Gel Nails – What’s all the Buzz about?

There’s been so much buzz lately about Gel Nail Polishes that I decided to do some research on my own. It seems like more and more manufacturers are creating soak-off gels, including ones that look and feel similar to nail polish. One line in particular that caught my attention was Hand & Nail Harmony and their Gelish product line. Like other products in this new category, Gelish applies similar to polish but cures like a gel.

Two things that interested me about the line:

1.    The polish would last 3 weeks with no chipping or peeling so I would gain an extra week out of my current Acrylic Nail fill appointments. (I definitely need a fill every two weeks).

2.    It seemed to be a line that the end consumer could accomplish if they would invest in the necessary start-up products and an LED or UV lamp for around a total investment of $200. The cost of only 4 – 5 nail appointments.

The prep seems similar to polish-prep, including cuticle removal. After that, apply a cleanser, then a multi-part “base coat” of pH Bond, Pro Bond, and foundation gel. Next apply one to two coats of color, then application of top coat and then use the cleanser to remove the tacky layer. Using an LED lamp, each layer only needs to be cured for a max of 30 seconds. (With a UV lamp, the cure time for each layer is a max of two minutes.)

  

To remove the Gelish polish, you must first “break the seal” (this can be accomplished by using a file to slightly rough up the nail) before you remove the product with acetone. Soak some pads in acetone and kept them firmly held on the nails. After 15 minutes, remove the pads and and scrape off the remaining Gelish with a metal pusher. It should come off completely, then you are ready to apply the next shade.

I have decided to go with a Nail Tech for my first application to see how I like it. However, if you decide to bite the bullet and try out the Gelish Soak-Off Gel System on your own, BigDaddyBeauty.com is now carrying the entire line. Yes the start-up cost seems a little high, but it is a great investment if you pay to have your nails done now and you will get your money’s back in very little time. Oh and did I mention that each Gelish polish can do up to 50 to 60 full sets!

Items needed for Gelish Soak-off Gel System start-up:

Gelish pH Bond – to be used prior to application by prepping the nail as a dehydrating step.
Gelish Foundation Base Gel – base coat.
Gelish Soak-off Top It Off Sealer Gel – top coat.
Gelish Structure Clear Gel – a clear gel that can be used on its own or to help strengthen thin, weak nails.
Gelish Gel Cleanser – removes any sticky residue from the gel after you have cured them.

Gelish Nail Polish – come in an array of colors, apply like polish, with twist cap and applicator

UV or LED Light

Gelish Soak-off Gel System – 8 easy steps to beautiful nails:

Step 1: Sanitize, prep, and push back cuticles. Then wipe with Hand and Nail Harmony Cleanser using a lint-free wipe. Apply a layer of Hand & Nail Harmony PH Bond, then a thin layer of Hand & Nail Harmony Pro Bond.

Step 2: Apply Gelish Foundation Gel in a thin application and seal the edges of the nail.

Step 3: Place hand in the LED light for five seconds OR UV light for 2 minutes.

Step 4: Apply Gelish color of choice in a thin application from cuticle to free edge. Be sure to seal the edges of the nail.

Step 5: Place hand in the LED light for 30 seconds. (For darker coverage, repeat steps three and four before curing for 30 seconds).

Step 6: Apply Gelish Top Coat Gel Sealer from cuticle to free edge using a light application.

Step 7: Place hand in the LED light for 30 seconds.

Step 8. Wipe off the tacky layer with Hand & Nail Harmony Cleanser.