What gel polish do most nail salons use?

Colorful nails make the hands look chic. But it is not always easy to have them done. There may be several salons in your area, but it will always be filled. Even if it takes hours to see perfect nails done, many women can&#;t just help themselves. It got to be done either by a professional nail technician or themselves. The problem does not stop when one gets to have the best-looking colors on their nails. Many would complain about seeing their nails getting chipped even after a few hours after having the pigment coated on their nails. That won&#;t happen if you had your nails coated with the best professional gel nail polish instead.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Wholesale Gel Nail Polish.

Nail Industry Statistics

The nail industry remains healthy throughout the years. A study published in Nails Magazine revealed that $8.53B was spent on nail services in alone. Having color-coated nails is so popular that even men want to have them. The study likewise revealed that girls younger than 12 years old prefer to have their nails done in a salon. Moreover, in countries like UK, Germany, South Africa, Russia, Japan, and India, gel nails were shown to be among the trending nail styles.

Stronger, Long-wearing Nails With Gel Polish

Traditional nail lacquers last for only a couple of days. Then you may need to have them redone. Not only that it is costly, it also consumes several hours to do and is also unhealthy for your nails. You do get the see your favorite color on your nails, but you get to enjoy them for only a few days. All that will be left after a couple of days are nails that look ugly with discolored polish on them. It&#;s not at all pleasant to look at but you can&#;t just drop by the salon any time you need to. You can&#;t do it yourself as well since it will take a while and your schedule just won&#;t allow it.

Thanks to the innovative formula of gel nail polish, you can wear glossy nails longer (up to three weeks or more). You won&#;t ever have to worry about breaking, chipping, or peeling off nails either. Your nails will even grow stronger and healthier with each application of the best gel nail polish that you can find for your nails.

Gel Nail Polish: The Big Difference

Gel nail polish is like pre-mixed acrylics. It is a formula with monomers and oligomers (strings of monomers) remain in a semi-liquid/semi-solid state as the liquid has not yet polymerized. It still needs to be cured through a free radical reaction. This is done by placing the painted nails under a UV or LED lamp for the required number of seconds. This causes the photoinitiator in the resin to react with the wavelengths emitted by the lamp.

Gel nail colors also contain stabilizers that help keep its luster longer than traditional lacquers. The inhibitors added into its formula prevent the gel from prematurely hardening or pre-polymerizing while it is still in its original container. The gel polish is topped off with a sealer gel that protects the gel nail polish from chipping or yellowing. It makes the polish scratch- and moisture-resistant. A thin layer of each of the liquid is applied and cured under a UV or LED lamp. If done properly, anyone can have professional looking nails in no time that can be worn for up to three weeks without peeling, breaking, or chipping. The pigments also remain glossy even after weeks of having them on the nails.

Top 7 Best Professional Gel Nail Polish

There are so many gel nail polish available on the market today. Not all of them are created equally. If you are here to find the best gel nail polish you can have on your nails, consider one of those listed below. These brands offer the best of what gel nail polish could provide your nails so you get to enjoy them on your nails longer.

OPI Gel Nail Polish

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Healthier nails with polish are now possible with OPI gel nail polish. Removal won&#;t be a problem, too. OPI is among the most favored gel nail polish brands. Its ProHealth Technology Base Coat protects the nails underneath the polish and keeps them becoming brittle, flaky, or weak. OPI creates a high-gloss and weightless feel, an odor-free LED cured system that is highly durable. Nails done with OPI gel nail polish can last for up to 14 days with proper application.

You will surely find the right hue for any style that you prefer with the number of shades available from this brand. You also help to get your nails get stronger and healthier with each application of its gel nail polish as it is formulated with ingredients that support nail health.

Gellen Soak Off Gel Nail Polish

 

 

The fastest growing nail polish brand in the UK offers a soak-off gel nail polish that is made of non-toxic and harmless resin. It is formulated to be totally environmentally friendly, with a light smell, and lasts longer than ordinary nail polish. It can also be easily applied and removed. When properly applied, the polish can last for 2-3 weeks without losing its high gloss. You also will not have to worry about finding the right color for your nails as the brand offers 300 shades for you to choose from. This gel polish can also be used with other brand&#;s base coat and top coat. However, to attain a perfect application, it is best if you use the gel polish with the brand&#;s top and base coats.

DND Gel Nail Polish

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DND gel nail polish offers more than 100 shades to coat your nails with a long-lasting shine that won&#;t break or peel off for up to 21 days. It is specially formulated to contain essential vitamins that will make your nails stronger, healthier, and also radiantly beautiful for weeks. With this gel polish formula, you only need the gel color and top coat to have gorgeous looking nails. The gel and the liquid coat are applied thinly and cured under a LED or a UV lamp.

Gelish Dynamic Duo Soak Off Gel Nail Polish

 

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The award-winning brand, Gelish, is a quality product of Hand & Nail Harmony. Gelish Soak-off gel polish a revolutionary product launched in . It was the first gel polish to be packaged in a bottle, packed together with a brush, as a quick, easy and efficient gel application process. Gelish has produced more than 100 colors and has been sold in more than 80 countries all over the world.

Gelish dynamic duo soak off gel nail polish applies like traditional polish but lasts longer. It cures in a LED lamp in 30 seconds or 2 minutes in traditional UV lamps. The polish stays on nails for up to 3 weeks with no chipping or peeling and soaks off completely in only 10 - 15 minutes. You can choose one from 171 colors available from this brand.

Kiara Sky Gel Nail Polish

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This nail polish is a new two-step gel polish system from the makers of INK gel polish. The formula has the base and color mixed into one bottle. This makes the application of the product easier and less time-consuming. It is also up to you if you would like to use a separate base coat. However, a top coat is necessary to keep the gel polish longer on the nails while preventing the polish from breaking or chipping. This formula is also solvent-free. That means it does not have a strong smell. It also won&#;t yellow or thicken over time.

Elite 99 Soak Off UV LED Gel Nail Polish

 

If you are a price conscious fashionista, Elite99 will be the best option for you. The brand has been specializing in research and development of nail gel polish. They have about 330 shades, including thermal temperature color-changing gel, holographic rainbow gel, holographic cat eye gel, glow-in-dark gel, and more. With such a wide range of colors, finding the right shade for an innovative nail art design experience will be quite easy.

Elite99 Soak Off UV LED gel nail polish is long-lasting and chip-resistant. You can wear high-quality shine color for up to 2 weeks of wear time. It is also very easy to apply, even those who will be using it for the first time will find it easy to use.

Bio Seaweed Gel Nail Polish

 

Unlike other gel polish, Bio Seaweed offers a gel nail polish system that does not require filing or bonders. That means less damage could be done to your nails. It is also a healthier nail polish option. So you won&#;t have any staining or weakening of the nail beds with every application of this gel nail polish. Its base coat serves as an additional nail strengthener. This gel nail system offers a smooth, self-leveling gel color formula with zero shrinkage.

This brand offers a 3step system (one that requires a LED/UV curing) and the Unity all-in-one system. Unity all-in-one does not require a base and a top coat, so nails are done quicker and easier. Both are 5-free, which means they are formulated to be free from the toxic five chemicals usually found in nail lacquers (Formaldehyde, Toluene, BHA, DBP and Solvents). You also won&#;t have any problem removing the polish on your nails as you can just soak your them off before removing.

Choose one from these highly favored gel nail polish and have your nails looking great longer even at home.

As you can see, there are so many benefits of gel nail polish compared to traditional lacquers. There are also several brands that you can trust when it comes to the best professional gel nail polish. Wear once and you flaunt gorgeous nails longer than you would want to. With so many hues and styles available, even if it takes up to three weeks before you might need a fresh coat of polish on your claws, you might even want to change them sooner for more interesting shades. Even with gel polish on your nails, you still need to manage them well so they will last as pretty as they are supposed to be until the time when a new coat needs to replace the new.

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.

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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What are gel nails?

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.

What gel nails are not

Gel manicures differ from acrylic nails, dip powder nails, shellac nails and regular manicures in a few key ways. With gel manis:

• No acrylic nail tips or extensions are needed, only polish on natural nails
• No powder dipping products are used to coat the nails
• The gel nail polish is cured under UV or LED lamps, not air dried like regular polish and shellac nails

What gel nails look like

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.

Downside of gel nails

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. 

Gel nails vs other nail options:

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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 solutions
sculpted into nail tips Regular nail polish air dries

Shellac 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 nails

Gel base coat applied to natural nails

Contact us to discuss your requirements of oem ink gel nail polish. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

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Slightly 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 days

Lasts 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 remover

Removed 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 options

Simple at-home application; 1-2 week wear

Cons Expensive; requires maintenance Can damage nails over time High maintenance; expensive Chips very quickly

Slightly less durable than gel

 

There are some notable differences between gel manicures and other popular nail options:

Gel vs powder dip nails

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 vs acrylic nails

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.

gel vs regular polish

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.

Gel vs Shellac

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. 

How to get gel manicures done

You can get your gel manicures done either at a salon, by an independent nail tech, or at home. 

At a salon

 

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.

Independent nail technicians

 

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. 

At home

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.

How much does it cost to apply and remove?

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. 

How much time does it take to apply and remove gel nails?

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:

• 30-60 minutes to apply gel nails at a salon.
• 15-30 minutes to remove gel nails at a salon.
• 5 minutes to remove gel nails at home with S&L's Easy Gel Polish Remover

What are the most popular gel polish brands?

The best selling and most reputable professional gel polish brands are:

1. S&L Beauty Company

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.

5. CND Shellac

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.  

How to decide which brand to begin with

The differences between various gel polish brands comes down to quality, longevity, durability, consistency and pricing. 

• Durability - Prioritize a brand whose gel polish that can stay flawless for weeks without chipping or wearing down.
• Color selection - Having a wide range of rich, highly pigmented color options to choose from is important. The more diverse the color palette, the better.
• Removal ease - Ease of soaking off or filing off the polish is considered. Brands that remove cleanly without too much effort are desirable.
• Quality - Brands that have intense pigment and aren't diluted are regarded as higher quality.
• Consistency - Aim for a brand that features an easy-to-control brush and smooth application where the 

  thickness is consistent.

• Shine - Consider a gel polish where the top coat is glossy and luminous that dries to a brilliant shine.
• Value - The price of a gel polish brand should reflect its quality. Cheaper brands tend to lack in certain aspects of those mentioned above.

Are gel manicures safe?

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:

• UV exposure: The UV light used to cure gel polish can contribute to skin aging and potentially a risk of skin cancer implications.
• Nail damage: Frequent gel manicures can weaken nails if removing the gel often involves soaking in acetone, which can dry out nails and skin.
• Allergic reactions: Some people might be allergic to the ingredients in gel polish.

To counter or mitigate these concerns, it's generally advised to:

1. Wear UV gloves for gel manicure or apply sunscreen on your hands before placing them under a UV lamp.
2. Use a gel nail polish remover to avoid the step of soaking your nails in acetone.
3. Search for healthier ingredients used in the formulation of the gel polish.

How long does a gel manicure last?

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:

• Apply 2-3 gel polish coats for longer wear. Thinner gel polish layers can lead to a shorter lifespan of the gel nails.
• Properly cure each coat (base coat, gel polish and top coat) under the LED or UV lamp for durability. If the gel is not cured well enough, it can cause early chipping.
• Nail care: moisturize your cuticles with cuticle oil, avoiding picking at nails, and when filing your nails, do so lightly.
• Buy quality gel polishes. Higher end gel formulas last longer on nails before thinning or peeling. Read the reviews of gel polish brands to confirm if customers experience earlier than expected chipping.
• Avoid frequent exposure of your nails to water. Liquids can lift the edges of the gel polish.

Properly cared for gel nails can go 3-4 weeks without needing a fill or reapplication. 

How long should you wait between gel manicures?

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:

1. Weaker Nails: If your nails bend more easily or don't feel as strong as they used to.
2. White Marks: Small white spots or lines on your nails could mean they're stressed or reacting to the gel or removal process.
3. Easily Broken Nails: If your nails start to split, peel, or break more than normal.
4. Color Changes: Any new, odd colors on your nails could be a bad sign.
5. Dryness: If your nails or the skin around them feel very dry or the nails seem more fragile.

Removing gel polish

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.

UV vs LED Lamps

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.

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