Gel Polish

The latest craze and perhaps breakthrough product in the nail industry is the 'Soak Off UV Gel Nail Polish'. So what is this new polish you ask?

Here are some differences from Gel polishes and your traditional nail polishes.

Traditional Nail Polish	Gel Polish
Usually lasts a week before chipping Wide variety of colours Air dry Takes about 20 minutes to completely dry	Lasts 2 weeks without chipping or scratching Limited number of colours 'Cures' under a UV light Dries in 2 minutes per layer

When you're getting Gel Polish at a nail salon, you'd likely get the same procedures as a regular manicure. Cuticles are pushed back, nails are filed and buffed, and traces of oils will be removed from your nail bed for the Gel Polish to adhere. 

Depending on the brand of Gel Polish, "curing" time under the UV light can vary but the steps are pretty similar. The polish must be cured under the UV light for each coat applied.

Here are the steps to a Manicure Gel Polish:

1. Regular Manicure

2. Make sure the nail surface is free of any trace of oil

3. Apply Gel Base Coat

4. Apply two coats of Gel Colour

5. Apply Gel Top Coat

6. Clean sticky Gel residue off with alcohol

I've only ever tried Shellac and Gelish. Personally I prefer Gelish because of their range of colours. Both products offer the same results however, Gelish colours are more fun and different.  The polish does not chip and the shine is definitely lasting!

Gelish after 10 days

Gelish after 14 days

If you're always using your hands for work, I suggest you try Gel Polish. It's costs a bit more than a regular manicure but is definitely worth the price.

Here are the brands with Gel Polish products: Nail Harmony - Gelish, CND - Shellac, CalGel and many more.

credit: All Laquered Up