Gel Polish

Gel Polish is a type of resin cured by a UV/LED lamp to create a strong, long-lasting manicure. Gel Polish usually follows a 3-step
process of base coat, gel polish and top coat.

STEP 1: Begin by meticulously preparing the nails, ensuring
that all cuticles are carefully removed and the nail plate is thoroughly etched.
Use a 180/180 or 150/150 grit file to ensure every area of the nail is prepped
properly.

STEP 2: Choose between our Acid-Based or Acid-Free Primer. The
Acid-Based Primer is stronger and recommended for clients prone to lifting -
apply your chosen Primer to each nail.

STEP 3: Apply a thin layer of Base Coat and cure for 60 seconds.

STEP 4: apply a thin layer of your chosen Gel Polish shade and
cure for 60 seconds. Tech tip - use a fine liner brush to get as close to the
cuticle area as possible.

STEP 5: Apply a second coat of Gel Polish and cure for 60
seconds. If using our HEMA Free Gel Polish you can apply slightly thicker than
with our Ultra Low Gel Polish.

STEP 6: This step is an optional step - for those shades of a
less opaque nature an additional layer may be required. Apply as needed and
cure for 60 seconds.

STEP 7: Apply our No-Wipe Top Coat over the nails and make
sure to cap the free edge to seal the nail and cure for 60 seconds.

STEP 8: Apply cuticle oil and you are done.

Gel Polish is cured using a UV/LED lamp whereas Nail Polish dries and cures naturally. Gel Polish is a more durable, long-lasting nail service.

Gel Polish, if applied correctly and looked after well, should last between 2-4 weeks.

This is totally dependent on nail health. It is important to monitor the health of your client’s nails and advise when signs such as thinning/splitting, discolouration or white smudges of their nails, or dry cuticles are present. If present, a break in nail treatments should be suggested and focus switched to addressing the health of the nails.

Step 1: Start by filing down the nail to remove any shine from the top coat. This will help the acetone penetrate the gel more effectively.

Step 2: Fill a bowl with hot water and place another bowl on top with pure acetone in it. The hot water will help speed up the removal process by creating a warm environment for the acetone. You can also remove by soaking a cotton ball in acetone placing over the nail and wrapping in foil. Both methods work but we would say submerging the nails in the bowl of acetone is the quickest.

Step 3: Apply some cuticle oil all over your client's nails. This will help protect the skin and cuticles from drying out during the removal process.

Step 4: Place your client's hands in the bowl of acetone and leave them to soak for 15-20 mins. This will allow the acetone to break down the gel and any builder gel underneath.

Step 5: Remove one hand from the acetone while the other hand is still soaking. Begin to scrape away the Gel Polish using a gentle scraping tool. If the gel is still on the nail, gently file over it again using a 150 grit file to help remove any remaining product.

Step 6: Repeat step 5 on the other hand and continue to soak if needed until all the Gel Polish is removed.

Step 7: Once the removal is complete, file the nails into shape using a 180 grit file. This will help smooth out any rough edges or unevenness.

Step 8: Apply cuticle oil to finish the removal process. This will help nourish the nails and cuticles after the acetone exposure.

Note: If your client is having a new set of GRO Gel Xpress or GRO Gel applied immediately after removal, do not apply cuticle oil after step 8. Instead, proceed with your prep and cuticle work for the new set.

We have 2 different ranges of Gel Polish – Hema Free and Ultra Low. Both ranges offer an extensive variety of shades.

The main difference is the Hema content. Our Hema Free Gel Polish is exactly that – Completely free from ALL Hema. Our Ultra Low Gel Polish does contain Hema but at a level much lower than industry standard – on average <2%. You may find application slightly different between the two ranges, with you able to be more generous with your application of our Hema Free colours.

We do – We actually have 2 Builder Gel ranges with over 100 shades combined. Our Builder Gels are called GRO Gel – Growth, Regeneration, Optimiser. We have GRO Gel and GRO Gel Xpress.