Gel nails are one of the hottest nail trends. They’ve been around for a while; they were first introduced in the early 2000s. Gel nails differ from acrylics and shellac because they don’t require drying time after application. This means you can get your gel manicure done in as little as 30 minutes! Although there are many at-home gel kits on the market right now, only some have been able to match up to professional-level quality regarding durability and shine. Read everything you need to know about choosing an at-home gel nail kit.
What do gel nail kits include?
Gel Nail Kits are comprehensive sets that include everything needed to complete at-home manicures. The kit contains the following:
- A UV light that dries and cures the polish in seconds.
- A gel base and top coat that protects against damage and enhances shine are also included.
- Gel colour (usually three bottles of it—one for each hand) comes in a wide range of shades that can be mixed for custom colours or matched with other shades from brands like Essie or OPI.
- And finally, an applicator tool called a buffer is used to smooth out ridges on your nails before applying the base coat and polish.
What is UV light used for?
A UV light cures the gel polish and hardens it, which means you can have a beautiful manicure that lasts longer than traditional nail polish. They are available in different sizes and shapes, so you can find one that fits your needs. You can buy UV lights from a beauty supply store or online.
Easy to Use
Many people are concerned with the safety of at-home gel nail kits, but these products are suitable for use in a home setting. The process is similar to performing a traditional manicure and pedicure, so you won’t need any special training or certification to use one of these kits. The products’ instructions are clear and easy to follow, so it’s likely that everyone would need help with using one of these kits correctly.
Long Lasting
Gel nails are a more durable alternative than acrylics. While acrylics can last anywhere between two and four weeks, gel nails typically last up to two weeks and can be reapplied as needed. Unlike acrylics, the application process for gel nail kits is simple and does not require frequent maintenance. Gels bond using UV light and resin to form a hard layer on top of your natural nail bed, making it stronger than conventional polish or glue-on extensions. This additional strength makes them ideal for individuals who work with their hands or spend time outdoors in harsh conditions (e.g., construction workers).
Tips for Choosing Gel Kits
If you’re not sure how to pick the best gel nail kit, here are some tips:
- Make sure it’s the right kind of kit. Gel kits come in various forms and sizes, so make sure yours is the right one for your needs. For example, if you’re looking for something small and portable that can be taken anywhere, it may be better to invest in a smaller set with fewer features than a larger one with lots of bells and whistles. On the other hand, if you only plan on using your kit at home, then there’s no need to worry about portability—you might even want something larger or more extravagant!
- Choose an LED light system over a UV one when possible. The old-fashioned way of curing gel nails is using ultraviolet (UV) lights instead of an LED system. This is because UV lights are cheaper and faster. However, these options can cause damage over time because they emit heat which causes shrinkage cracks in your nail polish layers and cracking at joints between each layer due to temperature differences between them (which means less-than-perfect results).