It’s not every day you hear people call an imported capsule a miracle cure. But in the beauty world, those who dabble in the niche industry known as gel manicures go to some pretty extreme lengths to master their craft.
“We’re using vinegar, olive oil, and turmeric,” says celebrity manicurist Ai Irie, who charges $110 to $150 for a polish job. “Any other compound I’ve tried would take me up to 10 minutes, but it can take me hours just to draw the lines. . .it’s insane.”
Nails aren’t going to have thicker and stronger lines with the simplest of manicures, but it does take time to care for them properly. If you’re looking to take your gel manicure up a notch, keep reading to see how to keep the polish looking its best.
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Pick the Right Type of Gel
The types of gel used in gel manicures differ from polish to polish, from flat nickel-peel formulas to ultragel coats, but all rely on the same ingredients to create a shiny finish and prevent chipping.
Ingredient One: Aerocool. This pigment formula is made with eight recipes of the everyday chemical irritant known as hydrogen peroxide. This one spray creates even heat and moisture, so no one really knows how it works, but Irie loves it because it’s a natural form of H2O.
Ingredient Two: Aerogel. This is a liquid gel that’s not sprayable. It’s formulated with a mix of titanium dioxide and silicon dioxide that increase heat resistance and hold moisture. Depending on the shade, you can choose between a matte texture, shiney finish, or a chipped look.
Ingredient Three: Hydrocolloid. This peptide serves as an oil for nails. As a skin condition, hydrocolloids are a thick, tough, opaque solution of lipids that can protect. It’s used in several nail polishes, including Essie’s Mint Touch, Essie’s Amethyst Beads, and Max Factor’s Blueprint Collection.
Ingredient Four: Epson. This supernaturals fungicide kills fungus, bacteria, and mold. Use in natural nails instead of with the gel, and the mild effects won’t cause any color issues. This really comes down to personal preference and the prep work necessary.
Ingredient Five: Keratin Complex. Made of keratin proteins, this is a silicone surface finishing agent that has a five-chemical formula and creates UV light resistant polish.
Ingredient Six: Powdered Sugar. This is a plant-based resin that adds a “soothing” effect to nails, according to Irie.
Keep Nails Hydrated
Even at home, some of the de-stickiest things in nail care should be avoided: cold water and harsh cleaning products. Gel manicures might seem gross to some because they don’t “drop” out of a squeegee, but Irie says that gel manicures should be properly conditioned by applying a hydrating wet gel or mineral, or a shower gel and/or a hydrating cream in between coats.
Yields Run on Sand
Drink a lot of water to keep your nails strong and moisturized, but don’t go overboard, says hair and makeup artist and skin specialist Sabrina Gutierrez. “If you’re planning on manicuring up to 14 hours, I recommend combining humectants with your regular water or soap,” she says. “Listerine, for example, can also be beneficial.”
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