There's nothing better than finishing a gel manicure and looking at your shiny new nails. Why do they look so great? A clear gel top coat.
Every gel manicure needs a good clear gel top coat to add that final layer of shine, strength and protection. Not only does it help prevent premature chips and scratches, but a good quality gel top coat also helps bring out the vibrancy of your colors, glitters or nail art.
It's not a secret weapon, but it's definitely a necessity when you get a gel manicure and pedicure.
Therefore, in this article, I will focus on the clear gel top coat. I will share some tips to help you apply and remove it as well and explore the differences between a clear gel top coat and regular nail polish.
The Types Of Clear Gel Top Coats
When it comes to clear gel top coats, there are a few different types available on the market. Some of the most popular types are:
UV clear gel top coat
This type of clear gel top coat is applied using a UV light, and it dries instantly to give your nails a glossy, high-shine finish. It's also very durable and will last for days without chipping or cracking.
Non-UV clear gel top coat
This type of clear gel top coat doesn't require UV light to dry, and it typically dries in around 5 minutes. It's not quite as durable as the UV clear gel top coat, but it still offers a high-shine finish that will last for several days.
Clear Nail Polish Vs Clear Gel Top Coat
Clear Nail Polish
Clear nail polish can be used alone. The purpose of using clear nail polish is to celebrate natural nails.
Clear nail polish is just like its name. Although it gives your nails a beautiful shine, it does not prevent them from falling out.
For this reason, we do not recommend using a clear polisher as a top coat. Even the best clear nail polish can crack and peel unless well-sealed. Applying a top coat to nail polish is the best way to extend the life of your nail polish, as clear nail polish is not meant to protect and seal.
Many people share that they use clear nail polish as a top coat, which may be true, but this does not help stop the occurrence of chips, cracks, and peeling.
When you want such makeup, it is best to use clear nail polish because it not only keeps the nail bed healthy, but also allows natural nails to show. Clear nail polish is also available in a pale pink color, and some transparent nail polish also has sequins added to make it sparkle.
Clear gel top coat
As the final step in the manicure process, a clear gel top coat is like a blanket over all other layers. No matter how many layers of nail polish you put on, the top coat will seal it. It maintains the color of nail polish and prevents nail polish wear and bangs.
Find the best clear gel top coat, and if you're not sure how to use it, read how to use clear gel top coat which is mentioned in the later paragraph. The interval between nail polish applications is also important, so if you want to make the nail polish application process faster, buy a quick-drying nail polish.
When you apply nail polish, it is very important to apply a top coat as it will bring your nail polish to life. The advantage of applying a clear gel top coat is that you can apply it to your nail for another 5-7 days just to add a layer of safety to your nail polish.
Benefits Of Clear Gel Top Coat
Long-lasting power
Nail professionals apply a protective to clear gel top coat to all manicures for one reason: it keeps nail polish going longer. When you pair a top coat with long-lasting nail polish, you can even last for 7 days. The top coat also prevents UV rays from damaging the color, protecting it from water and other things that hands often come into contact with. With professional nail polish paired with high-quality nail polish, your nails will get the best protection.
Best performance
In order to get the best nail art, you need a little home care. When applying nail polish for seven days, you don't need to reapply the clear gel top coat between manicures. Using cuticle oil daily and wearing gloves when exposed to water for long periods of time or gardening or cleaning will help you see the shine of your nails.
If you choose the traditional nail polish, in addition to protecting your nails with gloves, reapplying a clear gel top coat of nail polish every two to three days can help the color last for a few days. Apply a thin coat of nail polish on top and seal the ends of the nail for optimal protection. Staying away from the skin is always a victory, as touching the skin makes everything fall off more easily. With a strong surface, your manicure is sure to achieve the best results.
Function meets fashion
A coat is the armor of your manicure – armor always has a unique look. Sometimes it is polished to sparkle. Sometimes it has a different luster due to time or war. In any case, every expression has its own beauty. Your personal style is reflected in your manicures, and the coat you choose can be a great stylistic element.
The gel top coat gives the nails a distinct shine. The pearl surface can soften any color while being sealed in a nacre-free layer similar to the inside of a shell. Some coats also add sequins, allowing you to add highlights to any color you like without creating extra clutter or confusion. In this way, the top coating protects your manicure from various factors while providing the perfect finishing touch.
So what is the clear gel top coat used for? Almost everything. The top coating is a multi-purpose tool that is a must for every manicure and pedicure. It depends on whether you want polishing protection or style perfection – but the good news is that a good topcoat can do both!
How To Apply A Clear Gel Top Coat?
This simple step will give your nails a glossy, high-shine finish that will last for days. Make sure you use a good quality clear gel top coat, and follow these simple steps for the best results.
Before you apply a clear gel top coat, it's important to prep your nails first. Start by removing any old nail polish with acetone-free nail polish remover. Next, gently file your nails and push back your cuticles. Finally, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to remove any oils or debris.
Now that your nails are prepped and ready, it's time to apply the clear gel top coat. Start by applying a thin layer of clear gel top coat to your nails. Make sure you avoid getting any on your skin or cuticles, as this can cause the clear gel top coat to not adhere properly. Once you've applied a thin layer to all of your nails, cure them under a UV light for 2 minutes or allow them to air dry for 5 minutes.
How To Remove Clear Gel Top Coat?
Common household items you need
Before you start, gather these supplies:
- Petroleum jelly
- Cotton (balls or strips)
- Scissors
- Acetone (100%)
- Plastic food wrap
- Washcloth
- Towel
Follow these steps
When removing gel nail polish from your fingernails, it is easier to work on one hand at a time. Another option is to have someone else remove the polish.
Whether removing gel nail polish from your fingernails or toenails, here are the steps to follow:
- Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to each cuticle and the surrounding skin. This will help protect your skin from the acetone.
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Cut the cotton balls or strip them to the size of each nail. Using cotton that is about the same size as each nail reduces your risk of getting acetone on your skin. When acetone sits on your skin, it can irritate and damage your skin.
As a general rule: The nails on your pinkie fingers (5th finger) or little toes need about ¼ of a cotton ball. You can cover each of the other nails with ½ of a cotton ball. - Soak each piece of cut cotton in acetone.
- Place each piece of soaked cotton on top of the nail that it was cut to fit, and wrap the nail with plastic food wrap. You want a tight seal. Avoid wrapping your nails so tightly that you cut off your circulation.
Use plastic wrap instead of foil. Dr. Lipner recommends using plastic food wrap rather than foil when removing gel nail polish at home. When wrapped around your nails, plastic creates a tighter seal than foil, so the acetone is less likely to drip.
- Leave the plastic wrap on for 10 minutes. When you remove the plastic wrap, most or all of the gel nail polish should be gone.
- Remove any remaining gel nail polish with a washcloth that you’ve just run under warm water. Use the wet washcloth to gently rub off any remaining polish. Take care to rub only the nail and avoid rubbing the surrounding skin.
- Wash your hands or feet with gentle soap and water to remove the acetone. If you have a fragrance-free soap, use it. Any mild soap will help you avoid irritating your skin.
- Gently rub petroleum jelly into your cuticles and the skin around your nails every day for seven days. This will help to reduce any irritation caused by the acetone.
Can You Use Clear Gel Top Coat Over Regular Nail Polish?
Regular nail polish takes 24 hours to dry completely. Until then, your nail polish may dry out, but it's still prone to dents and creases.
Clear gel top coat, on the other hand, dries out in 30-60 seconds. When the clear gel top coat dries, it becomes more viscous.
This may seem like a good idea at first, but you're actually limiting the moisture of nail polish to the nail bed. This creates a breeding environment for fungi.
If you want to make sure moisture doesn't get trapped, you should know the time between nail polish applications.
There is a complete set of protocols regarding the use of a clear gel top coat, which is why professionals recommend not mixing plain lacquer and gel varnish together. Even if your regular nail polish is advertised as "quick-drying," you should still be careful.
Even so, you should make sure that you are using a good quality quick-drying top coat
For this reason, you should not use a clear gel top coat on your regular nail polish as it is very harmful to your nails.
How To Choose The Right Clear Gel Top Coat For Your Nails?
When choosing a clear gel top coat, there are a few things you'll need to consider. First, think about what type of finish you want. If you're looking for a high-shine finish that will last for days, then the UV clear gel top coat is a good option. If you don't mind re-applying every few days, then the non-UV clear gel top coat will work just fine.
Next, consider the ingredients in the clear gel top coat. Some clear gel top coats contain harmful chemicals, so it's important to choose one that is non-toxic and safe to use.
Finally, think about the price. Clear gel top coats range in price from around $10 to $30, so choose one that fits your budget.
Conclusion
A good clear gel top coat does much more than make nails shiny. Think of the top coat as the armor for your manicure. It protects the color from the environment, as everything from sunlight to water shortens the life of your manicure. The top coat seals in the color and gives it more staying power than it would have on its own.