Latest Nail Trends - What Are Polygel Nails

Polygel is making a big splash in the nail industry. As a nail enhancement, it offers the aesthetic appeal and durability of acrylic nails with the flexibility of a gel nail. This blog explores everything from what polygel nails are and how to apply them to the benefits and differences of using polygel over other nail products.

What are Polygel Nails?

Polygel is a nail enhancement that’s made of clear gel and acrylic powder. This hybrid mixture offers the durability of an acrylic nail with the malleability of a gel nail. You or a manicurist can sculpt the polygel as it has a to create a nail extension, base, or overlay. In contrast to other types of nail enhancement products, polygel has a putty-like consistency that is both easy to shape and apply. Along with their incredible strength, polygel is also very lightweight.

Polygel vs. Regular Gel

While gel polish has a flexibility similar to polygel, it isn’t as strong. Regular gel is the thinnest nail enhancement compared to polygel and acrylic nails. It’s also applied a polish which is then cured under a UV light. As opposed to polygel, regular gel doesn’t last as long and is harder to remove. The process of soaking your nails in acetone and buffing the polish off can also weaken and dry out your natural nails.

Polygel vs. Acrylic Extensions

One of the primary comparison points of polygel vs. acrylic extensions is the application process. In order to apply your acrylic nails, you must mix a liquid monomer and acrylic powder. The complexity of the process can make acrylic nails more difficult to apply than polygel nails. Since polygel is premixed, you don’t have to learn about consistencies or ratios like you do with acrylics. polygel can also be filled in as your nail grows, reducing the frequency of removal.

How To Apply Polygel Nails

The process of applying polygel is fairly straightforward. However, there are a few tips and tricks that will help give you the best nails possible. Here are the steps on how to apply polygel nails:

• Nail Prep: Clean your nail with a lint-free wipe soaked in a nail surface cleaner such as pure acetone. Then, push back your cuticles and buff the nail plate. Ensure no debris remains on your nail.
• Base Coat Application: The polygel brand you use will influence the kind of base coat you apply and the curing time. Typically, you will use either a gel base coat or acid-free primer.
• Polygel Application: Apply a pea-sized amount of polygel to the nail plate and use a brush and slip solution to create the length you desire.
• Curing: Once the polygel is in place, cure your nails under a UV or LED light. Curing time will vary, often taking between 30 and 60 seconds.
• Filling and Shaping: Shape smooth out your nail with a nail file and buffer. When you’re satisfied with the appearance, wipe the surface with a lint-free wipe and surface cleaner.
• Topcoat Application: Apply a thin topcoat, then proceed with curing. This can take 30 to 60 seconds. Afterwards, use a lint-free wipe and surface cleaner to cleanse the nail.
• Completion: If you choose, you can apply a massaging oil to your cuticles and the surrounding area to keep your nails healthy, happy, and hydrated. Now go enjoy your gorgeous new nails!

Is Polygel Safe to Do at Home?

Yes, polygel is safe to do at home. As outlined in the steps above, the process of applying polygel is quick and simple. With a good polygel nail kit and the right tools by your side, there’s no reason why you can have beautiful nails that look and feel as good as if a manicurist had applied them. Unlike with acrylic nails, which dry as they’re being applied, you can manipulate polygel until you’re happy with the results. This makes them more at-home friendly than acrylics.

How Long Does Polygel Last?

Polygel lasts three to four weeks, but this timeframe can differ depending on your lifestyle. For example, individuals who frequently have their hands in water or partake in daily outdoor activities may see their polygel wear faster than others. Rather than removing your nails completely, you can extend their lifespan with polygel fill-ins. This involves removing the gel topcoat and filling in the areas that need it.

How To Remove Polygel Nails

Regardless of whether you applied the polygel at home or had them done by a manicurist, it’s recommended to have it removed by a professional. This prevents any unnecessary harm to your nails. Polygel is not acetone-soluble, which means it needs to filed down. An experienced manicurist will understand how to protect your natural nail during removal.

Are Polygel Nails Safe?

Yes, when applied and removed properly, polygel is completely safe for your nails. Compared to other types of nail enhancements, polygel is one of the safest. As an example, acrylic nails contain and release chemicals into the air during application. Keep in mind that despite being perfectly safe and easy to apply at home, it’s always best to have a professional remove polygel from your nails.

Order Your High Quality Polygel Nails Today

Now that you know what polygel is and how to apply as well as remove them, you can start browsing all the wonderful Polygel brands and colours. Level Up Beauty has a wide selection polygel brands, including DARK, F.O.X, and SOPHIÈ•R. Visit our online store to explore our full polygel collection.

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