Most people tend to explore gel nails beyond traditional nail polish because they heard gel nails offer stronger, longer-lasting nails — and they’re right.
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This article will explain everything you need to know about gel nails and gel manicures - how they work, the process, and tips for making them last longer. You'll learn the differences between UV and LED lamps, salon versus at-home application, popular gel nail polish brands, and how to get the most out of your chip-free gel mani.
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Gel nails use a nail polish that can only harden on your natural nails when exposed under UV or LED light to create a hard, chip-resistant manicure. This is why gels can only be set by lamps that emit LED or UV light.
The result of this process is a strong, flexible glossy finish that's chip-free and long-lasting. Gel manicures use only polish; no acrylic tips or other artificial nails are applied.
Gel manicures differ from acrylic nails, dip powder nails, shellac nails and regular manicures in a few key ways. With gel manis:
Gel manicures tend to have a smooth, high-gloss shine with an even coverage and color across the nails. Compared to regular nail polish, the color of gel polish tends to appear more vivid and intense on the nails.
This comes from the fact that the gel formula allows for deeper, richer pigment saturation than your traditional polish. The gel formula also resists fading and yellowing, which allows it to maintain its color for weeks.
Gel nails can be hard on your natural nails. If you get them often, they can make your nails weak or thin. This is because taking off the gel is tough on your nails. You have to soak your nails in acetone, which makes them dry and brittle. Also, when you file your nails to remove the gel, it can make them thinner over time.
The other aspect to consider is that the UV light used to set the gel can be harmful to your skin. This is why we recommend applying sunscreen on your hand before applying gel nails or wearing a UV protection glove that only exposes your fingernails.
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Gel Manicure Powder Dip Acrylics Regular Polish Shellac Process Thin layers of gel polish cured under UV/LED lamp Dip nails in colored powder resin on your natural nails or nail extensions. Acrylic powder and liquid solutionsShellac cures under UV/LED lamp
Nail Preparation Gel base coat applied to natural nails Gel base coat or bonding base coat applied to natural nails Acrylic extensions adhered over natural nails (Optional) Dehydrator applied to natural nailsGel base coat applied to natural nails
Look/Texture Smooth, shiny, glass-like Slightly textured, matte finish Thick, durable Sheer to opaque coloringSlightly muted, softer sheen
Durability Very chip resistant for 2-4 weeks Decent durability, lasts 2-3 weeks Very durable but can be brittle Chips within daysLasts up to 2 weeks
Cost $35-$60 salon $30-$40 salon $35-$60+ salon $15-$25 salon$25-$50 salon
Removal File surface and soak in pure acetone Soak off with acetone Must be professionally removed Peels off with regular polish removerRemoved with acetone
DIY Friendly? Moderate, requires supplies and technique Yes, one of the easier options Not recommended Very easy Fairly easy Pros Very durable; 2-3 week wear Stronger than natural nails Thick, long-lasting for nail biters Quick; many color optionsSimple at-home application; 1-2 week wear
Cons Expensive; requires maintenance Can damage nails over time High maintenance; expensive Chips very quicklySlightly less durable than gel
There are some notable differences between gel manicures and other popular nail options:
Powder dip manicures involves dipping your nails (or artificial nail tips glued onto your nails) into colored powder. The powder is then shaped and polished. With gel manicures, a base coat, gel nail polish and a top coat are applied in that order to the natural fingernails only.
Gel manicures use only polish and don't apply acrylic nail extensions or tips. Acrylics require skilled application of liquid and powder polymers to sculpt and extend the natural nails before polish is applied. Gel is simply painted on like regular polish but cured to be long-lasting.
Regular nail polish is painted on and left to air dry. It can dent, smudge, and peel within days. Gel polish needs to be cured under LED or UV lamps to harden and adhere to the nails. Gels resist chips and scratches for 2-3 weeks vs regular polish lasting only 2-7 days before needing a touch up.
The main differences between Shellac and gel nails are in the polish formulation and polish removal process. Shellac is a brand name for a nail polish made by CND that is a hybrid of regular polish and gel polish that cures under an LED or UV lamp. Removing gel nails and Shellac both require acetone soaking on the nails, but Shellac can be removed more easily due to its unique formulation.
You can get your gel manicures done either at a salon, by an independent nail tech, or at home.
Getting your gel manicure at a nail salon provides professional service but comes with recurring costs. Salons charge $35-$60 (high-end salons, or location convenient can charge significantly more) for the initial gel application, then $10-$20 more for each removal and reapplication every 2-3 weeks.
These costs add up over time. While nail salons aim to provide excellent service, you have less say in customizing your nail shapes or lengths.
When you choose to visit an independent nail technician, you get the chance to experience their unique and personalized services in the cozy and welcoming atmosphere of their home-based studio.
Since independent nail techs often curate their own services and focus on their passions, they often choose to specialize in specific techniques or styles. This specialization allows them to become true experts in their chosen area with high level of skill.
Choosing to go to an independent nail tech can also mean better affordability than salons when getting gel nails done, but removal and reapplication costs are still present every few weeks.
Doing your own gel manicure allows you to have full creative agency over your own nails. Look for at-home gel nail kits that provide the tools you need to both apply and remove your gel nails.
DIY gel manis minimize the costs of doing your nails removing them. With a gel nail kit, you can apply gel polish and remove it yourself for a significant fraction of salon prices.
You have greater control over how you want your nails done too. Keep in mind, proper technique is needed to avoid damaging nails when prepping and removing gels.
On average, a basic gel manicure costs between $35-$60 at a professional nail salon depending on your location. Higher end salons can cost upwards of $100. In high cost of living cities like New York and Los Angeles, the cost of a gel manicure can range from $45 to $100, not including potential extra charges for nail art or gel removal.
While at home DIY gel manicure kits range from $30-$150 for the supplies.
To remove gel polish, most salons charge an additional $10-$20 for a gel removal service. This typically involves soaking cotton pads in acetone and placing it on the nails. then gently scraping away the polish.
At-home gel nail removal tools usually cost between $10-$25. They come with foil wrappers, remover solution, and wooden picks.
The time it takes to apply and remove gel nails can vary depending on the experience of the nail tech doing it, the condition of the nails, and the complexity of the design. However, in general, it takes about:
The best selling and most reputable professional gel polish brands are:
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit regular nail polish under gel top coat.
S&L Beauty Company tops the list because they are professional grade gel polishes, but at a fraction of the cost compared to the rest. Their colors are highly pigmented and are consistent in their application, which is a key marker of high-quality gel polishes.
2. OPI
OPI is one of the most popular salon-quality gel polish lines with a huge color selection. They offer a wide range of colors, including both classic and trendy shades. OPI gel polishes are known for their glossy finish and easy removal.
3. Gelish
Gelish is another popular gel polish brand that is known for its high quality. Gelish polishes offer great coverage and shine, and they last for up to two weeks without chipping.
4. Bio Seaweed Gel
Bioseaweed Gel is a slightly more affordable option that promotes nail health. BSG is water-based and enriched with vitamins and minerals to promote their overall nail strengthening.
CND Shellac is a hybrid polish that combines the best of both gel and traditional polishes. It is applied like a traditional polish, but it is cured under a UV light like a gel polish. This makes it more durable and chip-resistant than traditional polish, but it is also easier to remove than gel polish.
The differences between various gel polish brands comes down to quality, longevity, durability, consistency and pricing.
thickness is consistent.
Gel manicures are generally safe for most people. They involve applying a gel-based polish to the nails, which is then hardened under a UV or LED light. However, there are some concerns:
To counter or mitigate these concerns, it's generally advised to:
With proper application and curing, a gel manicure typically lasts 2-3 weeks before starting to peel or chip. But there are a few factors that affect how long your gel mani lasts.
Here are a few tips on how to sustain a longer lifespan for your gel nails:
Properly cared for gel nails can go 3-4 weeks without needing a fill or reapplication.
You should wait about two to three weeks between getting gel manicures. This time is important because the process of putting on and taking off gel polish can be hard on your nails. If you do gel manicures too often, your nails might become thin and weak. Taking a break helps your nails get stronger again.
If you're wondering whether to take a break from gel manicures, look for these signs:
The main difference between removing gel nail polish and traditional nail polish is that gel nails requires extra steps to dissolve the bonds before it can be taken off.
While regular polish can be peeled or rubbed off with remover, gel polish is hardened under UV light, forming a hardened layer on the nail that resists chipping. To remove gel polish, acetone is needed to dissolve the bonds.
Gel nails can be removed using either acetone-soaked cotton pads wrapped around each nail to dissolve the gel, followed by gentle filing, or by directly applying gel polish remover and scrubbing it off after a certain duration.
The main difference between UV and LED lamps is the type of light they emit and the length of time they cure gel nails. UV lamps emit ultraviolet rays, while LED lamps emit light that is closer to visible light. This difference in light affects how long it takes for gel polish to cure.
UV lamps take longer to cure gel polish, typically 2-3 minutes per coat. LED lamps, on the other hand, can cure gel polish in as little as 30-60 seconds per coat. This makes LED lamps a more convenient option for people who are short on time.
In terms of safety, UV lamps emit a wider range of ultraviolet rays than LED lamps. This means that UV lamps have the potential to cause more damage to your skin and nails. However, the amount of UV exposure you receive from a nail lamp is relatively small, and it is unlikely to cause any serious harm.
So, which type of lamp is better? LED lamps are generally considered to be the better option, as they are more convenient and safer. However, UV lamps are still a viable option, especially if you are on a budget.
A gel manicure can cost anywhere from $25 to $65 depending on your location and the design you want. They’re similar in appearance to regular manicures, but don’t let looks fool you — they’re way more durable than your average mani! Gel manicures are growing in popularity because they’re more resistant to chips and generally last longer.
Whether your nails are long or short, you can enjoy the benefits of this type of manicure. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the cost of a gel manicure from maintenance to removal and help you decide if this is the right service for you.
South Dakota is home to the most affordable gel manicures, at $17 for an average appointment. The most expensive manicures in the U.S. are found in Nevada, at $54 on average. Prices can vary in different locations due to differences in local competition and cost of living.
StateAverage appointment costAK$36AL$53AR$26AZ$33CA$36CO$30CT$28DC$42DE$34FL$33GA$35HI$30IA$40ID$23IL$35IN$34KS$33KY$33LA$36MA$36MD$37ME$36MI$38MN$44MO$40MS$32MT$21NC$36NE$30NJ$36NM$32NV$54NY$39OH$31OK$38OR$37PA$32PR$36PU$25RI$20SC$39SD$17TN$37TX$34UT$36VA$39WA$37WI$30WY$28States not listed don’t have available dataIf you’re used to the price of regular manicures, you’re probably wondering why switching to gel polish is so expensive. There are a few reasons why you can expect to pay more for a gel manicure:
While the process of applying the polish is similar for both a regular and gel manicure, gel polish needs to be cured with UV light after each layer is applied, including the base and top coat. It’s a lengthier process and, as a result, the cost of service is higher at most salons.
You can expect to pay between $70 and $170 per month to maintain a gel manicure. This includes the cost of removal and reapplication for each appointment. Since a gel manicure typically lasts between two to three weeks, you’ll likely need to visit the salon twice a month to keep your gel manicure maintained.
Removing a gel manicure usually costs between $10 and $20. Because gel is designed to be long-lasting, it’s recommended that you go to a salon for removal. A professional nail tech is less likely to damage your natural nails during the process.
However, if you’re looking for a way to reduce costs, you can remove a gel manicure at home. Just remember that patience is key! You want to avoid picking or ripping off the polish because this could damage your natural nails underneath.
Gel manicures typically last between two and three weeks when applied by a professional. The gel is cured with a UV or LED light, forming a hard layer that lasts longer than regular polish.
Since gel polish lasts longer and is more durable than a regular manicure, it doesn’t require as many trips to the salon to maintain — making it a more cost-effective option in the long run.
A basic gel manicure is generally cheaper than getting a full set of acrylic nails. Acrylics involve extending the nail length, while a gel manicure is just adding gel polish to your natural nails. Because of this, acrylics can cost anywhere from $25 to $120, as they’re more time-consuming to apply.
Gel extensions are also more expensive than your typical gel manicure. This is a type of gel enhancement that extends the length of your nails, and is less damaging than acrylics.
Gel manicures are worth it if you want long-lasting nails but want to avoid harsh treatments like acrylics or gel extensions. Since gel manicures use a polish on your natural nail, they’re less damaging to your nail beds over time.
If you frequently get regular manicures, consider switching to gel nails to get the most bang for your buck. Since gel is less prone to chipping, you can avoid taking weekly trips to the salon to maintain them.
While gel manicures are much safer than many other enhancements, they can still weaken your nails over time. If this is a concern for you, sticking to regular manicures might be the best option. Gel polish is also more difficult to remove, so if you’re someone who likes to switch up your nails a lot, regular polish is a better choice.
You can make the most of your appointment by deciding on the color and design you want ahead of time and finding an experienced professional. To choose a nail technician, read reviews and look at the quality of results previous clients have received.
When you arrive at your appointment, be sure to discuss the look you want before starting the application process. For more intricate designs, it’s a good idea to bring a reference photo so your tech has a visual guide to follow.
To make the most out of your gel manicure, apply cuticle oil to your nail beds daily to keep them moisturized. Wear gloves when using any household chemical cleaners or while participating in activities that can be rough on your hands. This will ensure your manicure lasts as long as possible.
If you’re on a budget, it’s possible to give yourself a gel manicure at home. However, you’ll need to purchase a UV or LED lamp to cure the gel. Also keep in mind that the final result might not be as nice as what you would receive from a professional.
A gel manicure is a great option if you want something natural but also long-lasting. Before booking an appointment, it’s important to understand how the cost compares to other manicure types. Now that you know how much you can expect to pay, check out our community of nail techs who specialize in gel nails to find one near you.
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