The nail industry is constantly evolving, and many people are still hunting for the ideal manicure. We know that gel nails ensure your color won’t chip prematurely and that acrylic nails can be damaging, but they offer more durability than gel nails.
However, what if you could combine the best of both worlds? A new nail enhancement is taking the nail industry by storm, and everyone is raging about PolyGel nails. PolyGel is supposedly the perfect hybrid of gel and acrylic nails.
Surprisingly enough, PolyGel nails are very similar to other nail services and nail enhancements. They are long-lasting, protect your natural nails, and they offer durability. In addition, you won’t have to worry about polish chipping off.
But what do you need for PolyGel nails? Thankfully, if you are already into nails, you already have tools like a UV/LED lamp, nail files, and other prep items. However, PolyGel does need special items like slip solution, dual forms, and more.
PolyGel nails are ideal for anyone who doesn’t want to stress about their gel color chipping or their acrylic causing unnecessary damage to their natural nails. In addition, PolyGel can be easy to apply once you master its application technique.
So if you’re hoping to give PolyGel nails a try, we’re here to explain everything you need to know for the results of your dreams!
What Are PolyGel Nails?
So what exactly are PolyGel Nails? PolyGel usually consists of a gel/acrylic hybrid color dispensed from a tube and has a thick consistency. In addition, PolyGel color can only be cured with the help of a UV nail lamp. However, PolyGel can last up to 3-4 weeks of wear.
In addition, PolyGel can even be seen as a low-maintenance nail service thanks to its application process. Even with minimal experience doing nails, PolyGel is a breeze to use.
Benefits Of PolyGel Nails
PolyGel uses forms to help apply the product perfectly to the nail. This is the only step that can take some practice, and it involves scooping the PolyGel color to the form, shaping the product to your desire, and then pressing it to your natural nails.
PolyGel has all the strength of acrylic but is far more flexible. And, unlike acrylic, you don’t have to mix two components to get the right consistency.
Instead, the PolyGel is already mixed and ready to go. In addition, because PolyGel is flexible and lightweight, it will diminish the risk of premature chipping like with gel.
So now that we know the basics of PolyGel, what are the tools required to ensure you have a successful manicure?
Tools You Need For PolyGel Nails
1. PolyGel Nail Brush
Because PolyGel shares some similarities in its formulation with acrylics, you will need a brush like these ones that will help you shape, build, and sculpt your nails. In addition, this brush should be short, stiff, and sturdy so it can help form your nails easier.
A quality nail brush will ensure that the process is quick and easy. In addition, your PolyGel gel nail brush should work well with slip solution or rubbing alcohol so your brush can remain clean and even help remove excess product from the nails.
Overall, don’t underestimate the power of a nail brush, especially with PolyGel. A PolyGel brush will be one of the most used tools for PolyGel enhancements.
2. Basic Nail Prep Tools
Nail prep consists of all the tools you would normally use to prepare your nails for gel or acrylic. For example, you need primers or dehydrators, cuticle clippers, nail files, nail buffers, and anything else that’s similar. These tools will give you a smooth canvas.
Your PolyGel application will only look as good as your base prep. So if your nails are properly taken care of, there should be no issues applying your PolyGel. In addition, if you have the correct nail prep, your PolyGel should last much longer than expected.
If you are a nail tech or nail enthusiast, chances are you already have a majority of these products to prep the nails. They are crucial building blocks to a smooth and long-lasting manicure.
3. Top & Base Coat
Like all nail services, you will need a top and base coat. A base coat will create a barrier between your nail enhancement and your natural nails. In addition, a base coat should provide a tacky layer for other nail products to adhere to fully.
A topcoat is also a tool you need for PolyGel nails. Topcoats are essential because they seal in all your hard work. In addition, topcoats can minimize the look of cosmetic blemishes on the nails, offer intense shine, and prevent chipping.
Both your top coat and base coat should be compatible with PolyGel, and they both need to be able to cure under a UV/LED nail lamp.
4. PolyGel Colors/Builder Gel
Of course, you will need the actual PolyGel product. PolyGels are available in a wide range of colors, so you will be able to find your perfect match. This product will be applied to your forms, which will then be pressed onto the nails.
In addition, this can also be PolyGel builder gel because you are sculpting, shaping, and forming a nail enhancement for your natural nails. PolyGel colors are great if you want to skip adding a gel color or you can use a builder gel with extra color later on.
5. Dual Forms
Dual forms are similar to press-on nails or nail tips. Dual forms are a guide to help apply and build your PolyGel. First, you will scoop out your PolyGel from its tube to your dual form. The dual form should be slightly larger than your natural nails.
Using your nail brush, you’ll be able to distribute your PolyGel to form the perfect false nail. Then, the dual form can be pressed onto your natural nails to apply the PolyGel.
You can remove any excess product with your brush, and then the dual form will pop off with ease. Finally, you should be left with a stunning PolyGel nail.
6. Nail Spatula
A spatula or a double-ended PolyGel application tool will help efficiently distribute your PolyGel. Because PolyGel is in a tube and you squeeze it out, it can be hard to manage and transfer to your form.
Thankfully, a spatula can help control how much product you dispense from the tube at a time. In addition, it can aid in shaping or sculpting your PolyGel enhancement when paired with your nail brush.
7. Slip Solution
Slip solution will be your best friend, especially if you are new to PolyGel. However, your brush, forms, and surrounding nail area will need to be cleaned at some point, and you will need a specific product to make the process easy and mess-free.
In addition, slip solution can even aid in sculpting and forming by making the PolyGel easy to mold into the shape you want. Finally, slip solution can even thin out PolyGel if you end up going overboard with the product.
8. UV/LED Lamp
PolyGel will only cure or harden with the help of a UV/LED nail lamp. Like gel, PolyGel will remain a wet and malleable consistency until it’s set under a nail lamp. This will ensure that the product is fully dry and lasts weeks on end.
In addition, you will need this nail lamp to cure both your base and top coat during a PolyGel nail service. Curing the nail can take anywhere from 45 seconds to a minute, depending on your manufacturer’s instructions.
9. Lint-Free Nail Wipes
Lastly, it’s always wise to have paper towels, a cloth, or lint-free nail wipes. This can help remove any stickiness left on the nails or simply clean the nails after service without disrupting your hard work.
If you ask a nail tech, nothing is worse than having lint trapped on your nails, so it’s always wise to wipe them down with lint-free cloths.
The Takeaway
Overall, PolyGel enhancements offer more variety for those who don’t love gel or acrylic. PolyGel combines the best of both worlds to ensure you get a long-lasting manicure that is lightweight, durable, and stunning.
If you’re a nail tech or nail enthusiast, you are familiar with most of the products listed above and already have them in your nail kit. However, if you’re looking to branch out into PolyGel nails, they don’t require as many tools as gel or acrylic services.
PolyGel is a quick and easy nail service that can be a blast to experiment with. They can last longer than gel but without the annoyances of acrylic.
In addition, these enhancements are offered at nail salons, but there are also at-home kits if you want to learn yourself. PolyGel offers the best of gel and acrylic in one service so you can kiss those nail enhancements goodbye!
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