the salon experience (not yours, I’m sure) isn’t all it’s cracked up to be – getting an appointment, driving over, getting a parking space, going into a salon with the music blasting or some hideous show on the TV, with loud, obnoxious clients, 30 minute delay for your appointment, etc.
But I think that many DIYers aren’t doing it themselves because of a backlash against professionals. Personally, I really enjoy doing my own nails; It’s great to put the kids and hubby to bad and have some quiet me time.It’s relaxing. I can sit at home watching TV (the channel of my choice!) in my pjs and take my time. I usually do it at around midnight. I can experiment with techniques and colors, wipe it off and start all over again. I know the cleanliness of my implements and I have all my favorite colors and tools. I still go to nail techs (especially when I travel), but I really enjoy the DIY experience.
I don’t think I am at all a threat to good nail techs. Most women don’t want to DIY and I’ve referred dozens of people who’ve inquired at my Shellac/Gelish/Gelac/ Gelaration manicure to both the products and my favorite nail techs. I’m a walking ad for the products!
I think the DIY/pro division is not helpful. I’d like to see pros and DIYers come together to demand more from the products and to move against substandard salons and techs.
Wow, so many comments!
I’m surprised that not a lot of people are mentioning or praising Gelish and are instead considering Shellac to be the one and only brand for gels. Because of this I asked for a Shellac manicure at the salon. My nail tech told me that Gelish was actually made first, is stronger, lasts 3 weeks, and has way more colours than Shellac! So I changed my mind and went with Gelish, and I LOVED it! I must add too that no filing was involved either.
Here is a picture: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150229088897073&set=a.10150229088892073.326857.701267072&type=1&theater
It lasted a month (nail growth was crazy but I was way too lazy to take it off and couldn’t bear to part with it). It wasn’t until 3 weeks in I had a couple of breaks in two nails from doing some heavy duty housework but the Gel didn’t lift, which was impressive.
Throughout the whole period my nails were smooth and glossy, and if I hadn’t of taken them off, they would have stayed stuck on forever!
The only draw back was removal- I should have gone to the salon but I did it myself. I had to file some off but I’m guessing it’s because I didn’t use pure acetone to soak off. But all in all Gelish is absolutely fantastic. I was charged £20, so roughly about $32. For that price, there is no point just having a regular nail polish mani, and for this reason my nail tech doesn’t use regular polish at all because whats the point when you can have a gel that doesn’t chip, stays glossy, and lasts 3+ weeks?
I love soak off gel! I do my own nails at home and I favor gelish. I bought my uv lamp from ebay for 12 bucks and it works perfectly. I don’t rough up my natural nails first and I have never had any problems. No chips, peeling, or lifting. My nails have not been weakened at all(lotsa cuticle oil). I have also used star nail ECO soak off with similar results.
Hi can anyone help me? I was wishing to buy a gel nail polish system such as shelac; gelish etc and I contacted BMNE direct in Australia. They talked me into buying a gel professional set including LED lamp. I am very disappointed because it includes very thick gel and no gel nail varnish like the Shelac; also I bought an IBD gel varnish and it will not cure under the LED lamp (12 watt). Where have I gone wrong? Have they sold me the wrong thing or am I just not understanding what to do?
Oh, so many things wrong with this. First, it’s not your fault. I know you’re not a professional, and honestly that supplier should not be selling you professional products if you don’t have a clue what you’re doing….but that’s a whole other argument.
Most gels currently on the market do not cure with an LED lamp and the ones that do are created specifically to cure with that brand’s lamp. They have sold you the wrong thing, perhaps thinking you were a nail professional?
It seems clear that you did not do your homework and got talked into the wrong thing because you didn’t know what you were doing. IBD is a soak off gel system that does not cure under LED. Ordinary soak off gel systems are really for professionals, they’re not that DIY friendly. You should be looking for a gel *polish* like Shellac or Gelish (although Shellac does not cure under LED). Although they are made for professionals, they don’t require special skills to do a basic job. Ulta has now come out with Red Carpet Manicure specifically for home use and Sally sells Gelish.
I suggest you start from the beginning and study up on soak-off gel polishes and their application. It’s not hard, but there is a process that has a few quirks and nuances. There is plenty of information online on YouTube or The Purse Forum. You should make sure you thoroughly understand the product before you go shopping again.
I strongly suggest to use sunscreen on your hands before doing any uv servuce and drink vitamins for nail so theycan keep atrobg and healthy, and also drink antioxidants or eat a lot of fruits with anrioxidants like grapes, blueberries, to avoid damage to your nails and protect your skin. The constant use of these products can harm, prevention is the best…many have toxic chemicals….i use the shellac, i drink my nail vitamins to keep them healthy, my sunscreen before going and after it is finish i just a natural moisterizer lotion made of beewax with essential oils…