Everything You Need to Know About Polygel for Nails

Polygel is a building formula for manicure. The technique means shorter execution time, ease of application, and less damage to the nails.

If you prefer to do your own manicure at home then polygel for nails is an ideal product for you. It’s easy to apply and promises good results, as long as you use the right tools and products.

The method is a current nail trend, as it eliminates the use of purely acrylic systems and allows for lengthening with a less hazardous substance. Its versatility is one of its main benefits, as well as its elegant finish. What other benefits does the technique have? Let’s see.

What is polygel for nails?

Polygel for nails combines UV gel oligomers and acrylic polymers to encapsulate and sculpt nails. The consistency is similar to plasticine, but this flexibility doesn’t detract from its firmness.

It’s precisely the strength and durability that are the outstanding characteristics of this product. Its formulation reduces the risk of breakage and its lightness means that the manicure doesn’t feel heavy.

Polygel for nails last up to 1 month, after which maintenance is necessary. As for the application, it’s done without blending, so you work directly on the nail, shaping and rebuilding when necessary. The final polish for this kind of arrangement has to be a gel finish, because of the semi-permanent quality and density.

Advantages of polygel for nails

Polygel doesn’t give off strong odors, because it doesn’t have the chemicals that other products do. One advantage of this variety of gel is that it allows the natural nail to grow without damaging the structure.

You can find it in nude or neutral tones, which means that you have an ideal base for coloring or designing on the nail. And removing it is as simple as applying it, as you only have to polish it off without using acetone. Here are some additional advantages.

Fast drying

Acrigel dries under a lamp; if you use an excellent quality lamp, your nails will be dry quickly. Try to use an LED light fixture, as the curing or light curing in most lamps is through ultraviolet A light, which is related to cell damage and aging, as well as an increased risk of skin cancer.

Although a light-emitting diode (LED) may emit some ultraviolet radiation, its implementation for polygel poses less danger.

Easy application

For those who opt for a home manicure, polygel simplifies the process as you shape, file, and trim the edges. In stores, you can find kits with the supplies and equipment required for this project. Instructions are available and, if you don’t understand them, take a look at the videos available online.

The consistency of the polygel only allows you to move it if you touch it with a special brush, so it won’t spread on the nail. In fact, you supply an amount to each and work them simultaneously.

No monomers

The use of nail cosmetics with styrene monomers can cause dryness, rashes, irritation and burning on contact.

According to the New Jersey Department of Health, sequelae from exposure to these substances also include headaches, fainting, dizziness, and fainting.

But polygel is monomer-free, so you’ll be safe from chemical-generated fumes and nail health risks.

Correction of imperfections

You can repair mistakes that arise during the application, unlike manicures where you have to wait for hardening or drying.

Compatibility with other trends

Providing a smooth, polished finish, drawing on nails is easy. Polygel is compatible with nail art and inlays or rhinestones.

How to apply polygel for nails?

To execute the technique the main elements are the polygel and the polygel liquid. The rest of the materials are the drying lamp, polishers and files, a shaping brush and, if desired, dual system tips.

Remember that you can work directly on the natural nail. The procedure is as follows.

1. Prepare the nail: This phase is to apply a little gel at the base of the original nail or on the inside of the artificial nail.
2. Shaping: This consists of shaping the gel with a brush dipped in the polygel liquid.
3. Fixing: Press the ‘plasticine’ so that it adheres to the nail. If you use a dual system, mount on the natural nail the artificial nail filled with the polygel and press.
4. Curing: This is the drying phase, in which the hand goes inside the LED device for 1 or 2 minutes.
5. Peeling: If you used the acrylic nails on the natural base, once they dry you peel them off the polygel. They come off smoothly, but, if necessary, use a manicure tool.
6. Decorate: You can leave the neutral tones of the polygel or do a nail art design. The manicure is now finished.

Polygel and nail health

As with any method, you need to make sure the tools are sterilized; failure to do so can lead to nail infections.

While this way of manicuring is considered minimally invasive, it would be good to let your nails rest a bit from the product. Take a couple of weeks to apply moisturizers only, covering the cuticles.

The Mayo Clinic advises moisturizing to help keep nails from chipping and splitting. After the rest, your hands will be ready to return to the technique.