Gel Nails - The Future of Manicures

by Dana Oliver (Subscribe to Dana Oliver's posts)
Posted Jan 5th 2010 at 4:00PM

Acrylic nails are so last year--2010 is all about gel nails. Photo: Getty Images

Attention all lacquer lovers and nailphiles: gel nails are the next beauty trend to become your biggest obsession!

Gel nails are a type of treatment where thin layers of gel are applied to natural or artificial nails and cured under an ultraviolet light (or with a special gel activator) to create a high-gloss finish.

Its already gain popularity in Asia and Eastern Europe because of its non-yellowing, odorless, and chip free formula that not only strengthens nails, but provides the perfect base for funky and flirty designs (often in 3-D). And with Calgel and Dashing Diva offering a variety of colors, we're sure gel nails will take off stateside.

Gel nails typically last for up to one month and costs start at $40--a chic and cost-effective alternative to the typical manicure. A professional manicurist can fill-in the gel nail where it has grown out (near the cuticle) or file them down and get creative all over again.

Check out these stylish nail polish options below.

Are you excited about Chanel's Particulière nail polish? We sure are! Click here for the deets on the designer lacquer set to hit counters this month.

Read All Comments

Filed under: Beauty, Makeup
Tags: Calgel, Dashing Diva, gel manicure, gel nails, manicure, nail trends, nails

Style Around the Web

ImaxTree

Make Up Tips For Girls With Glasses - Refinery29
How Celebs Work Red Into Their Wardrobe - FabSugar
Celebrity Wardrobe Malfunctions - The Daily Beast
Deodorants that Actually Work - Daily Candy
Would You Wear Long-Sleeve Shirts As Skirts? - The Frisky
Tricks That Guarantee Gorgeous Hair - Daily Makeover
Celebs Have Us Seeing Stars - People Style Watch

READER COMMENTS

(7)Add A Comment

Natasha, 2-07-2010, 8:17PM

Question: Will nail polish remover ruin the finish of gel nails if I wish to apply different nail polish colours at home over top of the gel nails?

Reply »

Kim, 3-03-2010, 7:23PM

No, you can remove your polish with Acetone or Non Acetone polish remover and neither will harm your gel nails.

Kandance, 6-18-2011, 12:20PM

This is so expensive still though. Especially as a regular habit. Painting my nails at home is always more affordable than at a salon! I can see in these pictures though the difference the gel makes in lasting longer. If you're looking for some cheaper ways around your beauty routines, you'd probably enjoy HTtp://Bit.Ly/FreebieHomepage I'm on there almost daily I guess, especially I like getting their product freebies!

Fran, 3-10-2010, 1:58PM

http://www.teptep.nl/gel-nails.php

As a matter of fact we barely use gel because the treatment takes more time. Instead acryl nails are easier to apply and in less time.

Reply »

Melissa, 5-19-2010, 3:25PM

Can I add a coat of nail polish over the gel? Say like a week or so before I go to get them redone.

Reply »

Shari, 8-22-2010, 9:53AM

The gel nail is an impervious base - you can't harm it with nail polish or acetone. I had gel nails for years - the clear kind - and they are basically bulletproof once it's "cured" by the UV light. You pretty much have to file them off to get rid of them! You can put any polish you like on top, take that off with acetone or non-acetone polish remover, and the gel stays put. You can't do much to mar the shine of the gel either - that's why I loved them so much. (That's past tense because I have a new job now, in healthcare, that forbids any kind of artificial nails, so I had to get rid of them, and I miss them a LOT!)

Suzie Dsouza, 2-12-2011, 4:33AM

I got my first gel manicure before Christmas . I loved it. It lasted for 2-21/2 weeks.I thought I will get these gel manicures all the time. When I wanted to remove the polish I was very surprised when I had to go the nail salon and have it removed. I had no idea. Since the polish was removed, my nails have been paper thin catching on everything. I guess my nails will have to grow out completely before This will stop. I doubt I will get another gm. So sad.
http://www.whatisguide.net/1229-gel-manicure.html

Reply »

ADD A COMMENT