Weak by nature, too thin nail plates are often an insurmountable obstacle to creating a beautiful manicure with a fashionable design on long nails. Fortunately, modern technologies for strengthening problem nails allow any woman to safely do manicure under gel polish, as well as cover long nail plates with ordinary varnish, without fear of cracks, chips on the coating or damage to the natural nail.

In this article, we will look at the best methods to quickly strengthen weak, brittle nails with a gel or biogel at home. The gel can be used in tandem with a special fabric (fiberglass) to enhance the strength of the manicure due to the outer seal. The same technology is appropriate to use for gel extensions on brittle natural nails.

The gel not only allows you to strengthen thin nails, but also to make a smooth, even coating for gel polish or to perform a modern design with acrylic paint using dots, a thin needle, airbrush stencils. Your manicure will be reliably protected from mechanical damage thanks to a flexible but very durable gel coating, and you can choose absolutely any shape of nails.

By the way, the gel is also actively used to strengthen toenails. This procedure is especially useful in the treatment of onychocryptosis for the correction of an ingrown nail. Tightly connecting with the surface of the nail plate, the gel fixes its shape and makes it more durable, preventing further deformation of the free edge as it grows back. Before applying the product, carefully sand the plates with a wide nail file and polish with a buff (or use a machine with cutters from the hardware pedicure kit).

If your nail plates are not only thin and brittle by nature, but also become dull due to too frequent use of gel polish, weakened by mechanical removal of the gel coating after constant extension, then we recommend using biogel to strengthen damaged nails at home. This tool effectively heals, strengthens, stimulates the natural growth of nails due to its components such as keratin protein, vitamins A (retinol) and E (tocopherol), calcium, South African yew tree resin.


Covering nails with biogel allows your nails to “breathe” normally, which prevents the appearance of a dull shade or yellowness on a natural plate. The condition of the periungual ridges and cuticles gradually improves. Unlike the gel coating, the hardened biogel is not removed by sawing, but is removed using a special liquid. But it is important to consider that this product softens when it comes into contact with hot water and therefore it is necessary to wear rubber gloves while cleaning or washing dishes.

Recall that the strengthening of long nails with gel or biogel first of all helps to protect the completed manicure from damage. If your nail plates often break, exfoliate and become noticeably thinner, then be sure to restore their structure. To improve the nails, alternate procedures such as hand paraffin therapy, baths with active ingredients, masks with essential oils and vitamins.

♦ HOW TO STRENGTHEN WEAK NAILS WITH GEL

On the manicure table lay out the following accessories:

▪ 36 W UV lamp;

▪ A set of manicure tools for shaping nails, nail files with varying degrees of abrasiveness, buff, orange sticks;

▪ Nail degreaser, primer;

▪ Disinfectant;

▪ Clinser to remove the sticky layer after polymerization;

▪ Brushes for gel application;

▪ Gel and fiberglass;

▪ Cuticle oil, remover.

Strengthening nails with gel under gel polish:

❶ We perform standard treatment of the nail plates before the procedure: we give the free edge of the plate the desired shape (the most popular today are oval and almond-shaped nails), we polish each nail and polish the surface with a buff, we treat the nails with an antiseptic;


❷ Push back the cuticle with an orange stick and correct with a remover, then remove the remnants of the pterygium with a pusher. We carefully treat the nail plates with a degreaser and after the surface is completely dry, apply a primer for better adhesion to the gel coating;


❸ Gently apply a layer of gel with a brush, trying not to go on the periungual ridges. Turn on the UV lamp to cure the applied coating. Then we apply another layer of gel;


❹ For maximum strengthening of thin long nails, we put fiberglass on top of the gel, to which we give the shape of a nail before the procedure;


❺ Now we move on to fixing the polymers in a UV lamp for several minutes and after that we clean each nail from the sticky layer;


❻ With a nail file with a fine abrasive, file the free edge of the plate, and then again treat the surface with a degreaser. At this stage, you can apply a layer of colored gel polish and do polymerization;


❼ We apply the top coat on the nails and dry again in an ultraviolet lamp, remove the dispersion layer with a clinser;


❽ It remains to rub softening, moisturizing cuticle oil into the periungual skin.

♦ HOW TO STRENGTHEN BRITTLE, THIN NAILS WITH BIOGEL

Tools and materials for the procedure:

▪ UV lamp for polymerization;

▪ Files with varying degrees of abrasiveness, buff, pusher, scissors;

▪ Soft brushes;

▪ Biogel;

▪ Primer, degreaser;

▪ Finish gel;

▪ Klinser;

▪ Cuticle oil.

Strengthening nails with biogel:

❶ Align the length of the nails with scissors, grind and polish the surface of each nail plate;


❷ We move the cuticle with an orange stick and remove the pterygium with a remover, and then treat the nails with an antiseptic;


❸ We treat the plates with a degreaser, and then with a primer to improve adhesion with the applied coating;


❹ With a brush, evenly apply the biogel on each nail plate, trying not to go on the cuticle and periungual ridges. We seal the end of each nail;


❺ We carry out polymerization in a UV lamp without removing the dispersion layer after the procedure;


❻ We apply another layer of biogel, dry it in an ultraviolet lamp and remove the sticky layer;


❼ Apply a top coat with a brush, polymerize and then remove the sticky layer;


❽ Now you can massage the softening cuticle oil into the skin around the nail.

♦ VIDEO TUTORIALS

In recent years the service strengthening gel nails is in great demand among clients of beauty salons. More and more women prefer the strengthening procedure. If you have brittle nails, then this procedure will be just right. Also, gel nail strengthening is suitable for those women who often break, exfoliate and grow poorly natural plates.

What is the difference between the process of strengthening and building? When building nails become longer and can change shape. When strengthening, the entire surface of natural plates is covered with a gel (or other artificial material).

The composition of the gel is almost identical to natural plates, because it consists of 2/3 of the protein. It also contains yew tree resin. It is so organic in composition to the nail plates that it does not do any harm to them. You will mistake artificial turf for your natural turf. But there are big differences, because the manufacturers are different. So the manufacturer OPI produces a slightly fluid gel that is difficult to "manage". And the manufacturer's IBD white has a yellowish tint, which also cannot please. When choosing, pay attention to the attached product quality certificate. But a lot, of course, depends on the professionalism of the manicure master.

Gel nail strengthening technique

First of all, you need to make sure that the client has no contraindications for extension (for example, allergies or skin diseases). To do this, you should first consult with a manicure master. If everything is in order with this, then you can proceed to the procedure for strengthening nails with gel. You should also exclude water procedures for the hands a couple of hours before strengthening the nails, and also do not apply the cream on the hands. First you need to decide how long the edge of the nail will be in the end (the minimum length is 1 mm).

Before starting the procedure, it is necessary to disinfect the hands of the manicurist and the hands of the client. Then, with the help of a special tool, the cuticle is pushed back. Then it's time to give them the desired shape. Next, the gloss is removed with a nail file with an abrasive of 240 grit. The next step is degreasing on both sides with a degreaser and wait until they dry. Immediately before applying the gel, a special preparation is used, with the help of which nail modeling will be performed. This product will dry within a few minutes. And even now you can carefully apply the gel to the surface of the plates using a special brush. Next, fireglass is displayed (certain skills are required).

Fiberglass is a fabric material that gives security. Silk or linen can also be used as a fabric covering. Each coating has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, silk is a very thin coating (plus), but has a lower degree of security (minus). Colored linen, which is popular with manicurists, is also often used. The fabric coating helps to reduce the likelihood of the artificial material breaking off in the presence of external stimuli.

Then a UV curing lamp is used (2 minutes). Marigolds are modeled using a high-molecular and sculptural gel. The next step is to remove the dispersed film, filing with a 150 grit file and degreasing. After that, a protective gel is already applied and also after that the dispersed film is removed. And finally, oil is applied to the cuticle.

Benefits of strengthening gel nails

As a result of strengthening nails with gel, your nails become heavy-duty and remain healthy (it should also be noted that it has no medicinal or harmful properties). However, after such a procedure, the blood supply area becomes larger, and the moisture content of the cuticle returns to normal. As long as they are strengthened, they are resilient and not brittle. At the same time, natural plates continue to grow, covered with a thin layer of gel. Their length will be the same as it was, but the shape can be changed. Nail polish on gel-strengthened nails will last just as long as before. When the coating is removed, the nails will remain the same as before they were strengthened with the gel. It is also worth considering that every 2-3 weeks it will be necessary to additionally adjust (after all, natural plates continue to grow and some of their surface remains not covered with gel). They will look natural in appearance, but they will be much stronger. Also, the gel will be a good protection against various solvents. take on a beautiful shape. It is important that the nails, after strengthening with the gel, will be able to fully “breathe”.

Alternative way

There is also an alternative way to strengthen nails, especially for those women who have exfoliating nails. The technique for performing such a technique is very simple even for beginners. Often this method is chosen by women who themselves strengthen their nails at home. So, for starters, the gloss is removed with a special nail file. Then a special cream is applied to their surface and to the cuticle, which should contain ceramides. And finally, you should add shine with a soft nail file. Such a simple procedure can give security to your manicure for several weeks. After a month, these actions can be repeated. It should be noted that after such a procedure, you need to wait about 5 days before applying varnish to the surface of the nails.

Toenails have the same problems (such as brittleness) as those on the hands. Therefore, this procedure is also popular for toenails, especially in winter. Indeed, at this time of the year, the varnish dries longer and, as a result, deteriorates.

For many modern women, strengthening nails with gel is the finishing touch to the external well-groomed and healthy appearance of their manicure.

Olya Likhacheva

Beauty is like a precious stone: the simpler it is, the more precious :)

Content

Often, women with weak, brittle nails complain that the charms of a beautiful manicure are not available to them. Modern technologies that have come into the world of manicure service have made it possible to strengthen the nail plate with gel, give it the desired shape, and get the desired result even on brittle nails. But first you need to understand what led them to this state.

Causes of brittle nails

The formation of the plate begins in the matrix, which is located near the root. Its condition directly affects the rate of regeneration, shape, thickness. The substance of the plate itself consists of layers of keratin, between which there are water and fat, which are responsible for shine and elasticity. Healthy nails contain sulfur, calcium, selenium, zinc, and other trace elements. They can well absorb moisture, oils, other substances with which they come into contact, so they are extremely sensitive to the environment.

The cause of brittleness is the result of the negative impact of internal or external factors on the plate. Among them are:

• frequent use of cheap varnish, nail polish remover containing acetone or formaldehyde;
• direct contact with household chemicals;
• dry air, temperature changes, long stay in the cold without gloves;
• improper care - cutting, not sawing the plate;
• lack of vitamins and minerals;
• period of hormonal disruptions and restructuring;
• thyroid dysfunction, diseases of the stomach and intestines, anemia, stress.

Benefits of strengthening gel nails

After identifying the causes and eliminating them, you need to help the plate recover. To do this, you should resort to a procedure that involves strengthening the nails with a gel. It has a number of advantages:

• you can less often do trimmed manicure;
• the gel does not interfere with growth, while minimizing fragility;
• improves blood circulation, moisturizes the cuticle;
• the preparatory process takes a minimum of time;
• after applying the product, the plate is even, shiny, well-groomed;
• the protective layer does not allow damaging substances to enter the plate;
• biogel has a neutral smell;
• moderate cost - it is available to do the procedure 2-3 times a month;
• a strengthening agent is applied before applying gel polish.

Types of gel for strengthening nails

The most common strengthening products are:

• Classic gel - has a composition identical to the extension gel. A type of coating, before applying which the top layer of the plate is cut off. This type of biogel is used for growing length. It creates a protective film that prevents the penetration of chemically harmful substances.
• Protective biogel is a strengthening nail gel that compares favorably with similar products. The composition contains organic protein, vitamins that help moisturize the cuticle, tree resin. The safe composition does not interfere with the access of oxygen to the plate, nourishes it. Excellent as a gel for strengthening nails under shellac.
• Gel polish - allows you to achieve the most natural manicure. The application technology does not provide for sawing the plate, it retains its structure. The product itself is put in a thin layer, after which it must be dried under an ultraviolet lamp.

Features of choice

Strengthening natural nails with gel is a procedure that has different reviews. Someone considered it useless, while others were delighted with the results, having received the desired length and strength. It will not be a big discovery that any remedy must be selected according to the needs, type, and condition of the plates. Otherwise, the result will be the opposite of what you want.

It is recommended to strengthen the exfoliating, brittle structure with a protective biogel, as it contains a natural base that nourishes the plate. To prevent breakage in long healthy nails, classic gels and gel polishes are suitable. They have greater strength compared to biogel. With a good structure of the nail, you can make shellac with reinforcement. It is worth remembering that the more layers applied or the more complex the design, the greater the risk of chipping or ruining the plate.

The removal method is important. The classic gel is removed only by sawing, which can harm the already brittle structure. Gel polish and biogel are removed using a special solvent consisting of alcohol, water and oils, selected in a certain proportion. In world practice, gel polish and protective gel take the lead, while the classic one is practically not used.

You can strengthen the plate and apply a decorative coating in a nail salon. The procedure is carried out in stages:

1. Arriving at the salon, make sure the quality of the materials used, the product must have a certificate.
2. Pay attention to the disinfection of the master's hands, materials and work surface.
3. The procedure begins with preparation: the surface is cleaned with a buff, the cuticle is removed in an uncut way or shifted with an orange stick.
4. Degrease and apply primer. Let dry.
5. The base base is applied in a thin layer, dried in a UV lamp. Drying time is determined by the power of the lamp, it takes from 1 to 3 minutes.
6. Distribute the selected biogel or gel polish, leaving 2 mm to the cuticle. Dry in a lamp, remove the sticky layer.
7. A finely abrasive nail file creates a shape, polishes with a buff.
8. Using this technology, both natural and decorative manicures are made.

Correction and removal of the gel after strengthening

Depending on the rate of nail growth, it will be necessary to make a correction. The procedure is repeated after 2-3 weeks. During regrowth, the load on the stress zone of the nail, which is located approximately in the middle, changes. It will definitely be reinvigorated. When correcting, the top layer is removed or the coating is completely removed if the procedure is no longer necessary. Removal occurs using a special solvent. There are several types of correction.

Often girls are faced with situations where the nail plates become too thin. It looks ugly, nails often break, discomfort appears.

How to strengthen nails before building? Experts recommend a special strengthening gel polish - this is a tool that protects the plates from brittleness. It is safe to use and looks natural. In addition, it is often used as an additional component in manicure. Strengthening can be done at home with a small set of tools.

The reasons for the weakening of the nail plates can be called:

1. Internal problems of the body (lack of calcium, vitamins).
2. Using household chemicals, hand washing, washing dishes, working with chemicals without gloves.

When reinforcement is needed

First of all, strengthening the nails is necessary under the gel polish, as well as after its removal. The plates have been under artificial turf for a long time, so their condition is deteriorating. If you do not use a strengthening agent, you will have to spend a lot of money on restoring the appearance of nails.

In addition, the extension does not protect against bacterial, fungal and viral diseases. The firming gel not only supports and protects the plate, but also disinfects it.

The most effective means for strengthening nails under gel polish is biogel. It contains vitamins "A" and "E", keratin protein, calcium, plant components that restore the normal functioning of the nail plate.

Gel reinforcement is also used on the legs for onychocryptosis. Due to this, the free edge is not deformed, the plates stop growing.

When applying a firming gel, the size, shape of the plates, and decorative coating should be taken into account. The protective agent is more universal, but contraindications for use should be considered:

• fungal diseases, diabetes mellitus, circulatory disorders;
• hormonal disruptions, antibiotics, chemotherapy;
• cracks, open wounds;
• allergy to the components included in the composition;
• increased sweating;
• pregnancy.

Advantages and disadvantages

Benefits of biogel:

1. The therapeutic effect occurs only when gel polish is applied on top. That is, it makes no sense to apply biogel on an untreated surface.
2. Sometimes a strengthening manicure does not work or has a negative effect. This only happens when applied incorrectly.

The initial stage before strengthening nails with extension gel

Preliminary it is necessary to carry out mandatory processing so that there are no complications after application.

1. Hands are washed under warm water, wiped dry.
2. If there is varnish, it is removed, the tips of the plate are trimmed, the cuticle is trimmed, and it is treated with a keratolytic.
3. Grinding file cleans the surface of the nail.
4. At the end, the plates are wiped with a degreasing agent.

Step-by-step instruction

First stage. The plate is strengthened by the base, processed with a thin layer. After the procedure, the fingers are dried under a UV lamp.

Second phase. A thicker base layer is applied, also dried under a lamp.

Before strengthening the nails with the base and the main layer, be sure to protect the cuticle so that the products do not get on it. If this happens, wipe off the excess with a tissue.

The last step is to apply another layer and dry. There may be a sticky part on the plate, which must be carefully removed with a cotton pad.

Firming gel is easy to apply, but requires care and pre-treatment.

You can also use acrylic powder - a tool that has a similar effect and the same method of application.

To support a fortified manicure, you need to follow a few rules:

• use sterile, high-quality manicure instruments.
• use only products that are suitable specifically for your nail plates, since each organism is individual.
• wash your hands to prevent infection.
• follow the daily routine, then your nails will remain strong, healthy.
• Handle chemicals carefully with rubber gloves.

If you follow our recommendations on how to strengthen nails under gel polish and follow the tips, then the manicure will remain beautiful for a long time. In addition, if you are not confident in your abilities, then you should entrust the work to specialists who will select the necessary funds and perform the work efficiently.

Everything in a person should be perfect: the soul, thoughts, and even nails. A well-made manicure with a perfect coating serves as an adornment for every girl.

But what to do if nature has deprived a beautiful shape of nails, because of their fragility it is difficult to grow at least a small length, but you don’t want to do an extension? Gel nails without extensions will come to the rescue.

It will help to grow the desired length and, if necessary, slightly adjust the shape of the natural nail. Very often, girls confuse gel nail strengthening with helium extensions. However, in fact, they have only one similarity: both procedures help to make the nails beautiful and well-groomed.

The differences between them are significant:

• for nail extensions there is an elongation of the nail bed and a change in the shape of the natural nail is possible, while with conventional strengthening it is impossible to increase the length of the nail;
• gel nails without extension, a small amount of material is applied to the natural nail, which means that there is no thinning and weakening of one's own nails;
• gel nail strengthening improves the condition of the nail, reduces its fragility and prevents the plate from delamination.

Strengthening gel nails is a great option for those who do not want to resort to extensions, but want to have long and beautiful nails.

Advantages and disadvantages of gel nails

The advantages of helium strengthening of nails include:

Despite all the advantages, this procedure has enough disadvantages:

• The need for regular correction. When the nail grows, the border between the natural nail and the reinforced gel becomes noticeable. The frequency of correction depends on the speed of nail growth, on average it is 1 time in 2-3 weeks.
• Duration of the procedure. When covering nails with gel in the salon at the manicure master, the procedure takes from 1 to 1.5 hours, with self-strengthening, the duration increases by at least 2 or more times.

What is better to use gel or biogel to strengthen nails

To determine what is best suited for strengthening nails, first you need to figure out how these two materials differ. The gel is a synthetic glass-like polymer that hardens when polymerized in a UV lamp.

Biogel –it is a rubber based polymer, which is a very elastic material.

Thus, for those who do not want to lengthen the nail plate, but want to strengthen natural nails, biogel will be the ideal material. It will cause the least damage to the nails and give them a beautiful and well-groomed appearance.

Materials and tools needed to strengthen nails with gel

To cover the nails with gel you will need the following materials:

Gels are of several types: single-phase and three-phase. In the case of a single-phase gel, only one gel is needed, in the case of a three-phase gel, a base and top coat are also needed.

Be careful: when carrying out the procedure for coating nails with gel without building up in the salon, it is imperative to check that all the tools that will be used for trimming manicure are sterilized, since there is a high risk of infection with a non-sterile tool.

Gel nails without extensions: step by step instructions at home

Covering nails with gel without extensions at home is not so difficult. It is only necessary to follow the correct sequence of all actions and fill your hand a little in order to reduce the time for the procedure.

It's important to know: if the gel does not dry out, the lamps must be replaced. When using led gels, they can be dried in a led lamp, then the polymerization time will be reduced to 30 seconds.

1. Gel application. The application rules are the same, each layer is dried in a lamp for 2 minutes.
2. If you need any design, you need to remove the sticky layer from the gel and cover your nails with gel polish or decorate them with decorative elements.
3. Application top cover.
4. Removing the sticky layer. When using a top without a sticky layer, this is not necessary.

Gel Nail Design Ideas

One of the most common gel nail designs is the French manicure. This option is universal, it will suit any image and style. In addition, with the growth of a natural nail, the transition will not be noticeable much longer.

It will be interesting to look at a manicure made with plain gel polishes with some design on the nails of the ring fingers.

Recently, a variety of nail pigments and mirror polishes have begun to gain popularity, with which the nails look like they are covered with metal.

The ombre or gradient design does not lose demand, in which the nail is covered with two contrasting or, conversely, similar colors, and the border between them is shaded.

How long does gel nail polish last?

The resistance of the gel coating depends on what material was used for strengthening. If a simple gel, then such a coating will last at least 3 weeks, after which a correction will be needed. However, this is more likely due not to the fact that the coating will deteriorate, but to the fact that overgrown nails look very unaesthetic. When using biogel, the coating lasts about 2 weeks.

Note! In addition to the type used in the coating of the material, the following factors affect the durability of the gel coating:

• insufficient quality preparation of the nail plate;
• insufficient gel polymerization time in a UV lamp;
• contact with chemicals, such as detergents and disinfectants, as well as liquids containing acetone without gloves.

In order for extended or gel-coated nails to retain their original appearance for as long as possible, it is recommended to do all housework with gloves.

Strengthening nails with gel: price in the salon

The cost of covering nails with gel without building up in salons is different, but if you take the average amount, then it will be about 1000 rubles or more. The final amount will depend on the selected coverage, the complexity and quantity of the design, as well as the popularity of a particular salon and manicurist.

It should be remembered that saving on such things is not necessary, since this can lead to the fact that a cheaper master will ruin the nails or introduce any infection by performing a manicure with an untreated instrument.

Useful tips from experts: how to perform high-quality gel nail strengthening

1. In order to avoid breakouts, a few hours before applying the gel, do not use moisturizers or oils.
2. To keep the coating as long as possible, manicure should be done dry, without soaking. If you need to steam your hands before a manicure, then it is best to make a coating the next day.
3. In order for the nail plate to be perfectly flat, you can make additional alignment with a rubber base.
4. For perfect coverage it is necessary to remove the pterygium from the surface of the nail as carefully as possible.
5. Base leaks must not be allowed on the cuticle and side ridges, this will cause the gel to peel off.
6. Be sure to seal the end of the nail at all stages of applying the material to avoid chipping.

Gel coating allows you to keep the nails in order, giving them an aesthetic appearance. At the same time, their strengthening can be done not only in the salon, but also at home, having previously stocked up with all the necessary materials.

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