Help on gel nails

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JenniS

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Hi Geeks,

I'm a newly qualified nail tech and although I'm pretty proficient in L&P, I've never used coloured gels.

My cousin is going on hols at the end of the week and is coming round for a bit of a pamper on Wednesday. She wants her toenails done but wants "an industrial strength top coat" (her words!) to stop them chipping before the end of her hols.

My questions are:

- can I mix a coloured nail polish with gel to apply to her nails?
- can I use a clear gel over the top of a coloured polish instead of a top coat to make them last a bit longer?

Thanks geeks,

Jen
x
 
Hey Jen

The gel idea does typically work, but if you have the UV sealer that works just as well. It'll will protect the colour and its not at thick as a gel layer so it'll be more natural and comfortable. Some people just don't like the feel of a thicker layer on their toes.

As for mixing, I've think I've heard about someone doing that before and I'm pretty sure it didn't work out as well as hoped. But I'm not positive about that...

Have fun :)
 
I have tried overlaying nail polish with not much success, I was using Creative Enamel though, which may have something to do with it. I was told though if I was going to try it to make sure that the polish was fully dried as you will need to remove surface shine (the gel I use requires this) and thats not recommended on freshly polished nails....gloopy mess!!!
 
OK, thanks for that. So if I paint the nails with enamel then use the UV sealer on top, that should work? Sorry to be dense (I only really do l&P!), I assume that I just paint the UV sealer over the top as I would a top coat and then cure under the lamp? Also, does the enamel need to be dry before doing this?

Thanks for all your help!

Jen
x
 
Oh, and do I need to file and buff them after applying the sealer or is it pretty much self-levelling?
 
A UV sealer, something like Star Nail UV Sealer is like a top coat that uses a light to cure it. You don't need to buff or shine, but after it cures, you should run a little bit of alcohol or finishing wipe over it to remove any tackiness if there is any. Just be careful to not use too much.. because like gel, it will run a little, but if you don't use enough, it'll shrink leaving it will tiny holes.

The enamel should be mostly dry. Just for being safe.
 
OK, thanks for that. So if I paint the nails with enamel then use the UV sealer on top, that should work? Sorry to be dense (I only really do l&P!), I assume that I just paint the UV sealer over the top as I would a top coat and then cure under the lamp? Also, does the enamel need to be dry before doing this?

Thanks for all your help!

Jen
x

You should be able to put a UV topcoat over everything once the nails have dried for a while. China Glaze makes a good one. You could try on yourself before she comes just to be sure!!! Hope this helps a little bit :green: Good luck!
 
Thanks all,

Have been to get my UV sealer today. She'd better bloomin' turn up now! Will let you know how it goes.

Jen
x
 
Hope this is not to late, but just an idea for you.........

Polish over a layer of gel seems to last for ages!

Wouldn't say mixing polish and gel would be a great idea, why not try a coloured gel?
The layer of gel over polish has been tried by a few geeks on the site, with mixed results, if I remember correctly only a small percentage managed it!

HTH xx
 
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