Gel Nails

Many people desire fingernails that they can be proud of. Yet they may have a hard time growing or maintaining their own natural nails. This may be due to nibbling, the type of work that one does, heredity, or even medical conditions...thus the multi-million dollar nail industry; which offers a bevy of nail solutions.

However, one may wonder, with the many offerings available, which is the better choice for lovely long-lasting fingernails -- gel, acrylic, or solar? Each has advantages, as well as disadvantages. Therefore, I'd like to take a look at all three. In a few articles I'd like to discuss both the pros and cons of each of the afore-mentioned types of nails. Then after being informed, you will better be able to decide which type of nail is for you -- or you can always remain au naturale. Ultimately, the choice will be yours.

Now, let us look at Gel nails, which are thin, flexible, and non porous. This type of nail artifice often offers a realistic natural look. With options that include full nails, or tips, gel nails are touted to offer a durability that rivals that of acrylic nails. Gel nails are designed to aid one's natural nails to become longer and more durable. If these are applied by a nail professional, gel nails should cover cracked, dry, and damaged natural fingernails. The gel -- which is said to have originally been created from a type of dental gel powder -- is supposed to become a strong cover for the natural nail, to prevent damage. The application process involves a few steps, some of which includes: filing; applying/brushing UV gel onto natural nails, and curing or subjugating to ultraviolet light. For lengthier nails a 'form' which is similar to a type of foil with a grid on it may be placed under nails before another application of gel is applied.

Currently, there are two types of gel nails:
The first is light cured gel. This process consists of a polymer and monomer gel that has been pre-mixed. The mixture is then applied to the natural nail. Afterward it is 'cured' under an ultraviolet light.
The second type of nail consists of a no-light gel. With this process there is a special activator that is either brushed or sprayed onto the natural nail. After the nail has the desired appearance, this process is often cured or set, by dipping in liquid. Both look amazingly natural.

Following the application of gel nails, beauty and lengthening of an ethnic beauty's natural nails should be realized, over time. If one takes care of their nails, they may find that they are even able to display their own natural healthy-looking fingernails. Gels nails are also said to require fewer fills than acrylic nails, which may cause one to visit the nail salon slightly less. However, once used, a patron may find that the durability and beauty of their own natural nails hinges on the continued use of the gel application.

The disadvantage of gel nails is that they are costly. Typically, they are also believed not to last as long as acrylic. The gel process is yet relatively new, if compared to that of acrylic nails. Therefore, there may not be a host of nail salons currently offering the technique. In addition to finding a salon that offers gel nails, it may also become a challenge to find nail technicians experienced in this application. Another thing to note is that there are a few types of polish that do not last, or adhere to gel nails as well as on acrylic. Gel nails may also prove to be more difficult to remove, should one want to. However, if getting your own natural nails to a healthy viable state is your goal, then gel nails may be a way to go. On YouTube there are several videos that detail the process. As I often say, ethnic beauties, the choice is yours!