If you are wondering what semi-cured gel nails are, you’re in the right place. We’ll be talking all about them in this guide and what you need to know. There are all kinds of nail styles that are done either by yourself or by a professional.
However, you’ll want to know more about semi-cured nails since they have plenty of benefits. They are versatile (fitting for any event), low maintenance, and worth trying out just once to see if you like them. You’d be hard-pressed to find a good style like this anywhere else.
If you are thinking about getting your nails done and don’t know anything about semi-cured gel styles, keep reading. Let’s dive right in and talk more about them.
What exactly are semi-cured gel nails?
Semi-cured gel nails use gel nail polish that is cured at approximately 60 percent. So the application will be as if stickers are being added to your nails. They are usually confused with semi-cured gel nail wraps or stickers.
So, what’s the difference between the two? The gel nail polish is in liquid form. Another difference is that there may be slight distinctions in terms of thickness, durability, and flexibility. Sticker nails will use a certain kind of adhesive.
The layers of semi-cured nail strips consist of the following: protective film, the top coat, color gel, volume gel, adhesive, and finally the base sheet. If you are getting these applied for the first time, it will take about 30 minutes to complete.
Most of the time, it can take 20 minutes to apply on both hands. Either way, it’s not as time consuming. Especially when much of that waiting time includes the curing process.
The Application Process
Finally, the application process between the two may be simple to do. However, the liquid nail polish can make a bit of a mess if you are not careful. On top of that, recreating nail designs that women love may be tough to recreate on your own (compared to how a professional does it).
Even some of the trends that you see on social media will be hard to mimic with liquid gel nail polish. One example of this is the marble manicure that is mostly found on Instagram and Pinterest. Recreating this one manicure using gel nail materials will be difficult and even time consuming.
If you’re someone that doesn’t care for those trends, semi-cured gel nails could be something that is right up your alley.
How to apply semi-cured nails at home
If you are considering the idea of applying semi-cured nails at home, this is the guide for you. For this example, we’ll be using semi-cured gel strips. Here are the following steps that you can follow:
- Wash your hands
- Push back your cuticles and file the nail tips so they are rounder in shape than they are now
- Using prep pads, clean off any oil or debris that is currently on your nail beds
- Apply the first strip on your thumb nail. Make sure that the nails have been stored appropriately (out of direct sunlight). If they stick, that’s a good sign
- Peel off the protective film and cut the strips with nail clippers, if necessary. The purpose is to make sure they match the length of your nails
- Once clipped to desired length, use an LED light and place the nails underneath. This process can take anywhere from 45 to 60 seconds. At this point, you should be finished
As you can see, both nail strips and liquid polish can give off that excellent look. Don’t be surprised if you get compliments on your nails. These nails are aesthetically pleasing and perhaps the best style to go with if you are pressed for time and don’t need to get a professional manicure done.
Once you get the hang of the application process, it will become your go-to option. You may not have to opt for nail polish again if you love the strips. Sure, the process might be a little challenging at first, but it will take patience and practice.
Things don’t have to be perfect on your first attempt. Just make sure your strips are not stored in direct sunlight before application or they will cure.
Final Thoughts
Semi-Cured Gel Nails are a great option for you for so many reasons. You can apply them at any time, get kits at affordable prices, and be able to do your nails without the professional manicurist.
Try these out for yourself and your nails will look great. What makes them even better is that they are the perfect fit for any occasion. So if it’s a day at the office or a night on the town, you can never go wrong with semi-cured gel nails.
