Well, because they are not-so-secretly nasty. Think about it for a second. The only reason gel polish is dubbed to be a 2-week manicure is because of your cuticles growing out. It is so durable; it is literally often indestructible.

Doing a DIY removal? The only way out is soaking them with acetone then filing them down. You can get away without the filing part if you have a gel extension.

Well, it turns out karmic justice is real. Gel polish is relatively easy to dry but still takes time to remove. Removing it yourself will take patience, several cotton balls, and surprise! Aluminum foils.

And if you are the regular polish kind of person, this may feel like a lifetime of uncomfortable removal for you.

The tale doesn’t end there, unfortunately.

Acetone dehydrates the nail bed. So if you happen to wonder why your nails look parched, it’s because you need to do the after-care step of moisturizing them with oil or cuticle serum.

Gel polish is also known for another disappointing thing: lifting.

Lifting happens due to a poor prep routine. The polish will start peeling off at the end of its long life. Words of wisdom, though, even if your nails look less than perfect, do not forcibly pick the gel nor the skin around them.

You may feel tempted to just physically strip those gels but don’t rush into what could spell disaster for your nails.

If your reason for going to this more expensive mani is that you are unsatisfied with your natural nails, then you would get instant regret from DIY-ing that removal process.

First of all, white spots. No, not the Dalmatian cuteness you could have probably pulled off. These are the ones with irregular textures and seem chalky. It’s technically a bruise due to improper removal.

Can you believe you are committing abuse against your nail beds? Terrible.

You are probably thinking right now of the days you chipped them off despite warnings. Nothing really happened. There is no need to make a fuss about something trivial, right?

Wrong.

Repeated picking leads to weaker nails. If you have that habit, your nails must be suffering from thinning. They can also make your nails dry, flaky, and cracked, which adds to the bumpy texture.

What about totally growing them out? The sight of it wouldn’t be so terrible.

That is not a smart option, honestly. When you grow it out, you also create a weight imbalance. The top becomes heavier, and the lower part becomes strained.

The removal process can be downright discouraging. It’s not the worst, but it may already be a hassle for you. Is it time to quit gel nails?

Maybe.

While you can wiggle yourself free from the guilt of destroying your nails by saying you can just take a break from gel polish, you might want to consider the other shady character in this story.

Namely, the reason why you do not have to blow your nails until you get dizzy just to get them dry— UV light.

This one might have just had that possible consequence that no break can heal.

CHECK OUT: Why does my gel polish peel off

But first, why even use UV light?

UV light helps with the “curing” process. It involves a polymerization reaction that hardens the resin in the gel to give you that smooth and indestructible quality. If that sounded alien, just think of your plastics. It’s basically the same stuff, but you are on the receiving end this time too.

So what’s the tea?

Ultraviolet light which comes from the sun causes skin cancer. In theory, these UV dryers may cause similar damage to your skin, too, given your exposure to it.

In theory, of course.

Scientific studies show the risk is low. And scientists will tell you there is just no huge amount of data to conclude anything. So you sit there and wonder.

Often, imagining the what-ifs might just be enough to terrify you of the whole idea of UV light.

What are the alternatives to UV light for gel nails?

Pause for a moment.

Now go back and return that LED lamp to where you got it from.

If a UV dryer is the Flash, then an LED lamp is Quicksilver. They might look like they are from an entirely different universe, but they work the same. LED lamps also have a UV light. They might lower exposure by drying your nails faster, but it’s still the same horror movie you are trying to run away from.

And while you’re at it, stop standing out there under the glaring sun, hoping to “air-dry” your nails. Have mercy on your skin, please.

No sun and no LED to help, what then?

CHECK OUT: How to dry gel nail polish without UV light

Ice bath

Ice-dipping might be one uncomfortable option to take, but it’s an undeniably effective one. You just gotta endure it.

You often need to soak those nails repeatedly to dry both the top and base layers. So don’t get fooled and make sure everything has hardened.

And by the way, if you are feeling brave, the freezer is available.

Quick-dry spray

On the scale of 1-10, 10 being most effective in drying, this one is at the top. It can even dry your nails in as fast as a minute!

A word of warning: These sprays are flammable!

If somehow you aren’t game on investing in a proper spray, you got to try cooking spray at least.

Surprising, isn’t it? But never say never!

Oil

Oil is, by far, the least unpleasant of the bunch and even a healthier way to dry your gel polish. When in a pinch, drip some olive or baby oil to your nails. It even hydrates, so that is a plus!

You know what could also work? Cooking oil. That is one magic you can once again summon from your kitchen. How dope is that?

But if the alternatives for UV light don’t convince you to stay with gel nails, there is always its known competitor: acrylic.

Which is better for natural nails: acrylic or gel?

So, to switch or not to switch— that is the question.

Gels and acrylics are both the go-to when you want that extra oomph to your nails or nail extensions. But “better” is a subjective word here.

Aesthetically, there is nothing to complain about. They both give that mean boss vibes. The only way one is better than the other may lie in the ease and risk of the process itself.

So here’s a rundown of quick facts to help you decide.

Gel

The boon: The process takes less than an hour and can even be done at home. It stays for as long as 2 weeks and has a glossy finish. It is also more flexible.

The bane: An overuse of primer may lead to damage. When you have gel manicure removed professionally, the filing down process may weaken your nails. It is also more costly than acrylic nails.

CHECK OUT: Why is my gel polish sticky

Acrylic

The boon: The process involves a powder and liquid mixture to create a very durable material. It lasts up to 6 weeks. It also sets in minutes without any equipment. You get to customize more with this!

The bane: While gel can be done DIY, this one requires skill to apply and remove. It can look thick when applied wrong. And even worse? The smell is not something you’ll miss. It is not as flexible as gel and still tends to damage your nails.

If you are the type of person to experiment at home, gel polish is an easier route. You can even buy your own UV dryer these days and skip a costly salon visit.

On the other hand, if you are going on a month-long vacation and want those nails to be impeccable from start to finish, acrylics may be better for you.

If you remain unimpressed between the two, though, there are other options out there. They are not all meh, after all. Something ought to stand out.

CHECK OUT: Can you paint over acrylic nails

What can I use instead of gel for nails?

1. Dip powder

You instantly associate nail polish with painting your nails when you think of nail polish. But dip powders are Jackson Pollock paintings. They are different from what you are used to.

With dip powders, you apply first a primer, then literally dip your fingernails. The acrylic nature of dip powders ensures a longer-lasting manicure for you.

2. Polygel

It’s not a trick. They didn’t just put “poly” there and sell you regular gel polish. PolyGel is a hybrid of all the good things a hard gel and acrylic have.

It is stronger than hard gel but more flexible than acrylic, and lighter than both. It can be applied directly on the nails, as tip overlay or sculpted over a form.

3. Shellac

If gel or acrylic nails scream loudly of fake nails, then this patented polish may just be for you. Shellac is more natural-looking and has a breezy removal process. That being said, it has a shorter life span.

But you can always apply another again, and your nails wouldn’t be a deathbed scene. So, why not, right?

CHECK OUT: Alternative to Acrylic Nails

Other healthy alternatives to gel nails

In this day and age, everyone demands the lowest risk for every beauty product. Got something minutely shady? Instantly canceled.

Don’t worry; you’re not being a Karen. You are just opening your options wider.

When you walk down the healthy option aisle, you might be searching for this one particular phrase: vegan product.

We all love these labels, obviously. For some reason, we feel closer to nature when we choose them. And if you are the conscientious type, say no more.

SpaRitual creates the Gold Formulation line of 26 shades. It has a longer wear time than your regular polish and has a self-correcting feature if there’s a smudge. It is that flexible!

There’s probably another part of the healthy option you are particular about: the state of your nails.

Could you get that glossy gel finish without ultimately suffering possible nail damage afterward?

Yes, yes, yes!

This time, you won’t have to worry about any hard labor just to get them off. Your poor nails can finally rest!

Some great examples are Nails Inc.’s Gel Effect nail polish and Sally Hansen Miracle Gel nail polish.

And if you are worried about longevity, these regular polishes last longer than your basic go-to.

Revlon’s Longwear Nail Enamel and Deborah Lippman’s Gel Lab Pro.

You have a lot of options that either don’t have the difficulty associated with a gel manicure or even have gel formula at all.

If you are a newbie to gel alternatives, don’t be overwhelmed. It’s a trial and error basis. You go for what works for you.

And as you are a newbie, it might be good also to remember that what you might want may not suit you at all. Not to be an alarmist, but there might be a chance you are allergic to these gel alternatives. In such cases, stop and reevaluate.

You can always go for your regular polish or even take out those press-on nails you impulsively bought in a mall years ago and wear them.

And if you are stubbornly sticking to gel mani, just try to take long breaks to encourage your nails to still grow strong and healthy.

It’s not just about UV rays or the hassle; it’s about sustainability.

Do you want to do gel nails or other alternatives even when you’re older? Then take care of those nails and let them have that beauty rest when you can.

Always remember: You can’t paint art on a ruined canvas.

The post Alternative to Gel Nails? appeared first on Polish pretty.

But being fond of press-ons and having them frequently means you also recognize that nail glue may not be as gentle to your nails, especially when you are not as patient in removing your fake nails.

It isn’t goodbye yet though. Today you will learn that one step off the big companies’ choice is various other options. More importantly, gentler ones.

So off you go. There are treasures to find beyond that little Shire of nail glue you have.

How can you stick fake nails on without nail glue

Working without nail glue shouldn’t frustrate you. There are ways you can manage without one. And in fact, you can easily make a DIY nail glue for your nails. Further below, there’s an instruction on how to make one, but if you are not up for some creativity, here are other ways to ensure your press-ons don’t see the trash yet.

You can either use: nail tabs, acrylic mixture, gel nail polish, or homemade nail glue.

CHECK OUT: Can you reuse press-on nails

How do you apply fake nails with tape

Adhesive tabs or nail tabs are the cream of the crop—the elite. When you don’t have or don’t want nail glues, this is what you want to buy.

Adhesive tabs are pre-cut double-sided tapes explicitly designed to fit the nails. They are gentler for your nails, and they allow easy removal. The latter is important because this also ensures that you can reuse your press-ons later.

1. Wash your hands with soap and water, so any greasy remnants from your pizza last night are totally gone. Kidding aside, removing oil will get the adhesive to work better.

2. Push back your cuticles. You don’t want dead skin to interfere with your tabs. You can also choose to buff your nails. Roughing them up like that allows for a better surface for the glue.

3. Alcohol wipe is the king to any nail prep time. It removes moisture and oils altogether.

4. Remove the cover of the nail tab, then press it on the nail firmly for 20 seconds. You can alternatively stick it on the nail tab and not your nails. However, sticking it on your nails means you know everything is mainly covered.

5. Remove any bubbles or close gaps by flattening the nail tab.

It isn’t too much work at all. Plus, it is also affordable. The bad news is it only lasts for about 1-2 days. But adhesive tabs come aplenty, so when it pops off, you can redo it!

Fun fact: Did you know that fashion tapes can replace nail tabs? They come in a lengthy roll, so you must cut them to fit an individual nail. A bit of hassle, but desperate times call for long measures!

Pro tip: if you have brittle nails, it’s a wise call to apply a nail strengthener first or a base coat so the sticky part can adhere there instead and not directly to your nail bed. Prevention is better than cure!

How to apply fake nails with an acrylic mixture

If you are onto press-ons because you specifically dislike how cruel acrylics mani have been to your nails, then you are free to skip this. Albeit used as a nail glue here, removing it would still be as hard and harsh.

If you are here to stay, let’s say this acrylic mixture is also there to stay for you.

1. Do the entire prep for your nails.

2. If you have a nail primer, you can apply it to make the mixture stronger.

3. Soak your brush into the acrylic liquid, then dip it into acrylic powder to make a semi-small bead.

4. You can apply it to your nails then cover it with your press-on. Hold it firmly for 10-15 seconds until the acrylic fully dries.

The great thing about acrylics is their durability. This will last you for 2-3 weeks. So if you are looking for a lasting time with your press-ons, this is how you do it!

CHECK OUT: How to take off acrylic nails with hot water

Can you use nail polish as glue? Well, the short answer is yes.

A regular nail polish, by itself, can hardly be called an alternative to nail glue. Some say it does not work, while some successfully pull it off.

Well, it’s time to leave the dark side and choose the optimistic option then. After all, we never knew Captain America could wield mjölnir until he actually did.

Forewarning: It is best to choose this, knowing it is strong enough to hold for a night. (This might not even hold with you flailing your arms in the club while dancing.)

So with expectations set, here is how you do it.

1. Again, prep time is crucial. Do it religiously.

2. Evenly apply clear nail polish at the back of your press-on. Wait for a while until it gets tacky. Wet nail polish adheres much weakly, so you would have to air-dry it for a bit.

3. Press the fake nail firmly to your nails and check if they fit snugly. You might see some polish getting squished out as you press. This is precisely the reason why you need to choose a clear polish so that you can remove the polish on the side of your nails without a noticeable trace.

Aside from regular polish, there is one more strong alternative: gel polish. It’s more potent because of the curing process.

There is one tiny catch, though. You would have to choose a press-on that is light-colored or transparent.

A bit of science here: Darker colors absorb more UV rays than lighter ones. This means it will take time for the UV to reach the gel polish, aka glue, and cure it.

So if you have the correct shade over there, grab a gel polish too.

What you need to do is pretty simple. You have to apply a gel coat to your nails then fit your press-ons. Cure it under the lamp for about 30 seconds.

Tip: You can use a gel base coat for the glue and then a no-wipe top coat to get that glossy effect.

DIY Nail Glue

“Fine, I’ll do it myself,” said Thanos in 2015.

And says you in 2022, apparently.

Everything HAS a DIY option these days. It’s no wonder nail glue has its set of Instructables.

What you will need is in every school project you had as a kid— yes, Elmer’s glue or a white PVA glue. You will also need to grab a clear nail polish, a small container, and a cotton swab.

It’s time to release your inner Thanos and step up to the challenge here! Get ready!

This section will teach you the following:

• How to make homemade glue
• Application
• Proper storage

How to make homemade glue

Before starting, make sure your supplies are clean or well maintained. It is vital to always be hygienic with your hands and your trinkets.

Clean the small container well because you may infect your nails due to nail fungus. They can cause persistent pain and may even lead to more severe symptoms. So yes, be a responsible DIY-er!

Place 1 cup of PVA glue into the container— clear or white glue; it doesn’t matter much. Then add onto it approximately half of a standard-sized bottle of clear polish. That’s 7.4 mL of polish btw, Hermione Granger.

Take your little potion aside for now.

The next you want to make is a DIY stirrer. And for that, you will need a Q-tip or a cotton swab. Cut one end of the cotton swab. The cut end will be your stirrer, while the cotton end will be your handle.

And now Hermione, you would need to stir it for 2-3 minutes. No spells nor much patience are required here. And voila! Professor Snape would be very proud of you!

Fun fact: Did you know you can make glue using flour and water? You are on the rabbit hole of DIY now. If you want to go crazy about it, try it out too!

Application

This part should be familiar to you already, so here are some bits of reminders that you would want to know for this DIY session.

1. The stirrer is also the applicator. Just a dollop of glue will get you through it, and make sure they are evenly applied. Always use the cut end, so you don’t end up dragging cotton everywhere on your nail bed— totally not the purpose of your expedition.

2. Press down firmly as you would in nail glue when putting your fake nails. A DIY nail glue will not be as durable as the actual one, so every step that sticks firmly needs to be executed well.

3. If you have any split nails, hold them together with your DIY nail glue. It’s not healed, but it will look like it. Fake it till you make it, as they say!

Proper storage

Now, DIYs often have this reputation of being a temporary aid to your troubles. Use it once? Discard.

But it’s time to be economically sound and environmentally friendly in 2022. Using it only once will cost you more money and more time later, so to save some nail glue money, you can make sure that your DIY is stored correctly.

Grab an empty nail polish, then soak it first with nail polish remover. Afterward, rinse it with water until you are satisfied.

If you can’t be bothered for a DIY session, some replacements may do it for you. If it’s just a one-time event, then holding power shouldn’t be a deciding factor. That said, you can use your eyelash extension glue. But really, don’t expect a lot from it.

The real talk here is that there is no quality better than nail glue. But that should not stop you from trying your hand at DIY. The odds are actually in your favor in this one.

CHECK OUT: How to make press-on nails look real

Takeaway

Nail glue alternatives are generally suitable for less than a week’s use. They are not as durable, but they are indeed gentler options. So if you do not have nail glue, don’t let your press-ons sit there. Try one of the options above and see what works.

Who knows, you might find a permanent and more affordable replacement for your nail glue.

CHECK OUT: What are solar nails

The post How to apply fake nails without glue? appeared first on Polish pretty.

Acrylic nails are great for adding length or changing the shape of your nails. They are made from a mix of powder polymer and liquid monomer that are bonded onto your natural nails. Unlike gel nails, they don’t need a UV lamp to cure.

They’re great for adding colorful and creative nail art designs due to their length and strength. But as fun as they may look, acrylic nails also have their drawbacks.

Why are acrylic nails damaging?

Depending on the quality and technique your acrylic nails were applied, there are certain dangers these talons can do to your natural nails. Here are a few of them:

Nailbed Trauma

Acrylic nails harden stiffer compared to your natural nails. Since they are molded onto your nails, when you accidentally bump or knock your acrylics, there’s a chance your natural nails could also lift from their nailbeds.

Since acrylic nails don’t bend the same way your natural nails do, little accidents could lead to extreme nail tears, depending on the strength of your nail.

Weakens Natural Nails

Since acrylic nails contain harsh chemicals, they dry out your nails’ natural oils making them dry and weak.

Also, depending on the skill of the nail technician, they could file your nail beds incorrectly leaving thin and brittle nail beds. You would know if your nailbeds are damaged if they hurt to the touch and can easily bend.

Contains Harsh Chemicals

Another red flag to look out for is if the acrylic nails contain Methyl methacrylate (MMA). MMA is a liquid monomer that could cause nail damage, contact dermatitis, allergies, or infection.

MMA used to be a common ingredient in acrylic nails in the ’70s, but because of numerous health complaints, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declared to ban its use from beauty products.

Although it is still banned, there are non-standard nail salons that still use MMA in their acrylics since they are cheaper, compared to the safer ingredient, Ethyl methacrylate (EMA).

You would know if your acrylics contain MMA by their strong odor and their hard and non-flexible surface. Another indication is that the service is offered at a low or discounted price.

Increases Risk of Infection

If the nail beds are not properly cleaned before the acrylic nails are applied, bacteria could grow in between and cause infection.

Also, if your nails split, this exposes a gap in between the nail and nail bed, making it the perfect environment for bacteria and fungi to grow.

CHECK OUT: Is nail polish remover rubbing alcohol

Is there an alternative to acrylic nails

Now that you know about the risks associated with acrylic nails, the question is, can you put on fake nails without acrylic?

Acrylic nails may be the most traditional form of nail extensions, but with innovations in the beauty industry, there are now better and safer alternatives available.

What’s a healthier alternative to acrylic nails?

If you still want to have long pretty nails but are now skeptical of getting acrylics, don’t worry there is a better alternative to acrylic nails:

Gel Nail Extensions

Gel nails are more forgiving compared to acrylic nails. They’re pre-shaped and made entirely out of gel that is cured under a UV lamp, so they’re easy to apply, and don’t require any nail glue.

They’re designed for long wear because of their durability. They’re also lightweight, don’t contain harsh chemicals, and don’t require heavy filing, so your natural nails can grow longer and stronger once you remove the extensions.

Gel nails can last for up to three to four weeks. So when removing them, you only need to soak your nails in acetone, compared to acrylic nails where your nail technician will have to drill, soak, and file them.

Polygel Nails

Polygel nails are a combination of acrylic nails and gel nails. They have the durability of acrylics and the elasticity of gel nails.

They’re made from a mixture of acrylic powder and clear gel, so they’re stronger, more flexible, and more customizable. Polygel nails also don’t release harmful chemicals into the air when mixing, compared to acrylic nails.

They’re also lighter than acrylic nails and traditional hard gels, so they still feel like your natural nails. Polygel nails can also last between three to four weeks and can be filled in once your nails grow out.

CHECK OUT: Why does my gel polish peel off

What is the least damaging artificial nail?

Just like acrylic nails, any artificial nail method can pose risks to your natural nails. But with several methods available, which is a less damaging alternative to acrylic nails?

The following methods may be more difficult to find in nail salons nowadays, but they used to be popular before acrylic nails came into the scene.

But if you find the right nail salon that specializes in these techniques, you’ll fall in love with how non-damaging they are to your nails.

Fiberglass Nails

Fiberglass nails are a lesser-known method of nail extension. It involves adding fiberglass, a thin cloth-like material onto your nails. Resin glue is used to harden the fabric, making it easy to shape with an emery board or nail drill. Once hardened, your nail technician can then add acrylic powder or gel nail polish over the nail.

Fiberglass nails don’t last as long as acrylic or gel nails do, but they look very natural and can be used for lengthening and strengthening weak nails or for repairing chipped nails.

Silk Wrap Nails

Silk wrap nails used to be popular back in the ’80s before acrylics became all the rage. But the good news is, silk wrap nails are slowly making a comeback, and for good reasons.

They are similar to fiberglass nails, the only difference is, they use different fabrics. Silk wrap nails use silk to add strength to weak and brittle nails.

Fiberglass nails may be stronger than silk wrap nails, but silk wrap appears to have a more natural look.

Silk wrap nails can also add a bit of length to your nails but not as much compared to acrylic nails. The downside is, silk wrap nails can easily be dissolved in water, so they’re not very durable.

CHECK OUT: Alternative to Gel Nails

The DIY alternative to acrylic nails

Although there are at-home kits available for gel and polygel nails, it is still advisable to get them in a professional nail salon to avoid any damage to your nails.

But if you’re on a budget or don’t have the time to pop into a nail salon, there is an alternative to acrylic nails at home, and don’t worry, this doesn’t contain harsh chemicals that can damage your nails.

Press-on Nails

If you grew up in the ’90s, chances are, you’ve seen press-on nails or have tried them on yourself. They used to have a limited number of nail shapes and nail designs.

But now, they have evolved to have more shapes, lengths, and designs, that’s why they’re still popular.

Press-on nails are made from acrylic resins that can easily be applied to the nails using nail glue. Depending on the quality you use, they could closely resemble acrylic nails that you can get from nail salons.

Press-on nails can last up to two weeks, with proper application and care. What’s even greater, is if they’re durable, you can reuse the nails for another occasion. So if you only want to wear them for a party or a special occasion, you can get the ones with adhesives at the back for easy application and removal.

CHECK OUT: Nail Glue Alternatives

The Takeaway

Acrylic nails may be the trusted and proven nail extensions in the industry, but it’s also worth considering that there are risks involved if they’re not applied or removed correctly.

That’s why it’s always a good choice to go to a reputable nail salon to get your nails done.

But if you’ve been a long-time acrylic nail user, it’s also good to know that there are other nail extension techniques available that are worth trying.

The post Alternative to Acrylic Nails? appeared first on Polish pretty.