Science meets style: The science behind the perfect gel manicure

For centuries, humans have adorned their nails with vibrant colours, a tradition dating back to the painted nails of Egyptian mummies. What was once a simple act of personal grooming has now evolved into a captivating blend of fashion, pampering, and artistic expression. It's intriguing to contemplate the secrets hidden within gel nail polish, the very substance that seems to work like a fairy godmother on our fingertips. This remarkable product has forever transformed the way we showcase our individuality, providing a beautiful canvas for self-expression and endless artistic exploration. Gel nail polish has waved goodbye to chipped nails and fading colours, that withstands the test of time and allows us to experience a whole new level of glamour and confidence. BUT HOW??? 


Picture this: as your nail technician applies that special gel polish, it's like they're wielding a magic wand, waving it over your nail bed and sprinkling it with pixie dust. This moment sets the stage for the enchanting transformation to come. You see, the secret behind turning that liquid gel into a glossy, dry finish lies in the fascinating process called curing. Curing may sound fancy, but it's actually a simple chemical process. 


First, we start with a base coat, which forms a protective barrier between the polish and your natural nail, the perfect primer for the rest of the process.


The gel polish is made up of tiny building blocks called "monomers" (that's just a fancy word for one molecule) and also contains special ingredients called photoinitiators. These amazing molecules absorb light at a specific wavelength and kick-start a chemical reaction. Think of them as little energy boosters.  But here's where the real magic begins: When the UV light shines on these photoinitiators, they get super charged, initiating the monomers to join together and form longer chains called "polymers" (where "poly" means many). It's like they're holding hands and creating a super-durable coating on your nails. This process is called "polymerisation." And ta-da! Once this fantastic bonding dance is complete, the curing process is done, and your nails are ready to shine and conquer the world. 

The gel nail polish won't harden on its own- it requires UV light. The UV used in the curing process is at extremely low levels, making it safe for your nails and skin but for that extra level of protection, our Manisafe gloves have got you covered allowing protection to meet perfection! 

Doug's Schoon, a globally renowned scientific expert in the nail and eyelash industry, passionately emphasises the significance of achieving the perfect level of curing to ensure optimal protection for the delicate nail bed. Our Bio Sculpture gels and tailored UV lamps go beyond ordinary nail tools. They form a dynamic duo specifically designed to achieve the ideal balance of monomers and UV light, resulting in flawless polymerisation. When the UV and gel combine forces, it creates a harmonious melody, leaving your nails looking absolutely fabulous while maintaining their health and protection. Remember, in the world of gels, timing becomes crucial to achieve the desired level of durability and flexibility. The instructions on the gels provide the optimal timings for curing, ensuring the best results.

To engineer the desired thickness and strength, we repeat this curing step, layer by layer. Why, you ask? Well, UV light can't fully penetrate deep layers of gel polish (because of its low levels), so this layering technique ensures that each layer receives the perfect amount of curing to create stunning nails that are both strong and gorgeous. This is the safest way to apply gel and is why Bio Sculpture provides training to ensure quality not only from the products themselves but also from the application process.  

Now, the polymerisation reaction generates heat, which is known as an exothermic reaction in scientific terms which is sometimes why you may feel a little warmth on your fingertips. Don't worry, it's completely normal! Luckily, our lamps have ramp curing that help to eliminate this heat spike. However, sometimes in the sunny months when our hands become warmer, it will naturally feel warmer in the lamp. 


Hold up !!! How does the Gel Remover reverse this scientific magic?
When you apply a remover to your gel, it softens and breaks down the bonds in the gel. It sneaks back into the spaces between the polish molecules, releasing the gel from the natural nail without damage. It starts causing mischief by disrupting their cosy interactions, leading to the polish being re-dissolved and ready to be wiped or washed away. Your nails are then clean and ready for their next colourful adventure. Say goodbye to old polish and hello to a fresh canvas in a blink of an eye!

So there you have it! Gel nail polish works its magic through a combination of the base coat's bonding power, the photoinitiators' light-absorbing abilities, and the polymerisation process with the help of your Ultra Curing Unit. Get ready to rock fabulous, long-lasting nails that shine with vibrant colours and rock-solid strength. The world of gel nail polish is truly a dazzling experience!



© 2024 RE:NEW Beauty.

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