Gel varnish coating is firmly established in salon and home nail care. Convenient and beautiful, and most importantly, long lasting.

The application format consists of three main bottles: base, gel polish, top, not counting primer and degreaser. The longevity of the manicure depends on how the base sits on the nails.

Today there are liquid, thick and medium-thick bases. There are also camouflage bases of various shades close to natural. Strengthening bases with fiberglass particles appeared.

The base is the durability of the manicure, but if applied incorrectly, chipping, peeling and other troubles cannot be avoided.

1. We process the nail plate: remove/move the cuticle, remove the pterygium, give the nails the desired shape, buff the nail plate a little. Brush off the dust. We treat the nails with a degreasing liquid - remember that after this stage you should not touch the nails with your fingers. Apply an acid-free primer with an almost dry brush using rubbing movements, wait a minute for it to air dry (without a lamp).
2. It's time for the base - you can apply it with a brush from the bottle or use a separate flat synthetic one.

It is believed that it is more convenient for beginners to work with medium-thick or thick bases, such as rubber base for gel polish. However, it is the thick product that can play an insidious joke much more often: swelling at the edge of the nail, flowing under the cuticle and to the side ridges.

How to apply the base for gel polish correctly? If your nails are perfect, without dents or bumps, not flat or crooked, one coat of base is enough. If leveling is required, use two layers.

The base for gel polish is applied by placing a slightly squeezed brush starting from 2/3 of the nail and then moving up to the cuticle, reducing it to nothing, moving along the side rollers, sealing the edge of the nail and once again going over the nail bed.

We send it to dry in a UV lamp for 2 minutes, in ICE for 60 seconds.

If you need to straighten or strengthen your nails, apply a second layer of base coat.

• Apply the base onto the brush so that a drop forms.
• We place the drop on the nail at a distance of four millimeters from the cuticle and, without pressing the brush to the nail, move it to the edge and slightly trim along the edges of the nail. The imperfections can be tightened with the edge of the brush moving towards the center. Movements must be made quickly enough to avoid spreading of the coating. If the base floats a little, turn your hand over with your nails down - parallel to the table.

Then we return the hand to its normal position, check the nail and quickly send it to dry for 2 minutes or 1 lamp, respectively.

For leveling, mainly thick and medium-viscosity bases are used, which hold their shape well.

VIDEO REVIEW

Why does the base bake in a lamp?

To understand why nails burn so much in a lamp, you need to dive a little into the process of hardening the material.

How it all happens:

• During baking of the base (and gel polish, including), a chemical reaction of crystallization of the coating occurs, during which heat is released (exothermic reaction). This warmth is felt differently, each person has their own perception, plus additional nuances:
• Thin or damaged nail plate. The nail itself is a non-living organism and does not perceive heat in any way, but underneath it there is a network of vessels and capillaries. The thinner the nail plate, the more painful it is to bake the base.
  By the way, it is usually the base that burns the nail, since it is applied first, and it also protects against the unpleasant sensation when applying subsequent layers of gel polish. Some people also experience a burning sensation when applying colored gel polish - this does not happen with all colors and is typical for more transparent shades.
• Some people mistakenly blame the lamp for the pain from baking, saying it’s bad and the list goes on. There is some truth in the lamp’s fault, but it’s different. The newer and more powerful the light bulbs in the lamp, the faster the baking of the base occurs and, accordingly, it seems that it bakes very strongly.
• The thicker the base layer is applied, and this is inevitable when leveling, the more the nails bake and burn in sensation.

What to do about this trouble?

1. Remove your hand from the lamp for a few seconds (3-4) when you feel it is baking. If the base has not yet set, turn the nails down at this time - horizontally, so that the coating does not flow anywhere. As soon as the marigolds are released, we send them back to bake. You can remove your nails several times, the main thing is not to pull or shake your hand.
2. If you know that your nails/capillaries are very sensitive, discuss it with your nail specialist. Some people keep a collection of gel polish bases not only of different densities, but also have less stinging.

Is it possible to apply gel polish without a base?

Definitely not.

1. The base coat is needed for the subsequent “pie” of layers to adhere to the nail - without it there will be no durability and the gel polish will wear off like regular polish.
2. The pigment component of the colored part is very concentrated and, when applied to the nail without a base, leaves a strong stain.
3. If you want to save money and not buy many bottles, you can buy a single-phase gel polish - so to speak, three in one. It will wear well and will not require a large investment in many bottles.
   Do not disturb the sequence of applying three-phase/classic gel polish. Specialists have been developing materials for years; independent sabotage during the application process can result in dire consequences.

1. Get a manicure, degrease your nails
2. Lightly sand the nail plate until matte.
3. Cover with a base coat and dry in a UV lamp
4. Apply several layers of gel polish, be sure to dry each one
5. Apply a finishing layer and dry
6. Remove sticky layer

As you can see, a mandatory step when creating a manicure with gel polish is applying the base layer. We get the answer - you cannot apply gel polish without a base. The base gel protects the nail plate from the penetration of coloring pigments of the gel polish and ensures good adhesion of the material to the nail.

The wrong combination of manicure products with different structures will inevitably lead to cracks and chips. For example, many people believe that gel can be used along with regular nail polish. However, it is not. Gel polish is a polymer that has a sticky layer that adheres to the previous one. Ordinary varnish does not have this feature. Therefore it is just a waste of time. An exception is the option when regular varnish is applied to gel polish in the form of decorative elements. In this case, only a small amount of regular varnish is permissible before the finishing coat.

Everything in a person should be beautiful: his soul, his thoughts, and even his nails. A well-done manicure with a perfect finish is a decoration for every girl.

Strengthening natural nails with gel: features of the procedure

But what to do if nature has deprived you of a beautiful shape of your nails, because of their fragility it is difficult to grow even a small length, but you don’t want to do extensions? Gel nail coating without extensions will come to the rescue.

It will help you grow the desired length and, if necessary, slightly adjust the shape of your natural nail. Very often, girls confuse strengthening nails with gel with gel extensions. However, in fact, they have only one similarity: both procedures help make nails beautiful and well-groomed.

The differences between them are significant:

• for nail extensions the nail bed is lengthened and the shape of the natural nail may change, while with conventional strengthening it is impossible to increase the length of the nail;
• when covering nails with gel without extensions, a small amount of material is applied to the natural nail, which means there is no thinning or weakening of your own nails;
• strengthening nails with gel helps improve the condition of the nail, reduce its fragility and prevent delamination of the plate.

Strengthening nails with gel is an excellent option for those who do not want to resort to extensions, but want to have long and beautiful nails.

Advantages and disadvantages of gel nail coating

The advantages of gel nail strengthening include:

Despite all the advantages, this procedure has enough disadvantages:

• The need for regular correction. As the nail grows, the border between the natural nail and the strengthened gel becomes noticeable. The frequency of correction depends on the rate of nail growth, on average it is once every 2–3 weeks.
• Duration of the procedure. When covering nails with gel in a salon with a manicurist, the procedure takes from 1 to 1.5 hours; if you strengthen it yourself, the duration increases by at least 2 times or more.

What is better to use gel or biogel to strengthen nails?

To determine what is best for strengthening nails, you first need to understand how these two materials differ. The gel is a synthetic glass-like polymer; it hardens when polymerized in a UV lamp.

Biogel –It is a rubber-based polymer being a very elastic material.

Thus, for those who do not want to lengthen the nail plate, but want to strengthen natural nails, biogel is the ideal material. It will cause the least harm to your nails and give them a beautiful and well-groomed look.

Materials and tools needed to strengthen nails with gel

To cover your nails with gel you will need the following materials:

Gels come in several types: single-phase and three-phase. In the case of a single-phase gel, only one gel is needed; in the case of a three-phase gel, a base and top coat are also required.

Be careful: When carrying out the procedure of covering nails with gel without extensions in the salon, it is necessary to ensure that all the instruments that will be used to perform the trimmed manicure are sterilized, since there is a high risk of infection from non-sterile instruments.

Gel nail coating without extensions: step-by-step instructions at home

Covering nails with gel without extensions at home is not so difficult. You just need to follow the correct sequence of all actions and practice a little in order to reduce the time for the procedure.

It is important to know: If the gel does not dry out, the lamps must be replaced. When using LED gels, they can be dried in a LED lamp, then the polymerization time will be reduced to 30 seconds.

1. Application of gel. The application rules are the same, each layer is dried in a lamp for 2 minutes.
2. If any design is required, you need to remove the sticky layer from the gel and cover your nails with gel polish or decorate them with decorative elements.
3. Application top coating.
4. Removing the sticky layer. When using a topcoat without a sticky layer, this is not necessary.

Design ideas for gel nails

One of the most common designs when covering nails with gel is the French manicure. This option is universal, it will suit any look and style. In addition, when the natural nail grows out, the transition will not be noticeable for much longer.

A manicure made with plain gel polishes with some design on the nails of the ring fingers will look interesting.

Recently, various nail pigments and mirror rubs have become increasingly popular, making nails look as if they are covered with metal.

The ombre or gradient design, in which the nail is covered with two contrasting or, conversely, similar colors, and the border between them is shaded, is also in demand.

How long does gel nail polish last?

The durability of the gel coating depends on what material was used for strengthening. If it is a simple gel, then this coating will last at least 3 weeks, after which correction will be required. However, this is more likely due not to the fact that the coating will deteriorate, but to the fact that overgrown nails look very unaesthetic. When using biogel, the coating lasts about 2 weeks.

Note! In addition to the type used to coat the material, the durability of the gel coating is influenced by the following factors:

• insufficient preparation of the nail plate;
• insufficient time for gel polymerization in a UV lamp;
• contact with chemicals, such as detergents and disinfectants, as well as acetone-containing liquids without gloves.

In order for extended or gel-coated nails to retain their original appearance for as long as possible, it is recommended that all housework be done with gloves.

Strengthening nails with gel: price in the salon

The cost of covering nails with gel without extensions in salons varies, but if you take the average amount, it will be about 1000 rubles or more. The final amount will depend on the chosen coating, the complexity and quantity of the design completed, as well as the popularity of the particular salon and manicurist.

It should be remembered that there is no need to save on such things, since this can lead to the fact that a cheaper master will ruin his nails or cause some kind of infection by performing a manicure with an untreated tool.

Useful tips from experts: how to perform high-quality nail strengthening with gel

1. In order to avoid detachments, A few hours before applying the gel, you should not use moisturizing creams or oils.
2. To ensure that the coating lasts as long as possible, Manicure should be done dry, without soaking. If you need to steam your hands before a manicure, it is best to apply the coating the next day.
3. In order for the nail plate to be perfectly smooth, Additional leveling can be done using a rubber base.
4. For perfect coverage, It is necessary to remove the pterygium from the surface of the nail as thoroughly as possible.
5. Do not allow the base to leak on the cuticle and side ridges, this will lead to detachment of the gel.
6. Be sure to seal the end of the nail at all stages of material application to avoid chipping.

Gel coating allows you to keep your nails in order, giving them an aesthetic appearance. Moreover, their strengthening can be done not only in the salon, but also at home, having previously stocked up with all the necessary materials.

Gel nail coating without extensions: useful video

Covering nails with gel at home without extensions in this video:

White French at home. Covering nails with gel without extensions in this video:

Many girls would like to have beautiful hands with long-lasting manicure without extra costs. But for those who are trying to master the technique of a salon procedure on their own at home, many questions immediately arise. One of the most important of them: “Is it possible to apply gel polish without a base and top?”

Secrets of long-lasting manicure durability

In order to help newcomers to the nail industry, we asked the opinions of professionals. Will the coating last if applied without a base or finish? The answer from the masters is clear: “No.” refers to three-phase products, that is, all three components are equally important for it: base, color, top. Exactly protect the varnish from below and above, give the manicure durability and shine, make it durable and beautiful.

What role does base play in gel polish coating?

This is the basis of manicure. It not only protects the nail from the negative influence of decorative varnish, but also ensures adhesion of the surface of the nail plate to the gel substance. Without this important component, the nail may become stained due to paint particles that penetrate the nail scales. In addition, the coating will be fragile, and you are unlikely to walk with it for more than two or three days.

What is the finishing layer for?

This is a protective coating that makes your nails shine and also gain the ability to withstand the damaging effects of the external environment. The top seals the polish tightly; without it, the manicure will very quickly become chipped and cracked and lose its attractiveness.

Is it possible to swap the base and top?

Nail art masters also answer this question in the negative. Each of these products has its own functions, which are provided by its composition, so applying a top coat first and then covering the manicure with a base layer is strictly prohibited.

All of the above applies only to three-phase gel polishes, but there are also single-phase products that are used without base and top.

Can a manicure applied with gel polish dry on its own without a lamp? Maybe! Manufacturers in the nail industry do not stand still. With each season, more and more new products appear in the world of beauty that help achieve perfectly even highlights without the use of an LED or UV lamp.

Features of the procedure

Not every girl has the opportunity to visit beauty salons several times a month. Many beauties have been doing their own manicures at home for a long time. The gel polish system is the most popular type of coating today. It consists of a base, colored gel polish and finishing top. Each layer must be polymerized (dried) in an LED or UV lamp.

But how to make gel polish without a lamp, if such a device is simply not available? Manicure product manufacturers have found a solution to this problem, and every season they create more and more new coatings, whose texture resembles the famous glossy highlights. Only this varnish does not need to be dried in a lamp.

Types of gel polishes

For you, we have collected several types of gel polishes that will help you create the perfect gel coating without a lamp:

Advantages and disadvantages

Gel polish without a lamp has a lot of advantages and a few disadvantages. Its positive aspects:

• Easily erased with nail polish remover;
• has a wide palette of colors;
• gives nails a rich shade in just one coat;
• no need to file off the top layer of nails before coating;
• lasts for 2-3 weeks;
• easy to do manicure at home;
• gives nails a seductive shine;
• varnishes are sold at an affordable price;
• no need to use special means or lamps to dry the layers.

Negative sides:

• the varnish can stain the nail plate if the base is not applied to the nail plate prematurely;
• long drying time;
• gloss tends to fade quickly;
• low-quality gel polish without a lamp often chips due to mechanical damage;
• Some products contain harmful ingredients.

Is gel polish harmful without drying it in a lamp?

A huge number of girls have already appreciated the varnish, which does not need to be polymerized in a lamp. There are many reasons: there is no need to cut down the plate, and the skin is not exposed to UV radiation. The biggest harm that gel polish without a lamp can cause is harmful components. There are 2 markings: “3-free” and “5-free”.

Mark "3-free" indicates that the product does not contain 3 harmful components (formaldehyde, solvent toluene and dibutyl phthalate). If the bottle contains the marking "5-free", then the above products are excluded from the varnish, plus formaldehyde resins and synthetic camphor. The second option is suitable even for pregnant girls.

The best manufacturers

Which gel polish without a lamp to choose for your manicure? How to simplify the creation of nail designs so that the process does not take much time? For you, we have collected the most popular brands from which you can choose the best.

Pupa "lasting color gel"

The product has good properties, and also has a beautiful bottle and a convenient cap. Creates an attractive glossy nail surface in just a few touches. The varnish lasts up to 1 week without chipping or cracking.

El Corazon

A popular brand that has won the hearts of many nail artists and home users. The product contains many herbal and natural ingredients that nourish the nails with beneficial elements. Of the minuses, it should be noted that the varnish contains dangerous formaldehyde. The product lasts about 1-2 weeks.

Limoni

The inexpensive price of the bottle will appeal to many girls. The Limoni brand offers a huge palette of shades for every taste, which can be chosen to suit absolutely any look. The varnish lasts for 10-14 days, but maybe longer.

Belor design “podium gel effect”

The Belarusian manufacturer creates excellent decorative cosmetics. Their gel polish without a lamp became a revolutionary product that many female representatives liked. The product creates a glossy gel effect on your nails in a matter of minutes. Provides long-lasting coverage for up to 2 weeks.

Brigitte bottier

The famous brand offers a huge palette of colors. The product fits perfectly on the nails and forms a glossy surface on the nails. A professional round-shaped brush will create an incredible radiant coating in 1-2 strokes. It lasts for 14 days.

CND Vinylux

It is extremely popular among girls. An excellent nail polish that is widely used in home and professional use. Just before applying the product, you need to thoroughly degrease the nail plate, and only then apply colored gel polish.

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Color

Color coating that remains durable for 2 weeks. It must be applied in 2 layers, and then just wait 5-10 minutes until it dries completely. In addition to basic shades, the manufacturer often produces limited collections, which are quite difficult to find on sale.

O.P.I. Infinite Shine Gel Effects Lacquer System

The three-stage system consists of a base, colored gel polish and top coat. Additional products adhere materials well to nails and combat the appearance of stains on nails. For a durable coating that lasts 7-10 days, it is enough to apply 2 layers of gel polish. The palette includes about 30 colors.

Pupa Lasting Color Gel

This glass effect gel polish does not require a base or top coat. But colored gel polish is applied in 1-2 layers. Thanks to it, nails become voluminous and acquire an original mirror shine. The manufacturer offers more than 100 different shades.

Isadora Gel Nail Lacquer

This gel polish without a lamp is absolutely safe for health, as it does not contain harmful components. The coating must be applied in 2 layers, and it dries within 3-5 minutes. You can remove the product using nail polish remover that does not contain acetone. There are 13 shades available in the palette.

NailLOOK like GEL

The varnish contains 80% useful components and is marked “BIG 5 FREE”. To achieve a wet gloss effect, it is enough to apply only 2 layers, which will then be covered with a gel top. The varnish lasts up to 2 weeks, and the palette includes 21 shades.

Rimmel London Super Gel

You don't need to use a base coat to use this gel polish without a lamp. All you need is 2 layers and a sealer to make your nails shine in a special way. The product lasts 12-14 days, but sometimes it can please a girl much longer. The varnish does not wear off and protects the plates from mechanical damage.

Lumene gel effect nail polish

The varnish contains no harmful ingredients. The varnish is very ultra-resistant and gives the nails a special gel effect. The product lasts on the nails for about a week. When creating a manicure, you do not need to apply a base or top coat. The palette includes about 70 shades.

Avon "Gel effect"

A budget varnish with a gel coating effect does not require the application of a base and top coat. The product contains useful components that prevent peeling and brittleness of nails. The palette contains 16 shades. The product lasts for 7-10 days.

Manicure without lamp

In order for your manicure to be perfect, gel polish without a lamp must be properly applied and dried. For you, we have collected the best tips that will help you and make working with manicure products much easier.

How to apply correctly

Let's look at how to properly apply gel polish, which does not need to be dried in an LED or UV lamp. What you will need to create a manicure:

• colored gel polish;
• catalyst (for some gel polishes it is not required);
• manicure file;
• soft buff.

How to properly apply gel polish without a lamp:

1. Using a manicure file, give the nail the desired shape.
2. Carefully remove the gloss from the nail plate with a soft buff.
3. Apply gel polish evenly onto the nail in several layers.
4. Apply the catalyst on top of the nails using a brush (or spray).
5. Dip your fingers in cold water to fix the color.

How to dry properly

We learned how to apply the product, but how to dry gel polish without a lamp?

1. If you bought an insensitive varnish, then you need, in addition to it, to buy a catalyst (or activator).
2. If you purchased a water-based coating, you can dry your nails in clean, cold or ice-cold liquid.
3. When using insensitive gel polish, you need to fix each layer with a monomer or activator. Creamy catalysts are rubbed into the nails with light movements. And then you need to immerse your nails in a cold bath of water for 15-20 minutes.

Video instruction

How to make gel polish without a lamp can be seen in the video.

Secrets of specialists

We have collected the best secrets for you that will help you create the perfect coating:

• if the thickness of the varnish does not suit you, you should apply another layer;
• Drying duration depends on the manufacturer;
• always read the instructions before use;
• for drying it is necessary to use only filtered purified water;
• add some ice cubes to the water bath;
• gel polish without drying in a lamp can be polymerized using a monomer for 2 minutes;
• do not use gel polishes on a regular basis, your nails can become seriously damaged;
• When working at home, wear gloves to protect your nails from chips and cracks;
• the biogel dries on its own within a few minutes;
• If you want to cover your nails with a matte top, then choose a special product.

As you can see, gel polish without a lamp at home is a very real solution for anyone who does not want to injure their skin under the influence of UV rays. When choosing products, be careful and choose water-based or light-insensitive coatings.