How to dry gel polish without a lamp at home? We will talk about this in detail in our article. Not all girls and women currently can take advantage of the opportunity to apply gel polish in beauty salons. In this case, it becomes necessary to take care of your nails yourself.
Gel polish, another name is shellac, is the most famous and recognizable coating today. This varnish dries using a special ultraviolet lamp. However, not everyone has it, or it is possible that it is broken, what should you do in this case? Is it possible to dry gel polish without a lamp? Yes, this can be done. How to dry gel polish without a lamp? Let's figure it out now.
Gel polishes
But first, let's look at the types of varnishes. There are a large number of them. Popular types of gel polishes:
- Non-photosensitive - dries perfectly naturally, but with one condition. It requires a rapid polymerization composition, cyanoacrylate monomer - this is a liquid gel. If you want to cover your nails with shellac at home, then it is better to use a creamy monomer. Because it is easier to apply and lasts a long time. You must first make sure that it is not affected by light. This will give an understanding of the advisability of its use.
- Photosensitive - difficult to dry at home, but still possible. And if, after all, it was purchased, then how long does it take to dry the gel polish without a lamp? From 25 to 40 minutes, while the nails should be placed under direct ultraviolet rays.
- Water - it will dry perfectly if after application you dip your fingers in cold or ice water for 20 minutes.
- Brigitte Bottier - applies well, you can dry the gel polish without a lamp.
- Biogel is a medicinal varnish that accelerates nail growth. It also prevents delamination and thickens the nail plate. You can dry gel polish without a lamp at home. It has healing properties due to the fact that it contains natural oils and plant acids.
Ways to dry gel polish without a lamp
Method No. 1. Water drying
This method is suitable if shellac is not photosensitive. After applying the composition to the nail plate, immerse your hands in cold, even ice water for 10-20 minutes.
The allotted time is enough for the varnish to finally set. This type of gel coating is considered the safest in its composition.
Method No. 2. Catalyst
For such a coating there are 3 types of catalyst, which are available in the form:
- ointments;
- gel;
- spray.
In order to dry the composition, it is necessary to apply a catalyst. One small drop will be enough. The main thing is that the catalyst is evenly applied to the entire surface of the nail plate, otherwise the varnish will not fix evenly. The catalyst should be applied 1-2 minutes after coating with the gel.
Method number 3. Sun rays
How to dry gel polish with a photosensitive composition? To secure without a lamp, you must keep your hands in direct sunlight. It is necessary that the sun evenly warms the entire nail plate. It will take much longer for the product to dry at home than when exposed to a UV lamp.
Method number 4. Hairdryer
You can dry the gel coating using a regular hair dryer. It must have the following characteristics:
- high power;
- Possibility of drying with cold air.
In this case, the composition should be applied in one thin layer. This method is ineffective and takes a long time.
Method No. 5. Cold gel polish
Before doing your manicure, place the tube of polish in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. After that, immediately start applying it to your nails. Drying time will be reduced significantly.
Method number 6. Ice
This method has something in common with the water method, only to speed up the drying effect, you need to add ice cubes to the water. It will take about 8-10 minutes to fix the coating.
Method No. 7. Manicure fan
Professional devices can be purchased in specialized stores quite inexpensively. The fan has a kind of hole where you need to put your fingers. There is a device for one hand, as well as for two. It can be used to dry non-photosensitive coatings.
Method No. 8. Blue lamp
The medical blue lamp, which is used for warming up, may also be useful for drying the gel. Only this will take much more time than with a professional device.
There are a lot of methods for drying gel polish. You can completely do without a lamp. Get creative at home. Choose the most convenient method for you and get a beautiful manicure!
Thus, when choosing manicure products you need to be careful. You can buy a set for shellac, but you won’t be able to cover your nails with it without a lamp. You need to purchase products that can be dried without exposure to ultraviolet rays. Fortunately, the choice of such gels is quite large. A variety of colors and effects, even such as cat's eye, allow you to create a beautiful and unusual manicure at home without additional equipment. And it will last as long as acrylic.
Drying light insensitive coating
How to dry gel polish without a lamp? If you purchased an insensitive gel polish, you must definitely buy a monomer, activator or catalyst. When water coating is done, cold filtered water is necessary. You should prepare cuticle softening oil, nail clippers or thin scissors, and a glass nail file in advance. For this application, there are three types of catalysts, which are available in the form of an ointment, gel or spray. To dry this composition, you need to add a catalyst. Just one drop is enough. The most important thing is that the catalyst is applied equally on the plane of the nail plate, otherwise the strengthening of the gel polish will be uneven. The catalyst must be used 1-2 minutes after application.
Before applying gel polish, you first need to prepare the nail plate. To do this, you need to steam your fingers, push back and trim the cuticle. Shape the nails, file them, then buff the surface of the nails with a buff. Next, start applying shellac. It is easy to apply due to the wide brush. Carry out the procedure in the same way as when applying regular varnish. When applied once, look at the result. If there are no stains or cracks, then there is no need to apply another layer a second time.
If a non-photosensitive varnish is applied, in this case it is necessary to take and drop a drop of monomer or activator onto each nail. It is also allowed to rub creamy catalysts into the nails.
Gel polish: advantages and disadvantages
There is not a single woman who is not familiar with gel manicure. This modern nail coating is a kind of synthesis of gel and varnish.
It includes several components:
- base;
- color base;
- upper layer.
Thanks to the extensive color palette, this coating can be used to create manicures of various designs that satisfy any taste.
In addition, we can highlight a number of positive features of gel polish:
- Strengthening and protecting the nail plates, possible thanks to the thick, hard shell created by gel polish. Even fragile nails covered with such a layer do not break or peel.
- Long wearing period. This manicure can last about a month (on average three weeks) if done correctly. This is well suited for women who, for some reason, cannot visit the specialist often.
- Possibility to combine with extensions. Many girls love long nails, but not everyone is able to grow them without first strengthening them with gel. Gel polish coating allows you to increase the length of the nail artificially for the first time.
The negative qualities of the gel coating include:
- The method of treating the nail plate before applying such a product requires removing the top layer with a special nail file. As a result, the nail becomes thinner and its integrity is compromised.
- The mandatory use of a UV lamp to fix the manicure has a negative effect on the skin of the hands and accelerates the aging process. However, this problem can be easily corrected with the help of a special cream with UV protection or a simple sunscreen lotion.
- It is necessary to remove gel polish only with means intended for this purpose, and even better - in a salon. Often women simply tear off pieces of the coating, not thinking about the fact that the nail is destroyed along with them.
- It is believed that gel manicure performed regularly without breaks weakens the nail plate, makes it brittle, and leads to delamination.
Water and ice
How else can you dry gel polish without a lamp? After applying it, you need to dip your fingers in ice water for a quarter of an hour. This is enough for the gel polish to completely adhere. This coating method is considered to be as harmless as possible due to its unique composition. However, you can use ice. For a quick drying effect, add ice cubes to the water, and the gel polish will dry in 10 minutes.
Blue lamp
A medical blue lamp, which is sometimes used during warming, can be used to dry light-sensitive gel polish. The only thing is that this will take much more time than when drying using a special method. When drying the applied first coating, you need to think about its thickness. Sometimes it may seem that the varnish is shining through. In this case, you should apply it again. In this case, it must be dried using the same method as the coating of the first gel polish. Then you should let the coating dry for 20-30 minutes. Next, lubricate the cuticle with a specific oil and rub it a little near the nail fold. Rubbing will help the natural ingredients absorb into the skin, while softening it.
Gel polish at home without a lamp - application procedure
The list of items in the starter kit for gel polish without a lamp is minimal, since the work does not require either a base or top coat, or an ultraviolet lamp.
To work you will need:
- non-photosensitive gel polish,
- catalyst (it is better to take it in tubes),
- If the product is fixed with water, a catalyst will not be required.
Also, for a manicure you need a nail file, a polishing buffer, cuticle oil, and tweezers.
Operating procedure:
- Prepare the nail plate for application. To do this, you need to give the nails the desired shape, remove or push back the cuticle.
- Apply the gel to the nail plate. As a rule, the brush is quite comfortable; just a couple of movements are enough for application. This does not require filing down the nail plate itself.
- Make sure that the product is easy to apply evenly, without streaks or cracks. The surface should be glossy and smooth. If necessary, apply another layer.
- Apply the catalyst to the entire surface of the nail plate. Some catalysts are sold in the form of a spray; it must be distributed evenly without missing a single millimeter. If the fixative is in the form of varnish, then one drop is enough.
- If water is needed to consolidate, hands are immersed in water and held for 5-10 minutes.
Now, knowing how to use gel polish without a lamp, you can safely do a manicure at home.
To ensure that the result does not disappoint you, buy varnishes only from trusted manufacturers, whose product quality is beyond doubt.
You may not get a beautiful manicure the first time, but as you gain experience, the procedure will become easier and shorter for you.
Recommendations
Now you know how to dry gel polish without a lamp. Remember that drying time depends on the specific varnish. Before applying the coating, carefully read the instructions and familiarize yourself with the recommendations. After all, when a lamp is used, the gel polish dries faster, and without this device it takes longer than usual.
When using water-based gel polishes, use purified drinking water. However, you must add ice cubes for a quick reaction. It takes about two minutes to dry the gel polish using monomer. To simplify the process, it is allowed to apply top varnish on top, but this action will cause cracks and dullness to appear. It is worth purchasing gel polishes in specialized stores and those companies that have good recommendations; do not buy them on the market or in underground passages.
You should not use gel polishes indefinitely; you must give your nails a rest period. Do this at least once every 2 months. At this time, do not apply any coating at all, but use biogel or another restorative method.
It is recommended to wear gloves while doing housework - this is important when washing floors or dishes so that the gel polish does not crack.
Biogel dries without any activators, monomers, ice water and ultraviolet lamps. Therefore, it is easy to use at home. Those who wish to have a matte finish after drying must purchase an additional matte, non-photosensitive top varnish. It is applied after some time, when the base has dried, then you need to dry it directly.
How long does it take for gel polish to dry without a lamp?
Gel polish dries on average 15-20 minutes without a lamp, but much depends on the specific type of decorative coating:
- if drying involves only a natural method (in air), then it will take an average of 30-50 minutes;
- under direct sunlight (typical for shellac) - about 60 minutes;
- Gel polish dries in water for a maximum of 15 minutes;
- By placing your fingers in the freezer, 2-3 minutes are enough for the coating to completely harden.
How to do a manicure without a lamp?
Drying gel nail polish without a lamp is very easy. It is necessary to wash your hands and nails thoroughly and first apply a base strengthening coating, which will dry in 30 seconds. Then the nails need to be covered with a thin layer of gel polish. This is done in a couple of seconds, since the brush of these gel polishes is wide, so the coating is applied evenly. Dries in just three minutes, for durability it is allowed to apply one more time. The top layer – fixative (protective coating) dries in 3 minutes. An excellent manicure is ready, and it will last about 10 days.
The applied coating is erased with nail polish remover. There is no need to have special foil, additional mixtures and solutions to properly remove gel polish from nails.
Duration of polymerization of gel polish under a UV lamp
Drying plays an important role in the nail care process. Improperly dried varnish becomes smudged and becomes covered in bubbles. The easiest and most reliable way to dry gel polish on your nails is to use a UV lamp, which you can buy in special stores that have everything for a professional manicure.
Using UV lamp for drying
How long does it take for gel polish to dry in a lamp? This depends on the power of the device. UV lamps have different powers from 9 Watt to 54 Watt. The power, and therefore the drying speed of the varnish, depends on the number of lamps. So, a 9-watt device has only one light bulb, and the drying time in it takes at least 5 minutes. In a device with 6 lamps and a power of 36 Watts, the drying time is reduced to 2 minutes. Today, the most popular are UV lamps with a power of 36 watts.
Drying in a mini UV lamp
Ultraviolet lamps are the most popular due to their budget price and huge selection of models. The disadvantages of UV lamps include their fragility and the ability to cause a burning sensation on sensitive skin. An alternative to a UV lamp is a light-emitting diode (LED) lamp.
Reviews
How to dry gel polish without a lamp? We've already found out. What do ladies think about these methods? Girls who have tried the methods described in our article say that they really work. But still, many ladies advise using a lamp to dry gel polish. But as a last resort, you can choose one of the described methods for yourself. The easiest and most economical way, as the ladies say, is to use cold water and ice.
