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Soak off gel polish is a popular alternative to regular nail polish.
With its ability to stay on for weeks without chipping or fading, it’s no wonder why so many people are switching to soak off gels.
Below we’ll chat about the similarities and main differences between soak off gel polish and the other popular options on the market today.
What is Soak Off Gel Polish?
Soak off gel polish is a type of nail polish that’s cured with a UV or LED light and then removed using acetone, instead of the traditional nail polish, which can be removed with regular nail polish remover.
Soak off gel polish comes in a wide array of colors and can last up to two weeks without chipping and hardly any dry time.
If you want nail salon-quality nails at home, a soak off gel polish kit is the perfect way to keep your nails looking their best without having to constantly reapply nail polish.
Soak off gel polish also gives your nails a great shine and is hassle-free when you’re ready to remove it, without having to go to the nail experts.
Benefits of Using Soak Off Gel Polish
Soak off gel polish is one of the most popular nail products on the market today.
It’s long-wearing, chip-resistant, and simple to apply.
Here are a few of the benefits that make soak off gel polish so appealing:
Durability
Soak off gel polish can last up to two weeks without chipping or fading and can even last up to a full month with proper maintenance.
Shine
Soak off gel polish gives a high-gloss, shiny look that is hard to achieve with traditional polish.
I just got my nails done yesterday and you can see just how shiny they are!
Fast Drying
Unlike regular polish which can take up to an hour to dry, the cure time for soak off gel polish is a matter of minutes.
Easy Removal
Soak off gel polish is easy to remove with a special acetone-based remover and you don’t need a nail tech to take it off.
Traditional nail polish can take extra time and effort to remove or require acetone to dissolve it completely.
Can be used on acrylic nails
If you prefer havig acrylic nails on, you can use soak off gel polish on these as well as on your natural nail plate.
Strengthens Natural Nails
It’s known to help strengthen nails as it adheres to the natural nail bed coating the entire nail.
This helps protect weak and brittle nails and prevent further damage.
Safer Alternative
Soak off gel polish is considered to be better for overall nail health than traditional nail polishes as it doesn’t contain the harsh solvents used in most conventional nail polishes.
Even if you have sensitive skin, soak off polish is a safe choice to keepnails looking great.
Tools You Need to Apply Soak Off Gel Polish at Home
For the most part, the tools you need to give yourself a soak-off gel nail polish manicure at home are the same as the tools you need for a regular manicure with other polishes.
The only exception is the UV lamp.
Below is a list of what you need for a full manicure.
If you’ve ever had a nail artist do your nails in the salon, you’ve likely seen all of these items before.
UV/LED Lamp
A UV or LED lamp is a necessary tool for curing soak off gel polish.
Be sure to choose a lamp that is of the correct wattage to create the right amount of heat for the gels you use.
I have this one (same as above) and it works great.
Nail File and Buffer
You will need a nail file and buffer to properly prepare your nails for the application of soak off gel polish.
This set has both!
Alcohol or Acetone
Using some kind of solvent to remove any oils or residue on the nails before the application is recommended.
An acetone soak is the ideal gel nail polish remover.
Cuticle Pusher, Orangewood stick, or Cuticle Remover
You will need a cuticle pusher or cuticle remover to gently push back the cuticles before application.
Base Coat and Top Coat
Both a soak off gel polish base coat and top coat are required to properly apply and cure gel polishes.
Q-tips and Cotton Balls
Q-tips, cotton balls or gauze pad are used for applying and removing the soak off gel polish from the nails.
How To Apply Soak Off Gel Polish
Gel application is easy, just follow this step-by-step guide to apply a soak-off gel manicure.
Step 1:
Prepare and clean the nails.
Remove any nail polish, trim the nails to the desired length, and lightly buff them with a four-sided nail buffer.
Step 2:
The next step is to soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and cleanse each nail. Allow the nails to air-dry for several minutes.
Step 3:
Apply a thin layer of base coat to each nail and then cure it in the UV or LED lamp for two minutes.
Step 4:
Squeeze a small amount of soak-off gel polish onto the nail and spread it evenly using a shallow angle brush.
Cure each nail in the UV or LED lamp for two minutes.
Step 5:
Apply a second thin coat of polish to each nail if desired and cure for an additional two minutes.
Step 6:
Apply a thin layer of top coat to each nail and cure in the lamp for two minutes.
During this phase you may feel a burning sensation on your nail.
Step 7:
Soak a cotton ball in nail polish remover and lightly dab each nail to remove any tackiness.
Step 8:
Apply cuticle oil to the base of the nails.
Step 9:
The last thing you’ll do to finish off your gel manicure is to gently buff the nails with a four-sided buffer to achieve the desired polished finish.
How to Remove Soak Off Gel Polish
The removal process for soak off gel polish requires acetone-based removers and some sort of cotton pad or balls.
Follow these easy steps to remove your gel polish:
Step 1:
Begin by buffing and filing your nails to remove the top coat of the gel polish using a coarse nail file (180-220 grit).
This will create a rough surface that can be easily broken down with acetone.
Step 2:
Apply some acetone to a piece of cotton, like cotton pads, and place them on each nail surface, and wrap it securely with a piece of aluminum foil.
Step 3:
Leave the acetone-soaked cotton balls on for at least 10 minutes.
The acetone will break down the polish.
If you attempt to take off the polish too soon, you risk possible damage to your nail bed.
Step 4:
Remove the aluminum foil and cotton and gently push off the remaining gel polish with a cuticle stick.
Step 5:
Use a nail buffer to buff away any remaining product.
Step 6:
Wash your hands with soap and warm water to remove any remaining acetone from your nails and the surrounding areas.
Step 7:
Apply cuticle oil or oil to your nails with light pressure to rehydrate them and promote the health of your nails.
FAQs
How Long Does Soak Off Gel Polish Last?
Soak off gel polish usually lasts a long time, around two to three weeks with the right maintenance.
How long it lasts will depend on the individual nail and how well it’s been cared for.
What is the difference between gel polish and soak off gel?
Gel polish is a one-step system polish that is applied directly onto the nail and air dried.
Soak off gel is a two-step system where a base coat and top coat are applied and cured with a UV lamp for a longer, stronger-lasting finish than gel polish.
Soak off gel can be removed using a soak off soak, where a wrap is placed around the nail, soaked with a remover solution, and then peeled off.
How long does soak off gel take to dry?
Soak-off gel usually takes around 30 seconds to cure in a UV or LED lamp.
How long should you let gel nails soak off?
Youshouldletyourgelnailssoakofffor15-25minutesmaximum.
The soak-off process may be more difficult if you have thick layers of polish on.
Can I air dry soak off gel polish?
Air drying is not recommended for soak-off gels because not drying the polish properly can lead to an uneven or messy finish.
The best way to dry soak off gel polish is to let the polish to cure completely under a UV light or LED light.
This will ensure that the polish is completely dry and can last longer.
Soak-off gel polish is a great way to get longer-lasting manicures with a professional look.
It’s important to pay attention to the hard gel product’s quality and use the right application and removal techniques for the best results.
Does soak off gel polish prohibit nail growth?
No. Your nails will grow as they normally would, which is exactly why you will need to re-do them every few weeks.
Conclusion
While there are many different methods for achieving beautiful nails, soak off gel polish is one of the best options out there.
The good news is that with the right tools and a little bit of practice, you can enjoy the beautiful results of a professional look that lasts much longer than traditional polishes.
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