{"id":989,"date":"2024-01-07T16:44:43","date_gmt":"2024-01-07T16:44:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/?p=989"},"modified":"2024-01-07T16:55:20","modified_gmt":"2024-01-07T16:55:20","slug":"do-i-need-uv-light-for-gel-nails","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/do-i-need-uv-light-for-gel-nails\/","title":{"rendered":"Do I Need Uv Light For Gel Nails?"},"content":{"rendered":"
Gel nail extensions have become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional acrylics. With their damage-free removal process and long-lasting shine, it’s easy to see the appeal. But to get the perfect gel manicure, you need more than just the gel polish itself.<\/p>\n
Using a UV or LED lamp is crucial for properly curing and hardening the gel polish. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at gel nail technology and when UV lamps are necessary for stunning results.<\/p>\n
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Yes, you need a UV or LED lamp to properly cure gel nail polish and achieve maximum wear and shine<\/b>.<\/p>\nHow Do Gel Nails Work?<\/h2>\n
Gel nails have become an extremely popular nail service in recent years. But how exactly do they work? What is the science behind what makes them last so long without chipping or peeling?<\/p>\n
Gel nail polish contains ingredients that allow it to harden and set under ultraviolet (UV) light. The main ingredients are:<\/p>\n
Additionally, gel nail polish often contains thickeners for adjusting viscosity and flexibility agents for chip resistance. Unlike regular nail polish which simply dries and can peel off, the process of molecules linking together under UV light allows gel polish to adhere very strongly to the natural nail.<\/p>\n
So where does the ultraviolet light come in? As mentioned above, it triggers the polymerization process. Most nail salons use LED lamps which emit UV light at the optimum wavelength of 365 nm to cure gel polish. Typical cure times are 30-90 seconds.<\/p>\n
The UV light causes the photoinitiators in the gel formula to form free radicals. These free radicals drive the cross-linking of methacrylate monomers into chains and networks, transforming the gel into a strong, rigid polymer on the nail.<\/p>\n
Without exposure to UV light, gel nail polish would simply stay in liquid form and never harden. The UV light is absolutely vital to setting and curing gel manicures. Once fully cured under the light, the polish is locked into place on nails for up to three weeks with no chipping or peeling!<\/p>\n