How long should gel polish last?

• If applied correctly, the gel polish should last up to 14 days on natural nails and up to 3 weeks on acrylic or gel nails. By the second week your nails would have grown and you will see a gap between the gel polish and cuticle. At this stage we recommend performing an in-fill or soaking off and re-applying with new gel polish.

Causes of lifting:

• Cuticle left on the nail plate
• Not properly cleaning or dehydrating the nail plate prior to application. No dirt or oil should be left on the nail.
• Performing a wet manicure before applying the gel polish, or washing your hands shortly before application of the gel polish.
• If the natural nail is damaged or has split.
• Product has been applied too hastily, creating a thick finish.
• Applying the gel polish to the cuticle and lateral folds of skin next to the nail. The product should be applied 1mm away from the cuticle and sidewalls of the nail.

Does the gel polish need to be used with a base coat?

• Yes, if you are applying the gel polish on to your natural nail, you do need to use a base coat.
• If you are applying the gel polish on top of an Acrylic layer, Dura Gel or Builder Gel to strengthen your nail, then you don’t need to apply a base coat. However, please ensure that the Acrylic, Dura Gel and Builder Gel are buffed and shine-free for correct adhesion.

Do I need to use a top coat with gel polish?

• The top coat will create a long lasting high shine. This product helps to avoid scratches and dulling of the colour, so YES.
• It is very important to remember that you need to file the top coat off before soaking, as it will not come off with acetone – this does help if you come in contact with acetone when doing your toes or a friend’s nails.

Does the top coat need cleansing?

• No, this is a tack-free top coat. If it is still tacky then it has not been cured long enough.

Is gel polish easier to apply than traditional nail polish?

• Yes! Traditional nail polish gets sticky when you work with it too much, trying to perfect your application. Gel polish will never get sticky, which means you can take as long as you like to perfect the application.

How to remove the gel polish?

• Use a 100/180 grit file to break the surface of the top coat. This can be tricky as it is clear, but persevere as this will enable an easier soak off. The aim is to get as much as the topcoat off as possible.
• Then apply pure acetone to cotton wool/nail wipe and wrap your nail with foil, allowing the acetone to soak off the gel polish.
• After 10-12 minutes the gel polish will have successfully soaked off. If there are any pieces still attached to the nail, gently remove with the cuticle pusher. Be careful not to scrape or damage your natural nail.
• If necessary wrap the nail again and soak for a bit longer.

Does gel polish damage my natural nail?

• No, the application of gel polish simply removes the shine of your natural nail. If you file too much you will damage your nail. Following the suggested gel polish removal regime will ensure that you do not damage your nail either.
• If you pick the gel polish off you will damage your natural nail.

How do I remove gel polish from acrylic or gel extensions?

• In order to maintain the acrylic and gel under the gel polish, you will need to file off the gel polish with a 100/180 grit file.
• If you use acetone, this will cause the gel and acrylic to remove as well.

How many applications will I get out of a bottle?

• Base coat 15ml 60 applications If applying one coat
• Colour 15ml 30 applications If applying two coats
• Top coat 15ml 50 applications If applying one coat

Why is my top coat still sticky after curing it for the correct time?

• If using a UV lamp this could be because your globes need to be replaced.
• If using a UV/LED lamp, your lamp may be faulty.
  9 WATT lamp 2 minutes
  24 WATT lamp 1 minute
  48 WATT lamp 30 seconds
  UV lamp 120 seconds

Can gel polish be used on my toes?

• Yes, gel polish lasts much longer on your toes than it does on your fingers. This is because you don’t use your toe nails as tools like many people use their finger nails.
• Keep in mind it take 6 months for your finger nails to completely grow out and 1 to 1.5 years for your toe nails to grow out completely.

Am I able to use gel polish if my nails are weak?

• It is critical to moisturise your nails at least once a day. Failure to this can result in weakness, dryness, breaks or splits. Cuticle oil is a must for regular and consistent nail care moisturisation.
• We recommend consulting with a nail technician to assess your nail damage before application of gel polish.

What will happen if my application is untidy?

• Product applied untidily onto the skin or cuticle will result in lifting once the nail grows. Secondly, one should minimise contact of the product with the skin, as this can cause discomfort on the skin or cuticle.

What does ‘capping the free edge’ mean?

• This terminology refers to painting the edge of the nail tip, or creating a free edge. Sealing the free edge results in a professional looking manicure and helps prevent chipping and lifting. This will not avoid lifting if you pick or peel the polish.

How do I apply glitter to gel polish?

• This is called ‘dry brushing’.
   Using a brush with dry bristles, dip the brush into the glitter and brush it onto the tacky/sticky colour.
• Gently brush until all loose glitter pieces are removed. Then apply the top coat.
• If your glitter has a bumpy finish (which top coat will not cover), we recommend applying a layer of clear gel/acrylic to cap in the glitter.

How do I repair a split in the natural nail?

• The best way to repair a split nail is to apply a thin layer of acrylic to the natural nail. This process offers a pain-free solution, without having to cut the nail short, which often causes discomfort.
• Once this layer is dry, you may continue with usual application regime.

Can I apply two layers of Top Coat?

• No, it will eventually peel off. If you need to add another layer of top coat, gently buff the first layer using a Lola Lee Sponge File (100/180) before applying a second layer.