What to Expect From a Poly Gel Manicure

Polygel differs from acrylic in that it’s soft and durable, as well as being odorless and less toxic than its counterpart.

Your nail technician will need two forms that conform to the curves of your nails and a slip solution such as rubbing alcohol to help shape polygel gel; in addition, a dual-ended brush may come in handy.

How It’s Done

At the outset of a Poly gel Manicure, your nail tech will start with clean nails and apply a protective base coat before using a brush dipped in slip solution (also called slip solution) along with a dual-ended Makartt Poly Nail Gel Brush & Picker to apply and shape Polygel to each fingernail to meet desired length and shape requirements.

After shaping, nails should be cured for 30-60 seconds before buffing and wiping with a lint-free wipe soaked with nail surface cleaner.

Polygel does not harm natural nails when properly removed by a nail professional, however you must use caution when doing them yourself at home, according to Idehen. Brittle layers must be filed off. She recommends using an e-file when filing them at home before soaking the nails in acetone afterward in order to ensure all product has been extracted without harming nail plates.

Application Techniques

Polygel can be used for nail enhancement, creating extensions and hard overlays on natural nails. Similar to acrylic in texture and application, however, its scent-free formulation makes for easier application.

Base coat is applied and cured under an LED or UV light before using a synthetic brush soaked with slip solution (typically, it’s rubbing alcohol) to apply and shape polygel on each fingernail, similar to what nail techs would do when working with gel nails.

Nail techs will then apply a top coat to seal in the nails, as well as add any finishing touches of choice, before curing again for 30 to 60 seconds.

Maintenance

Like other nail enhancements, Polygel requires proper care. It’s essential that cuticle oil be applied regularly for proper hydration of the cuticle area as well as avoiding harsh chemicals in order to avoid lifting or damage in premature situations. In addition, give your nails time off from treatments involving acrylics, gels or Polygels when possible.

Before applying a Polygel formula to natural nails, your nail technician will prepare them by filing them to their desired shape and buffing to remove lint or dirt. Next, the product is applied by brushing on and shaping as with nail polish; and is finally cured under an LED light.

Polygel’s nail polish-like formula can last for three weeks with proper care, depending on the length and activity level of your nails and daily activities. Polygel has longer-term wearability than acrylics while being less likely to chip or break than its competitors; additionally, its airborne dust-reducing qualities make it an attractive alternative.

Removal

Polygel nails are not permanent, so at some point they must be removed. This process is best handled in a salon by a trained nail technician who knows how to safely unapply the product without harming natural nails underneath; however, you can do it at home using the appropriate tools.

Start by filing down the polygel with a medium-grit nail file, taking care not to file down to your natural nails as this could cause damage and pain. Next, soak a cotton ball in acetone and place it under each fingernail with foil protection – let it set for about 10 minutes before repeating this process on each fingernail.

Once your nails are free from gel nails or false nails, use a cuticle pusher or orange stick to carefully scrape away any softened polygel with care. If any residue remains, soak again and repeat. Upon finishing this step, it is advisable to apply cuticle oil and hand lotion to keep hands hydrated as soon as you’ve completed manicures that involve false nails or gels. Additionally, take breaks between those that involve false nails or gels.