{"id":789,"date":"2024-01-07T16:44:43","date_gmt":"2024-01-07T16:44:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/?p=789"},"modified":"2024-01-07T16:55:15","modified_gmt":"2024-01-07T16:55:15","slug":"clear-gel-polish-on-natural-nails","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/clear-gel-polish-on-natural-nails\/","title":{"rendered":"Everything You Need To Know About Using Clear Gel Polish On Natural Nails"},"content":{"rendered":"
Nails are the ultimate beauty accessory. With just a swipe of colorful polish, you can transform your look in an instant. Lately, gel polish has become a hugely popular nail trend. The long-lasting color, chip-resistant formula, and glossy shine keep nails looking fabulous for weeks.<\/p>\n
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Clear gel polish is a great option for natural nails because it protects nails while allowing their natural beauty to shine through<\/b>. It lasts 2-3 weeks, resists chips and damage, and doesn’t require UV\/LED light curing.<\/p>\n
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about using clear gel polish on natural nails. You’ll learn the benefits of clear gel, how to properly prep and apply it, recommended care tips, how long it lasts, removal best practices, and much more.<\/p>\n
Applying a protective layer of clear gel polish creates a sturdy barrier that shields the natural nail. This prevents the nails from becoming dry and brittle, leading to painful splits and cracks. Studies show that gel manicures can increase nail thickness by up to 10% (source<\/a>).<\/p>\n The extra strength and flexibility provided by the gel polish layer makes nails over 50% more resistant to breakage (source<\/a>). This makes nails less prone to painful snags, splits and peels.<\/p>\n Unlike regular nail polish which begins chipping after 3-5 days, a gel manicure can last 2-3 weeks with shine intact. The durable gel formula is flexible yet strong, allowing nails to grow out while keeping them protected.<\/p>\n Studies found that gel polish only begins to lift from the nails after 14 days on average (source<\/a>). This long-wearing ability makes gel polish very cost and time efficient compared to traditional polish.<\/p>\n Many gel polish formulas today are UV\/LED light cured for instant drying and hardening. However, gel polishes also come in air-dry varieties which don’t require exposure to drying lights. Studies found comparable performance between UV and air-dry gel polishes in terms of wear time, shine, strength and protection (source<\/a>).<\/p>\n Skipping UV light curing reduces nail sensitivity and damage risks.<\/p>\n Using a sheer, transparent gel polish allows the natural tone of the nails to show through beautifully. This creates a clean, healthy, understated French manicure look even without tips being painted. Or combine with a sheer pink for a hint of color.<\/p>\n Compared to opaque and heavily pigmented polishes which can look garish on short nails, the natural look is always stylish.<\/p>\n Before applying clear gel polish, first ensure nails are in optimal condition by trimming and shaping them. Use nail clippers or scissors to trim nails to desired length, then file into a uniform shape using a nail file or buffer. Squared, rounded, or oval shapes work well.<\/p>\n Trimming and shaping prepares the nails for gel by removing any rough edges or uneven surfaces.<\/p>\n Next, address the cuticles. Use a cuticle pusher\/remover tool to gently push back cuticles, which clears space for the gel polish application. Then utilize a cuticle trimmer to snip off any excess dead cuticle skin if needed. Finish by cleaning under free edges with a cuticle cleaner brush.<\/p>\n Prepping cuticles allows the gel polish to adhere directly to the nail plate for best results.<\/p>\n With trimmed nails and tidy cuticles, lightly buff the nail’s surface using a fine grit buffer or nail file. Be gentle and do not over-buff, as this can damage the nails. Buffing removes shine and creates microscopic scratches for the gel formula to bond within.<\/p>\n According to nail care experts, this step is key for long-lasting manicures.<\/b><\/p>\n The final prep step is to wipe nails with isopropyl alcohol, acetone, or a specialized nail prep solution. This removes any residual oil, moisture, or debris. Apply the solution to a lint-free wipe or cotton round and rub thoroughly over the natural nails. Allow 30 seconds to dry.<\/p>\n Prepping nails this way lets the gel polish properly adhere for extended wear.<\/p>\n Once nails are properly prepped with these four key steps, they are ready for clear gel polish application. Correct prep work allows the gel manicure to look beautiful and last for up to three weeks without chipping or peeling.<\/p>\n Paying attention to nail health both before and after gel manicures is also recommended.<\/p>\n A crucial first step when using clear gel polish is to apply a thin layer of base coat. This helps the gel polish adhere properly to the natural nail and prevents chipping or peeling. Use nail prep products like pH balancers and dehydrators before base coat for the smoothest application.<\/p>\n When painting on base coat, be sure to cap the free edge of each nail so the entire nail is sealed and protected. Allow the base coat to dry completely before moving on to the gel polish. Taking the time to prep nails with a quality base coat is key for long-lasting clear gel manicures.<\/p>\n When working with clear gel polish, the key is to apply thin, even layers. Thick globs of gel won’t cure properly under the LED or UV lamp. Using the applicator brush, wipe off any excess gel from the brush bristles on the neck of the bottle.<\/p>\n Then, starting at the cuticle, sweep the brush across the nail in smooth, thin strokes. Make sure to cap the free edge again. Cure each layer under the gel lamp for 30-60 seconds or according to gel instructions. For the most flawless, shiny finish, apply a second thin layer of gel and cure again.<\/p>\n Multiple sheer layers create a glossy, durable, and non-yellowing manicure. Avoid the temptation to apply too much gel at once – thin is key!<\/p>\n The last step is crucial for getting that salon-perfect shine – finish off your clear gel manicure with a glossy top coat. This seals in the color, smooths the surface, and ramps up the gloss level. Apply top coat to cleaned nails in a thin, even layer and cure under the LED lamp.<\/p>\n For extended wear, apply another layer of top coat after 2-3 days to refresh the glossy seal. Using a quality top coat formulated for gel polish is important to prevent chipping, scratching, or dulling. With proper top coat application, your clear gel manicure can look freshly-painted for 2+ weeks!<\/p>\n Following these simple application tips will give you stunning, long-lasting clear gel polish on natural nails. Take the time to prep, apply thin layers, and finish with glossy top coat for a flawless DIY gel mani that lasts.<\/p>\n With the right technique, clear gel is a great way to strengthen natural nails and achieve a salon-perfect finish at home. Ditch the harsh removers – show off your beautiful bare nails with an easy, damage-free clear gel polish application.<\/p>\n Applying cuticle oil daily is crucial for maintaining healthy nails under gel polish. The gel polish creates a strong barrier over the nails that can lead to dryness. Massaging in a nourishing cuticle oil like Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil<\/b> (https:\/\/www.ulta.com\/vitamin-e-nail-cuticle-oil<\/a>) will hydrate the nail beds and cuticles, preventing cracking and peeling.<\/p>\n It’s important to keep the skin around the nails moisturized as well. Using a rich hand cream like L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream<\/b> (https:\/\/www.sephora.com\/product\/shea-butter-hand-cream-P5029?skuId=523207<\/a>) will prevent dry cuticles and give an extra moisture boost to the nails underneath the gel polish.<\/p>\n Apply after washing hands and massage into nails and cuticles too.<\/p>\n As tempting as it is to peel and pick at lifting gel polish, this can damage the natural nail underneath. Use an orange wood stick to gently push back any lifted edges instead. Getting regular infills every 2-3 weeks can also prevent lifting and peeling.<\/p>\n Let the professionals remove the gel polish properly during salon visits.<\/p>\nProvides Long-Lasting Shine and Strength <\/h3>\n
Doesn’t Require Light Curing<\/h3>\n
Allows Natural Nail Color to Show Through<\/h3>\n
Prepping Nails for Clear Gel Application<\/h2>\n
Trim and Shape Nails<\/h3>\n
Push Back and Clean Cuticles<\/h3>\n
Buff Nail Surface Gently<\/h3>\n
Wipe Nails With Prep Solution<\/h3>\n
Applying Clear Gel Polish on Natural Nails<\/h2>\n
Apply Thin Base Coat for Adhesion<\/h3>\n
Brush On 1-2 Thin Layers of Clear Gel<\/h3>\n
Finish With a Glossy Top Coat<\/h3>\n
Caring for Nails With Clear Gel Polish<\/h2>\n
Use Cuticle Oil Daily<\/h3>\n
Moisturize Hands and Nails<\/h3>\n
Avoid Picking at Gel Polish<\/h3>\n
Protect Nails From Water Exposure<\/h3>\n