Gel Polish vs. Regular Polish…Which Should I Pick?
Written by: Shannon Garcia
Like many others in the beauty world, you’re probably wondering…is gel polish worse for your nails than regular polish? Let’s dive in.
First things first, gel polish is not necessarily worse for your nails than regular polish. However, it can be more damaging if not applied or removed properly since gel polish requires a UV or LED lamp for best results to properly cure and harden, and acetone to remove.
But which is “better” - Gel Polish or Regular Polish?
Regular polish compared to gel polish has its own individual benefits and risks. Overall, gel polish is the best choice for a longer lasting option. Gel polish typically lasts for 3 weeks or more and won’t chip or peel as easily as regular nail polish does.
On the flipside, the removal process takes longer than regular polish and it is more expensive. Generally, both gel and regular polish have the same effect on nails.
Here are the major differences and how to apply each.
Regular Polish vs. Gel Polish
Regular Polish:
Regular Nail Polish is the most popular polish type, applied in coats directly to the nail. Regular polish is typically air dried in up to 7-minutes or longer. It can last for up to a week before it begins chipping and/or peeling.
- Regular Nail Polish Removal: Cotton ball and nail polish remover wipe off
Gel Polish:
Gel Polish is a gel-like substance that is cured under a UV or LED lamp in about 2-minutes or less.This durable manicure lasts approximately up to 4 weeks with minimal chipping or peeling.
- Gel Polish Removal: 10-minute acetone soak
How To: Apply
How to Apply Regular Nail Polish:
- Prep your nails: Start with clean & dry nails. If needed, gently file and shape your nails to your desired length.
- Apply a base coat: Apply a thin layer of base coat to protect your nails and create a smooth surface for the polish to adhere to. Allow layer to dry completely.
- Apply the first coat of polish: Wipe any excess polish from the brush inside the bottle. Apply a thin layer of polish to the nail in three strokes starting at the base of the nail and evenly polishing down the center and on each side of the nail. Once completely dry move on to step 4.
- Apply a second coat: Repeat the process with a thin, even second coat of polish to achieve an opaquer shade. Be sure to designate dry time in between coats.
- Apply a top coat: Once second layer has dried, complete manicure with a top coat layer.
- (Air) Dry completely & clean up excess polish on skin or around cuticles
How to Apply Gel Polish:
- Prep your nails: Start with clean& dry nails. If needed, gently file and shape your nails to your desired length. Then, push your cuticles back and lightly buff the surface of your nails to ensure a smooth surface.
- Apply a base coat: Carefully apply a thin gel base coat layer to each nail and place nails under a UV or LED lamp to cure for the designated drying time (i.e.-LED: 30-60 seconds or UV Lamp: 2 minutes).
- Apply the first coat of gel polish: Wipe any excess polish from the brush inside the bottle. Apply a thin layer of gel polish to the nail in three strokes starting at the base of the nail and evenly polishing down the center and on each side of the nail. Cure nails under LED or UV light for the recommended time (i.e.-LED: 30-60 seconds or UV Lamp: 2 minutes).
- Apply a second coat: Repeat the process with a thin, even second coat of polish to achieve an opaquer shade. Be sure to prioritize LED or UV dry time in between coats.
- Apply a top coat: Once second layer has cured, finish off with a gel top coat layer and cure under the lamp.
- Remove Sticky Residue: It is normal to see a sticky residue on the nail surface after curing. To remove, simply take a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol or gel cleanser and wipe each nail.
Once completely dry, remember to moisturize your skin with lotion and use cuticle oil.
Do It Yourself:
- Regular: Essential Nail Polish Starter Kit
- Gel: Gel Polish Starter Kit
Find your PERFECT Shade: