Not everyone has naturally beautiful and strong nails. If you want to enhance your natural nails or simply use color or nail art , UV nail gel is a must. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions.

What is UV gel?

UV gel is the perfect solution for nail modeling: professional-quality results, easy application , and a wide range of nail design options. You don't have to worry about limitations in everyday nail care because the gel is incredibly stable.

The nail structure achieves its long-lasting durability and high resistance through curing under an LED or UV lamp . This makes gel nails somewhat more difficult to remove. The model must be filed down or removed with a milling device. However, with gel nails, you can enjoy your nail art until the nails grow back and require a refill.

The benefits of nail gel

Nail gels provide optimal reinforcement for problem nails. Using nail tips or a stencil, you can make your nails as long as you want. And when it comes to design, UV gel leaves nothing to be desired. By applying multiple layers, your fingernails become incredibly strong and resilient , providing complete protection from external influences.

Gel nails also perform well with acrylic and fiberglass, other nail sculpting options. While the gel coating makes the nails significantly thicker than acrylic nails, gel is far superior to acrylic in terms of handling. Perfect for nail design beginners . Because the gel first needs to cure under a UV lamp, there's more time to shape and design the fingernails. Minor mistakes can be corrected more quickly. There's also no unpleasant odor like acrylic.

What products are needed to apply UV gel yourself?

The great thing about gels is their ease of use , allowing you to create your dream nails at home and become your own nail designer. Just pick up the brush and off you go!

You will need the following products for gel modeling in your home nail salon:

• Nail gel : primer, builder, color and sealing gels for all phases of nail modeling or a 1-phase gel
• a UV or LED lamp under which the nails are cured
• additional accessories such as disinfectants , cellulose pads, cleaners, files and buffers and brushes

Our product range offers both amateurs and nail salon professionals a wide selection of gel systems for a wide variety of needs. We also offer special toenail gels . You'll also find what you're looking for in our online shop if you're looking for special French gels. Of course, you can also purchase UV colored gels from us – thanks to our huge selection, emmi®NAIL has the right product for everyone!

If you want to extend your nails, you'll need tips or stencils in addition to the nail gel, depending on the method. But don't worry: The emmi®NAIL online shop has all the products you need – whether it's color gels, special brushes for French manicures, or products for glitter effects.

What types of gel are there?

Color gels, camouflage gels, LED gels, stamping gels: The many different nail gels available in the emmi®NAIL online shop may seem confusing at first glance. The gels can generally be divided according to their uses.

• Primer gel - The first step in any nail sculpting process is a base coat. For this, you'll need a primer gel. These gels ensure that the sculpting adheres well to the nail.

• Builder gel - Whether you want to lengthen, beautify or strengthen your nails: This is what the builder gels are for, which make up the actual nail modeling.

• Color gels - These gels bring color into play. Whether full cover or French: there are no limits to your imagination. The color gels are applied over the buildup.

• Sealing Gel - The sealing gel adds a final shine to the nails. The seal provides optimal protection for the nails and adds the finishing touch to the manicure.

• One gel for all layers – 1-phase gel

Manicures are even easier with a single-phase gel. This gel can be used for all phases of the nail design process. However, due to the 3-in-1 application, not all of the properties of the other gels are as pronounced, and sometimes the gel doesn't adhere as well. Whatever you choose, you can buy gel for nails at affordable prices and in a huge selection in the emmi®NAIL online shop.

UV gel – what you need to consider

UV nail gel is always applied in multiple layers. Furthermore, the gels don't dry naturally; they must first be cured under a UV lamp. This means the nail design lasts much longer than any nail polish .

Healthy nails are a prerequisite for nail sculpting. But even if you don't have them, emmi®NAIL offers nail gels perfectly tailored to the needs of problem nails . For these applications, we recommend our Futureline series, which features fiberglass for high elasticity .

What is possible with UV gel?

Nail gels can be used in a variety of ways for manicures, which is why they've become a must-have for many women.

• Gel for beautification
  An attractive nail design – whether simple, artistically decorated, bold, or elegant: nail gels have become an essential part of nail art and transform nails into true eye-catchers. Those who like colorful nails can opt for a color gel in their favorite color. Glitter gels make nails sparkle, 3D gels add a new dimension to nail art, and thermogels create a fascinating play of colors. You can also find the right nail gels for elegant French nails.
• Gel for lengthening
  Long fingernails in your desired shape are easy to achieve thanks to UV gels. To extend your nails with gel, you can use either tips or stencils. However, using stencils requires a bit of practice.
• Gel for strengthening
  Nail gels provide incredible stability to brittle and splitting nails. They cover imperfections in an instant. To conceal discoloration, we recommend one of the Emmi® Nail Cover Gels. These can also give your nails a completely natural look, if desired. Beautiful, well-groomed nails and hands are possible even with problem nails.

What is the difference between UV gel, UV acrylic gel and acrylic?

UV gel, acrylic, and UV acrylic gel – it's easy to get lost. Essentially, all of these products are designed to build artificial nails , but they differ in terms of application and results. While they all make the nails more durable, acrylic is clearly the better choice. Additionally, acrylic nails don't become as thick as gel nails, giving them a more natural look.

However, acrylic is a bit more difficult to handle than the gel alternative and is particularly problematic for beginners because acrylic nails are based on a two-component system that requires practice, skill and careful handling.

UV acrylic gel is perfect for those who can't decide between the two, as it combines the advantages of nail gel and acrylic in one product. Acrylic gels are easy to apply because they cure under a UV lamp, and they produce a wafer-thin application.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about UV Gel

• How long does UV gel last on nails?
  Gel nails last significantly longer than other types of manicures. Exactly how long they last depends on several factors: the individual condition of your natural nails and how quickly they grow back. On average, refills are needed after about three to five weeks.
• Gel nails, when to use which gel?
  It depends on what you want to do with your nails. In our gel nail guide, we've compiled various instructions and numerous tips for you.
• Can I use UV gel without a UV lamp?
  No, curing under the UV or alternatively UV/LED lamp triggers a chemical reaction of the plastics contained, which is a basic requirement for a durable result.
• How long does UV gel need to cure under the UV lamp?
  The curing time for nail gel varies from product to product. This is due to the different pigmentation of each gel. However, we have specified the curing time for each gel.