Poly Gel Manicure

Poly gel is an innovative hybrid formula developed to give nail technicians maximum creative freedom when creating beautiful nails. This material can be molded like acrylic and used as extensions or even applied directly onto natural nails as an overlay for extensions.

Soft gel is much kinder on your nails and does not need to be removed with nail files, meaning no lasting damage occurs to them. Yi agrees with this assessment.

The process

Polygel nails (also referred to as acrygel) are an innovative hybrid formula that is more durable than acrylic and flexible like gel. Popular among nail technicians and clients, Polygel lasts twice as long than regular manicures while being less damaging to natural nails than acrylic does, according to experts.

Once a base coat has been applied, your nail technician will use a brush dipped in polygel slip solution to use pat down the product and shape it to your desired shape and length using polygel forms or nail tips. This step is key because polygel has a firm, putty-like consistency which stays where you place it, unlike dip powder which runs off and runs away, according to Idehen.

Once nails have been sculpted, they must be cured for approximately 30 to 60 seconds, after which a top coat may be applied and cured again for another 30-60 seconds before wiping your nails with a lint-free wipe containing nail surface cleaner for removal of any remaining product.

The product

Poly gel is a hybrid nail enhancement formula developed for professional nail technicians but also available as at-home kits. This hybrid formula offers the durability and flexibility of acrylics with the application versatility of gel nails, providing an effective alternative for overlays on natural nails or using nail forms to extend existing extensions.

Polygel differs from acrylic in that it does not require mixing polymers and monomers to form its clay-like consistency, making it much simpler for nail techs to work with it. With its putty texture that stays put once applied to its desired location, Polygel doesn’t move or change shape once placed – even under UV or LED lights!

Before applying Polygel, nails must first be prepared and cleaned using a lint-free wipe soaked in nail surface cleaner to remove dirt or oils. A pea-sized amount of Polygel is then applied using a dual-ended brush dipped in slip solution.

The salon

Polygel nails may last up to four weeks before needing maintenance to remain looking their best, as with acrylics. “Just as with any nail enhancement, maintenance needs to take place every three or four weeks in order to keep them healthy and protect the natural nails from becoming damaged,” states Kandalec.

She notes that without proper nail care (including daily application of cuticle oil to rehydrate them), gel may lift from natural nail beds, leading to damage. As such, she recommends visiting a professional for Polygel manicure services.

At first, a nail technician will prepare nails by removing any polish and buffing them before applying a thin coat of Polygel formula using a small brush, shaping it into place with shaping tools as desired. Finally, they’ll cure it under either LED or UV lights to harden.

The maintenance

Polygel is an all-in-one formula that doesn’t require ratios or mixing, and comes in different colors and finishes like nail polish. Nail technicians apply it directly over natural nails or as an overlay on tips or extensions using bead or ball brushes before shaping into desired shapes and lengths using nail surface cleaner. Finally, an antibacterial wipe covered in nail surface cleaner removes excess product.

Gonzalez-Longstaff suggests getting professional help to master Polygel nail art application, so she suggests getting regular manicures from someone you trust. According to her estimates, Polygel manicures last about four weeks (depending on your nail growth rate and the frequency with which they get touched up); although they’re less susceptible to chipping or lifting than acrylics.)