Yeah, but what actually is gelish?

Maybe you choose gel because a friend recommended it, maybe you’re a first-timer, or maybe you’re in it for the hand massage bit at the end. Either way, as you sit comfortably in your salon chair, ever look to your fingertips and think ‘what actually is this gel stuff?’. We’re well-versed in the world of manicures (it’s kind of what we do best), so you need wonder no more. From how it’s done, to how it comes off, here’s our guide to the gel manicure. Easy. Except choosing your colour – that’s not easy.

By Rachel Spedding

• 1 What’s it made of?

  If we’re really getting technical, gel is a combo of pre-mixed semi-solid monomers and oligomers that harden to polymers when exposed to UV-A light. Yep, that’s enough science; gel is a mighty-strong polish that cures when popped under a special light. The UV dries the polish instantly, to lock in its glossy goodness. Gel’s strong stuff, but can be removed easily without too much damage to the nail bed. Longer lasting and pretty much chip-proof, it’s the non-disappointing mani (it’s also tougher than its nemesis, shellac, FYI).
• 2 What's the process?

  If you’re lengthening your natural nails with extensions, tips are applied, then trimmed and filed to your desired length. Shape sorted, time for colour. There are over 200 gel shades to choose from, so if you’re indecisive, well, good luck. A base coat is applied, then two coats of the gel polish, and a top coat to finish. You’ll pop your hand under a UV light between each coat (the technician will tell you when, of course), to set the polish in place. That mani is d-r-y – so no more tentative touching in your handbag to find your phone and keys post-mani.
• 3 How long does it last?

  The gel mani’s crowning glory – it’s invincible (sort of). It reigns supreme as the longest-lasting manicure, because of its chemical makeup. The polish is seriously thick, and adheres to your natural nail with a really strong bond, really strong, a Jack and Rose kind of bond. Of course, there are a few tricks for keeping your mani in tact, but there’s no need to go too easy on your fingertips – that polish is staying put for up to three weeks. Three whole weeks (no fibbing, promise).
• 4 How is it removed?

  So, how does such a hardy polish eventually vacate our fingertips? Pretty easily at the salon. Your technician will buff the surface of your polish with a file to ‘break the seal’. Next up, cotton pads are soaked in acetone and wrapped around your nails. They’re held in place with tin foil (for real), while the acetone gets to work. That takes around 15 minutes. Foil removed, and the gel should slide right off. You could give your nails a break and leave ‘em bare, or get a fresh gel mani straight back on – go on, live a little.

  With Treatwell, you can book beauty online at all your favourite salons – simple, hassle-free, and you can do it on the go. Click here to discover amazing salons in your area.