Know Your Nail Systems: Gels

With nails fast becoming the ultimate statement accessory women are opting for professional artificial nail treatments to ensure that their talons are kept immaculately preened and polished to perfection at all times. However, with such an array of artificial extensions to choose from, deciding which nail system will best suit your individual needs can be overwhelming for even the most devoted beauty addicts.

Over the next few days I will be explaining the advantages and, disadvantages of a variety of nail extensions to help to determine the best system for you.
Today we take a look at gels.





Gel method: This particular form of nail extension involves the application of gel over artificial nail tips or, nail forms. The appearance and consistency of the nail produced varies on the manufacturer and product used however, as artificial gel extensions require setting, some systems involved the use of an ultra-violet light emitted in a light box to cure (set) the gel. Alternatively, your technician may brush or spray the nails with setting gel to achieve the same effect.
The gel system produces relatively strong, longer, natural looking nails which are non-permeable and provide an attractive high gloss finish.

Advantages:

• Nails have a natural appearance. 
• This particular nail system does not require nail enamel.
• Artificial gel extensions will last 2-3 months with regular infills and the correct maintenance.
• Gel nails are relatively strong.
• The gel system helps to keep the natural nail protected as it grows making this particular method of extension ideal for clients with brittle nails.
• As the gel coating hardens on the nails, brittle nailed clients (only) have to return every 3-4 weeks to have the small ridge created by new growth buffed away prior to a new application of gel.

Disadvantages: 

• Artificial gel extensions can weaken the natural nails if primer is used.
• Due to the treatment time, products and maintenance required, gel nails can be more expensive than temporary methods of nail extensions.
• In comparison to acrylic and fibre glass systems, gel nails are not as strong.
• With re-gelling  required every 2-3 weeks gel nails can be seen as high maintenance. 

The treatment time for a full set of gel nails will take approximately 1 hour.