Top 5 !!!
Most recommended Polygels
And
Everything you need to know about this new trend!
1. Modelones Poly Nail Gel
2. Gershion Poly Nail Gel
3. Beetles
Poly Nail Extension Gel
4. Makartt Poly Nail Gel
5. Astound PolyGel
Gel manicures have been helpful in maintaining polished nails for long periods of time , but once one nail chips or peels, it’s usually less than 24 hours before we peel them all off.
The only thing that helps in the long-run? Acrylic nails… They’re nearly impossible to mess up and last for much, much longer than a gel manicure on a natural nail.
If done incorrectly, though, acrylics can potentially expose you to a variety of chemicals.
What’s more, the risk of exposure to chemicals even exists with perfectly done acrylics, and the process is never particularly cheap.
The only thing that helps in the long-run? Acrylic nails… They’re nearly impossible to mess up and last for much, much longer than a gel manicure on a natural nail.
If done incorrectly, though, acrylics can potentially expose you to a variety of chemicals.
What’s more, the risk of exposure to chemicals even exists with perfectly done acrylics, and the process is never particularly cheap.
What Are Polygel Nails?
Polygel is a nail enhancement best described as a hybrid formula that combines the durability of acrylic nails and the elasticity application of gel nails. The process and the materials used in the manicure, though, are actually quite different.
Polygel, which is sold in a tube much like toothpaste, is a mixture of acrylic powder and clear gel. Polygel also has a putty-like consistency and is extremely easy to apply and shape.
How Are Polygel Nails Applied?
Full set:
For a natural look it’s recommended to overlay Polygel onto the natural nail. It also works very well when shaping around the cuticle area, designing the most perfect linear construction.
Below, we outlined what you can expect from an initial full set of Polygel nails:
For a natural look it’s recommended to overlay Polygel onto the natural nail. It also works very well when shaping around the cuticle area, designing the most perfect linear construction.
Below, we outlined what you can expect from an initial full set of Polygel nails:
- The first step is sculpting the natural nail into the desired shape.
- Next, the cuticle (the thin layer of tissue attached to the nail plate) is removed and the nail plate is buffed.
- Any debris on the nail is removed with a lint-free wipe soaked in nail surface cleaner.
- Depending on the brand of the Polygel, this step will vary. After applying a dehydrator on the natural nails, either an acid-free primer is used or a gel base coat will be applied.
- The nails are cured (dried) for a duration specified by the Polygel brand under an LED light.
- Now, it's time to add the Polygel. A pea-sized amount is applied onto the nail plate.
- A brush is dipped into a slip solution (a solution that makes it easier to shape the Polygel) and used to pat down the Polygel and sculpt the nail into the desired shape and length.
- The nails are cured again for 30 to 60 seconds. Again, this will vary depending on the Polygel brand.
- The nails are shaped, buffed, and wiped with a lint-free wipe covered in nail surface cleaner.
- A gel top coat is applied.
- The nails are cured for another 30 to 60 seconds.
- Finally, the nails are wiped once more with a lint-free wipe soaked in nail surface cleanser. The process is now complete!
Scroll down for three other types of Polygel manicures:
Sculpted extension:
Looking for an even longer set of nails?
For this application, the first four steps are the same as with a full set application, but instead of applying the Polygel onto the natural nail, a nail form is placed on top of the natural nail. Polygel is then applied onto the nail form and sculpted into the desired shape and length. The nails are then cured under an LED light. Next, the nail form is removed and steps 8–10 are followed.
Fill-in:
After approximately three to four weeks, it will be time to have your Polygel manicure filled-in.
Similar to the maintenance of acrylic nails, Polygel nails typically don’t need to be fully removed and reapplied during each visit. Instead, they are simply filled-in for maintenance (your nail technician can advise when it is time to fully remove your Polygel nails and come in for a fresh application). During a fill-in, the Polygel remains on the nail and is filed down.
Next, more Polygel (a pea-sized amount) is added near the cuticle to fill in the area where the nail has grown over time. Finally, steps 7–12 of the full set application are repeated.
Pink and white nails:
Similar to acrylic powder, which comes in different colors (i.e., white, clear, pink, etc.), Polygel also comes in a wide variety of colors. Want a Polygel french manicure?
No problem, the same steps used for a full set application are followed—except that for this method, each color is applied and cured separately.
After approximately three to four weeks, it will be time to have your Polygel manicure filled-in.
Similar to the maintenance of acrylic nails, Polygel nails typically don’t need to be fully removed and reapplied during each visit. Instead, they are simply filled-in for maintenance (your nail technician can advise when it is time to fully remove your Polygel nails and come in for a fresh application). During a fill-in, the Polygel remains on the nail and is filed down.
Next, more Polygel (a pea-sized amount) is added near the cuticle to fill in the area where the nail has grown over time. Finally, steps 7–12 of the full set application are repeated.
Pink and white nails:
Similar to acrylic powder, which comes in different colors (i.e., white, clear, pink, etc.), Polygel also comes in a wide variety of colors. Want a Polygel french manicure?
No problem, the same steps used for a full set application are followed—except that for this method, each color is applied and cured separately.
Polygel vs. Gel vs. Acrylics
Confused about the differences between gel, acrylic, and Polygel manicures?
See below for some basic comparisons.
How Long Do Polygel Manicures Last?
Polygel manicures can last up to three to four weeks. The longevity of your Polygel manicure will also depend on the length of the nail and your lifestyle. If you’re involved every day with activities that are rough on your hands, your Polygel manicure may not survive the full month.
Polygel, like acrylics, is certainly more expensive than a basic gel manicure, but, it lasts almost twice as long. If you get a light nude or pink color, it’s hard to tell when the manicure has grown out, making it last even longer than you might think.
Are Polygel Manicures Safe for Your Nails?
If applied and removed properly, Polygel manicures are perfectly safe for your nails.
In fact, Polygel can be considered safer than other nail enhancements—like acrylics—as no chemicals are released into the air during application.
But keep in mind that Polygel nails should always be removed by a professional.
With that said, if you’ve never had nail extensions at all, the experience of having longer nails may be a bit strange at first, but if you do love a longer nail (or if, you struggle with biting or picking at your nails), then Polygel is certainly worth considering
See below for some basic comparisons.
- Gel: The thinnest of the three nail enhancements. Gel polish on natural nails can bend the nails, causing breakage.
- Acrylic: Many people choose an acrylic manicure if they’re looking for longer nails. Plus, they are thick and sturdy with less breakage to the natural nail. To apply, an acrylic powder called monomer must be used. Some experts and clients are wary of the strong-smelling monomer dust that is released into the air when acrylics are applied.
- Polygel: There are two main similarities between Polygel and acrylic nails. Just like acrylic, Polygel enhancements don’t usually need to removed, the nail growth area can simply be filled-in with more Polygel. Secondly, Polygel nails can also be applied on top of a nail form and sculpted to create an extension of the nail, just like acrylic. There are also several ways that Polygel nails differ from acrylic, and Polygel manicures tend to outshine acrylic nails for these reasons. It has the strength of acrylic, but is lighter, stronger, and [more] flexible. Because of this, Polygel nails are less likely to break off. Plus, Polygel is easier to apply—it doesn’t require the tedious mixing of powder. Finally, Polygel is odorless and no chemicals are released into the air with application.
How Long Do Polygel Manicures Last?
Polygel manicures can last up to three to four weeks. The longevity of your Polygel manicure will also depend on the length of the nail and your lifestyle. If you’re involved every day with activities that are rough on your hands, your Polygel manicure may not survive the full month.
Polygel, like acrylics, is certainly more expensive than a basic gel manicure, but, it lasts almost twice as long. If you get a light nude or pink color, it’s hard to tell when the manicure has grown out, making it last even longer than you might think.
Are Polygel Manicures Safe for Your Nails?
If applied and removed properly, Polygel manicures are perfectly safe for your nails.
In fact, Polygel can be considered safer than other nail enhancements—like acrylics—as no chemicals are released into the air during application.
But keep in mind that Polygel nails should always be removed by a professional.
With that said, if you’ve never had nail extensions at all, the experience of having longer nails may be a bit strange at first, but if you do love a longer nail (or if, you struggle with biting or picking at your nails), then Polygel is certainly worth considering