And if you’re already splurging on one, why not get the one that lasts longer?

Gel nail polishes are made up of acrylic monomers and oligomers that bond together when cured under UV or LED light, making a more durable manicure that lasts for 2-3 weeks. So you don’t have to worry about chipping your manicure after a short period of time.

But you might be asking, “Isn’t UV light bad for your skin?”

Repeated exposure to UV light is harmful and can cause multiple skin conditions.

So now you’re trying to look for other ways to dry your gel nail polish without using UV light.

Well, follow along as we discuss less harmful alternatives for drying gel nail polish at home.

How to dry gel nail polish at home

Before we get into other alternatives, let’s go back to basics.

You might be wondering why gel nail polish needs UV or LED light to harden.

Well, gel nail polish contains a chemical called, photoinitiators, which needs direct UV wavelengths to dry. This process is called photoreaction.

The photoinitiators are then converted into energy needed to start the polymerization process. This is when molecules inside the gel bond together, turning it into a hard coating.

Either a UV or LED nail lamp is used as they both emit UV wavelengths. The difference is, UV lamps emit broader wavelength spectrums, while LED lamps give off a more targeted number of wavelengths.

However, LED nail lamps are more expensive compared to UV lamps, as they tend to last longer. So it’s a better investment if you want a sturdier lamp.

The only disadvantage is, not all gel nail polishes can dry using an LED nail lamp. So you have to figure out which brands of gel nail polish can.

CHECK OUT: Why is my gel polish sticky

How To Make Gel Nail Polish Dry Faster

When you’re in a rush but still need to do your manicure, applying a thinner coat of nail polish can help speed up the drying time faster.

Also, an LED lamp can dry the polish faster compared to a UV lamp. It takes a single layer of polish 30 seconds to cure, while a UV lamp takes 2 minutes.

That’s why more people are now choosing to buy LED lamps over UV lamps.

Can gel nails dry naturally?

What if you don’t have a nail lamp, or just generally want to avoid them, can gel nail polish still dry?

Nope, unfortunately. Without the help of UV wavelengths, oxygen will hinder in curing the nails. The air will stop the gel particles from binding together, preventing them from hardening. So leaving your nails to airdry is not a plausible solution.

But what happens if you use gel nail polish without UV light? Would it even be possible?

All hope is not lost. There are alternatives, albeit a little out of the box, but read on to find out.

Substitute for UV light for nails

Here are a few ways on how to set gel polish without UV light:

Gel-like nail polish

Gel-like nail polish, or also called “Gel Effect nail polish”, is a type of polish that gives off the same shine and appearance as gel nail polish gives off.

They also have the same strength and durability, so they don’t chip off easily.

What’s great about gel-like polishes is they don’t need curing under UV light. You can apply them like regular nail polish and you’ll get the benefits of a gel nail manicure.

They can also be removed the same way as regular nail polish, so you don’t need to soak your nails in acetone for an extended period of time.

What better way to get UV light, than from the original source, right?

Just like UV nail lamps, the sun emits UV wavelengths, so drying gel polish can be effective, it just takes a little longer.

As long as you pick a gel nail polish that’s light-sensitive, you can dry them under the sun for 20-45 minutes.

There’s also a brand that designed a gel nail polish line that can actually dry using natural sunlight.

Now you don’t have to wait for your gel polish to dry before going out. Just don’t forget to slather on your sunscreen.

Ice bath

Getting your nails wet to dry your nail polish seems like an unusual idea, but it can work.

After applying a coat of gel nail polish, air-dry your nails for 5-10 minutes, then dip them in cold water with ice. The bowl should contain more water, so you don’t smudge your nail polish with the ice cubes.

Keep your nails submerged for 3 minutes before removing them.

Let your nails air-dry for about an hour to allow them to be fully set. Remember to use your hands minimally to avoid smudging.

Fast-drying nail polish spray

If you’re not a fan of freezing your nails off, then try a fast-drying nail polish spray. This method takes the longest time, so if you do try this, set aside a few hours.

The method is easy:

• Lay down a newspaper to protect your table.
• Hold the can of fast-drying nail polish spray 6 inches away from your nails.
• Apply slowly to your painted nails.
• Allow your nails to sit for a few hours until completely dry.

CHECK OUT: Alternative to Gel Nails

How long does it take gel nail polish to dry without UV light?

The drying time for your gel nail polish will depend on a number of factors, like the method, brand, or coat thickness.

Gel-like nail polish can have different drying times depending on the brand that you’re using. It’s best to look at the label of the polish to get the best results.

But, typically, gel-like nail polish can dry to the touch in about 6-8 minutes, while it dries completely after 13-15 minutes.

As mentioned above, drying your polish using the sun can take around 20-45 minutes. The ice bath method can take about an hour, and the fast-drying nail polish spray can take several hours.

CHECK OUT: Why does my gel polish peel off

Final Thoughts

Gel nail polish can give off a shinier and stronger manicure that can last longer compared to regular nail polish. So if you want a good quality manicure, you also need to invest in a good UV nail lamp.

But sometimes the effects of the radiation from the UV light can deter you from this type of manicure.

All hope is not lost, though, as there are alternatives on how to dry your gel polish, you just need to experiment with the methods mentioned above.

The post How to dry gel nail polish without UV light? appeared first on Polish pretty.

And thanks to the emerging trends in the nail fashion industry, you can now choose from a wide variety of nail products.

Options like acrylics now exist, allowing you to customize the length and shape of your nails. They are definitely a must-try!

And chances are, you’re here because you’re bored with your current nail color on your acrylics, and you’re not sure whether you can use regular nail polish on them.

I mean, it’s nice to show off different nail colors on your acrylics from time to time, right?

Worry no more because this article has got you covered!

This article will explore whether you can use regular nail polish on acrylic nails.

So continue reading.

What type of polish goes on acrylic nails?

Acrylics usually come in various colors. Clear acrylics are also a thing.

But regardless, you can still paint them over to achieve your desired nail color and design.

The question now is, what type of nail polish should you use with acrylic nails?

Well, you can either use regular nail polish or gel nail polish on acrylic nails — these two offer different shades of color for your acrylics.

Regular nail polish contains some harsh chemicals, but they won’t interact with your acrylics as long as there’s a top coat over your nails.

So make sure you apply a top coat beforehand to avoid damaging the acrylics.

Gel polish is also an alternative but requires more effort. Compared to regular nail polish, its application is more tedious, challenging, and time-consuming. You’ll have to buff off the acrylic topcoat so that the gel will cling.

Gel vs regular polish on acrylic nails: Which is better?

It’s impossible to say which one is better than the other. At the end of the day, it’s entirely up to you whether you opt for gel or regular nail polish.

Let’s make a quick comparison between gel and regular polish.

The best thing about regular nail polish is its easy application and removal. So it’s perfect for those who want to change their nail color from time to time.

You only need to topcoat your acrylics beforehand and remove them easily with an acetone-free nail polish remover.

Never use acetone, as this will dissolve your acrylic nails.

It’s also the best option for those who plan on going back to their original acrylic color. Simply apply a base coat over the topcoat to prevent staining the acrylic.

However, regular nail polish takes too long to dry. Drying time usually takes half an hour. So it’s clearly not suitable for impatient or busy people!

Regular nail polish also chips within weeks. Although they last longer on acrylic nails than on your natural nails, they still wear off over time.

Compared to gel nail polish, it quickly wears out at the tips, and the topcoat eventually loses its shine. Simply put, regular nail polish requires more care.

On the other hand, gel nail polish has a more tedious preparation.

The application requires many tools, such as a UV/Led curing lamp, cuticle pusher, nail buff, top coat, base coat, and rubbing alcohol. So it’s either you go to a salon or buy these materials yourself. This could be a problem if you’re tight on budget.

But keep in mind that applying gel polish on acrylics is strongly not recommended unless you’re a nail technician since the process requires utmost precision.

Also, gel polish does not stick to smooth surfaces. So you first need to roughen up the acrylic surface and remove all the shine beforehand. Otherwise, the gel won’t stick to the acrylics.

Gel polish is also not recommended for those who want to go back to the original acrylic color as it stains the acrylics.

The removal process is also more complicated and time-consuming. Removing them is done by soaking your nails in acetone for 10 minutes and securing them with a foil. ​​Some residues may still remain, so buffering is also needed.

But the good thing about gel polish is that it dries quicker than regular nail polish. The curing process, where the nails are placed under a UV or LED light, activates a chemical process that immediately dries the polish in just a few seconds.

By the end of the whole process, you get perfectly dry nails.

Gel polish is also thicker than ordinary nail polish, making it more durable and long-lasting.

This makes gel nail polish and acrylic nails a perfect combination. Gel nail polish usually lasts up to 4 weeks. But regular in-fills are required because of nail growth.

In terms of wear and tear, gel polish is highly resistant to smudges and does not chip off easily. And not just that! The color stays vibrant and shiny as well.

An excellent choice for durability, indeed!

And although the process is quite complicated, gel nail polish isn’t high maintenance.

Your only enemy here is your nail growing out.

With that being said, which team are you on? Are you for team regular nail polish or team gel nail polish?

Does regular nail polish last longer on acrylics?

Almost everyone knows how quickly nail polish wears off. But it’s a different story with acrylic nails.

In fact, nail polish lasts longer on acrylic nails than on natural fingernails. This is because the solvent in regular nail polish melts down the acrylics.

This creates a strong bond between nail polish and acrylic, making the polish stronger and more durable.

This bond does not exist between nail polish and your real nails since nail polish is merely stuck on top of the nail.

So how long does regular polish last on acrylic nails?

Well, compared to applying it on your natural nails, which only last within days, regular nail polish on acrylic nails usually lasts between 2-3 weeks.

CHECK OUT: How to clean underneath acrylic nails

The takeaway

Acrylic nails are the go-to when adding instant length to your nails.

And luckily, you can use regular nail polish on them.

It’s the perfect alternative if you’re tight on budget. There’s no need for salon visits since you can apply them yourself without needing any equipment.

And not just that, they’re easy to apply and remove! You can change your nail color as often as you’d like.

But always remember to use a non-acetone remover. Otherwise, your acrylic nails may come off.

The post Can you use regular nail polish on acrylic nails? appeared first on Polish pretty.

It helps seal the lacquer in and adds a shiny finish that will make you admire your mani all day.

But regular nail polish doesn’t last as long as gel as it tends to chip after a few days even if you applied a top coat over it.

But what happens if you put gel top coat over regular polish? Would it make your manicure last longer, or will it just ruin it?

So in this article, you’ll find out the difference between gel and regular topcoat; and see if it’s possible to layer gel over nail polish.

Regular vs gel top coat

As a nail polish fanatic, you know that a top coat is usually the last step of a good at-home regular manicure. It makes your nails glossy and adds a protective layer over your colored polish. It helps prevent your polish from chipping a few days longer than a manicure without a topcoat.

Regular topcoat is available in various modified versions, including fast-drying, anti-chipping, or strengthening. But, it still contains the same base as an ordinary colored polish, so it only needs to evaporate its solvents to dry.

While a gel topcoat also provides an added layer of protection over your manicure. But unlike a regular top coat, it needs curing under a UV or LED lamp to harden.

Gel topcoat is available in 2 formulas: wipe or no-wipe topcoat. A wipe topcoat is usually used during a gel manicure, but it leaves a sticky residue after curing. So you have to wipe your nails using alcohol, nail polish remover, or gel nail cleanser to remove the tacky layer. Since it will make foreign objects stick to your nails, thus, shortening the life of your manicure.

While a no-wipe topcoat won’t need wiping off since it doesn’t leave a sticky residue, making it more convenient to use. It also has a thicker consistency, so it dries stronger than a wipe topcoat.

It’s also great for nail art since it won’t easily run down your nails, giving you more time to smoothen out your manicure.

Can you use a gel top coat over regular polish?

Don’t you just love how easy it is to apply nail polish but hate how it only takes a couple of days to peel off?

That’s why the idea of layering gel and nail polish is growing more and more tempting the more your polish wears off.

So the question is, can you use a clear gel top coat on regular nail polish?

The simple answer is: yes.

The application can be a little tricky, but as long as you make sure your nail polish is completely dried.

Once you cure your gel top coat, the layers will have a hard time drying since the solvents are being trapped under, which will then make the regular polish wrinkle and eventually shrink.

So if you want to try this method, make sure to let your nails air dry for 24 hours, as that’s how long the solvents take to evaporate completely.

Applying thin coats of regular nail polish also helps reduce the drying time as well as making the lacquer adhere to your nails better, so it doesn’t peel off as fast.

How to use regular nail polish with gel top coat

If you want your manicure to last longer, applying a gel top coat over nail polish can be easy using the following steps:

1. Start with clean and trimmed nails. Push back your cuticles and make sure there’s no leftover nail polish from your previous manicure.

1. Apply 2-3 thin coats of your regular nail polish in any color of your choice. But remember to give each layer enough time to dry between.

1. Once you’re done with your final coat, allow the lacquer to completely dry overnight.

1. On the next day, apply a layer of clear gel top coat over your nails. Cure them under your UV or LED lamp for 30 seconds or depending on the designated time of your topcoat.

If done well, you can then enjoy a manicure that won’t chip after a few days.

But if you want a more durable manicure, you can also try the “gelly sandwich” method. You apply a gel base coat before painting on layers of regular nail polish, then finish it off with a layer of your favorite gel topcoat.

It will give the illusion of having a full gel manicure, and it’s also easy to do. You just need to cure your gel base coat and wipe off the sticky residue. Then follow the steps above to get a long-lasting manicure.

How to remove regular nail polish with gel top coat

So let’s say you’ve enjoyed your manicure for a week, but now you’re ready to apply a fresh color, so how would you remove them?

You can take off the gel topcoat the same way you normally remove gel nail polish. Except you don’t have to soak your nails in acetone as long as when you have a gel manicure.

To remove the gel top coat, you can do the foil method. It’s an effective process since the heat accumulated inside the foil makes the acetone work faster.

To start, soak a cotton ball in acetone and place it on top of your nail. Then wrap your finger with aluminum foil, ensuring your nail is fully covered. Then repeat the steps on the rest of your nails.

Let the cotton ball sit for 5-10 minutes, then remove the foil off your fingers. The gel layer will then be soft enough to push off with a nail groomer. But if not, you can soak them again in acetone.

If you don’t have acetone at home, you can use a mixture of warm water, dishwashing soap, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Let your nails soak for 20-30 minutes until the gel layer is easy to scrape off.

Once the top coat is off, remove the rest of your nail polish with a cotton ball soaked in acetone or nail polish remover.

If your nails and cuticles feel dry, apply moisturizing cuticle oil to rehydrate and nourish them.

Alternative to gel top coat

But if using a gel top coat over your regular manicure intimidates you, you can use a gel-like or gel-effect topcoat.

It gives your nails the same glossy effect as real gel nail polish would. As well as helps prevent your manicure from chipping and cracking, making it last longer than a regular topcoat can.

Another great thing about it is that you don’t need to cure it under a UV lamp, so it’s not a hassle to apply. Plus, you can simply remove it by using nail polish remover.

So if you want to give your nails a break from gel nail polish, some brands also offer colored gel-effect nail polish that would pair perfectly with a gel-like topcoat.

CHECK OUT: Alternative to Gel Nails

Final thoughts

Regular nail polish will always be a staple in every nail polish lover’s collection. But compared to other types of polish, it’s the easiest to chip off.

So that’s where the method of applying a gel top coat over your regular manicure comes in.

It gives your lacquer an extra layer of protection that a regular top coat can’t do. Plus, don’t you just love how glossy it makes your nails look?

The secret is to make sure your nail polish is completely dry before adding that layer of gel topcoat. Otherwise, it’s going to look wrinkly.

But removing the layers can be a pain since it still needs you to soak your nails in acetone. So before trying this method, always use your best judgment on whether your nails can handle that many chemicals.

But other than that, you can now enjoy a longer-lasting manicure thanks to this little trick.

The post Can you put a gel top coat over regular nail polish? appeared first on Polish pretty.