- Get Your PolyGel Kit
PolyGel is often called a 'hybrid gel', because it's a hybrid between acrylic and gel nails. It gives you the STRENGTH of acrylics with the FLEXIBILITY of a gel.
- Prep Your Nails
You will want to start by filing your nails and pushing your cuticles back. Use the nail file in your kit to shorten your nails. Once your nails are ready, try a couple of different nail dual forms (or nail moulds) and select the size that works best for your nail shape. If you are between sizes, go up a size for a better fit.
Apply a base coat to finish prepping your nails. When you are applying the base coat, make sure to apply it all over your nail, including the edges and tip to ‘seal’ the whole nail. You will want to cure your nails under a UV or LED lamp. We recommend 2 minutes for UV lamps, and 60 seconds for LED lamps.
- Apply PolyGel To Your Dual Forms
For the next step, have your dual-ended nail tool at the ready. Dip each end in Slip Solution to make the application easier. Most of our PolyGel kits include a Slip Solution, and you can use Isopropyl Alcohol as an alternative. (A dappen dish or bowl is perfectly sized and suitably safe for holding alcohol-based liquids like slip solution)
Select your PolyGel colour and apply a bean size amount directly to the inside of the dual form. Use the paddle side of your nail tool to spread the PolyGel, while using the brush side to smooth it out. You want the thickest part of the PolyGel to be in the middle.
What's great here is that the application process of PolyGel is not as time-sensitive as acrylics, so you don’t need to rush this step!
- Apply PolyGel To Your Nails
Now that you have applied the PolyGel, you want to place the dual form on top of your nail. Try to get it to fit the natural shape of your nail as much as possible. It helps if you line the dual form up against your cuticle and then press down. Hold it against your nail for a few seconds to make sure it is properly attached.
We've recently added PolyGel nail clips to our collection of tools & accessories. Sometimes called nail clamps, these clips are ideal for holding your dual form in place when curing your PolyGel under the lamp.
- Cure Your Nails
Place your nail under a UV or LED lamp. We recommend 2 minutes for UV lamps, and 90 seconds if you are using an LED lamp. Once it's cured, you should pinch the sides of your dual forms and rock it left and right, back and forth, to pop the dual form off your nail.
Now use your nail file (a 100/180 nail file is a good grit level for this) to shape the nail to your desired length before applying a top coat. Again make sure this coat covers the edges and tips of your nail to help seal in your PolyGel. You can cure your nails under your lamp to finish them off. We recommend 2 minutes for UV lamps, and 60 seconds for LED lamps.
- One Nail Down, Nine To Go!
It’s easiest to apply PolyGel one nail at a time. Now that you know the step-by-step guide for applying PolyGel, you’ll be able to finish your manicure in no time!
With good, patient nail prep and practising application, you can expect your PolyGel nails to last around two weeks with no chipping!
PolyGel is one of the easiest DIY nail applications that you can try at home, making it the perfect alternative to visiting a salon.
xoxo,
The little team @PolyGel Nails UK
