Chapter 5: Understanding and Mastering Gel Manicures 1 CE Hour
Course overview This course is intended for nail technicians and explains the evolution of gel manicures. We'll trace the invention of gel polish and examine its impact on the beauty industry. We will also explore the science behind gel polish, examine the process of applying and maintaining gel manicures, Learning outcomes After completing this course, the learner will be able to: Explain the science behind gel polish. Demonstrate proper application and maintenance of gel manicures. Gel manicures have revolutionized the nail care industry, offering a durable and long-lasting alternative to traditional nail polish. Unlike regular polish, gel polish is cured under a UV or LED light, resulting in a hard, glossy finish that lasts up to three weeks without chipping. This innovation has enhanced the aesthetic appeal of manicures and The basics of gel manicures Gel manicures have become a cornerstone of modern nail care, offering a durable and long-lasting alternative to traditional nail polish. Defined by their unique application and curing process, gel manicures involve using gel polish that is hardened under a UV or LED lamp, resulting in a resilient, high-shine finish that lasts up to three weeks without chipping or fading. Unlike traditional nail polish, which air-dries and can show signs of wear in less than a week, gel polish requires a curing process that provides longevity that the former cannot. This key difference gives gel manicures their resilience to daily wear and tear. Additionally, the high-shine finish of gel polish maintains its gloss far longer than regular polish, making it a favorite among those seeking beautiful, long-lasting manicures. The benefits of gel manicures are numerous. In addition to these attributes, they are less prone to smudging immediately after application. This distinction makes them
and discuss both the benefits and potential drawbacks. Additionally, this course highlights future trends and innovations in gel manicure technology and provides a comprehensive understanding of this modern beauty phenomenon.
Distinguish the four main differences between traditional and gel polish.
INTRODUCTION
significantly reduced the need for frequent touch-ups, making it a preferred choice for nail clients. In modern beauty culture, gel manicures have become a staple. Their popularity is evident in the growth of gel polish brands, DIY kits, and their widespread adoption in professional nail salons. attractive to clients with busy lifestyles who desire low- maintenance nail care. The process of applying a gel manicure involves several steps and specialized tools. The procedure begins with nail preparation, including shaping and buffing. A base coat is then applied and cured under a UV or LED lamp. Two layers of colored gel polish are applied, and each layer is cured under a UV or LED lamp to harden. Finally, a top coat is applied and cured, sealing in the color and adding extra shine. The tools and equipment necessary for a gel manicure include a UV or LED lamp, which is essential for curing the gel polish, as well as a base coat, gel polish, and a top coat. These components work together to create the durable, high-gloss finish that defines gel manicures. We will provide a detailed look at the application and maintenance of gel manicures and discuss their benefits and potential drawbacks later in the course. founded Creative Nail Design (CND), a leading brand in the nail industry. Though purely by accident, the development of acrylic nails laid the foundation for later innovations such as hard gel, soak-off gel, and gel polish—all of which are now used in salons. When initial formulations of gel polishes were created, they faced challenges with proper curing and application, so these early forms were met with limited success (Orly, 2022). Early gel polishes were often thick and difficult to apply evenly. Extensive research and development were required to create a product that was both effective and safe. But the introduction of products that could be easily applied and cured was on the way! CND played a pivotal role in pioneering and revolutionizing gel polish technology when they introduced their breakthrough product Shellac in May 2010 (Creative Nail Design, 2024). It combined the ease of polish with the durability of gel and set a new standard in the nail care
The history, invention, and evolution of gel manicures and gel polish Gel polish transformed the nail care industry by offering a long-lasting, durable alternative to traditional nail polish. This journey began with early innovations in nail care, dating back to the early 20th century when basic nail lacquers were first introduced. Over time, advancements in chemistry and application techniques led to the development of more sophisticated nail care products, paving the way for the invention of gel polish.
The origins of modern nail extensions trace back to 1954 when Fred Slack, a dentist, broke his fingernail at work and created a temporary artificial nail using dental acrylic. (Orly, 2022) Through extensive experimentation with various materials, he and his brother Tom perfected the invention and patented it, leading to the founding of Patti Nails. (Wikipedia, 2024) The demand for nail services grew over the years, and in the late 1970s, Dr. Stuart Nordstrom developed the modern professional liquid and powder acrylic nail system we use today. Dr. Nordstrom also
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Book Code: NTNC0825
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