Polygel

Polygel 

Beautiful nails and nail polish are more popular than ever, and there are many different ways to achieve the look you love. On this page, we’ll take you through the part of the nail polish world that focuses on polygel: what polygel is, how to create polygel nails, and what a polygel nail kit includes. So if you haven’t yet tried polygel nails, don’t worry – we’ll explain everything you need to know about polygel.

What is polygel?

As in many other industries, the nail industry is constantly evolving, and it is precisely this innovation that seems to have led to the relatively new product known as polygel. 'Polygel' or 'Poly gel' has been formulated as a hybrid product of gel and acrylic. This means that some of the best qualities from each of these products have been combined, resulting in the creation of polygel. Polygel is therefore a product that typically comes in a tube, with a toothpaste-like consistency that is just right to work with.

Because polygel is based on the best of two different worlds, acrylic and gel, you can use the product in several different ways depending on your needs and how you want the final result to look. If you are looking for a natural look that should still be durable and strong, you can simply use your poly gel kit in the same way as you would use regular gel polish or nail polish. In other words, you do not change the length of your nails – you simply apply long-lasting colour to your natural nails. If, on the other hand, you want to work with the length of your nails, polygel can also be used for this. You can extend your natural nails, giving you the exact length and shape you want. We explain exactly how to do this in more detail further down!

What is the difference between polygel and gel polish?

With these two products, you can meet different needs while also achieving similar results. In a gel polish starter kit, you get a product with a thinner formula, which makes it more similar to the traditional nail polish we all know – but with the added benefit that gel polish must be cured in a UV lamp, making it extra durable. Gel polish therefore only requires a couple of layers, leaving you with a beautiful result on your natural nails that lasts a long time and is more hard-wearing compared to regular nail polish. A polygel nail kit can also help create a beautiful look on your natural nails, but the consistency is much thicker, which means working with this product is different from working with regular nail polish. If you simply want to decorate your natural nails, you can apply a thin layer of polygel, cure it in a UV lamp, and enjoy a beautiful finished result. However, as mentioned earlier, you can also choose to try nail extensions if you dream of longer nails or a different nail shape. Overall, the two product types have the following characteristics:

Gel polish:

Can be considered a type of extra-durable nail polish

Has a light, fluid formula known from regular nail polish

Must be cured in a UV lamp

Polygel:

Can be used both in thin layers on top of your natural nails or for extensions

Has a thicker and denser formula that may resemble gel or acrylic

Must be cured in a UV lamp

What is the difference between polygel and acrylic?

As mentioned earlier, polygel is a combination of gel and acrylic. Therefore, there are certain similarities between polygel and acrylic, but there are also a number of differences. For example, while polygel is applied as a pre-made, semi-fluid formula, acrylic is applied by mixing a type of liquid acrylic with acrylic powder. Acrylic must therefore be mixed while working on the nails, which requires an interaction between different chemicals and substances in order for the acrylic powder and the liquid product to bond. This process has already been completed with a polygel kit, where the product is ready for immediate use. Both acrylic and polygel must be cured in a UV lamp, and as a general rule, both products offer long-lasting wear, although acrylic can in some cases be even more durable. The two products therefore have the following characteristics:

Acrylic:

- Offers incredibly long-lasting wear

- Must be mixed during application

- Must be cured in a UV lamp

Polygel:

- Offers long-lasting wear

- Is applied as a ready-to-use formula

- Must be cured in a UV lamp

How do you create polygel nails?

If you have purchased a polygel kit, it is a very good idea to take your time learning how to get the most out of your kit, so the result is satisfying while also avoiding unnecessary damage to your nails. Below, we go through the method in detail, so you can feel completely confident when using your polygel nail kit.

Step 1:

First, it is incredibly important that you prep your nails very thoroughly. The more thorough your preparation, the more beautiful and longer-lasting the result will be. Prep your nails by clipping or filing them to the desired shape, pushing back and trimming your cuticles, and buffing your nails. Finally, clean and dehydrate your nails with a cleanser on a lint-free wipe.

Step 2:

Next, apply a primer to the nails and let it air-dry for a couple of minutes. Then apply a base coat to the nails and cure it for approximately 60 seconds in a UV lamp. After this step, the nails will remain sticky throughout the rest of the process, so be sure not to touch your nails until they are completely finished!

Step 3:

Now it’s time to apply a small pea-sized amount of polygel to the nail. Dip your brush in cleanser to prevent the polygel from sticking too much to the brush. Then distribute and shape the product across the entire nail as desired in terms of length and shape. If you want to extend your nails, you can do this using a nail form, which is placed underneath the nail so you can draw the product beyond your natural nail and onto the form for a longer result. Once you are happy with the length and shape, cure the nails for at least 60 seconds in the UV lamp.

Step 4:

Now apply a top coat to the nails (remember to seal the tips as well), then cure the nails for approximately 60 seconds. If you are using a ’No Wipe’ top coat, your nails are finished after this step – if you are not using a ’No Wipe’ top coat, wipe the nails with cleanser on a lint-free wipe.

Voilà – your beautiful nails are now finished! Remember, though, that practice makes perfect, so it is completely normal if your first attempts leave a little room for improvement.

How to take the best care of your nails

Whether you use gel polish, acrylic, gel, or polygel, it is important to take good care of your nails throughout the process. Fortunately, the nail plate itself does not need to breathe, so your nails do not need breaks for that reason, but it is still important to look after the overall condition of your nails, as well as your cuticles and the skin around them. First and foremost, this helps prevent the nails from being damaged, but it also helps create a more beautiful result when the nails are healthy and easy to work with. So remember to be patient and thorough, and to give your nails plenty of moisture and care with hand cream and cuticle oil.