Alexei Volkov
Gel nail polish is a long-lasting variety of nail polish that is cured under an ultraviolet lamp or ultraviolet LED. Unlike regular nail polish, which dries through solvent evaporation, gel nail polish consists of methacrylate compounds and photoinitiating compounds such as benzoyl peroxide, which solidify the polish through polymerisation when exposed to ultraviolet light. This process can be used to create polymer coatings with a range of properties, resulting in soft gels or hard gels. Soft gels can be removed by soaking in solvents such as acetone, while hard gels must be filed off.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Price | More expensive than regular nail polish |
| Application process | Cured under a UV or LED lamp |
| Durability | Long-lasting, does not chip easily |
| Removal | Difficult to remove, requires soaking or filing |
| Composition | Methacrylate polymer, acrylate copolymer, plasticizers, pigments |
| Health concerns | Potential skin cancer risk due to UV exposure, allergic reactions |
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What You'll Learn
Gel polish is a type of plastic
The key difference between gel and regular polish is in their chemical composition and application process. Regular nail polish is based on nitrocellulose and dries through solvent evaporation. Gel polish, on the other hand, contains acrylate and methacrylate compounds, which are polymerised and solidified through UV light exposure. This process is what gives gel polish its durability and chip-resistant properties.
The monomers in gel polish are activated by photoinitiators, such as benzoyl peroxide and diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide, which absorb ultraviolet light and split into radicals, kick-starting polymerisation. Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) is a major component of many gel polishes, and di-HEMA trimethyl-hexyl dicarbamate is another common ingredient that functions as a cross-linker between polymer chains.
While gel polish offers a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing manicure, it has been associated with some negative effects on nail health. The curing process involves UV exposure, which has been linked to an elevated risk of skin cancer. Additionally, the chemicals in gel polish can cause allergic reactions, such as contact dermatitis and, less commonly, urticaria. Removing gel polish can also be challenging and may temporarily damage nails, leaving them dry, brittle, and prone to cracking and peeling.
It is worth noting that the distinction between "gel" and "plastic" in the context of nail enhancements may not be significant. Gel enhancements, including acrylic, hard gel, and soft gel, ultimately result in a plastic finish. Therefore, it is more accurate to categorise these enhancements as different forms of plastic or resin, with ABS plastic being synthetic and soft gel tips derived from natural resin sources, such as trees.
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It is made from methacrylate compounds
Gel nail polish is made from a type of methacrylate polymer. More specifically, it is composed of various methacrylate compounds, with hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) being a major component. HEMA is a small monomer that is highly soluble in water, ethanol, and acetone. It is biocompatible and has widespread use in dentistry and medical applications.
Methacrylates are derivatives of methacrylic acid, and they are used primarily to make poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and related polymers. PMMA is well-known for its clarity, weather resistance, and range of transparent, translucent, and opaque colors. It is an amorphous polymer with a Tg of 100°C, lower density, and lower impact strength compared to CPVC.
Methyl methacrylate (MMA), the monomer used to produce PMMA, was discovered in 1873 by Bernhard Tollens and his student, W. A. Caspary. They observed its tendency to transform into a clear, hard, transparent substance, especially when exposed to sunlight. MMA is a raw material for the manufacture of other methacrylates, including ethyl methacrylate (EMA), butyl methacrylate (BMA), and 2-ethyl hexyl methacrylate (2-EHMA).
In the context of gel nail polish, the polymerization of methacrylate compounds is triggered by light, specifically ultraviolet light. The photoinitiator, such as benzoyl peroxide or diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide, absorbs this ultraviolet light and splits into radicals, initiating the polymerization process. This results in the formation of a hardened gel polish that is long-lasting and resistant to chipping.
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It is cured under UV or LED light
Gel polish is a long-lasting variety of nail polish made up of a type of methacrylate polymer. Unlike regular nail polish, it does not dry. Instead, it is cured under ultraviolet (UV) or light-emitting diode (LED) light. This process is called polymerization, which is triggered by light.
Gel polishes contain photoinitiators, a chemical that requires direct UV wavelengths to harden or cure. The photoinitiators absorb ultraviolet light and split into radicals that kick-start polymerization. The two commonly used photoinitiators are benzoyl peroxide and diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide.
Both UV and LED nail curing lamps emit small amounts of UV rays. However, they differ in the type of bulbs they contain and the type of light they produce. UV nail lamps take longer to cure gel polish, typically taking two minutes to fully cure a layer of gel polish. On the other hand, LED lamps emit narrower wavelengths, curing polish much quicker, usually in 60 seconds, or flash curing a nail art design in just 15 to 30 seconds.
The main selling point of an LED lamp is the time that can be saved when using it compared to curing by a UV lamp. Most UV lamps have a bulb life of 1,000 hours, but it is recommended to change the bulbs every six months. LED lamps should last for 50,000 hours, so you should never have to worry about changing the bulbs.
It is important to note that not all gel polishes can be cured by an LED lamp. Some gel polishes are formulated to be used with UV nail lamps only, so an LED lamp will not work. Therefore, it is always best to check whether the brand of gel polish you are using is compatible with an LED lamp.
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It lasts longer than regular polish
Gel nail polish is a long-lasting variety of nail polish made up of a type of methacrylate polymer. It is painted onto the nail in a similar way to traditional nail polish, but it does not dry. Instead, it is cured under an ultraviolet lamp or ultraviolet LED. While regular nail polish typically lasts for two to seven days without chipping, gel polish can last for up to two weeks or more with proper application and home care.
The longer-lasting quality of gel nail polish is due to its unique chemistry. The polymerization process of gel polish is triggered by light, specifically by ultraviolet light, which is absorbed by photoinitiators that split into radicals to kick-start polymerization. This process results in a hardened barrier that prevents chipping, scratching, and peeling.
In comparison, regular nail polish is mostly based on nitrocellulose and hardens through solvent evaporation. It is more prone to chipping and peeling within a few days, requiring more frequent reapplication.
The longevity of gel nail polish offers convenience and cost savings for those with busy lifestyles. It eliminates the need for frequent touch-ups and provides a flawless finish that regular nail polish cannot match. However, it is important to note that gel nail polish can be more challenging to remove and may require professional removal to ensure nail health.
While gel nail polish offers superior longevity, it is important to prioritize nail health. Lim, the chief educator of New York-based nail salon Paintbox, recommends that the longest one should wear a gel manicure without compromising nail health is two weeks. To maintain nail health, it is suggested to have your polish removed professionally and to care for your nails with cuticle oil, files, and a top coat.
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It can be damaging to nails
Gel nail polish is a long-lasting variety of nail polish made up of a type of methacrylate polymer. It is painted onto the nail in a similar way to traditional nail polish but does not dry in the same way. Instead, it is cured under an ultraviolet lamp or ultraviolet LED. While regular nail polish typically lasts two to seven days without chipping, gel polish can last up to two weeks with proper application and care.
However, despite its durability, gel nail polish can be damaging to nails. The process of curing gel manicures involves repeated exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to cancer. The less UV exposure your hands receive, the better. Although the risk of cancer is currently considered low, it is still present.
In addition to the health risks posed by UV radiation, the removal process of gel nail polish can also cause temporary damage to nails. Gel polish contains acrylate and methacrylate, which are known to cause allergic reactions such as rashes and hives. If not removed carefully, gel polish can leave nails dry and brittle. The most common issues reported are cracking and peeling, as well as an overall weakening of the nail plate. These issues can take months to resolve as the damaged nail must grow out.
To prevent damage to nails, it is recommended to switch out gel manicures every two to three weeks and allow the nails to recover. Removal should be done either by a professional or with proper at-home steps, such as using acetone to soak the nails or applying acetone-soaked cotton balls wrapped in aluminium foil. It is also important to rehydrate nails between polishes by applying a moisturising product, such as petroleum jelly, to minimise brittleness and prevent chipping.
While gel nail polish can provide a long-lasting and chip-free manicure, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and take precautions to minimise damage to nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel polish is a long-lasting variety of nail polish that is hardened under an ultraviolet lamp or ultraviolet LED.
Gel polish consists of methacrylate compounds and photoinitiating compounds such as benzoyl peroxide. When exposed to ultraviolet light, a polymerisation process is triggered, solidifying the polish.
To remove gel polish, you can use nail polish remover, which is an organic solvent. Acetone is the most common type of remover.
Gel polish can be difficult to remove and requires more time and tools than regular nail polish. It also contains chemicals that can cause allergic reactions and temporary nail damage. In addition, the curing process involves UV exposure, which can increase the risk of skin cancer.
Soft gels have a flexible polymer network and can be removed by soaking them in solvents like acetone. Hard gels are rigid and impermeable to solvents, so they must be filed off.
