In modern society, all girls know what nail extension is, although this method has appeared relatively recently. It all started in the XX century in the field of dentistry. Acrylic and UV gel were created by a dentist from materials for filling teeth. The substances contained in the gel products for nails, are almost similar in characteristics and do not differ from the technology of building acrylic.
Today, many companies are represented on the market for manicure products, but among them there are also unscrupulous manufacturers. How to choose the right gel, what you should pay attention to and how to use it - about this material.
Advantages and disadvantages
The positive qualities of nail gel are several factors.
The speed of the procedure - it does not last more than two hours.
The consistency of the gel allows you to create a solid foundation for natural nails, which affects the period of manicure wear and the ability to grow the length of even thin nails.
- Coniferous pitch is a part.
- The cost of gel extensions is slightly lower than other methods.
- Strengthening and pulling out the surface of natural nails.
- Easy correction.
- The gel allows oxygen to pass to the nail plate, which does not cause dryness.
- UV protection, mechanical and chemical effects on the nails.
- Protection against fungal diseases.
- Developed hypoallergenic formula.
- Creating various complex designs.
Negative qualities of gels for building a little.
- When the material is polymerized, a burning sensation may occur.
- If the gel coating breaks, the restoration is not performed; you only need to re-build it.
- Gels are susceptible to damage due to rapid temperature changes.
- Possible injury to the upper layer of the nail plate when cutting the gel.
- Products of some brands cause allergies.
- The impossibility of self-removal of the material.
Kinds
Materials for nail extensions come in different types and systems. What is the difference? Gels are available in various sizes, differ in consistency and method of application. To the classic hard gel today added innovative species. They should be considered closer.
- Modeling gel (constructing) - the first invented type of gels. Transparent thick self-leveling product created to form the desired length of the nail and its shape. They work only on forms. Polymerization occurs in the UV lamp.
- Gel-chewing gum - an innovative tool for high-speed nail modeling. The texture is very plastic, resembles soft clay. With it you can create both simple and complex original forms. A small portion of the tool is distributed first on the center of the nail, and then gradually with a brush or pusher stretch the tool in the right direction. Work with this gel is carried out quickly, the polymerisation in the lamp is not more than ten seconds. This product is great for creating volumetric designs in nail art.
- Gel jelly - relatively new product. The means of a dense consistency, resembling jelly, which is why its name went. This tool is presented in natural shades that mimic the color of natural nails.It can be used to lengthen the nail plate, create a service jacket, perform aquarium design, correct and repair nails. Gel gel is a universal tool that allows you to speed up the process of nail extension.
- Color gel for nail - a novelty in the world of nail service. The wide color palette and the quality of the material allow it to create different designs and compositions, it can work as an independent tool. Gel does not conflict with the products of other brands. Persistence of manicure up to two weeks, during wear there are no cracks or chipped, not stratified.
- Hypoallergenic Gel - it is developed for the people inclined to an allergy. In such products, the composition of the substances that make up the gels is much smaller. Some formulas contain methyl acrylate, which has a low level of allergenicity. The consistency is often viscous, which does not allow spreading on the nails and affect the cuticle area, since skin contact with classic gels may cause irritation and swelling.
- Single phase gel - used for extensions in one application. Does not require base and top coating. The consistency of the gel allows it to level off, which facilitates the work and the formation of an artificial nail. Such gels are quite expensive, but they are not inferior in quality to other analogues.
- Two phase gel - a system of two means: the main product is the base and sculpturing gel, the second - the final coating. The adhesion to the natural nail is strong, in the absence of irregularities in the process of application, chipping and delamination are not formed. Persistence of manicure up to several weeks.
- Three phase gel - the professional system consisting of three means. The extension process takes place in three stages, which is why a longer amount of time is required to create artificial nails as compared to a single-phase or classical scheme. Three-phase gels are expensive, and the buildup of this type is impossible at home.
Selection features
If the question arises in the creation of smooth and strong nails, before buying it is worth considering some points.
The main selection criteria.
- To decide on the choice of system.
- The consistency of the gels should be viscous and thick.
- It is advisable to purchase products of one brand in order to avoid conflicting materials
- Give preference to gels requiring polymerization in the lamp. Materials that can be used without drying are less resistant.
- Pay attention to the smell of funds. A harsh, strong chemical odor may indicate the presence in the gel of substances that are prohibited in some countries, the compounds of which can cause allergies and irritations.
- Pay attention to what lamps and at what temperature polymerization occurs.
- Do not purchase products whose shelf life almost comes to an end. Consumption of gels is minimal in use, and over time they become harder and their further use becomes impossible.
Popular brands
RuNail
Russian company producing high-quality materials at affordable prices. The brand provides ready-made kits and individual products. The kit includes a lamp, a three-phase nail extension system, a primer, a degreaser, lint-free wipes, nail polish remover, abrasive files, foil, cuticle oil, soft buff and orange sticks.
Single products are camouflage and color gels. All materials have decent characteristics, well polymerized.
However, in color gels, one drawback can be identified - a small volume. Gels may conflict with other brands.
Irisk
The palette of materials is presented: camouflage, single-phase, color and self-leveling gels, gel-french. In this work, Irisk gel is light, gives a good gloss. Among the shortcomings, it is possible to note a slight burning sensation during polymerization, and also some masters claim its insufficient strength.
CNI
CNI brand products have been manufactured since 2001 and are made exclusively for professional use. The company follows the trends in the world of nail service and tries to produce materials, not lagging behind the new technologies. It is represented by almost all types of gels, which are distinguished by high quality, harmless effects on nails, and persistence. Wide color palette and various volumes of jars.
Lina
Budget products for nail. Opinion about these gels is ambiguous. Fakes are common, materials do not always correspond to the stated characteristics. Products of this brand is more suitable for beginners. The coating is strong, tough but not resistant. Material is prone to bubbles. With prolonged use may develop allergies.
IBD
Luxury products. Camouflage, color, transparent base and others. Gels are characterized by medium density and self-leveling on the nail plate. When polymerization does not form bubbles, there is no burning sensation. The result is durable and retains the stated shade. Natural nails do not suffer, there is a strengthening in the process of socks. IBD gels are presented in several series, responsible for different tasks for each type of nail plate.
Kodi
The brand has been on the market for more than 10 years, and since 2017 it has updated the design of its products. Kodi provide mainly camouflage, sculpture and transparent gels of single-phase and three-phase systems. Some materials are intended solely for modeling already artificial nails and are called Kodi UV Builder Gel Clear Ice. The quality of products is high, they quickly polymerize, do not turn yellow, and do not crack.
Cosmoprofi
Cosmoprofi gels have mostly positive reviews due to the characteristics declared by the brand. Gels perfectly sit on the nails, do not cause a burning sensation when drying, do not bubble, have a persistent color. Thick consistency will allow nails to grow even a novice. The artificial covering long keeps glossy shine. Color camouflage gels as close as possible to the natural color of the nail. Products do not indulge in a variety of types and systems, but all gels are made from high quality materials.
Application details
To properly apply the gel to build, you must decide on the technique. Create artificial nails using tips or forms. Each method has its own subtleties.
Forms
When building on forms, the type of nails is as close to natural as possible. You can create any form - square, almond, stilettos and others. The transition between the gel and the nail remains invisible. This technique allows you to avoid excessive thickening of the nail plate. Of the disadvantages of the complexity of the process, there is no possibility of self-building. On thin and exfoliating nails, it is not recommended to exceed the length of the free edge more than 1.5 times the length of the nail plate.
The technique of execution is as follows.
- Natural nails need to give the desired length and shape or shorten.
- With the help of the buff, the top keratin layer of the nail is removed, the cuticle is removed and the side ridges are cleaned.
- A degreaser is applied to the prepared surface, followed by a primer.
- The form is established, is cut on a template and fixed around a finger.
- A substrate for the new nail is formed with a synthetic brush and a small portion of the selected gel.
- It is necessary to properly lay out most of the material on the middle zone of the nail and reduce it to the ends.
- The finished result undergoes polymerization in the lamp.
- If the build-up occurs with a single-phase gel, then the pattern is removed after drying and the shape is corrected.
- After all manipulations, the sticky layer is removed using a degreaser and a lint-free wipe.
Tipsy
A feature of this method is gluing the finished tips to the nail and filling the result with the selected gel. There are two fastening zones: contact and free edge. The first method involves the complete decoration of the natural nail tip, the second - partial attachment to the tip of the nail plate, thereby creating the length and shape of the future nail.
This technique is suitable for all types of nails, but requires professional skills. The place of the joint must ideally coincide and be tightly glued, otherwise it will lead to mechanical damage to the nail and reduce the resistance of the manicure.
The execution is as follows.
- Natural nails give the desired length and shape and treated with antiseptic.
- Free edge sawn with rounding.
- The cuticle is removed, the side rollers are cleaned.
- With a soft buff or abrasive sawing, the top layer of the nail plate is peeled off.
- Processing with a degreaser and primer.
- Tips attached to the nail, depending on the chosen technique.
- Artificial nail sawn, giving it the desired shape.
- The joint is also sawn off, thereby removing the visible step.
- The gel is applied from the middle of the nail, creating a "stress zone", and is distributed to the ends.
- Polymerization in the lamp, following the allotted time.
- After that, the last form correction is made, any roughness is removed.
- Coating finish and drying in the lamp.
Possible problems
Among the possible difficulties there are only a few. The first problem lies in the density of the material. Since after polymerization, the artificial coating becomes very dense and strong, thin nails with mechanical damage may break from the inside. Sometimes from the outside it does not manifest itself or there is a barely visible trace. Nail damage becomes noticeable when removing the coating, which sometimes leads to painful sensations.
In addition, with all the strength of the coating very weak and thin nails can be bent along with the gel. This happens when the length of the extended nails is unnatural for this type of hand. Fragile nails cannot grow longer than a comfortable length and with an increase in this limit the plate deforms, leading to the flexibility of the web and its tearing.
This does not happen with all the gels, so you should test the brand, consult with the master and choose the appropriate product for the needs of nails.
The second problem is an allergic reaction, which is caused by the inhalation of vapors and particles of gel and varnish.
The procedure is prohibited when:
taking antibiotics;
- chemotherapy;
- nail diseases and injuries;
- wounds and inflammations of the skin;
- feeling unwell due to the reaction to the smell of acrylic or gel.
Local symptoms of allergy occur in the following possible forms.
Itching and burning.
- Pain in the fingers.
- Puffiness.
- Blisters and redness.
- Formation of crusts and rashes.
- Peeling material.
- Deformation of nails.
In severe forms of an allergic reaction, lacrimation, photophobia and redness of mucous membranes, coughing, choking develop.
In the event of the above symptoms, you should immediately apply a respiratory mask and drink antihistamine medicines. In case of a very severe allergy, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Reviews
Most girls are satisfied after applying nail extension. The formula and texture of the gels is improved, which pleases fans with the quality and durability of the coating, saving time when building and correcting the coating. Healing gels receive the most positive reviews due to the improved structure of the stratum corneum.
Of the downsides, customers note that some products are above average and the price does not always correspond to the declared quality. And also cheap products can not boast the characteristics that are expected from the gels. They quickly form chips and dry out badly in the lamps.
Masters speak positively about hypoallergenic gels. Such products make life easier for customers and allergy-makers, allowing them to build up safely. Of the brands represented pay attention to the disadvantages in the form of inconvenience in working with not very thick texture. Despite this, the gels perform all the tasks.
It should be noted that amateurs and professionals are dissatisfied with the fact that there are occasional fakes on the market. Most often fake products are manufactured under well-known brands. Such a substitute can harm the reputation of the master and the hands of the client.
Among domestic firms so far there are rarely fake jars, which gives manicurers some protection and a guarantee of the quality of their work. In addition, Russian-made gels are as good in quality as the famous foreign brands.
How to choose a gel for nail, you will learn from the video below.