Applying gel polish at home: instructions for beginners. Gel polish for home use: learning how to beautifully paint nails Do I need to cover gel polish with a top

In the process of learning to apply gel polish, certain mistakes are inevitably made that upset novice masters. Let's take a closer look at them so that your home experiments and creativity bring only positive results and impressions!

Preparing nails for a manicure with gel polish: what you need to pay attention to. Top 10 Newbie Mistakes.

Careful and high-quality preparation of nails will help the master quickly and correctly apply a color coating, as well as ensure good adhesion of the nail with subsequent layers of applied materials. Unfortunately, mistakes happen at this stage in the work of both experienced craftsmen and first-time buyers. What are the consequences of the shortcomings made in the processing of marigolds and the application of materials for degreasing, cleansing, dehydration and improving adhesion?

Mistake #1: the base for gel polish lay down with sagging.

Cause: you have not completely removed the old coating. It is necessary to carefully cut off or all the layers of the previous design, so that the layer of the new one fits perfectly on the nail and evens out all the grooves and cavities.

Mistake #2: microbubbles and mini-voids are visible in the layer of the polymerized base.

Cause: in the process of unedged manicure, you did not completely remove the cuticle, pterygium and eponychium. During the baking process, microgaps formed between the layer of the nail and the particles of the skin remaining on the nail. When wearing this design, detachments at the cuticle and cracks may form due to water getting under the base layer.

Mistake #3: the color coating peeled off the nail, starting from the base layer.

Cause: this is due to the fact that the master could skip the step of removing the upper keratin layer. Buffy nail, it is important not to damage it. Do not exert significant force when pressing the tool on the nails and observe the correct direction of movement. Correctly buff from the cuticle to the free edge, with light movements.
The same picture is observed if instead of a buff, . He will make the nail instead of rough - smooth, and the coating on the nail simply will not hold.

Mistake #4: under a layer of gel polish, cracks formed in the nail plate, which led to the breaking of the nail.

Cause: the result of cracks and chips of the nail was the thinning of the natural nail due to too intensive grinding. Another extreme - insufficiently good treatment of the nail with a buff - can be peeling of the coating due to peeling keratin scales not completely removed by the master.

Mistake #5: gel polish peels off with a whole plate.

Cause: particles of pterygium remained unnoticed on the nail, and delaminations were not removed on the free edge. With the subsequent regrowth and exfoliation of the pterygium, the gel coating also departs from the keratin of the natural nail. The ongoing delamination of the natural nail in depth (under the gel polish) leads to detachment of the manicure from the side of the butt.

Mistake #6: shellac and gel polish chip off a lot a few days after coating.

Cause: this phenomenon can have three reasons at once - the periungual ridges and the surface of the nail are bad; the application step was skipped; you touched the nail after degreasing and before removing stickiness from . How to solve this problem?

Degrease the nail in stages: disinfect your nails and hands with a spray or foam. Next - remove the fat from the nails, and at the end, treat the nails and side rollers;
Do not skip the application of an acid-free primer. It is advisable to use the product of the same manufacturer as the base for gel polish. Thus, you guarantee maximum adhesion of the base and the natural nail;
Try not to let your fingers touch the treated nails. If such an incident occurs, re-treat the surface with a lint-free puff.

Mistake #7: the coating cracks and breaks off in small pieces.

Cause: you could not sufficiently clean the nail from dust (sawdust), dirt and sebum (poorly treated the surface with a degreaser or used a substitute containing oil instead).

Mistake #8: in natural nails, even without blows, cracks formed up to the flesh.

Cause: nails suffered from overdrying. You or the master may have used improper preparations (alcohol, acetone, thinner) for cleaning and degreasing. Their regular use without subsequent treatment of nails or leads to weakening, deep dehydration and thinning of natural nails.

Mistake #9: when using the base immediately on the dried primer (the quality of both preparations is good and the expiration date has not expired), after a few days your coating is still chipped and peeled off.

Cause: if you have gone through all the other options and excluded, remember: do you remove the remnants of the degreaser from the nail with ordinary cotton pads. You can't do this. The disks leave villi invisible to the eye, which worsen the application of coatings and lead to losses in the aesthetics of the manicure. Residual traces of oil or cream that have not been removed are also contraindicated in gel polish (they also need to be thoroughly “washed off” from the nails with a gentle degreaser). Also check the quality of degreasing. If you applied the base, dried it and see bald spots, repeat the application of the base and be sure to seal the end of the nail.

Mistake #10: your client has long, but thin nails, the length of which you mutually decided not to remove.

Cause: gel polish certainly shields nails from external negative influences, but cannot 100% eliminate the risk of cracks and chips. The coating retains elasticity on the nail. And if the nail plate bends and breaks, the same will happen with the nail. Hence the deep cracks of the nail and the shellac itself. The way to fix the problem is to pre-strengthen the nails or correct the length.

The process of creating a design with shellac and gel polish. TOP 10 common mistakes and how to fix them.

If you managed to carry out the process of preparing nails for shellac, avoiding all the pitfalls, do not lose vigilance! Creating an image and decorating it with a design also has its own subtleties and interesting life hacks.

Mistake #1: you carefully painted your nails with a thin layer, but after drying in the lamp, you found cured streaks.

Cause: when you or the client put your hand into the lamp, you could keep your fingers tilted all the time drying. Capricious or very liquid gel polishes in this case could flow into the side rollers and onto the cuticle. You can solve this problem with gel polish remover, a lint-free wipe, and a bevelled edge. When you paint a nail, paint over the surface, avoiding lateral ridges and cuticles, but do not allow gaps.

Mistake #2: The new gel polish is chipping and cracking, although the design is covered with a heavy top.

Cause: this phenomenon may be due to the use of an expired top, a conflict of coatings (color and top), the use of a finish of poor quality.

Mistake #3: colored shellac deformed after drying, bubbles and voids are visible in the coating. The shelf life of the gel polish is in order, purchased from a reliable seller with a quality guarantee.

Cause: the coating was applied too thickly or did not dry long enough in or . Remember: the main rule of manicure with resistant polymer coatings is the imposition of thin layers, squeezing the brush with excess on the neck of the bottle, following the recommendations of manufacturers on the timing of polymerization of materials.
Another common reason is that you vigorously shook the bottle of gel polish before application, which led to the formation of air bubbles in the thickness of the material. The correct way to lift the color pigment from the bottom is to roll the gel polish vial between the palms.

Mistake #4: your manicure is chipped and cracked, although you know for sure that the gel polish is of high quality and is stored in compliance with all rules and sanitary requirements.

Cause: if the culprit is not shellac, look into your UV or LED lamp. If you have a brand new device, there may be manufacturing defect. For a device that has been used for a long time, it makes sense to check and replace them if the useful life is exceeded.

Mistake #5: when applying layers, you do not smear the free edge of the nail with a brush.

Cause: The secret of longevity of shellac manicure is the tightness of all layers. If you neglect to seal, any of the layers of the applied base, color, top can peel off under the influence of water, housework or careless handling of the manicure.

Mistake #6: you love creating manicures by mixing colors and creating unique shades. However, despite all the tricks, the coating lasts less than 14 days.

Cause: poor wear may differ from mixes of colors from different brands, or the use of a base, top, color, primer and dehydrator from different manufacturers. It is not in vain that brands recommend a “family” approach to buying materials for gel polish manicure. The fact is that the formulas of all products for manicure with shellac are designed in such a way that their components complement each other and ensure maximum durability of the design.

Mistake #7: your manicure shows record wearing times, but decor elements quickly chip off, become cloudy or peel off.

Cause: the secret of high-quality fixing of the decor is fixing the second layer of the top, which is often not done by beginners. For, especially large ones, it will be good to smear the gaps between the crystals with the top. And for or it is extremely important to observe the terms of drying in the lamp. A thick layered design should not dry for less than 3 minutes on the final layer of the top. An excellent solution for the master will be such well-proven top coatings as well as. Their thick rich texture is specially designed for extra-strong fixing of decor and reliable protection manicure.

Mistake #8: you use both brand new finishes and expired and near-expiring materials in the same design.

Cause: it is undesirable to use old gel polishes in manicure. From the time the bottle is opened, the texture of the product changes, shellac can be applied in thick layers. When they dry, air pockets form, leading to inevitable detachments.

Mistake #9: you apply gel polish and shellac on nails with a length of "under zero", and clients soon complain about chips and cracks.

Cause: practicing masters advise not to apply gel polish on nails that are too short. Either increase the minimum length by , or advise the client to come for a manicure as soon as at least a small free edge grows. The fact is that the contact of the edge of the nail with the pillows of the fingers is fraught with the transfer of subcutaneous fat, traces of household chemicals and sweat from them. If the nails themselves do not wear shellac well, such contact with sweat-fat secretions will inevitably lead to detachments.

Mistake #10: your client has little time to design and you are in a hurry to create a ready-made image quickly, without respecting the required number of layers, their drying time and the density of the applied materials.

Cause: an image created in a hurry will not please you with longevity. Nails need to be painted slowly and carefully, lightly coat the ends on each layer. If you are working with a UV lamp, dry the layers for at least two minutes each. For greater durability (especially with problematic nails), the base and color should be applied in two layers each, and with a voluminous and textured decor, re-cover the manicure and top.

How to properly handle gel polish nails immediately after creating a manicure: do's and don'ts.

Like a lacquer design, a manicure with shellac and gel polish requires care, care and attention. A high-quality, creative, complex design can cost a client a considerable amount, depending on the skill level of the nail-master and the place of his work. So how can you enjoy the image in pristine beauty and not end up prematurely with broken nails, a cloudy coating or an image with cracks and peeling?

It is possible and necessary after creating a gel polish image to do:

Regular cuticle massage with liquid or cream or lotion. This is especially true when manicure "under the cuticle." Neat and well-groomed periungual skin will help your hands look beautiful, neat and well-groomed. The slow growth rate of the cuticle and pterygium will also have a good effect on the durability of the design. Contrary to popular belief, care products will not adversely affect the wear of the coating after being completely dried in the lamp.
Do housework in, including cooking with foods that have a strong color pigment (beets, carrots, etc.). If you are wearing light shades shellac coated, then one day you may encounter cloudiness or the fact that the shade is dirty. The situation will be saved by a lint-free cloth and alcohol. Wipe your nails gently and enjoy renewed beauty.

You took off your manicure and are faced with the fact that your nails square shape curled up at the ends? If the problem is permanent and reappears after treatment, you will need to change the shape of the nails. However, never do this while wearing the design. Cutting or filing nails with shellac, you risk damaging your nails and restoring them for a long time.
Even the owners of strong and rapidly growing nails, many practicing masters advise after 3-4 designs to allow the nail plate to recover. Practice for a few weeks, or. Strengthened, moisturized and nourished nails will delight you again with high-quality wearing of shellac design, without peeling and breaking nails.

Along with the positive aspects of a persistent manicure with gel polish, there are several significant prohibitions regarding this coating.

What absolutely can not be done if you decide to dress your hands in gel polish for 2-3 weeks?

Try to limit skin and nail contact without gloves with aggressive household chemicals, facials with acids in the composition, as well as with hair dyes and products containing acetone. The components of these products can adversely affect the wear time of a manicure, as well as cause clouding of the gloss or significantly change the color of the coating.
Treat the cover with the utmost care. Do not use gel polish nails as an opener or screwdriver, toothpick or scraper. Remember, nails under shellac retain their elasticity and increased mechanical stress is harmful to them.
Don't sunbathe for too long. The more intense the sun's rays, the greater the risk of burnout bright colors gel polish.
Do not try to adjust the regrown design yourself. This type of coverage, unlike , does not imply point correction. After 2 weeks, it is better to completely update the manicure than to tint and polish the overgrown nail space.

How to properly apply gel polish on natural and artificial nails: technology, master classes and video training.

The step-by-step gel polish manicure procedure at home is not too complicated and requires only regular practice. We invite you to get acquainted with our library of training articles and master classes that reveal all the intricacies and details of design with gel polishes: We answer and share secrets.

What is the difference between performing a manicure with shellac on extended nails (on acrylic, gel, tips).

In practice, the processes of creating an image on natural and artificial nails are quite similar. The main thing you DO NOT do with extended nails is:

Do not use primer. High-quality degreasing and cleaning already guarantee strong adhesion of the base and acrylic or gel. Don't forget to buff the nail just a little.
Apply gel polish on artificial nails only once, as it will not be possible to remove the design from them to the base. And you will inevitably have to make a correction.

Create artificial nails as thin as possible so that the subsequently applied gel polish does not create the appearance of excessively thick and unaesthetic nails.
Choose designs in colors that are close to the natural color of natural nails. So visually you can briefly, but delay the day of changing the image.
Apply the coating in thin layers, pressing the brush against the nail. Unlike natural nails, the correction of flaws on artificial nails is fraught with violations of their adhesion to the surface of the native nail. If your experience with extended nails is not enough, it is better to entrust such a manicure to the hands of a professional.

We hope that now the bright, beautiful and alluring world of gel polishes and shellacs has become clearer and closer to you. Stylish and durable manicures for you!

Make a manicure, degrease nails
Lightly sand the nail plate until it becomes matte
Cover with a base coat and dry in a UV lamp
Apply several layers of gel polish, be sure to dry each one
Top coat, dry
Remove sticky layer

As you can see, an obligatory step in creating a gel polish manicure is applying a base layer. We get the answer - it is impossible to apply gel polish without a base. The base gel protects the nail plate from the penetration of coloring gel polish pigments 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. So, for example, many people think that gel can be used along with regular varnish. 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. So it's just a waste of time. The exception is when regular varnish applied to the gel polish in the form of decorative elements. In this case, only a small amount of conventional varnish is permissible before the finish coat.

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

Features of the procedure

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

But how to make gel polish without a lamp, if such a device is simply not available? Manufacturers of manicure products 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 such a varnish does not need drying in a lamp.

Types of gel polishes

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

Name	Characteristic
Insensitive gel polish	The product dries well naturally. But some varnishes work only in duo with a special monomer called cyanoacrylate. The preparation in its composition resembles a liquidish gel, which helps to accelerate the polymerization of the colored layer. The product is very economical to use.
Light sensitive gel polish	Lacquer does not dry well without a UV lamp, but you can try to dry it in the sun for 30-50 minutes.
Water gel polish	This type of coating will appeal to girls who want to dry their nails without a lamp. After applying the varnish, it is necessary to place the fingers in ice or very cold water for 15-20 minutes. Water starts the process of polymerization of the crystals in the composition of the gel polish.
Brigitte Bottier Gel Polish	A novelty in the nail industry that does not need drying in an ultraviolet lamp. The unique composition of the varnish helps to dry the varnish without additional funds. It can be applied like a regular varnish in one uniform layer, and removed with a liquid without acetone. The tool is quite wear-resistant and has a huge color palette.
Biogel	Biogel is a healing varnish that has a large amount of medicinal properties. It protects the nails from delamination, strengthens the plate and accelerates its growth. Biogel contains many natural oils, vitamins and beneficial acids. A huge palette of shades will delight every girl.

Advantages and disadvantages

Gel polish without a lamp has a large number of pluses and a few minuses. His positive sides:

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

Negative sides:

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 breaks off due to mechanical damage;
Some products contain harmful ingredients.

Is gel polish harmful without drying in a lamp?

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

Tagging "3 free" indicates that the product does not contain 3 harmful components (formaldehyde, toluene solvent and dibutyl phthalate). If the vial contains the label "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.

Top Producers

Which gel polish without a lamp to choose for your manicure? How to simplify the creation of nail design 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 tool has good properties, and also has a beautiful bottle and a convenient cap. Creates an attractive glossy nail surface in just a few swipes. Lacquer lasts up to 1 week without chips and cracks.

El Corazon

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

Limoni

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

Belor design «podium gel effect»

The Belarusian manufacturer creates excellent decorative cosmetics. Their gel polish without a lamp has become a revolutionary tool that many women have liked. The tool in a matter of minutes creates a glossy gel effect on the nails. Provides long lasting coverage up to 2 weeks.

Brigitte bottier

Famous brand offers a huge palette color solutions. The tool fits perfectly on the nails and forms a glossy surface on the nails. A professional brush with a rounded shape in 1-2 strokes will create an incredible radiant finish. It keeps for 14 days.

CND Vinylux

Has a huge popularity among girls. A wonderful nail polish that is widely used in home and professional use. Just before applying the product, it is necessary to degrease the nail plate well, and only then apply colored gel polish.

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Color

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

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

The three-step system consists of a base, colored gel polish and top. Additional products adhere well to the materials with the nails and fight against the appearance of stains on the 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 the color gel polish is applied in 1-2 layers. Thanks to him, the 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 with nail polish remover that does not contain acetone. There are 13 shades available in the palette.

NailLOOK likeGEL

The composition of the varnish contains 80% of useful components, it has the mark "BIG 5 FREE". To achieve the effect of wet gloss, 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 a base coat to use this gel polish without a lamp. 2 coats and a fixer are enough to make your nails shine in a special way. The remedy lasts 12-14 days, but sometimes it can please a girl much longer. The varnish is not erased and protects the plates from mechanical damage.

Lumene gel effect nail polish

The composition of the varnish does not contain harmful ingredients. The varnish is very ultra-resistant and gives the nails a special gel effect. The product stays on the nails for about a week. When creating a manicure, no base or top coat is required. The palette includes about 70 shades.

Avon Gel Effect

A budget gel-effect polish that doesn't require a base or top coat. The composition of the product contains useful components that prevent delamination and brittle nails. The palette contains 16 shades. The persistence of 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 greatly simplify the work with manicure products.

How to apply

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

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

How to apply gel polish without a lamp:

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

How to dry

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

If you bought an insensitive varnish, then you need to buy a catalyst (or activator) in addition to it.
If you purchased a water-based coating, then the nails can be dried in a clean cold or ice-cold liquid.
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 lower your nails into a cold bath with 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 for you best secrets to help you create the perfect coverage:

if the thickness of the varnish does not suit you, it is worth applying another layer;
drying time 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 with a monomer for 2 minutes;
do not use gel polishes on an ongoing basis, nails can deteriorate badly;
wear gloves when doing housework to protect your nails from chips and cracks;
biogel dries by itself within a few minutes;
if you want to cover your nails with a matte top, then choose a special tool.

As you can see, gel polish without a lamp at home is a very real solution for everyone 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.

I am often asked what is the best base for gel polish? To stand on the nails for three months, she leveled the nail plate herself, did not give detachments, and did not harm the nails.

I have some experience that I got while working with some databases and now I'm ready to share it.

Here's what I'll talk about:

So:

Why is a base needed?

It is the base that holds the gel polish on the nails. It acts as a layer between natural nail, and polymer coating.

The base is in direct contact with the nail. Not a gel polish, but a base. Therefore, it is very important to choose a base that will hold the gel polish firmly on the nails, but it will not harm the nails either.

The base coat is designed to protect the nail plate from coloring pigments in gel polishes, even out all defects on the surface of the nails, and provide reliable adhesive adhesion of the polymer material to the nail.

Another important function of the base is to strengthen the nail plate. A natural nail can be weak, thin, and can bend and break. All this will not allow the coating to hold out on the nails for 2-3 weeks. A properly selected base will strengthen and protect even the thinnest and weakest nails.

Detachments, chips, cracks - all this can occur due to a poorly selected base.

Differences between liquid and thick base

Liquid bases are of high strength. They practically do not shrink on long nails. Suitable for craftsmen with experience, because. due to the liquid consistency, it is necessary to level the nail plate quickly, otherwise streaks cannot be avoided.

I remember how I was freaking out when I first started working, and not yet understanding the intricacies of choosing a base. I bought something cheap, very runny and smelly. Later, I learned how to work with liquid bases, and realized that they are not suitable for all types of nails. And a pungent smell is a sign of a not very good base.

Liquid base is good for strong, healthy nails. With a pronounced apex. On bending, soft nails, the base can give detachments and chips.

And yes, with the help of a liquid base, you cannot grow a nail.

Thick bases - they are also called Rubber (which is translated from English - Eraser, i.e., these bases are elastic), and not rubber, as many masters like to call them.
Due to the density, they are easy to work with, the alignment is perfect. Also, with the help of a thick base, you can easily grow a nail. Great for weak, easily bending nails.
The only disadvantage of this base is that it shrinks on long nails, and the longer the nail, the more it falls through. This feature must be taken into account.

After the second week of wear, the coating begins to sag, and the architecture of the nail is broken.

Why does the coating sag

Gel polish bases consist of chains of polymers that are formed as a result of a polymerization reaction. This process is fully completed only after a few hours or even days.
When polymer chains are formed, the molecules approach each other, the distance between them decreases and they take up less space. This is how the material shrinks.
Polymer chains have formed, but this is not the end of the polymerization reaction and the end of material shrinkage
This is clearly visible on the nails 2 weeks after coating. The material starts to sag. This is especially noticeable on the free edge of the nail. From shrinkage, the tip of the nail pulls up, which visually increases the failure. It is precisely because of the shrinkage of the material that the natural nail curls. different materials shrinkage percentage will be different.

Some people don't like it, but I personally don't like it.

I do not cover my own nails with gel polish, and just like everyone else, I go to the master. I love when the nails have a small volume. I had to spend about 8 months to find a master who takes into account the shrinkage of the material when working, and correctly selects the base for my type of nails.

How to choose a base for different types of nails

In fact, there are no bad or good bases, there are bases with different physical properties and appointment. It is important to use them correctly.
The fact is that the nails of each person are unique in their own way. The task of the master is to understand which nails are in front of us, and to choose the right base for these very nails.

For example, it is not advisable to apply liquid bases on thin nails, because. they become very hard when hardened. As a result, the native nail under the coating can bend or deform, while the hard coating cannot. Therefore, the coating begins to chip and peel off.

On thin nails, it is better to apply a base on a rubber base. After hardening, such a base may slightly bend along with a natural nail - this will allow you to wear the coating longer.

When the client comes next time, everything is simpler: we see the results of wearing and the choice of the base becomes obvious. We carefully examine the nail, if there are detachments, chips. Where do they start from the cuticle or from the end of the nail. The identified problems are like a map that shows us the structural features of these particular nails.

How to apply the base

Apply the base coat to thoroughly degreased, clean and dry nails. Naturally, after performing a manicure and shaping the nails.
We apply the base using the technique of leveling the nail plate.

Is it possible to apply a top instead of a base

No, because the top has a different chemical formula and the coating will not last longer than 3 days, or how lucky. Plus, the top is usually more liquid in consistency, and will flow everywhere it can.

Errors when working with the database. What not to do when applying the base

Applying too thin a layer of base. It will lead to the fact that all the bumps and grooves on the nails will come out. A thin layer will affect the wear of the material. An unstrengthened nail will quickly begin to chip and crack.
Base coat too thick, especially at the ends of the nail will give unnecessary volume to the nail. And the nails will look like "pies".
Insufficient drying time of the base. Drying nails for less than 15 seconds in an LED lamp is a mistake. The base is on top to grab on, but the inside isn't. And by the way, the erroneous opinion that you can dry the coating later. There is a standard polymerization time: in a UV lamp 2 minutes in a LED lamp 30/60 seconds, depending on the material.

By the way, I found it on YouTube detailed video on this topic

Is it possible to strengthen and build up the nail plate with the base

Yes, if the base meets our requirements. It is thick to build up and applied in leveling techniques to strengthen the nail.

Is it possible to cover nails with gel polish without a base?

No, because colored gel polish simply simply will not stay on the nails, and even color it with its own pigment.

Expensive and cheap base - what are the differences

Despite the fact that there is nothing natural in the cheap and expensive base, and there is still one quality chemistry there.
A cheap base can have a sharp, unpleasant odor, the quality of cleaning of the main components, as a rule, cheap materials are very acidic. Which negatively affects the condition of the nails.
Allergy to the material is not ruled out.
In expensive bases, the smell is most often absent, the materials undergo stricter quality control, there are risks of allergic reactions, but they are minimized.

My rating of bases for gel polishes, and what are my plans for the future

During my career, I have tried many base coats. And I decided to do this mini review:

Bluesky

A popular base in the vastness of AliExpessa. You can also find it in any nail industry store. When I first started doing the nail industry, this base first fell into my hands. But I am very glad that I experimented only on myself. Left for tips.
+ Low price
- Liquid (maybe someone likes liquid bases, but for me this is the biggest and fattest minus!)
- Strong smell
- does not strengthen
- does not align

Kodi

My second purchase. Perhaps the most popular base among the masters. But now a lot of fakes have appeared on it, plus the base is quite aggressive for nails.
+ Awesome sock
+ Thick
+ Strengthens well
+ Excellent alignment
+ Perfectly holds rhinestones
+ Average price
- Has a strong odor
- Bakes during polymerization

Supernail by Arnelle

Thick, perfect for a beginner! Holds on any nails, but can give small detachments if the nail is very thin and weak. Gives a little shrinkage.
+ Thick, you can level it as much as you want and it won't leak
+ Average price
+ Neutral odor
- Bakes during polymerization

This tool is an alternative to all known varnishes, with its help you can get a quick and high-quality result. It protects the nails from mechanical influences and gives extraordinary beauty to your hands. Anyone can master the technique of applying this coating on nails by purchasing the necessary materials for this.

And there is also a wide color palette, so you can create your own unique manicure.

Due to the combination of varnish and gel, the product has many advantages: it does not contain odor, strengthens the nail plate. Very popular today is gel polish with the effect of a cat's eye, which allows you to create an unusual and fashion design nails.

What are the benefits of using gel polish?

Let's look at the advantages, for example, of the TNL series of gel polishes:

Ease of use;
Does not contain harmful substances that can cause allergies and irritation;
Makes the nail stronger;
Does not smudge due to quick drying;
Allows you to be with a beautiful manicure for a long time.

These qualities, in principle, are inherent in any high-quality gel polish, so manicure with their use is the most popular today.

Proper application of gel polish

All girls want to be attractive, for this they always try to maintain their beauty. The increased demand for manicures using gel nail polish is proof of this. With the help of the Internet, you can watch videos in which masters discover the secrets of the world of beauty step by step. If you follow the basic rules, then your nails will always be well-groomed and will become the standard of beauty for many.

The main rule is cleanliness. Your tools, hands and work surface should always be clean and disinfected;
Be sure to carry out a good preparation of nails before applying gel polish on a perfectly flat surface, which, in turn, is very important;
The best connection of the product with the nail plate can be achieved with the help of a buff, removing the shiny layer from the surface of the nail;
With an ordinary nail file, give the nails the necessary shape: square or round, sharp, almond-shaped;
Be sure to degrease your nails after everything.

Then you can start painting your nails. It is necessary with a brush to gently apply the foundation to the entire surface of the nail, be sure to try not to reach the beginning of the cuticle. If the product gets on the skin, then you can remove it with a napkin or cotton swab.

Then you should cover the nail with the first layer and dry it in an ultraviolet lamp, about two minutes until completely dry. Now you can apply the color of your choice, it is better to do it in two or three steps, so the nail will become stronger, will not break and the varnish will please you for a long time.

The most important thing is to dry all subsequent layers separately, each for 2-3 minutes in a lamp. In the end, you need to cover all the nails with a top, this will finally fix the result and get a beautiful shine.

Are there any contraindications for using the product?

Gel polish has a chic structure and a large selection of colors. Thanks to this, women do not need to paint their nails with varnish every day and get upset because of a damaged manicure. Even for beginners, it will not be difficult to apply gel polish on their own. He, in turn, keeps the nails in order for three weeks and is not subject to mechanical damage. After application, the nails become stronger and do not get heavier, which is very important. Does not contain ingredients that cause allergies.

But this tool still contains a number of some contraindications. When a girl has weakened nails, it is still not recommended to use it. Also, if you are allergic and there is a chance of getting a possible negative reaction to one of the components contained in the varnish or in the composition for removing it, then use is strictly prohibited. In case of skin diseases or fungal inflammation of the nail plate, it is strictly forbidden to use gel polish until complete recovery.

What is used to apply gel polish?

Creating a manicure at home with the help of gel polish has become available to everyone. To do this, you need to purchase the following materials:

Choose an ultraviolet lamp or an ice lamp;
Buy varnishes of different colors, they are three-phase or single-phase;
Buy a base and top, you need to choose a quality product, the quality of applying gel polish directly depends on it, and the top, in turn, is responsible for the shine;
Files for natural nails;
Buff, with which the nail plate is prepared for applying the product;
primer;
Napkins without lint;
Pusher - used to remove the cuticle and excess amount of product that has got on the skin;
Cuticle softening oil;
Gel polish remover;
Foil.

It is possible that the first time you will not get the perfect manicure, but after watching the training videos and practicing several times, you will achieve a beautiful manicure made with gel polish.