Are you tired of chipped nail polish and weak, brittle nails? Look no further than gel overlays! Gel overlays are a revolutionary nail enhancement technique that can give you strong, beautiful nails that last for weeks. In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know about gel overlays, from what they are to how they work.
What are gel overlays?
Gel overlays are a type of nail enhancement that involves applying a gel product directly onto your natural nails. This gel is then cured under a UV or LED lamp to create a hard, durable layer. Gel overlays can be used to strengthen and protect your natural nails, as well as provide a smooth and glossy finish.
How do gel overlays work?
Gel overlays work by creating a strong bond with your natural nails. The gel is applied in thin layers, allowing each layer to cure before applying the next. This process ensures that the gel adheres securely to your nails, providing a long-lasting result.
What are the benefits of gel overlays?
There are numerous benefits to getting gel overlays:
- Strength: Gel overlays can strengthen your natural nails, making them less prone to breakage and chipping.
- Longevity: Unlike traditional nail polish, gel overlays can last for weeks without chipping or peeling.
- Protection: Gel overlays provide a protective barrier for your natural nails, shielding them from everyday wear and tear.
- Appearance: Gel overlays give your nails a glossy, salon-quality finish that is sure to turn heads.
Types of Gel Overlays
Hard Gel creates the most durable and long-lasting gel overlays. Hard gel is so tough that it requires the use of an e-file. It's advised that you only use hard gel as an overlay if your nails are in healthy condition but could use a bit of additional strength.
Soft gel, on the other hand, can be removed by soaking in acetone. Because it's "weaker" than hard gel, it will not last as long. It's recommended that you use BIAB (builder in a bottle) or rubber base gels to create your soft gel overlay.
How long do gel overlays last?
At most, gel overlays can typically last up to three weeks. There are a few factors that play into the longevity of your gel overlay. For example, if you're prone to weak and brittle nails, the gel overlay may not last as long because they can affect the adhesion and make your nails more prone to lifting.
The rate of your nail growth also affects longevity. It's recommended that you use a good cuticle oil and apply daily to help improve the lifespan of your gel overlay.
How to maintain gel overlays?
To ensure the longevity of your gel overlays, it is important to follow these maintenance tips:
- Avoid excessive water exposure: Prolonged exposure to water can weaken the bond between the gel and your nails. Wear gloves when doing household chores or washing dishes.
- Use cuticle oil: Regularly applying cuticle oil can help keep your nails and the surrounding skin hydrated, preventing dryness and cracking.
- Avoid picking or peeling: Resist the temptation to pick or peel your gel overlays, as this can damage your natural nails.
- Get professional removal: When it's time to remove your gel overlays, visit a professional nail technician to ensure safe and proper removal without causing damage to your nails.
What's the difference between gel overlays, traditional gel nails and BIAB (builder in a bottle) nails?
The main difference between gel overlays and traditional gel nails primarily lies in the texture, and also the fact that gel overlays don't add color.
Gel overlays are created with a gel-based product or pot-based gel, which are thicker in consistency than Shellac, for example. Because of its thicker consistency, it typically offers a longer wear-time than traditional gels, while also helps reinforce strength, structure and shape of the nails.
As far as comparing gel overlays with BIAB, there are not a lot of big differences. BIABs have a thicker texture, which means that you could use it to create a gel overlay. The difference lies in BIAB's ability to help add length to your natural nail by creating a tip, whereas gel overlays do not offer extension. It's simply meant to be a protective layer.
Is a gel overlay right for me?
There's always a small risk with any gel manicure and it's important that you examine all pros and cons before making a decision. If you have highly sensitive skin or nails, this is not the best option for you. If you currently have any nail infections, open wounds near the cuticles, or any major damage to the nails, you should also avoid gel overlays.
If you do not have any of the conditions listed above, it's still important to note that there's always risk for skin irritation from gel products and poor removal practices (i.e. over-buffing, filing, or scraping gel), which can cause the nails to become dehydrated and brittle. Always do your research beforehand, especially if it'll be your first time getting a gel overlay.
Conclusion
Gel overlays are a fantastic option for those looking to enhance the strength and appearance of their natural nails. With their long-lasting results and beautiful finish, gel overlays are a game-changer in the world of nail enhancements. Follow the maintenance tips mentioned above, and you'll enjoy strong, gorgeous nails for weeks to come!
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