New materials for nail service today appear with such frequency that it is sometimes difficult for a true professional to keep track of all the new products. A beginner can be completely at a loss.
The single-phase gel for nail extensions has already managed to gain considerable distribution and acquire an enviable staff of fans among both graduates and those who are taking their first steps in comprehending the wisdom of this beautiful art. Our article will help to understand all the subtleties of technology for those who decide to learn how to use a single-phase gel for nail extension, what kind of material it is and what are the features of working with it.
Why the gel is called single-phase
To find the answer to this question, consider the main stages of the technology. Growth is carried out in three stages:
- Application of a base coat responsible for adhesion to the surface of a natural nail.
- Modeling the form.
- Coating with a fixing layer that prevents rapid wear of the material and is responsible for the gloss (or for the velvety surface, if the design implies a matte texture).
Three-phase system involves the use of three different products, each of which performs its function. But, when it comes to single-phase coating, only one material is needed. What it is? A single-phase gel for nail extension, of course. He is able to solve all three problems.
Material benefits
Often, a single-phase gel becomes the choice of beginners. This is the right decision, because you have to spend just one jar to start stuffing your hand in building up.
Another advantage is the consistency of the material. Compared to three-phase products, it is quite liquid, but not fluid. The gel is convenient to apply and distribute.
Many girls who managed to test this type of material assure that it is very obedient, lends itself perfectly to crimping and is easily filed. So, this gel is also suitable for complex arched forms, for example, pipe.
For many who decide to find out what it is - a single-phase gel for nail extension, the discovery was a huge selection of colors. Manufacturers offer not only classic white, pink and transparent gels, but also the entire palette of camouflage, as well as luxurious opal options, gels with shimmer and sparkles, fluorescent materials. In the palettes of many brands, you can easily find a gel of any color.
Understanding how to use a single-phase gel for nail extension is not difficult. If you have experience working with three-phase materials, you will surely like the process. But even if this is your first attempt, it is quite possible to count on a good result.
However, you should not be deceived and wait for a miracle. Working with any materials for gel manicure has many nuances. If you have the desire and the opportunity to take a training course - be sure to do it. Well, if this is not possible (or do you consider nail extension as a hobby), get ready for hard work. Follow our tips, perform each operation carefully, train and learn - then everything will work out.
Weaknesses
In the reviews, many describe the semi-liquid consistency as one of the advantages. But there are those who are frankly uncomfortable with working with her. Get ready for the fact that you will have to get used to such a structure of the material for some time.
Among the disadvantages, many attribute wear resistance, which is lower than that of materials for a three-phase system. Correction will have to be done more often, the risk of chips is slightly higher - you need to know about this in advance.
Essential Tools and Aids
Apply a single-phase gel using a flat brush with a rounded end made of synthetic bristles. Natural for these purposes will not work. When choosing a brush, attach it to the little finger’s fingernail and press gently: it should not go into the side rollers.
To dry the gels, it is best to use hybrid lamps with a power of at least 36 watts.
Do not do without forms, lint-free napkins and clinser. Perhaps the most important tool after a brush is a file with an abrasiveness of 100 \ 180 grit. Some masters use a machine with a suitable cutter for sawdust, but this requires considerable skill.
Preparation of the nail plate
If the material comes in contact with pterygium, cuticle or skin, detachments cannot be avoided. Therefore, the preparatory phase is extremely important. There are no special recommendations when working with single-phase gel: do manicure in the same way as you do before working with any other material.
Thoroughly clean the nail from pterygium, move the cuticle, cut and polish it with a spherical mill, treat the areas adjacent to the side rollers. Cut the ends with a 180 grit abrasive file. Polish the surface of the nail plates with a buff, carefully remove the dust, wipe the nails with a lint-free cloth soaked in a special clipper.
Experts do not recommend the use of pharmacy products with alcohol. This component is quite aggressive: it can dry out the skin or react with materials, which will complicate the work and ruin the result.
Primer: why you need, which one to choose, how to use
Some masters consider this step optional. But if there are no barriers (for example, allergies), it is better to use a primer. It acts like double-sided tape, reliably adhering material to the surface of the nail.
Solves the primer and other tasks: eliminates excessive moisture, prevents the development of infections, degreases, slightly dries the surface.
There are so-called acidic and non-acidic agents. In fact, both have acids, but in the second their content is lower. This option is suitable for processing nails before applying varnish.
And before applying a single-phase gel for building, nails must be coated with an acid primer. It is important that the material does not get on the skin. The product dries in the air, it does not need a lamp. You can proceed to the next stages of coverage in a minute. But if after applying the primer more than half an hour has passed, the procedure must be repeated. Therefore, it makes no sense before starting work to cover all 10 nails.
Browse Popular Products
Which single-phase nail gel is best? A definite answer to this question does not exist, each master has his own favorites. But you can allocate several funds, reviews of which are most numerous.
- RuNail can be called one of the most popular. Available in several shades, perfectly sawn and pressed, well suited for beginners. The teachers of the courses often choose this material: nail extensions with a single-phase RuNail gel are examined step by step during training. It is suitable for professionals with a large flow, and for those who build nails only for themselves. Low cost is one of the advantages of the product. A jar of 15 grams on average will cost 250-300 rubles.
- Formula Profi is a favorite brand of many craftsmen. For a jar of single-phase A-Profi gel, you will have to pay about 450 rubles. Having polymerized, the gel turns into a very durable monolith. Sawed easily, does not form a large amount of flying dust.
- UV Lina is a product that many masters keen on shopping on Chinese sites managed to get to know. The cost of one jar weighing 15 g is only about 100 rubles. Reviews on this product are extremely controversial. Some claim that the “Lina” single-phase gel for nail extension copes with the tasks perfectly. But there are those who warn potential buyers from a terrible smell, poor packaging, allergic reactions.
- Cosmoprofi Gel is available in several shades. He was loved by masters of manicure due to the convenient consistency of medium viscosity, average price (350 r. / 15 g), good wear.
- Irisk single-phase gels are praised by many for their lack of smell, a large palette of shades. But in the reviews, some note a fluid texture, due to which the material has a tendency to flow. Not everyone is happy that the time declared by the manufacturer is not enough for polymerization.
3 phases of work with single-phase gel
A common mistake of many beginners is the belief that single-phase varnish can be very quickly build, laying the material in one layer. This is not true. The technology of nail extension with a single-phase gel involves the same steps as when working with three-phase materials. If you put the material in a thick layer with one stroke, a good result will not be. Let's look at an example of how to work with a single-phase gel.
Form extension
We will make a reservation right away that this material will not be suitable for the now fashionable upper forms. Only classic lower shapes can be used.
Do not rush. If you still have little experience, work with each finger separately, drying each layer. Before you start using a single-phase gel for building, the nails should be carefully treated, degreased and coated with a primer.
- Fit the shape to the nail, if necessary, make cuts so that the base fits as tightly as possible.
- Carefully glue the edges, making sure that all symmetrical elements are completely aligned. You can use a stationery stapler so that the form does not stick out during work.
- Rubbing in the application, apply the first base layer of single-phase gel, starting from the end and moving to the cuticle. Avoid skin contact! If the gel is baked on the cuticle, detachment is inevitable.
- Cure the material in the lamp as much as the manufacturer recommends. Evaluate the result by lightly tapping the surface with a pusher.
- Put a drop of gel on the mold where the free edge will form. With confident strokes, distribute the material, guided by the markup. Form the apex according to the desired length. Send to the lamp to dry.
- Carefully evaluate the surface, if necessary, add a little gel to the dips. File away unnecessary bulges with a file. If you do not plan to carry out the design, simply cover the nail with another thin layer of gel, turn your hand palm down and allow the material to even out. Return the job to the lamp again.
- You can start filing. Follow the direction of the side edges, check the symmetry of the nail. A single-phase gel does not need top coating, but you can use, for example, a satin or velor finish for decorative purposes.
- It remains only to remove the dust and remove the stickiness with a special tool.
Polymerization time
Always carefully follow the manufacturer's recommendations if you have purchased a new single-phase gel for nail extension. How to use the material, how long it takes to dry the layers and other recommendations - all this is usually indicated on the packaging. On average, it takes 1-3 minutes for each layer to dry the gel in a hybrid lamp.
Why does gel bake in a lamp?
In reviews of single-phase gels for nail extensions, one can often find outrage over burning during drying. This is due to the fact that the material passes from one state of aggregation to another, crystal lattices are formed. Chemical processes are accompanied by heat.
It is enough to simply reduce the lamp power (if this function is provided by the equipment manufacturer). When working with fixed lamps, you can simply take out your hand for a few seconds, allowing the heated material to cool slightly. As soon as the gel “seizes”, the burning sensation will pass.
It should be understood that this is not a lack of material, but a technological feature.
Home Removal
This point is no less important when working with single-phase nail extension gels. How to use the material, we figured out, and now let's talk about what to do with the extended nails, which are very grown, tired or started to interfere.
The first thing to remember: soaking for the gel is not suitable. Even if you wait half an hour, there will be no result. The gel, including single-phase, can only be cut with a file with medium abrasiveness or a special cutter.
Common questions and answers to them
Most often, beginners are wondering whether it is possible to use products of a three-phase system as a single-phase gel. Unfortunately this is not possible. But the single-phase is suitable instead of a modeling or topcoat.
It is extremely undesirable to perform a layered jacket with this material. In any case, you need at least two gels of different colors, so what's the point of using a single phase? It is much easier to use a three-phase system.
Doubts are often raised by the possibility of using a single-phase gel to strengthen nails without building. For these purposes, the material is excellent. It can be used both as a base for gel polish and for repairing broken nails.