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Gel Nails
Everything You Need to Know About Gel Nails and More
Normal Polish vs Gel Nails vs Acrylic Nails
Normal polishes, gel nails, acrylic nails are different types of manicure services. Well, how are they different?
|
Normal Polish |
Gelish Nails |
Acrylic Nails |
Curing |
Air Drying |
UV/ Led Lamp |
Air Drying |
Polish |
Natural Look |
Natural Look |
Thicker Application |
Flexibility |
Flexible |
Flexible |
Not Flexible |
Durability |
2 – 5 Days |
2 – 3 Weeks |
2 – 3 Weeks |
Costs |
$ - $$ |
$$$ - $$$$ |
$$$$ - $$$$$ |
Gel manicure services in Singapore is available island-wide. Typically, normal polish manicures are the most affordable. The express manicure usually ranges between $20 - $30. Gelish manicures are more durable and pricing ranges from $50 - $80. A 45 minutes express gel manicure starts from $50 when you book an appointment with Move Manicure
Express gel manicure is perfect for office ladies whom needs a lift during the lunch break hour. You will feel pampered and renewed after a quick 45 minutes nail care treatment.
Of course, if you opt for toxin-free and organic gel nail polishes then the pricing may range from $70 - $90 for a single session of organic gel manicure. Acrylic nails are not as popular as gel nails as they are more expensive.
In addition, acrylic nails are a fake extension of your natural nails. Acrylic nails are harder to apply and will cause some damage to your natural nail bed upon removal. Usually, for acrylic nails application, a refill is done when the natural nail has grown out. Hence, if you prefer to change your nail art design frequently, then gel manicures are more suitable. Gel manicures, when removed properly, do not damage your natural nails.
How Long Do Gel Nails Last?
A proper gel nail should last between 1 to 2 weeks. The shine and luster of your gel polish will also remain glossy and shiny.
Are Gel Nails Better Than Acrylic Nails?
Gel nails cure faster than acrylic nails as gel nails are cured under UV/LED lamps. Acrylic nails are cured via the air-drying method. Unlike acrylic nails, gel nails when applied and removed properly will not damage your natural nails.
However, as gel nail polish needs to be cured under a UV/LED lamp, it may cause your hands to dehydrate and dry. Hence, it is recommended that you always moisturise your hands after a gel manicure.
Read more about gelish manicure here.
Stop Making These Mistakes Again the Next Time You Wear A Gel Polish
Chipped nails are ugly and annoying. Most OLs are turning to gel polish as gel nail polish do not chip easily even when you have loads of documents to type. Gel manicures are more long-lasting compared to normal nail polish.
Normal nail polish tends to chip and crack after a few days of application. Gel polish generally lasts between 2 to 3 weeks based on the nail care of the individual wearer.
In addition, for ladies with weak and brittle nails, gel manicure is a saviour. Gel manicure is applied directly onto the nail bed and provides an additional layer of protection on your natural nail. This also promotes nail growth, especially if you keep the gel polish on over the next couple of weeks.
How To Apply Gel Nails
Learn how to apply gel nails with these basic steps:
- Start with clean nail bed by cleaning your natural nails with acetone. This is remove any dirt and oils stains, keeping the gel polish shine and it will also last longer as it adheres better to your natural nails.
- Cut, shape and buff your nails.
- Apply a layer of gel base coat
- Apply 2 layers of gel polish and let it dry under UV/LED lights
- Apply a layer of top coat and dry it thoroughly
- Remove the sticky residue with gel cleaner
- Apply cuticle oil
Follow these 7 steps and you can easily apply gel nails at home.
Let Your Nails Rest
Yes ladies, we understand that you love to wear pretty nails. Let your nails rest and breathe in between your manicure session. No matter if you are applying normal gel polish or gel polish, you are applying a layer of colour on top of your natural nails. When you apply nail polish on your nails over long periods of time without any break time in between, you are dehydrating your nails, and this is harmful.
Do not extend the lifespan of your gel nail polish
Most of us are guilty as charged. We want to maximise each gel polish and continue wearing it for weeks since the gel polish is durable and do not chip. However, we do recommend removing any gel polish professionally and not wear it beyond 2 – 3 weeks. Wearing the gel polish for prolonged period weakens the nails and may also introduce bacterial and fungal growth.
Once you notice the tip of the nail polish starts to lift, moisture gets trapped in between the gel and you nail bed easily, giving bacteria a chance to grow and inhibit.
Opt For Organic Nail Polish
Stop and say no to toxic nail polish. Formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) when used in high doses, are carcinogens. These ingredients can cause side effects and are clinically proven to be cancer-causing.
Green is the New Black, so the next time you have a manicure session, do spend a couple of minutes to look at the ingredients on the nail polish bottle. After all, health is our Number 1 priority under all circumstances.
“We have spent time to research and carefully formulate every bottle of gel polish in our collection. We only apply what we use ourselves for our clients, “says Michelle, co-founder of Move Manicure and Nailise nail care.
Skipping Cuticle Oil in Your Nail Care
We recommend leaving a bottle of cuticle oil near your bedside table or office table. Somewhere visible and within reach. Cuticle oil is important as it keeps your nails and cuticles nourished and hydrated.
Remember, our very first time was to space out your manicures. The continued application of cuticle oil on your nails and cuticles keeps them healthy and beautiful. Professional nail salons use acetone to remove nail polish and acetone dries out the nails over time.
Keeping your hands moisturized, applying cuticle oil to your nail bed and cuticles are essential steps in keeping your hands looking youthful and wrinkle-free.
Soak Off - Never Remove Nail Polish on Your Own
Some women have the habit of peeling off any nail polish that has lifted. Once it starts, the temptation to start peeling the nail polish off all the other fingers kicks in. This is very harmful and weakens the natural nail bed.
Under no circumstances do we recommend removing gel polish the D.I.Y way. Head down to the salon for a soak off. However, in times of emergency, do follow these steps:
- Use a file, gently file off the top surface of the gel polish
- Soak the cotton pad with nail polish remover (acetone or gel nail polish remover)
- Place the soaked cotton pad over each nail and wrap each nail individually with a foil
- Keep the foil on for at least 15 – 20 minutes
- Remove the foil and cotton pad. Use a cuticle pusher and gently push the polish away from your nail bed
- File and buff away all the gel polish
- Apply vitamin E and cuticle oil
Book a gel manicure in Singapore with Move Manicure today.