Gel nails are a fantastic option for any woman who has the time and a bit of extra money to give herself long, natural looking nails. Gel nails are a great choice for all women seeking a “real” looking fingernail rather than acrylics, which can look clumpy and thick. Gel nails are also flexible, non-yellowing, and wrap right around your natural nail, conforming to its shape.

So how do gel nails work? These nails are actually made from material that is often used in the dental industry. The same gel powder that is used by dentists is used to create the gel nails that we see on women across the globe today. The nail is first ‘sculpted’ to match your own nail shape (yes, this is done for all ten of your fingers). Next, the gel nail is exposed to an ultraviolet ray, usually in the form of a UV light. The UV light will cause the gel nail to wrap and conform to your natural nail shape, giving it that more natural look than acrylic nails.

TIP: Gel nails for your toes also exist! If you are looking to enhance your toe nails, ask around to see which salons in your area are now doing gel toenails.

Once the gel nails are then set to your fingers, you usually are then able to choose how you want your nails to be designed. You can have French tips, colored tips, full nail polish colors, nail decals, nail stickers, or even air brushing applied to your finger nails so that you are sure to get the effect you want! When your nails are dry, you are free to go.

Another advantage to gel nails over acrylic nails is that they do require fewer fillings. So though the initial payment for having the gel nails applied to your natural nails may be more than acrylics, the overall cost may be even or gel nails may even be less expensive than their acrylic counterparts!

Some disadvantages include:

• Gel nails are not as durable as acrylic nails
• While filing may not be as often of an occurrence with gel nails, you may suffer from more cracked or broken nails (in this case, you can ask about having a nail wrap to fix the break)
• Gel nails can “lift” and peel your natural nail just as acrylic nails can

As with any type of artificial nail, once the nail is remove it is important to give your natural nails some “down time”. Nurture them and keep both your nails and your cuticles well moisturized. When the gel nails are removed, your natural nails will feel pretty rough and thin – because they are! This also leaves your natural nails open to infections and fungus, so take particular care to wash your hands regularly with anti bacterial soap and follow up with a good quality hand moisturizer.

If you ever have any questions about gel nails and how they may work for you, go in for a quick consultation with a salon! They will be happy to sit down with you and discuss just how they can make your nails look absolutely fantastic.