“Soft gel is flexible and durable, but hard gel is stickier and more useful for gel tip extensions and repair.” If you hear someone say they recently got a “gel manicure,” they most likely have soft gel (also sometimes referred to as gel polish) on their nails.
It's made of monomers and/or oligomers (chains of monomers) plus other ingredients that help the gel remain workable, adhere to the nail, harden properly and resist yellowing. Hard gel is applied to the nail straight from the pot (no mix ratio required) and each layer is cured under a UV or LED light.
Although gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, they can be tough on nails. Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk for skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands.
Hard gel is another type of builder gel that typically comes in a pot and creates a rigid layer over the nail. It comes in many different colors and finishes. The biggest difference between builder gel in a bottle and hard gel is that the latter has to be filed off, it cannot be soaked off.
The choice between a rubber base coat and a builder gel depends on your nail condition and the desired outcome. If you're looking to protect and strengthen thin or flexible nails, a rubber base coat is a good option.But if you aim for longer, sturdier nails, builder gel is the better option.
Primer would definitely help the gel polish last longer on the nails. However, if you prep the nails properly, that would be enough to have the gel polish adhere to the nail w/o chipping or peeling. I always use primer regardless because I wouldn't take chances of clients coming back with chipped polish.
Roll the tip into place and apply an even, downward pressure to force out all air bubbles. Flash cure for 5 seconds under the NSI Flash Cure Nail Light, holding firmly the NSI Soft Gel Tip in place to maintain a good seal. Repeat on the other fingers to complete 1 full hand.
Place your nails into the ice bath, making sure the water completely covers your nails. Keep your nails in the water for three to four minutes. After your nails have been chilled, remove your hands and allow your nails to air dry for 30 minutes to an hour or until they feel entirely hardened.
Do you need a Base Coat when using Hard Gel? We always advise using a Base Coat at the beginning of every gel manicure. This is because it provides the perfect base layer for all following coats to adhere to.
Introduction: My name is Allyn Kozey, I am a outstanding, colorful, adventurous, encouraging, zealous, tender, helpful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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