Spring is just around the corner. Although we are in dead winter right now in Toronto, I’d like to think spring is coming. Which means getting my nails done more often. Currently we are in a lockdown, so nail salons are closed. But that won’t stop me from doing some self care. I have all the colours of the rainbow and ready to put it into use.
There are so many options of dressing your nails in the comfort of your own home. You can use a UV light to light cure your gel polish. Or a gel polish without the use of a UV light. You can go back to basic and just use good old regular polish. There’s also this new trend with dip polish which is supposed to mimic shellac and last longer without the UV light. They even have stick on nails with an array of different designs and colours. There’s also polish stickers where you just stick on and file the ends.
Gel Nail Polish with UV or LED Light
Gel nail polish needs ultraviolet specifically UVA light to polymerize and harden. To go with this route, you will need the light equipment, either an UV or LED device just like the salon. However, this raises concern about the risk of skin cancer when hands, cuticles and nails are regularly exposed to UV rays that can be as powerful as the sun. UVA rays plays a role in skin cancer development and premature skin aging such as wrinkles and sun spots.
LED lamps have much shorter curing times, but that’s because the UVA rays they emit are much more intense than regular UV lamps or even the sun. There is a misconception that LED has no UV when in essence, LED light still emits UVA rays.
Experts suggest to help minimize risk you can apply sunscreen. You can protect yourself by applying a broad spectrum SPF 30+ prior to manicures.
Gel Manicure Alternatives
A gel alternative such as Gel Couture by Essie or Miracle Gel Nail Polish by Sally Hansen definitely lasts longer than a regular manicure and doesn’t require the same upkeep as gels. Not only does it look professionally shiny, but it dries very quick. These gel polishes need a special top coat which helps catalyze the gel.
Here’s a tip to dry your nails faster: use vitamin e oil, rub gently, and then wash your hands in cold water. You will be amazed.
Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish in "Polished and Posed"
Essie's Gel Couture line comes in a wide range of shades and this no-light gel nail polish is easy to apply and feels professional. This nail polish dries completely within 5 minutes, looks professional and lasts at least a week with minimal to no chipping. This is my absolute new favourite nail polish.
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish
The gel removal process for these at-home picks is not as difficult or time consuming as the in-salon versions, and they are also generally less damaging to nails. It comes right off with regular acetone nail polish remover.
Nail Wraps
Switch up your nail polish with long-lasting chic nail stickers, wraps, decals, and strips that will jazz up your DIY manicure without the use of a curing light or long waiting dry times. There is adhesive at the back like stickers. You place it on the nail and file the ends to remove the thin sticker. You can add in a clear top coat to seal the wrap.
These full-on wraps, decals, and foils come in practically every nail polish design and finish, from matte to glitter. They even come in designs with flowers, gradients and geometric lines.
Sally Hansen Salon Effects Couture Nail Stickers, Lacey Does It, 18-Count
Press On Nails
Press on nails is another alternative to an easy DIY manicure. These fake nails come in all shapes, designs, and lengths. The variety has expanded to include almond, stiletto, and coffin styles in almost every colour and finish you can think of. It usually comes with an adhesive and using a good quality glue will keep your nails on longer. A tip is to apply a protective coat like a base coat to the nail prior to applying the nail glue.
KISS Glam Fantasy Special FX Effect Nails (KGF50)
Dip Powder Polish
The biggest selling point of dip powder manicures is that they don't need to be cured or sealed with a UV lamp. Instead, your nails are treated with a pigmented and durable powder that can last over three weeks. They are the easiest way to get super-pigmented colour that lasts.
Some salons offer this manicure but be mindful when selecting this option. As a health care provider, I would stay away from these manicures unless you are the only customer using that dip powder. As these harbour a lot of bacteria since fingers are dipped in the powder. The great thing is that many brands offer this type of manicure you can do at home.
The removal process is similar to gel polish removal at the salon. You soak cotton balls with acetone covered with foil for a few minutes until the polish scrapes off easily with a special tool. There are products out there that clamps and hold the cotton ball on each finger. These are called Nail Polish Removal Clips.
There are so many different applications and choices for you to choose from. Whatever you choose, make your experience even more salon-esque by lighting your favourite candle, using a cuticle oil, slathering on a luxurious hand cream and putting on some soothing music.
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