Gone are the days whendifficult-to-remove acrylicswere your only option for long, shiny, long-lasting nails.
Ahead, two nail experts explain everything you gotta know about polygel.
What are polygel nails?
Bella Geraci /Allure
“Thats where poly comes from; its two products in one.”
It doesnt move anywhere.
Where you place it is where it stays.
You have to manipulate the product to use it, which makes the polygel unique."
How does polygel compare to regular gel and acrylics?
When talking about differences between nail products, Idehen says it comes down to strength.
Regular gel polishis flexible and doesnt provide structure or strength the way polygel does.
“Its just long-lasting color,” says Idehen.
Acrylicextensionsare made of two products: a liquid monomer and acrylic powder, which together create a hardened base.
(Polygel also uses a liquid slip solution to make it pliable.)
But acrylic and polygel differ in how they are applied.
Also, polygel does not have a smell.
That strong smell sometimes deters people from having their nails done.
The last difference: “Polygel enhancements dont usually need to be removed regularly,” says Romain.
“The nail growth area can simply be filled in with more polygel.”
Can they be done at home?
What are the risks?
“These brands use ingredients that are safe for skin and contact to skin, Idehen says.
But there are sites out there selling nail products to the masses that might contain harmful ingredients.”
Polygel is friendlier for at-home use than acrylic because it allows room for error that acrylic doesnt.
Also, Idehen cautions against using electric files (e-files) without training.
“Be careful not to over-file the nail plate, which can causedamage to the natural nail.”
Step 1:Prep your nail the same way you would if you were doing acrylics or gels.
Step 2:Apply a base coat of gel and cure it under your curing lamp.
(The length of time depends on the brand youre using, so follow the instructions.)
Step 5:When the tip is in place, you might cure it under your lamp.
If it doesnt look perfect at this stage, dont panic; were not finished yet.
Then cleanse again with a lint-free nail wipe."
Can you paint polygel nails?
Yes, you’re free to!
If youre someone who always chooses the same neutral or baby pink, youre in luck.
Its best to wait until youve mastered the basics to try this look.
How long do polygel nails last?
Polygel lasts the same amount of time as a typical nail enhancement: around three to four weeks.
But polygel doesn’t need to get soaked off; you just can just get it filled in.
An Cao, a manicurist and Orly educator, says fill-ins should be done by a professional.
How are polygel nails removed?
Removing polygel is similar to removing hard gel, says Idehen.
It isnt acetone-soluble and requires you to file down the product.
and the flexibility of a gel manicure.
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