What is Liquid Latex Nail Polish Used For?

Liquid latex nail polish around the nails guarantees neatness in the manicure. Learn how to apply this liquid that simplifies hand grooming.

Cleaning your cuticles after applying nail polish is as meticulous as it is cumbersome. After all, you don’t want to damage the result! However, you can save time and avoid painting your skin by applying liquid nail latex.

This mask is commonly used in beauty salons. However, it’s so simple to apply that if you prefer to groom your hands at home, you can do it without much trouble.

The substance works as a blanket that limits the passage of nail polish, making it easier to apply nail art or traditional designs without getting them all over your fingers. Find out more about this product that came to reduce the hours spent on a manicure in this article!

What is liquid latex for nails?

Liquid latex is a base that protects the surrounding area of the nails, so that the finger doesn’t end up stained with nail polish. It’s usually pink in color and acts by adhering to the skin before applying the polish.

Since it is a kind of elastic film, you can peel it off by pulling it off without much effort. Another of its main characteristics is that it dries quite fast, so you don’t have to stop the process while waiting for it to harden.

People with unsteady hands or little practice when painting their nails often really appreciate this cosmetic solution, because it’s not necessary to have to use a nail polish remover to clean the excesses. In addition, the following special features are advantageous:

• No LED light is needed for drying
• It moisturizes the skin next to the nails
• It doesn’t emanate any strong odors
• Its water-based composition minimizes nail and dermis damage

What is liquid latex for nails used for?

If it’s necessary to really specify the main contribution of liquid latex, it’s to avoid wasting time correcting a manicure. This is especially the case when you’ve been painting your nails with techniques such as jersey, glass nails, drawings, or gradients.

It’s also useful to paint on top of layers that are already ready. You simply pass the first brush strokes of nail polish and, when it dries, you put a latex blanket covering certain spaces. This way, you can create some original layered designs.

Before nail latex was used to correct possible mistakes, the common thing was to clean them up with cotton and nail polish remover. However, with nail latex film, your fingers won’t be in contact with aggressive chemicals.

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) warns that acetone rubbing against the skin can cause irritation, dryness, and cracking. Also, the concentration of the chemical’s odor can cause headaches, nausea, throat and eye irritation.

This is how liquid latex is used in manicures

At first, cosmetic was part of the implements in beauticians and professional nail salons. However, its effects have made it popular, so it’s now commonly available over-the-counter for home nail care.

Here’s how to use it.

1. Apply the latex protection

In this phase, you line the surface to be painted, protecting the edges. The bottles of liquid latex comes with their own brush, with which you apply a thin layer that covers the cuticles and above if you wish.

You can also cover under the nail and on the fingertips, so that the paint doesn’t reach them. It’s important not to get latex on the upper area of the nail and wait for about two minutes or until it doesn’t look wet to start the second step.

2. Paint your nails

Once the latex is adhered, start your nail art. You’ll notice that the excess paint doesn’t clump at the edges; on the contrary, it remains trapped in the pink mask so you can work with peace of mind.

3. Remove the nail latex

When finished, safely remove the latex. As long as you glue it on correctly, it usually comes off in one piece. However, if there’s any residue, you can also remove it with a pair of tweezers.

Who can use liquid latex on their nails?

Although this manicure trick is tempting, it’s not for everyone. The only contraindication of liquid latex for nails is if you have an allergy to the original substance. In such a case, you should not apply it.

An article in the Chilean Journal of Dermatology highlights that this compound can generate hypersensitivity and manifests itself through urticaria and contact dermatitis of the irritative and allergic types.

If you suffer from sensitivity to this compound, you can try another option to achieve perfection when painting your nails. Combine water with white glue; this is an easy recipe with a similar effect to the pink coating. In fact, even the texture is similar.

Use the mixture as you would use commercial liquid latex, but be aware that it takes longer to dry and may cause an adverse reaction. It’s not a skin-only product. Vaseline, on the other hand, also helps to keep it from staining the contour of your nails and has no side effects.