Young Nails<\/a> brand has earned praise in major beauty publications like Allure, Elle and Vogue for their commitment to healthy, sustainable products that really last.<\/p>\nHow to Apply a Gel Top Coat for Best Results<\/h2>\nPrep Your Nails Properly<\/h3>\n
Properly preparing the natural nail plate before gel polish application is crucial for getting the most durable, long-lasting manicure. Start by using a nail file to gently remove any shine from the natural nail<\/b>. This deglosses the surface so the gel can fully bond.<\/p>\n
Next, use a nail cleaner containing isopropyl alcohol to remove any oil and residue<\/b>. Allow nails to fully dry before proceeding. Having a clean slate helps the gel top coat adhere properly. Skipping this prepping step often leads to chips and peeling.<\/p>\nApply Thin Even Layers<\/h3>\n
When applying the gel top coat, using thin passes helps ensure even coverage without flooding the cuticles or edges. Wipe away any excess gel overflow<\/b> using a slanted-tip cuticle pusher wrapped in cotton.<\/p>\n
Thicker globs of gel may feel nicely saturated at first but can shrink back excessively while curing, leaving tracks and dips. Instead, patiently apply 2-3 thin coats, curing fully in between, to build an impervious glossy seal. Allow the gel to self-level<\/b> instead of overworking one thick layer.<\/p>\nCure Each Layer Fully in an LED or UV Lamp<\/h3>\n
Inadequate curing can lead to tacky gels that never quite set, inviting dents and scratches. Be sure to invest in a quality LED or UV lamp, then cure each layer according to gel brand guidelines. Most formulations require 30-60 seconds under the light.<\/p>\n
Avoid the temptation to skimp on timing to speed up the process. Running your hands under the light 1-2 minutes further strengthens the top coat. For added insurance against surface imperfections, finish curing with a blast of cold air from a gel drying fan tool.<\/p>\n
Letting nails fully set ensures the gel bonds at a deep level so the glossy top coat lasts 2 weeks or more.<\/p>\n
Avoid Touching or Wiping the Surface Until Fully Set<\/h3>\n
Though gels may feel solid to the touch immediately after curing, chemical cross-linking continues deep within the layers long after. Give them at least an hour before exposing them to any friction, moisture or pressure.<\/p>\n
Even tasking harmless as laundry or dishes can imprint textures onto under-cured gels. Letting the finish fully stabilize ensures the sleek, glassy top coat you love stays chip and scratch-free for 14+ days. Skipping this last crucial step often reduces wear to just 3-5 days.<\/p>\n
Caring for Gel Nails Sealed with Top Coat<\/h2>\nAllow full curing time before exposing to water or moisture<\/h3>\n
After your manicurist applies the gel polish and seals it with a top coat, it’s crucial to allow the full curing time<\/b> before exposing your nails to water or moisture. Most gel polishes require a UV or LED lamp curing time of 30-60 seconds per coat.<\/p>\n
Rushing this process can result in weak, damaged nails. Have patience – properly cured gel nails can last over 2 weeks without chipping or peeling!<\/p>\n
Use nail oil daily to nourish and moisture<\/h3>\n
Frequent exposure to UV rays from the curing lamp can lead to dry, brittle nails. Apply a hydrating nail oil like Vitamin E or jojoba daily to nourish the natural nail and cuticles underneath the gel polish.<\/p>\n
Taking just a few minutes per day prevents painful hangnails<\/b> and peeling<\/b> around the edges – extending the life of your glossy gel manicure.<\/p>\nFile down growth rather than picking at lifted edges<\/h3>\n
As your natural nails grow out, resist the urge to peel or pick at the gel polish seams. This can pull off layers of the nail underneath! Instead, use a fine-grit file to gently remove any lifted edges<\/b>. Filing back the surface layer helps the gel adhere smoothly to the new nail growth.<\/p>\n
Regularly filing down new growth allows your color and top coat to last 3-4 weeks with no chips.<\/p>\n
Limit direct exposure to cleaning chemicals<\/h3>\n
Harsh soaps and cleaning products can cause gel polish to bubble and lift from the natural nail underneath. According to nail care brand OPI, you should wear rubber gloves when washing dishes or cleaning<\/b> to avoid damage.<\/p>\n
If gels do start lifting from exposure during chores, apply a small dot of nail glue under lifted corners to re-adhere it. Avoid further chemical exposure to regain maximum wear.<\/p>\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n
Getting longer lasting, chip resistant gel manicures is easy with the right top coat. Just be sure to avoid common mistakes like not allowing adequate curing time or applying too thick of layers. Invest in a reputable salon brand top coat formulated to work with gel polishes and apply a thin, even layer on top of cured color with each manicure.<\/p>\n
Pair it with regular cuticle oil application and proper removal technique when growth necessitates a fill or new set, and you’ll be flaunting a flawless, glossy gel mani for weeks at a time with no chips or smudges in sight!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
If you love getting gel manicures but hate how quickly they can chip and fade, using a quality gel top coat is a must. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: The best gel nail…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2287,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":2,"label":"Nail Guide"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/gel-nail-polish-top-coat-1024x614.webp",1024,614,true],"author_info":{"display_name":"Amanda Smith","author_link":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/author\/chris\/"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":2,"name":"Nail Guide","slug":"nail-guide","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":2,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":1279,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":2,"category_count":1279,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Nail Guide","category_nicename":"nail-guide","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":false,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/gel-nail-polish-top-coat.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/953"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=953"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/953\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2287"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=953"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=953"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=953"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}