The world of manicures has evolved over the years, and with each passing day, there are new innovations that make the process easier and more exciting. One such innovation is the Polygel Nail Kit. This is a revolutionary product that combines the benefits of both acrylic and gel nails to create a unique formula that is easy to use, durable, and long-lasting.
Definition of Polygel Nail Kit
Polygel Nail Kit is a professional nail enhancement system used to create stronger, longer, and more natural-looking nails.
The kit typically includes a base coat, topcoat, polygel tubes in clear or shades of pink or white, dual-ended brush tool or spatula tool for applying polygel on your natural or extended nails, and an LED lamp for curing purposes.
Brief history of Polygel Nail Kit
The concept of polygels was first introduced by Gelish in 2015. They wanted to create a nail enhancement system that would be both easy to use for the professionals as well as at-home users while providing multiple benefits in one.
After intense research and development efforts spanning over several years – combining the best properties of both acrylics (hardness) and gels (flexibility) – Gelish finally came up with their version called “PolyGel.”
Following this achievement in 2017-18, many other companies started creating their own versions of PolyGel by adding new features such as different shades including ombre or glittery effects.
Benefits of using Polygel Nail Kit
There are numerous benefits associated with using PolyGel nail kits over traditional methods like acrylics or gel nails. Firstly it does not have any strong odors associated with it since there are no strong chemicals used.
Secondly, it offers a more natural look that is easier to maintain for long durations and lasts up to 3-4 weeks.
Thirdly, its unique formula promotes nail health as it is applied onto the natural nails without causing any further damage to them; in fact, PolyGel nail kits help protect nails from breakages by providing extra strength and support.
Polygel nails are easy to apply and do not require complex techniques or tools making them an ideal choice for beginners as well as professionals.
Polygel Nail Kit is a smart investment if you want stronger, healthier, and beautiful nails that last longer with minimal maintenance efforts!
Components of a Polygel Nail Kit
1. Base Coat and Top Coat
A base coat is an essential component of any polygel nail kit. It acts as a foundation for the polygel to adhere to, while also providing a protective layer for your natural nails. The base coat helps prevent the gel from lifting and keeps it in place for several weeks.
Additionally, it protects your nails from being stained by the pigments in colored gel. On the other hand, top coat is used to seal and protect your newly created manicure.
It adds shine and glossiness to your nails while also preventing chipping and cracking. A good quality topcoat can extend the life of your manicure by up to two weeks.
2. Polygel Tubes (Clear, White, Pink)
Polygel tubes are available in different shades including clear, white, pink or nude colors that mimic natural-looking nails. These tubes come in 30-milliliter bottles with pointed applicator tips so you can easily apply them on your nails.
Clear polygel is best for creating see-through effects like encapsulating glitter or creating a glass-like finish on top of nail art designs.
White polygels are perfect for creating French tips or adding highlights over darker colors while pink or nude shades provide a more natural look.
3. Dual-ended Brush and Spatula Tool
A dual-ended brush tool is an essential tool in every polygel nail kit because it allows you to pick up small amounts of gel with ease and spread it smoothly onto your nail bed without causing any lumps or bumps.
The brush end helps you apply precise strokes during shaping while the spatula can be used for mixing colors together. The brush tool should have fine bristles that don’t shed easily when using it repeatedly during applications.
The shape of the brush head must also be thin and tapered, allowing you to maneuver the brush around your nails. The spatula should be flexible and have a smooth edge that can scrape the gel easily off of the tube.
4. LED Lamp for Curing
A LED lamp is an essential component of a polygel nail kit because it helps the gel cure or harden quickly. Once the polygel is applied to your nails, it needs to be cured under a LED lamp for around 30-60 seconds, depending on the type of lamp you are using.
This process activates the polymerization reaction that causes the gel to harden and set in place. LED lamps are preferred over UV lamps because they are faster and safer as they produce less harmful radiation.
They also don’t require any warm-up time and can be used immediately after turning them on. Most polygel kits come with a small USB-powered LED lamp so you can use them anywhere at any time.
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How to Use a Polygel Nail Kit
1. Preparing Your Nails (Clean, Trim, Buff)
Before applying the polygel, it is important to properly prep your nails to ensure they are clean and smooth. Start by removing any old nail polish and clipping your nails to the desired length. Then use a file or buffer to gently shape your nails and smooth any rough edges.
Be careful not to file too aggressively as this can weaken your natural nails. Next, wash your hands thoroughly and dry them completely.
Use a nail polish remover or alcohol-soaked cotton ball to remove any excess oils from your nails. This step will help the base coat adhere better and prevent chipping or lifting.
2. Applying the Base Coat
Once your nails are prepped and ready, apply a thin layer of base coat evenly over each nail. The base coat serves as a foundation for the polygel and helps it adhere better while protecting your natural nails from damage. Allow the base coat to dry for 30 seconds before moving on to the next step.
3. Squeezing the Polygel Tube onto the Brush Tool
Polygel typically comes in clear, white, or pink shades depending on what you prefer. Squeeze out a small amount of polygel onto one side of dual-ended brush tool provided in the kit. Be sure not to squeeze out too much at once as this can cause waste and make application more difficult.
4. Spreading and Shaping the Polygel on Your Nails
Using firm pressure but gentle strokes, spread out the polygel onto each nail making sure it’s evenly distributed over entire surface of each nail bed without leaving air bubbles.
With other end of brush tool provided gently press poly gel into shape that you desire without putting too much pressure on brush. You can also use spatula tool provided to shape and spread the gel easier.
5. Curing Under LED Lamp
After spreading and shaping the polygel on your nails, it’s time to cure them under LED lamp. This will harden the polygel and ensure it stays in place. Place your hand under the LED lamp provided in the kit for 90 seconds to 120 seconds or as per mentioned in instruction manual.
6. Finishing with Top Coat
The final step is applying a top coat over your polygel nails. The top coat helps protect against chipping and adds shine to give a glossy effect. Apply a thin layer of top coat evenly over each nail after curing under LED lamp.
Allow it to dry for at least 30 seconds before touching anything with it so that it sets properly. Now you have beautiful, long-lasting polygel nails!
Tips for Using a Polygel Nail Kit
1. Choosing the Right Shade of Gel for Your Skin Tone
One of the most important things to keep in mind when using a polygel nail kit is to choose the right shade of gel for your skin tone. This will ensure that your nails look natural and complement your overall appearance.
If you have fair or light skin, it’s best to opt for lighter shades like clear or sheer pink. On the other hand, if you have medium to dark skin, darker shades like red or plum will look great on you.
Another thing to keep in mind is that some gels may look different than they do in the tube once they are cured under the LED lamp. To avoid any surprises, it’s always a good idea to test out a small amount of gel on your nail before applying it all over.
2. Avoiding Over-Curing or Under-Curing
Over-curing or under-curing your polygel can lead to problems like lifting and cracking. To avoid this, make sure you follow the instructions that come with your kit carefully and don’t rush through any steps. One common mistake people make is not curing their nails for long enough under the LED lamp.
It’s important to set aside enough time for this step so that your nails cure properly and stay looking great for as long as possible. On the other hand, over-curing can happen if you leave your nails under the lamp for too long.
This can cause them to become brittle and prone to breaking. To avoid over-curing, use a timer and follow manufacturer instructions closely.
3. Practicing on Fake Nails Before Applying to Real Ones
If you’re new to using a polygel nail kit, it’s always a good idea to practice on fake nails before trying it out on yourself or someone else.
This will give you a chance to get comfortable with the process and work out any kinks before moving on to real nails. When practicing, try experimenting with different techniques for spreading and shaping the gel.
You can also test out different shades of gel to see what looks best on your skin tone. Once you feel confident in your skills, you’ll be ready to tackle real nails with ease.
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Common Mistakes When Using a Polygel Nail Kit
1. Applying Too Much Pressure When Shaping the Gel
One of the most common mistakes when using a polygel nail kit is to apply too much pressure when shaping the gel. Polygel is a flexible material that needs to be shaped gently. If you apply too much pressure, your nails can become weak and prone to breaking.
When shaping your nails, make sure to use light pressure and gentle strokes. Another thing to keep in mind is that you should not file your nails too aggressively.
Polygel is strong enough to resist some filing, but if you file for too long or with too much pressure, it can damage your nails. The best way to avoid this mistake is to take your time and be patient when shaping your nails.
2. Not Allowing Enough Time for Curing
Polygel requires curing under an LED lamp for several minutes before it hardens completely. One of the biggest mistakes people make is not allowing enough time for curing. If you do not cure the polygel long enough, it will remain soft and vulnerable to smudging or denting.
To avoid this mistake, follow the manufacturer’s instructions about how long each layer should cure under an LED lamp.
Typically, each layer will need at least 30 seconds of curing time under a high-quality lamp before applying another coat or completing the process with top coat application.
3. Not Properly Cleaning Tools After
The final common mistake people make when using a polygel nail kit is not properly cleaning their tools after use. It’s important to clean all tools with alcohol after each use because leftover product can damage them over time, causing unsightly product buildup on brushes or spatulas.
By cleaning tools thoroughly after use helps keep them from harboring bacteria and prolongs their life span so that they will be in good condition for the next use. Proper cleaning also ensures that your polygel nail kit continues to perform optimally.
Conclusion
Polygel nail kits are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. They offer a convenient way to create beautiful, long-lasting nails at home.
However, it’s important to avoid the common mistakes of applying too much pressure when shaping the gel, not allowing enough time for curing, and not properly cleaning tools after use.
By following the instructions provided with your polygel nail kit and taking care during application and clean up you can achieve salon-quality results without ever leaving your own home.
With practice and patience, you’ll have stunning nails that last for weeks with no chipping or fading in sight!
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