To gel or not?

Want to stay ahead of the beauty curve? Start by sporting ‘gel’ly nails!

Gel nail manicures are gaining popularity among celebrities and youngsters alike. But, many women opt for a regular nail polish, as they believe it to be  safer on the nails. Busting the myth right away, gel manicures, when done by an expert, can turn out extremely well, while being gentle on your nails. Be it removal or application, gel manicures stay intact on the nail for at least a couple of weeks with high shine, no cracking, peeling or chipping.

Officially, gel polishes are known as Axxium soak-off gel lacquer. It has a tacky layer that must be cured/dried under UV/LED light for two to three minutes. Gel nails are said to make the natural nail to feel stronger. However, they aren’t as strong as gel polish. It is a great option for those who don’t have the time for their nail polish to dry but also want great results. So, those who have never tried it, don’t be worried.

Compared to acrylic nails, they are a safer option as well as more eco-friendly.

Point to note: These polishes only weaken your nail bed if it is removed from the nail aggressively – scraping or peeling. The product should just crumble/slide off the nail after soaking, with the help of a cuticle pusher.

Most experts have shifted to LED lamps that cure the gel polish but if you’re still worried — apply a bit of sunscreen before you put those pretty hands under the lamp.

— The writer is a Bengaluru-based nail expert