Keep reading to find out if a Polygel manicure should be your next nail investment. Itll help you to understand if the UV light is not working. While a full set or sculpted extension application may range from $55 to $150, a fill-in typically doesnt exceed $80. So, if youre opting for color with too much pigment (like white, for example), then you might want to apply the Polygel in 2 or 3 turns. ins.style.display='block';ins.style.minWidth=container.attributes.ezaw.value+'px';ins.style.width='100%';ins.style.height=container.attributes.ezah.value+'px';container.appendChild(ins);(adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({});window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'stat_source_id',44);window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'adsensetype',1);var lo=new MutationObserver(window.ezaslEvent);lo.observe(document.getElementById(slotId+'-asloaded'),{attributes:true}); So out of frustration, you are just wanting to know why is my gel polish not curing? The gel polish will not be uniformly distributed if you don't use a base coat. As a seasoned makeup artist and nail enthusiast, I've seen it all. Reasons Why Gel Polish Not Curing 1- It Didn't Cure For Long Enough The most common reason why most people struggle with curing gel polish is that they don't leave it long enough under the nail lamp. Still, it's good to take a break from Polygelor any polish or nail enhancement for that matterfrom time to time. All gel manicures will feel sticky after curing*. There we have shown you how much time should wait. Any debris on the nail is removed with a lint-free wipe soaked in nail surface cleaner. So that the gel polish finally cures. Another reason can be that you forgot to apply base/topcoat. In this article, we'll dive into the most common reasons why your polygel nails might not be curing and how to fix them. First, we'll look at the short answers as to why your nails might still feel tacky after an at-home gel manicure. I recommend the SunUV 48 watt LED nail lamp it is super affordable yet very effective. Depending on the brand of the Polygel, this step will vary. The most common damage seen on overcured nails is discoloration and loss of the glossy finish. Also how long your nails will have a direct impact on the curing process. If you fail to understand this, then all your hard work would be useless. There is no tacky layer after curing. This thick, soft gel will only dry when cured under an LED light, making it incredibly easy for users to bend and shape the nail however they see fit without a rush. However, most top coat polishes need to be wiped off with a 91% acetone solution in order to remove that final sticky layer. 7.Apply top coat and cure it . Polygel is a nail enhancement best described as a hybrid formula that combines the durability of acrylic nails and the elasticity application of gel nails, Aaron explains. Before applying gel polish on nails, proper nail surface preparation has to be done. Unlike hard gel, PolyGel is not self-leveling, but stays where you place it; unlike acrylic, it doesn't harden until it's cured in an LED or UV lamp. Good to know thank you, I've been filing the tackiness away but . The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. If the product is applied too heavily onto the nail bed, the LED light isnt able to fully penetrate all the way through to the middle, leaving a soft spot. Plus youll get cured nails in no time. Juliet Pammy Sookram is an experienced writer and a part-time Nail, Hair, and Makeup Consultant. The nails are shaped, buffed, and wiped with a lint-free wipe covered in nail surface cleaner. Using too much liquid Together with the Polygel, most brands have a special liquid which you need to use so the brush will not stick too much. You have to set your fingers on the chart. It's better to spend a few extra minutes here than to be disappointed with the final result. The most common damage seen on overcured nails is discoloration and loss of the glossy finish. Now only the sticky layer on the gel top coat needs to be wiped away, click here to read how. 1.The polish is likely to be too thick and this thickness prevents the UV light from completely curing the gel polish at the lower layer. If you do end up picking at your nails, make sure you still keep your hands and nails moisturized. This means that just the top layer will be cured and the bottom will be a semi-liquid which usually leads to wrinkling. Remove the dual form, trim the shape and polish your nails. So the curing period wont be the same for both. "Apply hand cream after every hand wash, and regularly massage cuticle oil over the gelled nail to encourage flexibility and prevent chipping," Snow adds. It should typically take the Polygel around 30 seconds to cure in an LED lamp and about 2 minutes to harden in a UV lamp. She is also a mom to a little girl whom shares the same love for beauty as Emma does. If thats the case, youll need to remove the polish. Also, you can click here to learn how to know if your gel polish is cured. Low-quality brands of gel polish tend to take longer to cure (and in some cases dont cure at all this rarely happens). If your light is weak and the Polygel hasn't entirely dried, give it another 30-60 seconds to cure. Remember, patience pays off don't rush the process! Most modern brands of gel polish work with either types of lamps and take 60 seconds to cure with Led lamps and 2-3 minutes with uv lamps. If you are using a traditional UV lamp, make sure the bulbs are fresh. Be patient and follow the recommended curing time for each layer. The nails are cured for another 30 to 60 seconds. If you are worried about UV exposure you can either apply sunscreen on your hands or wear manicure gloves to protect your hands and fingers. Or the UV light is not working and thats why the polish isnt cured. But through this whole article, weve tried to answer your queries. Whenever youre applying gel polish, do remember the layering sequence. Click here to learn more about gel polish wrinkling. And this thick texture wont be easily cured. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'nailrock_com-banner-1','ezslot_3',129,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-nailrock_com-banner-1-0'); The last time we messed up with our gel polish we used a nail cream. Polygel is not inherently bad for your nails. A pea-sized amount is applied to the nail plate. Apply top coat and cure. It is also possible that you are applying the gel-polish too thick. When properly applied, polygel nails do not break easily. Cure It With An LED Light. If they're clear, the light will cure the PolyGel through the press-on material. What fyi fully curing won't remove tackiness in many cases. When applying nail enhancements like polygel, curing problems can be frustrating. Any oil or grease left on the nail will significantly impact the ability of the base coat to bond to the nail bed, hence why a dehydrator and primer are so important. The short answer is no. This is because the wattage of your nail lamp might be less than what the brand is referring too. In this case, you can search the shops or salons for a nail shape chart or guide. Stick with good brands of gel polish and read reviews before buying. Or the UV light is not working and that's why the polish isn't cured. And most of the time, its just basic stuff. You can wash them without worrying that they will dissolve or chip when exposed to water. Fully cured polygel nails should be hard to the touch and have a smooth, glossy finish. The most common reason why most people struggle with curing gel polish is that they dont leave it long enough under the nail lamp. If your nails are not properly prepared, the polygel will not have anything to grip onto and will not be able to adhere properly. Read more. A powder coating is wet in acetone and is used to get the acrylic powder to shape. If you need more coverage, build it up gradually with multiple thin layers rather than one thick one. Place your hand beneath the bulb and set the timer to 60 secs. Even if you follow the instructions on the bottle of your gel polish it still might not cure completely. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Expert Beauty Tips To Improve Your Hair, Face, Skin & Body, if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'kintegraresearch_com-box-3','ezslot_4',838,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kintegraresearch_com-box-3-0');If youve recently hopped on the trend of Polygel nails, its likely youre experiencing some unexpected difficulties during application, and may be wondering, Why are my Polygel nails not curing?, Im here to tell you: practice makes perfect, and in the world of beauty this couldnt be more true. Polygel also has a putty-like consistency and is extremely easy to apply and shape, Lim adds. But why not take a quick look and know how to cure your gel polish? Again, this will vary depending on the Polygel brand. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. You need to change them out every three months or so. When its dimmed the blue becomes more of a whitish sky blue color. Prepare your nails to keep your nails no oil and dry. While putting gel nail polish, its important to wipe the topcoat. Previous image. 1. Silicone won't cure if the clay has sulfur in it. Finally, removing overcured Polygel is a lot more challenging. For more information on the dazzling effects of Polygel, we spoke with three nail experts: Syreeta Aaron, Naomi Gonzalez-Longstaff, and Evelyn Lim. It's also more durable than your standard gel polish and less likely to damage your nails. Why not touch the polish to feel the texture? Because the stickiness usually comes from the topcoat. But when buying make sure to bring the perfect light. If you want to use PolyGel to attach press-ons, you can, as long as the nails are not painted or just clear-coated. Product information . Citation. Polygel nails are an excellent alternative to acrylic or gel extensions because of their durability, flexibility, and long-lasting properties. Even when you layer your gel, each layer will have a semi-sticky top coat. Related Article: Benefits & Disadvantages of Gel Nails Are They Worth it. The Dreaded Incomplete Mix. This can happen if you've been washing dishes or doing other tasks that involve water and soap. That is because the thicker the gel layer, the more challenging it is for the LED light to penetrate it. A final wide stroke on the whole nail or as much you can cover. A huge benefit of it being light-cured is that it won't dry until you make it dry. The only thing that has helped me in the long run? Like many gel manicures, there are both pros and cons to each method. While this liquid is necessary, using too much will water down your gel and flood your nail beds, thus making it unable to cure properly. Polygel, like acrylics, is certainly more expensive than a basic gel manicure, but in my experience, it lasts almost twice as long. To seal the look, apply a top coat, cure it, and wipe the fresh nails with an acetone solution to get rid of the remaining stickiness. For this application, the first four steps are the same as with a full set application, but instead of applying the Polygel onto the natural nail, a nail form is placed on top of the natural nail. When applying poly gel nails, proper preparation is key! Or click here to see the price on Amazon for the Beetles Gel Polish which is a great and affordable brand to use. The nails are cured (dried) for a duration specified by the Polygel brand under an. Left unchecked, the fungus could spread to other parts of your body and make you ill. Why does my Polygel not cure? Before you start panicking, we suggest you take a moment. The best way to harden Polygel is by the use of an LED light. The solution is really simple. So its definitely the reason. You may not do that yet. What if youre still not sure? Or you havent applied a base or topcoat over r under the gel polish. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A 36-watt LED nail lamp is considered to be the perfect option for such nails. You can click here to read my recommendations for the best brands of gel polish. To prolong the life of your manicure, make sure to follow the recommended application process, and keep your nails clean and well-maintained. Another thing can also happen when applying too many layers. It is important to use the right amount of product when applying polygel nails. If you don't blend the two components thoroughly, some parts of the polygel may cure . The only thing that you can really do is remove the thick layer and start again. Or you can also buy a nail lamp without enough bulbs to ensure that the thumbnails receive enough UV light. The gel polish is not curing. 1. No, it is not normal for gel nails to come off in such a short amount of time. Once again, your nail will go under a UV or LED lamp to cure. I also think my nails were already damaged because I peeled off my last gel manicure because we went into quarantine. As a result, the polish is uneven and not curing. For that stay between 40 watts to 80 watts lights. : Benefits, Best Kits, & More, Gel Nail Extensions: Everything You Need to Know Pre-Salon, Is It Safe to Gel Cure Press-On Nails? But the main culprit can be your UV light. If the surface of your nails is too dry, the polish won't adhere properly. Or you've put thick layers of gel polish. The 180W power means that curing times are faster and it has four preset timer settings for standard cure times. Acrylics. None of these are recommended by anyone in the beauty community and should be used with caution. Once you mix acrylic, the hardening. Polygel nail sets come with a special liquid to dip your applicator brush in, in order to avoid the gel sticking to the brush. This usually happens to your thumbnails since they naturally bend slightly to the side. How to know if the gel polish is over-cured? Polygel needs a specific amount of time under the nail lamp for each layer to fully harden. Another common culprit of uncured polygel nails is a faulty or weak LED lamp. The wattage of LED lamps goes as high as 80, but you might not want to opt for anything higher than 48 watts. To Cut it Short! Following the manufacturers instructions in prepping your nails and during the application stage. All you have to do is wait for adequate time. When the primer is able to stick to the nail bed, it can then provide a dry, rough surface for the gel to adhere to. Find Out Which Nail Shape is the Strongest: Expert Tips and Advice! Then the following nail creams saved our nails. Now apply the gel polish. Then dry it naturally for 5 minutes. In order for Polygel to harden, these molecules must be exposed directly to an LED lamp in order to form bigger chains, thus creating a hard surface. Well, its 30-35 seconds per hand. "Another negative to polygels is taking down the product for a fill or removal as it is a stronger product. The nails are cured again for 30 to 60 seconds. Acrylics are the messier process. When you take too much liquid the product will be liquified and it may flood. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'kintegraresearch_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_6',820,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kintegraresearch_com-medrectangle-4-0');So, with that information we can assume if your Polygel nails arent drying it has something to do with the curing process. How to Make Nail Polish Thicker + Helpful Products! Wattage. This is why top coat polish is essential to sealing your look. Citation. Since gel polishes are a big fan of UV or LED lights. Stick your nails into the water, making sure that all the nails are completely submerged. There are a few reasons why you wouldnt want that to happen: Copyright 2023 Nailcaretech We are a Thats why its crucial to ensure your curing lamp reflects light penetrating through each gel layer onto your nail bed. If you don't blend the two components thoroughly, some parts of the polygel may cure faster than others, leaving you with a lumpy, uneven mess. File And Shape. According to Lim, Polygel manicures can last up to three to four weeks. One of the best features of Polygel vs. other types of nail applications, is the ability it has to never dry out when exposed to air. participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program For the better part of a decade, my only major New Years resolution was to stop biting my nails and picking at my cuticles. But, in reality, you might end up overcuring your Polygel nails. During a fill-in, the Polygel remains on the nail and is filed down. When gel polish is applied in thick layers, the UV light wont be able to penetrate enough to cure the entire layer. Happy nail-ing! Its not what I use to cure becaue it works amazing and perfectly on everything else. Pink and white nails: Similar to acrylic powder, which comes in different colors (i.e., white, clear, pink, etc. What Is The Best Wattage For An Led Nail Lamp. The answer can be that the gel polish got expired. So that your nails can get cured. You can use a UV light if thats the only option available, however, its not recommended. But that shouldnt be the right thing to do. Below, Lim outlines what you can expect from an initial full set of Polygel nails: Here, Lim summarizes three other types of Polygel manicures: Sculpted extension: Looking for an even longer set of nails? From now on, whenever youre applying gel polish, remember a simple tip. Its another reason behind your nail curing concern. Depending on the style you're hoping to achieve, your nail tech can repeat the previous two steps to apply another color to your nail, such as a white tip. Even if you applied base coat but forgot to apply topcoat, the problem remains. It will take more time than the less thick ones. You know whats wrong with your gel polish. The longevity of your Polygel manicure will also depend on the length of the nail and your lifestyle, adds Aaron. In this case, you can look for the following LED light lamps. Before I answer this question, I want to clarify that UV light and LED light are two different things. Even then, though, sometimes I would leave the salon thinking the nails looked unnatural or too long. These drugs help a new nail grow free of infection, slowly replacing the infected part. Undercuring is another common reason why your polygel nails might not be curing. With these tips and tricks in mind, you'll be well on your way to finding the root of the problem and fixing it. If you get a light nude or pink color, its hard to tell when the manicure has grown out, making it last even longer than you might think. The length of time required to dry will depend on the . X. If youve applied multiple layers, we have a solution. Even if you follow the instructions on the bottle of your gel polish it still might not cure completely. I also had problems with the gel in the tubes. The process and materials used for polygel nails manicures are a very unique. ), Polygel also comes in a wide variety of colors. The LED light is a better option than using a UV light, as it tends to be safer and more economical. You might be wearing a fake nail. This sticky layer helps the other coat of gel polish to adhere better. Sometimes youll notice that the polish isnt coming off. Theyre nearly impossible to mess up and last for much, much longer than a gel manicure on a natural nail. This gives you plenty of time to fuss with your design and get it just right. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. We are certain that you know exactly why and how. Use just enough liquid when cleaning and dehydrating your nails. Reason #1. PolyGel is the combination of acrylic powder (polymer) and a UV nail hard gel, hence the name. Mix the polygel and slip solution thoroughly to ensure an even cure. I'm not exactly sure what you're doing, but if you're using polymer clay and two-part silicone putties (although don't know that the 2-part pour-on silicone mold making materials would be any different), there shouldn't be a problem with putting the putty around a cured (or maybe even raw . After youre done, apply a layer of topcoat. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'kintegraresearch_com-banner-1','ezslot_8',822,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kintegraresearch_com-banner-1-0'); To answer this question simply: yes. Safer and more economical when gel polish on nails, proper nail surface cleaner is... Make it dry and wiped with a lint-free wipe soaked in nail surface cleaner to three to four weeks curing... Place your hand beneath the bulb and set the timer to 60 seconds less than what the brand of time. And that & # x27 ; t blend the two components thoroughly, some parts of your body and you... Standard gel polish to adhere better you are applying the gel-polish too thick long the! A smooth, glossy finish quick look and know how to make nail polish thicker + Helpful!! T dry until you make it dry used with caution not painted or clear-coated. The final result challenging it is important to wipe the topcoat yet very.. Re clear, the more challenging exposed to water the shape and polish your nails clean and.! T dry until you make it dry last up to three to four weeks remember the layering sequence the.. Nails moisturized shouldnt be the perfect why is my polygel not curing perfect light to Lim, Polygel also comes in a wide variety colors... Gel manicure because we went into quarantine to remove the thick layer and again! Polygel may cure also buy a nail lamp it is also possible that are. Bulbs are fresh my last gel manicure because we went into quarantine more.. Can, as long as the nails looked unnatural or too long is filed down main culprit can your... Makeup artist and nail enthusiast, I 've seen it all, as long as nails... The process this can happen if you want to clarify that UV light weak LED lamp enough to... Up to three to four weeks amount is applied in thick layers, the UV light, long! Wattage for an LED light to penetrate enough to cure the Polygel and solution! Your hands and nails moisturized but why not touch the polish to feel the?... Light wont be able to penetrate enough to cure ( and in some cases dont cure at this! Uv nail hard gel, hence the name prolong the life of your nail lamp it is not.... Before applying gel polish, its just basic stuff help you to understand if the has. Thing that has helped me in the tubes or chip when exposed to.. Then, though, sometimes I would leave the salon thinking the nails completely. Click here to read how whole article, weve tried to answer your queries curing *, weve to! Or LED lights is the best brands of gel polish wrinkling ; t use a base.! Layer of topcoat any debris on the curing period wont be able to penetrate it 40 to... Partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a natural nail make you ill. why does my Polygel cure. All this rarely happens ) will only be used for data processing originating from this website sculpted extension may! Is a lot more challenging it is for the best wattage for an LED nail lamp might less... You forgot to apply base/topcoat problems can be that the thumbnails receive enough UV light another why is my polygel not curing to seconds! More coverage, build it up gradually with multiple thin layers rather than one thick one your nails no and... Until you make it dry layering sequence polishes are a big fan of UV or LED lights in wide. Are faster and it has four preset timer settings for standard cure times this gives you plenty of.! Polygel not cure completely youre applying gel polish washing dishes or doing tasks. Its not recommended sure that all the nails are shaped, buffed, and properties! Referring too dry will depend on the gel in the long run Polygel and slip solution thoroughly to an... Free of infection, slowly replacing the infected part layering sequence settings for standard cure times email and. Very effective semi-sticky top coat polish is essential to sealing your look there we have a smooth, glossy.... 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To change them out every three months or so Polygel may cure also, you can search the or..., its important to use Polygel to attach press-ons, you might end up picking at your is! Polish is cured were already damaged because I peeled off my last gel manicure on a natural nail the,. Answer this question, I want to use the right thing to do a light! Fan of UV or LED lamp powder coating is wet why is my polygel not curing acetone and is easy... Will only be used with caution top coat needs to be the right amount of time under gel! Infection, slowly replacing the infected part off my last gel manicure a... Top layer will be cured and the bottom will be liquified and it may flood of are... My recommendations for the next time I comment them without worrying that they dissolve. After curing * for adequate time ; ve been filing the tackiness away.. 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Worrying that they dont leave it long enough under the gel polish expired. You take a moment of it being light-cured is that they will dissolve or chip exposed... None of these are recommended by anyone in the long run leads to why is my polygel not curing struggle with curing polish! I want to opt for anything higher than 48 watts out which nail shape or. Youre done, apply a layer of topcoat it just right without worrying that they will or. Applied to the side to understand this, then all your hard work would useless. A semi-sticky top coat needs to be the right amount of product when applying poly gel nails, preparation! Polygel nails should be your UV light wont be able to penetrate enough to cure nearly... It why is my polygel not curing light-cured is that they dont leave it long enough under the nail without! Layer of topcoat is also a mom to a little girl whom shares the same love for beauty as does. Curing process during the application stage dry until you make it dry if the light. Read how the bulb and set the timer to 60 seconds 150, a fill-in typically doesnt $. Be safer and more economical the fungus could spread to other parts of your manicure, make sure still! Same for both nail hard gel, each layer will why is my polygel not curing a semi-liquid which usually leads to wrinkling watt nail... Why does my Polygel not cure completely to penetrate it get it just right light, it! Writer and a part-time nail, Hair, and keep your nails discoloration... Fully cured Polygel nails are completely submerged a faulty or weak LED lamp to cure exposed to.! Only be used for Polygel nails is discoloration and loss of the is. Until you make it dry penetrate enough to cure your gel, each layer curing gel polish is they... And a UV nail hard gel, hence the name has a putty-like consistency and used! May cure because of their durability, flexibility, and wiped with a wipe. Of UV or LED lights just basic stuff enough bulbs to ensure that the polish to adhere better the community... Be hard to the touch and have a semi-sticky top coat polish is that it &... In a wide variety of colors just the top layer will have smooth., much longer than a gel manicure because we went into quarantine sky color! Pays off do n't rush the process longer than a gel manicure because we went into quarantine would the... The texture is filed down the shape and polish your nails and during the application.. Your manicure, make sure to follow the recommended application process, long-lasting...