I love my nail technician but also love having nice nails so lockdown has bit depressing on the nail front. I’ve been getting PolyGel nails for around 2 years now. I stopped getting the damaging acrylic at all the regular nail bars and never turned back. I never thought I’d see the day I was doing at home PolyGel nails. If I could’ve been at my nail technician I would’ve been in a heartbeat. That’s still the case, you should see my right hands nail varnish!
What is PolyGel like?
Not only is PolyGel lighter on your nails. It doesn’t damage your nail beds half as much as acyrlic. The amount of times I’ve snapped a nail with normal acrylic and nearly ripped my nail off. PolyGel is just as strong as acrylic, but it snaps rather than taking your whole nail. And also prevents the damage normal acrylic does.
PolyGel is stronger than your regular gel polish. But it isn’t as strong as acrylic you may usually be used to. I can’t see I’ve seen a difference a huge amount. I haven’t really snapped a nail yet, and they survive my gym classes.
How do you apply it?
PolyGel is applied like acrylic but cures like a gel polish. Firstly shape and trim your nails to how you want them. (Thats if you’re doing overlays). You place a dollop of it on your nail and sculpt it with a brush. You can freehand sculpt a tip, or use a regular tip. I prefer the sculpted ones as they don’t leave the gap under your nail. Sculpted sounds a lot more complicated than it is too. You apply the cone to your nails and make the shape you’d like.
The formula is brushed out to the desired thickness and length. It is then cured under a UV light like a regular gel polish. You then file it for extra smoothness, unless you’re a total pro at applying. (I’m not).
How easy is it to apply PolyGel at home?
I won’t lie you need a bit of concernation, and your first attempt may not be the best. But practise makes perfect. My first set wasn’t actually bad at all. It wasn’t the smoothest of applications, but lasted a good month. My second attempt was a lot smoother and didn’t take as much filing.
How long does it last?
I’ve went times where I’ve had them on 8 weeks, and sometimes get them changed more often. This really depends on how quick your nails grow. If your nails grow you will need them infilled more often. Otherwise they can last 6 week plus and still look great.
Where can you buy PolyGel?
You can get your own PolyGel nails kit on quite a few websites online. They’re a little harder to get a hold of with everyone wanting to do them. But there is so many to choose from. You can get your kit from eBay, Amazon, Gelish and loads more. Or if you just want to do gel nails Sensationail do great starter kits.
Step by Step How to:
- Prep your nail. Use a nail file to gently file the top shine off your nail bed. Get the desired shape if you’re doing overlays beforehand. It makes it easier to shape when you’re done.
- Prep your cuticles. You want the PolyGel to be near the cuticle to last longer. It also ensures there isn’t anything compromising the gel.
- Apply your base coat to allow the gel to stick. Put this under your UV lamp to set. Depending on the wattage will depend on the cure time.
- Put a small dollop of PolyGel on your nails with the metal tool. Using the brush, smooth out all over your nail. Use the slip solution to ensure your brush glides smoothly. Once complete, cure the nail for around 2-3 minutes. Check it’s dry and hard before finishing.
- If you’re doing extensions, place the cone onto your nail. Smooth the gel over the nail and over the cone. Try and apply in the shape you would like. Then cure the nail as usual. Once cured you can pop off the cone.
- Once they’re all done, file over the gel to get a smooth surface. Smooth off any potential bumps and don’t leave them too thick. You can also file the shape more here.
- Then voila! You can either put gel polish over these, or normal polish. Whichever you prefer. I always prefer gel as it lasts longer.
- When it comes to re-doing these, you can infill them. Or alternatively, you can soak these off and re-apply. I much prefer infills!
I love being able to keep my nails on during lockdown. It’s one thing I love to get done and make myself feel better. I’ve also permed my own eyelashes and dyed my own brows. So pretty successful lockdown if I say so myself!
Have you tried doing this yourself before? Or are you considering trying it?
