Gel nails are one of the most popular services that professional beauticians will provide on a regular basis. In this guide, we wanted to explore everything you need to know about gel nails. Of course, if you want some professional advice, speak to your professional nail technician but this guide should help you understand the process and what to look out for the next time you are getting your nails done!
First up, let's start with the basics - what are gel nails? Gel nails are simply a type of artificial nail treatment that uses a special gel that is hardened using UV light. The result is a manicure which looks and feels like natural nails but with greater strength, durability, and flexibility than traditional acrylics.
Next, let’s explore how long should gel nails last. But before we do it's really important to note that the quality of the product has a massive impact on both the efficacy and the longevity of the gel nail manicure. Generally speaking, you should expect a gel nail manicure to last from 2-3 weeks with proper care and maintenance.
Now we come to the cost of gel nail manicures. Obviously, the cost of a manicure will vary greatly from region to region as is also the experience of the nail technician who is administering the treatment. However, in most UK salons you can expect to pay in the region of £20-30 per manicure.
Another important consideration when getting your nails done is the safety and hygiene of the salon or technician you choose to attend. Ensure that you check with them in advance and make sure they are up to date with their training so that your nails can be applied safely and hygienically. A. good benchmark to look for when it comes to accreditation by ABT. Who is ABT? They are the leading accreditation body for the beauty industry and the gold standard for both insurance and qualifications.
So you have got your gel nail manicure and you're happy with the results. But as we have already said, gel nails will only last 2-3 weeks with proper care. So, when the nails do start to lift, what is the best way to remove gel nails? Again, if you are unsure speak to your nail technician as they will be able to advise on the best product and procedure for removing gel nails safely. However, we have listed some suggestions as to how to remove gel nails here.
Many people also ask 'Are gel nails safe?'. The answer is 'yes', but as with any beauty treatment, there are some risks and side effects associated with gel nails. For example, using too much product or not curing the gel correctly can result in burns to the skin - which is why we would never advocate doing gel nails yourself! Additionally, leaving your gel nails on for too long can cause dehydration of your natural nails which may lead to cracking and peeling. The best thing to do is speak to your friendly nail technician about anything that concerns you.
So what equipment is used to create a gel nail manicure? Well, the most common pieces of equipment you will need are a UV lamp and top coat to cure the gel, lint-free nail wipes, nail buffers, cuticle pusher and remover. Of course, your nail technician shouldn't forget the actual gel polish. As we have discussed, the quality of the gel polish can make a significant difference to both how your gel nails look and how long they last.
To wrap up, we hope that this guide has given you a bit of an insight into all things 'Gel Nails'. When it comes to getting your nails done, feel confident that you know the basics. Remember, speak to your nail technician about anything that you are unsure of and don’t forget to take care of your hands – good hand hygiene is essential for beautiful nails! Now go off and enjoy your gel nails.