46 Gel Nails Designs For Your Complete Look

Starting from the basics, gel nails are done with gel nail polish that has a special formula. This nail lacquer is applied to your nails in coats and then it is dried under the UV light. As a result, you get hardened manicure that lasts way longer, comparing to the old school mani.

Gel mani is relatively new and not all women are aware of its properties. Moreover, as with anything new, there are many myths that are difficult to differentiate from facts.

So, let us end the era of confusion today. We will discuss the pros and cons of getting gel mani. Ready?

All About Gel Nails

Credit photo: Shutterstock

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Credit photo: Shutterstock

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Credit photo: Shutterstock

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What are gel nails? The best way to describe the innovative manicure technique would be to state that it is a pure revolution in the world of nail art. Gel nails are recognized for their enhanced durability, long-lasting effect, and a plethora of decorative options to pursue.

To succeed with a gel manicure, you will require a set of special tools, including but not limited to special gel bases, tops, color coats, and a UV or LED to cure the manicure. Yet, even after you gather all the necessary materials, there’s information to absorb to achieve the best possible result, and we’ll disclose the secrets no one wants you to know.

Pros And Cons Of Gel Nails

Credit photo: Instagram.com/so_nailicious

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Credit photo: Instagram.com/kgrdnr 

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Credit photo: Instagram.com/so_nailicious

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• It lasts for a long time, especially compared to shellac nails. In case you prefer to have flawless mani wherever you go, then gel lacquer is to go for. The special formula of gel nail lacquer along with a multi-step process of drying results in the mani that lasts much longer, comparing to the mani done, using regular nail lacquer. How much longer? Well, gel mani can last 3 weeks and even longer, while the regular nail lacquer will start chopping off in about a week.
• Chips are not peculiar to gel manis. Yes, if done correctly, gel mani is unlikely to chip no matter how you treat it. Do you remember all those times when you smudged several nails right after leaving the salon? Do you remember all those times when you got home, washed some dishes and got several chipped nails as a thank you? Oh, stop it! These memories are too painful. Gel won’t torture you like that.
• Gel manis are quite cost-effective. Getting gel mani will cost you more at the moment but you will save much precious time in the long run. You can either opt for gel mani once in three weeks or the regular mani once in a week. It is all about your preference. But considering that time is money, spending 35-45 dollars once in 3 weeks is more cost-effective than spending practically the same 12-15 dollars every week.

Credit photo: Instagram.com/constantlypolished

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Credit photo: Instagram.com/constantlypolished

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Credit photo: Instagram.com/kgrdnr 

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• Removing gel nail lacquer might not be very pleasant. Well, sometimes beauty does have something to do with pain. And if your nails are thin, the feeling will be a bit painful while removing gel nail lacquer. Plus, this time the regular cotton balls and nail lacquer remover won’t help. The process of taking off gel nail lacquer is a bit more complicated. To remove it, you will have to soak the nails, using acetone. And this procedure might make the nails brittle and thinner.
• The UV light is harmful. This point must not be neglected in any case. The process of drying gel nail lacquer requires the UV light that might cause cancer. To protect the skin of your hands, apply sunscreen approximately twenty minutes prior to drying. Keep in mind that all nail lamps are harmful due to UV radiation. In case you are especially anxious concerning this issue, try air drying or switch to the regular mani.
• Peeling is unlikely but possible. Only a professional nail technician can do everything right to avoid any peel or lift of the gel nail lacquer. If you notice that such things occur, find a more skillful nail technician.

So, is gel mani worth it? We think it is unless you fear the exposure to the UV light or much acetone. Now let’s discover some trendy and pretty nail designs for various nail shapes.

Gel Nails vs. Acryl Nails

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Credit photo: Shutterstock

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Credit photo: Shutterstock

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One of the most popular mistakes people make is taking gel tips for acrylics and vice versa. Let’s oppose gel vs acrylic nails so that you can tell the difference with a single glance:

Application:

• Gel tips: a gel-based nail coat is applied onto the gel base, cured in the UV/LED lamp, and later secured with a gel top coat.
• Acrylic tips: liquid monomer is mixed with a powder polymer so that you get a thick paste as a result. The paste is applied over your nail and sculpted into the preferred shape. Curing is required as well.

Appearance:

• Gel nails: more natural-like tips with a flexible texture and a wide variety of designs to choose from.
• Acrylic nails: more rigid-looking tips. Cover longer lengths and can be decorated in any preferred shade and style.

Durability:

• Gel tips: durable nails with enhanced chipping, peeling, and fading resistance. Usually, these tips last around 2-3 weeks if cared for properly.
• Acrylic tips: incredibly durable nails if appropriately maintained. In case you misapply them, some lifting and potential breakage may occur. The nails will last you up to 8 weeks, with regular fills.

Maintenance:

• Gel nails: minimal maintenance is required, yet occasional touch-ups are possible should your nails grow out too fast.
• Acrylic nails: regular fills are required every 2-3 weeks. Occasional buffing may be requested to keep the tips smooth and in shape.

Removal:

• Gel tips: you can remove gel nails by soaking them in acetone. If the process is correct, there will be minimal to no damage to the natural tips.
• Acrylic tips: it is advisable to remove these nails by drilling off or filing off the acrylic layers up to the natural tip. The process may impose damage to your nail bed if approached hastily and without practice.

All in all, it is a matter of personal likes and preferences. Some ladies prefer tips that resemble natural nails, while others are all in for sturdy and durable tips like acrylic nails.

Gel Nails Maintenance

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Credit photo: Shutterstock

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Credit photo: Shutterstock

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While there’s an average expectancy as to how long do gel nails last, it primarily depends on how good you care for your tips. Thus, we’ll share a few practical tips on how to maintain your gel nails properly:

• Protection: don’t use your gel tips nails as tools of any kind. Do not try to open cans with your nails, scratch surfaces while cleaning, and keep away from other activities that will expose your tips to unnecessary stress.
• Hydration: your cuticles require regular moisturizing since dry cuticles may lead to nail breakage and damage. Apply cuticle oil or moisturizing lotion to prevent that.
• Water exposure: gel tips don’t go well with excessive water exposure. That’s a fact to memorize. Water will weaken the bond between the gel tip and the nail bed, leading to premature peeling. Thus, wearing gloves is advised whenever you start doing your house chores like washing dishes or cleaning.
• Protective coats: if you want to improve the longevity of your nails, you may want to reapply the protective top coat every few days. The top coat will seal the edges so there’s no unwanted lifting or peeling.
• Gentle approach: try not to participate in any activities that can harm your nails.
• Regular touch-ups: if your nails grow out too quickly or you spot any weak points, you may want to consult your nail technician to prevent further damage.
• No picking: don’t try to pick or peel your nails. Even if you notice that your nails start to peel or chip a little, don’t give in to the urge to peel the lifting off. This will lead to damage to your natural nails, and that’s an outcome to avoid at all costs.

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Gel Nails Designs For A Coffin Shape

A coffin nail shape allows for all possible nude nails because there is so much space. Here you can see nail art ideas done in pinkish shades with some whites and nail glitter – very feminine and glammed up. You should definitely try them all someday!

Stiletto Shape Gel Nails Ideas

These gel nails look especially sexy due to the most daring nail shape – stiletto. Here you can observe how various finishes can be combined: satin, matte, and glitter work together to create a miraculous ensemble on your acrylic nails. Add some accessories or prints for a totally wow effect.

Square Shape Gel Nails

A square nail shape is quite sturdy, which is great because you won’t have to worry that you break one nail and have to cut them all then. And look at these nail art ideas for square nails. Aren’t they the definition of cute?

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Almond Shape Gel Nails Designs

An almond nail shape is classical and elegant. It remains popular for many years. Every girl knows if you chose almond nails you will look like a real lady, especially when they are delicate nude. Brides-to-be often switch to this shape for their wedding nails, as it can complement the look with a touch of pure femininity.

Rounded And Oval Shapes Of Gel Nails

We hope that you find out many interesting facts about gel nails here in this post. Visit us every time you crave for beauty knowledge.

FAQ: Gel Nails