It is confusing, as there are various options these days to pick from when it comes to nails. Normal polish is basically used for designing nail arts on nails, while gel, acrylic, and polygel are the main components of the nail. Polygel is more flexible and durable than acrylic, so it is less likely to crack or chip, except when the nails are long.
Polygel nails are gel-based in terms of their consistency and texture. Polygel nails are popular among women due to their beauty and ease of application, as well as their versatility and customizability.
Polygel Nails: How Long Do They Last?
Polygel typically lasts up to 4 weeks, depending on how well the nail was made and how it is cared for. Polygel nails do not break easily; they are very durable and can withstand everyday activities.
Polygel nails can resist water better and wear longer than acrylic; they only break if the nails are not properly fixed, cared for, or exposed to extreme temperatures such as harsh chemicals and hot water.
Factors That Influence the Life Span of Polygel Nails
Polygel nails are more gel-like in texture compared to other nails; polygel nails don’t set until they have been properly cured, which is one of the main differences between them and acrylic nails.
Normally, polygel can last up to a month, but various reasons can affect the life span. Here are some reasons your polygel nails don’t last:
1. Improper Nail Prep
Nail prep is the first step that must be done before any nails are fixed. Proper nail preparation can make your nails last up to a month.
Make sure your fingernails are clean, dry, and free of moisture and grease. The nails’ rough surface from filing aids in effectively bonding the Polygel; smooth nail beds won’t make your Polygel or any other type of nail last. With proper prep, your polygel nails will last for weeks, and occasionally even longer than a month.
Because polygel is prone to lifting or peeling, how well you prepare your nails before applying it is critical. If your Polygel nail is popping from the back, it is likely that your nails were improperly prepared. This is the most frequent problem women have with it.
2. Under-Cured Polygel Nails
A LED or UV light is used to cure the polygel nail; without proper drying in between sections, polygel nails don’t last. Each section should last between 1 and 3 minutes, depending on the brand of the polygel.
3. Using An Excessive Amount Of Nail Dehydrator
Also known as a nail degreaser, only use a small amount, as an excessive amount will not degrease your nail but can leave the polygel nail wet and may not grip onto your natural nails when sticking the polygel nail or extension to your fingernail.
4. No Maintenance
Polygel maintenance can be done by filling in; in this process, the polygel remains on the nail and is filed down, a small amount of polygel is added near the cuticle to fill in the area where the nail has grown over time. To keep your nails in good condition, polygel nails should be filled after 2 weeks, also keep them away from hot water. Without maintenance polygel nail will not last.
5. Using An Excessive Amount Of Polygel
When applying polygel, if the amount used is too much, the nail cannot properly cure. This causes the nail to be soft in the middle and pull off after a few days.
How To Prepare Nails for Polygel
Here are some simple steps you might practice to try to make it last longer.
1. Push back the cuticle and clean the surrounding nail plate of any excess cuticle.
2. Shape the natural nail using a file, after which you can also use a nail buffer.
3. Use an alcohol nail pad or nail surface cleanse with a lint-free nail wipe to wipe and cleanse the nail and remove all dust.
4. Apply a layer of nail prep (a nail dehydrator) to your nail plate.
5. You can start fixing and designing your nails. Don’t forget to apply a base coat first and top coat last.
When compared to polygel, acrylic nails are unquestionably more durable. But in general, Polygel nails don’t break easily and lasts, when the application process is appropriate and they are not destroyed by your day-to-day activities.
Tips to Make Your Polygel Nails Last Longer
- Avoid exposing your nails to water, cleaning products, or harsh chemicals as much as possible.
- Keep your nails dry by using gloves when doing dishes or cleaning.
- Don’t use your nails as tools, such as picking or prying objects open.
- Keep your nails well-moisturized and apply cuticle oil regularly to prevent cracking or peeling.
- Avoid using nail polish remover or acetone on your nails as it can weaken the polygel.
- Get regular touch-ups every 2-3 weeks to fill in any gaps or chips before they become bigger problems.
- Clean your nails with alcohol before applying a new layer of polygel to avoid any dust or oils on the nails.