Dreaming of long nails in record time? If you want long nails without waiting for your natural nails to grow out, Polygel extensions are perfect for you. We’ll guide you through how to extend your nails with Polygel using Dual Forms.
Products used in this guide:
1. Prep your nails
Before you get started with your Polygel, you need to prepare your nails. You can find our full guide on how to prep your nails here.
But if you’re experienced with doing nails, you already know the routine: wash hands, push back cuticles, trim, buff, wipe, PH-Bond, Primer. Once the prep is complete, let’s take a look at Polygel with Dual Forms.
2. Apply your Base Coat
Start by applying a thin layer of Base Coat to the nail. It is important that the Base Coat is applied close to both the sides of the nail and the cuticle area, without touching the surrounding skin.
If you accidentally get product on the surrounding skin or your cuticles, remove it before curing. We recommend using our Micro Brush dipped in Cleanser to remove the product.
Cure the Base Coat in our UV/LED lamp for 60 seconds.
Please note that Base Coat leaves a sticky layer after curing. This is completely normal and must not be removed or touched.
You can use all our Polygel products for extensions. At Nailster, we offer Polygel in clear and coloured versions, with and without glitter.
3. Choose your Dual Forms
Once your nails are prepared, find the right size Dual Form for each nail. It is important that the Dual Form you choose covers your entire natural nail plate and reaches all the way to both sides of the nail. To make application easier, we recommend laying out all your Dual Forms in advance so you have a clear overview before you begin. This is important because you will be working on one nail at a time.
4. Apply your Polygel
Once your Base Coat has cured, you are ready to apply Polygel. To do this, squeeze a small amount of Polygel into the Dual Form that matches the width of your natural nail. You can either squeeze the product directly from your Polygel tube into the Dual Form, or squeeze it onto a spatula first and then place it in the Dual Form. We recommend using the ridges on the inside of the form as a guide, so all your nails have the same length right from the moment you place your Polygel in the Dual Form.
Because the product has a thicker consistency, it will not run in the same way as Liquid Builder Gel. This gives you plenty of time to shape the product. To shape the product, you will need a brush and our Cleanser. Dip the brush into Cleanser, then wipe it on a lint-free pad whenever you feel the product starting to stick to the bristles.
Shape your Polygel in the Dual Form using the brush. Make sure the Polygel is applied in a thin, even layer and covers the entire form. Once you have built your nail extension in the Dual Form, place the form directly onto your natural nail. If needed, you can use one of our clips to keep the form in place. However, some people prefer to hold the form in place with a finger. Make sure you only press gently onto the nail, so excess Polygel does not seep out around the edges. If this happens, use a Micro Brush together with our Cleanser to remove it before curing. Dip your Micro Brush into Cleanser and remove any excess product from the edges. Then turn your hand over and shape the free edge with the brush, dipped in a little Cleanser.
Make sure to keep the free edge thinner, so you do not end up with a nail that is too thick. Make sure there is a beautiful C-curve – the curve you see when looking at the nail from the fingertip.
Once you are happy with the shape and length, and have checked that no Polygel has come into contact with the skin around the nail, the nail is ready to cure in the UV/LED lamp for 120 seconds.
5. Finish Your Nail Extension
Once the nail has cured, you can remove the Dual Form by gently squeezing it – it will pop right off. You can easily apply more Polygel on top, as long as you remember to cure the product for 120 seconds under our UV/LED lamp.
When you are happy with the thickness and length, it is time to file your nails into shape. For this, you will need our 100/180 grit nail file. Use it to file away any uneven areas and adjust the shape until you are completely happy with the result. Be careful not to file away too much product, as the nail may break if it becomes too thin.
Finish by buffing the surface of the nail with our Buffer.
6. Cleanse your nails
Now remove any excess dust from your nails with a brush or a dry Lint-Free Pad, then cleanse your nails with our Cleanser and a Lint-Free Pad.
The extension is now complete.
7. Finish your nails
Once your extension is complete, it’s time to apply either a Top Coat or Gel Polish followed by Top Coat, depending on your desired look.
When applying your Gel Polish or Top Coat, it’s important to work carefully to avoid getting the product on your skin. Apply it as close to the cuticle and sides as possible, but without letting the product come into contact with the skin. You can see how in our guide universe.
Once the product has been applied, it must cure in our UV/LED lamp for 90 seconds. Remember that every layer you apply must cure in the UV/LED lamp for 90 seconds.
And remember the rule of thumb: four paper-thin layers are better than two thick ones!
