Effective single-phase gel polish with photos, videos and reviews

Single-phase gel polish is a color coating that is applied in 1 step, that is, without base and top, and then dried in a lamp. It looks good on nails with a smooth surface, without defects, and not very long. Flower beds come in enamel, transparent, dense color, shimmer, mother-of-pearl, and thermo.

Before applying gel polish, it is enough to perform a manicure, buff, degrease and coat your nails with primer. If you follow the technique, the coating will last 2-2.5 weeks. A single-phase product saves time and money, since flower beds cost 170-300 rubles. The best are produced by TNL, Masura, Patrisa Nail, Solomeya, Irisk Professional, RuNail.

Single-phase gel polish: characteristics, what it is

Single-phase gel polish is a three-in-one color polymerizing coating, that is, used without a base and top. Such products have several characteristics that three-phase and two-phase liquids do not have:

• Good adhesion. Single-phase nail polishes adhere tightly to the surface of the nails, so no base is applied underneath them.
• The ability to protect the plate from pigment penetration. This quality also allows them to be applied to “bare” nails.
• Durability. This property eliminates the need to use a topcoat.
• Bright shine. The quality also makes applying topcoat unnecessary.

Single-phase gel polish is a product whose usage algorithm is similar to regular varnish. But, unlike the latter, it is dried in a lamp, so the design is worn for up to 2-2.5 weeks.

Single-phase shellac comes in different colors. After applying to the nails and drying, it always has a glossy surface.

Advantages of single-phase gel polish

Single-phase gel polishes are in demand, as their use is associated with many advantages:

• The composition of the products is such that it does not harm the nails. It also contains natural ingredients.
• No need to buy base and top. This allows you to save money, as well as space on your dressing table or nail technician’s workbox.
• Performing a manicure with it will take less time. After all, you won’t need to level and gloss your nails using a finish.
• The palette of shades is no less than that of three-phase flower beds. It has pastel and bright colors.
• The coating is polymerized under ultraviolet and LED lamps. The drying time is the same as for regular gel polishes; it is indicated on the bottle.
• The coating is thinner than when using three-phase devices. This makes the appearance neater, the growth of nails more aesthetic, and also reduces the likelihood of chipping.
• The coating is more reliable than when using conventional varnishes that are washed off with solvents. And this makes the plates stronger and less likely to break off.
• Flower beds can be used for natural and extended nails. In the latter case, a moderate thickness of the coating will make them more natural.
• The single-phase connection is removed easier and faster. It is enough to soak it with a special liquid and remove it with an orange stick.

Preparing the nail plate

If the material comes into contact with the pterygium, cuticle or skin, detachment cannot be avoided. Therefore, the preparatory stage is extremely important. There are no special recommendations when working with single-phase gel - do your manicure in the same way as before working with any other material.

Thoroughly clean the pterygium of the nail, move it back, cut and polish the cuticle with a ball-shaped cutter, and treat areas adjacent to the side ridges. File the ends with a file with an abrasiveness of 180. Polish the surface of the nail plates with a polisher, carefully remove dust, wipe the nails with a lint-free cloth soaked in a special cleaner.

Experts do not recommend using pharmaceutical preparations 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.

What is three-phase gel polish, two-phase, how do they differ?

Three-phase gel polish differs from single-phase gel polish in the need to apply a base coat under the first product, and a topcoat on top.

Thus, the manicure is done in 3 stages, not counting the preparation of the nails and the polymerization of each product. The coating consists of 4 layers:

• a base that serves as protection and strengthening for the plates, ensuring adhesion of the gel polish to them;
• 2 layers of flower bed to make the shade brighter and without streaks;
• top for protecting gel polish from damage, giving it shine or matte.

Sometimes the first product is applied twice to level the surfaces of the plates. Then there are 5 layers. Each one must be dried in a lamp.

Single-phase and three-phase gel polish means that the first product should be used without a base and top, and the second necessarily requires the application of a base coat and a topcoat. Otherwise, the flower bed will quickly fly off the nails, and before that it will not have that attractive appearance that a high-quality manicure has.

In some cases, applying a three-phase coating is cumbersome, and not only because of the additional waste of time. For example, with strong, thick nails, the coating looks unnatural and unsightly, because layers of products increase the thickness. When built up, a three-phase unit can also look rough and unnatural. And artificial nails do not need additional strengthening. For these reasons, when building up, single-phase coating is more suitable.

Two-phase gel polish requires the use of a finishing agent over it, that is, it is applied in 2 stages. In this case, a base is not needed. The two-phase unit already contains its components. These gel polishes can be applied in 1 or 2 layers for a dense shade. The top is used matte or glossy.

The best brands

• CND Shellac

Description: The products of this brand were the first to be able to combine the properties of both varnish and gel. It fits easily and simply onto the plate, making it bright and shiny. It does not have a sharp unpleasant odor and, if desired, can be easily washed using a special product.

Price: 950 rub.

• In'Garden So naturally

Description: A very popular brand among both professionals and ordinary fans of this type of coating. The product is famous for its unique formula, which includes a large number of medicinal components. With their help, you can not only decorate your nails, but also significantly improve their quality. Even with non-professional home use, a manicure will not take more than thirty minutes.

Price: From 370 rub.

• Entity Beauty

Description: Quite a well-known American manufacturer of varnishes. The products of this company have a very dense coating, but there are no problems with its application. The varnish dries both with an LED lamp and with UV, but despite the drying method, it retains its durability for two weeks. The collection of shades itself is very rich and has more than 130 coating options.

Price: 750 rub.

• Jessica

Description: Jessica gel polishes are applied easily and simply without preliminary preparation of the nail plate before the coating itself. The wide palette of shades includes scarlet and burgundy tones and the entire palette of pink shades, ranging from delicate pastels to bright fuchsia, as well as dark tones. For lovers of bright, extravagant nails, there is a collection of neon shades. But the company does not stop there and continues to release new colors.

Price: 1150 rub.

• GelColor OPI

Description: The brand offers a palette of more than a hundred shades from the most delicate and neutral to the brightest. The products themselves are elastic gel polishes that are easy to apply, dry quickly even with low-power lamps and last up to three weeks without chipping, scuffing or peeling.

Price: From 1400 rub.

• Harmony Gelish

Description: Premium brand of gel polishes developed in Japan. They appeared on the Russian market in 2010 and won the love of gel polish fans throughout Russia and the CIS countries. Gelish is by far the widest palette, which has about 300 different shades.

Price: 870 rub.

• Just Gel IBD

Description: A company that produces the safest nail products. Thanks to its soft formula, it does not cause allergic reactions and plate delamination. The varnish contains ingredients that help maintain a long-lasting shine of the manicure, as well as prevent chipping and cracking of the coating.

Price: 815 rub.

Single-phase gel polish: step-by-step application technique

The step-by-step technique for applying single-phase gel polish is as follows:

1. Nails are prepared for coating. You need to use a file to shape them, remove the keratinized part of the cuticle and clean the pterygium, and also sand the skin around the plates. If errors remain in this part, it will be difficult to correct them after applying the coating, and the coating may be damaged.
2. The surfaces of the nails are polished with a buff. It must be even, because a base is not used here, and it will not be possible to correct the depressions and bumps with a flower garden.

3. The nails are wiped with a degreaser, and after it dries, a primer is applied. This stage cannot be skipped, otherwise the single-phase compound will quickly begin to chip off the nails in pieces.

4. The bottle of gel polish should be gently rolled in your palms for a couple of minutes. This will give the product a more uniform consistency and make it easier to apply.
5. Paint the nail with the first layer of gel polish. It should be thin and uniform across the entire plate.

6. The product is polymerized. The usual time is 30 seconds with an LED lamp, and 2 minutes with a UV dryer. But it can be more, you need to look at the instructions for the flower garden.

7. Apply a second layer of gel polish. It should also be thin and uniform along the entire length.
8. All that remains is to polymerize the product. If it has a sticky residual layer, remove it with a cleaner after 1-2 minutes.

After the 5th step, you can use acrylic powder to make the coating more durable and strengthen your nails. The product is poured onto an undried surface using a spatula, allowed to soak in a little and fan the nail with a fan brush. After this, the flower bed is dried, and then its 2nd layer is applied.

It is necessary to work with each plate separately. That is, you cannot paint all your nails at once and then put your hand in the lamp. The varnish will spread and everything will have to be redone.

One-phase UV gel for strengthening and extending nails should be applied almost the same way as a flower garden:

1. Prepared nails are treated with a buff over all surfaces.
2. Wipe them with a degreaser.
3. Apply primer to the nails, including the ends, and let it air dry for a few seconds.
4. Apply a single-phase gel and distribute it evenly.
5. The coating is polymerized in an ultraviolet lamp.

Then you can apply colored gel polish or camouflage gel for extensions. Otherwise, the nails will remain natural in color, since the product used is transparent, but will gain shine and strength.

Watch the video about the technology of applying and strengthening nails with single-phase gel polish:

Do I need to apply a base underneath it?

There is no need to apply a base under a single-phase gel, whether we are talking about a flower garden or a transparent strengthening and building product. They both contain components that:

• allow you to stay on the nail plate;
• protect it from external influences;
• do not penetrate into the stratum corneum.

It is only necessary to use an acid-free primer under the colored single-phase gel polish or extension gel. The liquid will slightly loosen the nails, which will make the grip stronger.

How to remove single-phase conductors

Remove single-phase gel polish as follows:

1. Soak pieces of cotton pad in a remover designed to dissolve gel polish.
2. Apply them to the surfaces of your nails and wrap them tightly with foil or put on silicone caps.
3. Leave for 10-15 minutes.
4. Remove everything and use an orange stick to clean the removed product from the plates.
5. Wash your hands with soap, apply cream, and apply caring oil to your nails and the skin around them.

If there is no liquid for gel polish, a regular remover containing acetone will also work. But you may have to keep it on your nails a little longer.

It is permissible to cut a single-phase wire with a hardware cutter or manually. But this requires great care and experience due to the thinness of the coating, as there is a risk of injuring the nails.

Types of single-phase nail polishes

Single-phase nail polish comes in several types:

• Traditional enamel products. This is a colored coating in bright or pastel shades with a glossy sheen.
• Translucent. Used to give nails a natural and healthy look, they have subtle natural shades. Good for a plain manicure or a French manicure.
• Mother of pearl. There are juicy and light shades with a pearly shine.
• With shimmer. These are gel polishes of different colors with small or large glitter. The shimmer can be silver, golden, or the same shade as the flower bed itself.
• Neon. As a rule, these are bright shades that look like enamel in normal lighting. But under the neon lamp they begin to glow.
• Thermo. These products change depending on the temperature, so the shades are lighter at the tips of the nails. In the cold the color will also be different than in the warm.

Extension on forms

Let us immediately make a reservation that this material is not suitable for the currently fashionable upper forms. Only classic lower forms can be used.

There's no need to rush. If you are still inexperienced, work with each finger separately, drying each layer. Before using single-phase gel for nail extensions, nails must be treated, degreased and thoroughly coated with primer.

1. Adjust the shape to the nail, making cuts if necessary to ensure the base is as tight as possible.
2. Carefully glue the edges together, making sure that all symmetrical elements line up perfectly. You can use a stapler to prevent the form from sticking out while working.
3. Apply the first base layer of monophasic gel using rubbing movements, starting from the ends and moving towards the cuticle. Avoid contact with skin! If the gel is baked on the cuticle, peeling is inevitable.
4. Dry the lamp material for the time recommended by the manufacturer. Evaluate the result by lightly tapping the surface with a pressure stick.
5. Apply a drop of gel to the mold where the free edge will form. Lay out the material with confident strokes, focusing on the markings. Shape the top depending on the desired length. Place in a lamp to dry.
6. Carefully evaluate the surface, if necessary, add a little gel to the dips. Cut off unnecessary bumps with a file. If you don't plan on doing a design, simply cover the nail with another thin layer of gel, turn your hand palm down and let the material level out. Send the work back to the lamp.
7. You can start with sawdust. Follow the direction of the side edges, check the symmetry of the nail. Single-phase gel does not need a top coat, but you can use a satin or velvet finish, for example, for decorative purposes.
8. All that remains is to remove the dust and remove the stickiness with a special product.

The best single-phase gel polish: review of companies

The best single-phase gel polish should be chosen from several brands:

• TNL Professional. These are Korean products that are distinguished by good pigmentation, durability, and thick texture. The line includes many shades to suit every taste. The price of 1 bottle, containing 6 ml, is 170 rubles.
• Masura. The manufacturer claims that these products can be applied even without a primer, they have such high adhesive properties. The consistency is quite liquid, but with careful use the gel polish does not run off onto the skin. Another plus is that these products are hypoallergenic. They cost 250-300 rubles. for a 6.5 ml bottle.
• Solomeya. This brand also has a huge number of colors. Dark shades can be applied in 1 layer, they are very dense. The products are characterized by a high degree of safety and are worn for a long time without the appearance of coating defects. Cost – 220 rub. for 5 ml.
• Irisk Professional. These are Russian gel polishes with a minimum of active ingredients. Therefore, they are very suitable for allergy sufferers. Sometimes they need to be painted in 3 layers. But they are applied thinly, evenly, and are used sparingly. The price of a single-phase unit is 210-230 rubles. per bottle of 6 ml.
• RuNail. Products from domestic manufacturers have a high degree of safety, as they are made from European raw materials. Varnishes are distinguished by dense and varied shades, are easy to apply and retain color and shine for a long time. They cost 300 rubles. for 15 ml.
• Patrisa N. Also Russian single-phase ones, which have earned high praise from nail experts. They are particularly durable and have a thick, easy-to-use texture. It is better to apply in 2 layers. The price of Patrisa Nail gel polishes is also attractive. She is the most modest of all - 170 rubles. per bottle 5 ml.
• Giorgio Capachini. Another Russian brand with a lot of colors. The products are good with a thick texture, a wide comfortable brush, and a density of all shades. These gel polishes have virtually no odor and do not cause pain when drying. Cost – 250-300 rubles. for 7 ml.
• MILV. These are thick hypoallergenic products without a sticky layer, made in Russia. They quickly polymerize in any lamp and do not cause burning. There are many shades, all well pigmented. A bottle of 11 ml will cost 400 rubles.

How to use single-phase gel polish

To use single-phase gel polish for the effect to meet your expectations, you should do the following:

• Store at a temperature no higher than 25 degrees, screwing the cap tightly after use. Otherwise, the composition will thicken and deteriorate before the expiration date.
• Stir before use. But under no circumstances should you shake it, as this will cause bubbles on the coating. You should roll the bottle in your hands or slowly work a toothpick into the liquid.
• Apply in thin layers. If you try to get by with just one thick one, the product will not dry out or will curdle during polymerization.
• Dry each nail after applying the composition so that it does not have time to spread. If you work quickly, you can paint and polymerize 2 plates at a time.
• Remove the sticky layer with a cloth moistened with a cleanser 1-2 minutes after drying. You need to let the coating cool, then it will last longer. But it should be borne in mind that not all single-phase compounds have residual stickiness.
• You can cover the dried gel polish with a matte or glossy topcoat. This will increase the wearing life of the design.
• You should not use any decor on a single-phase circuit. This contributes to the appearance of detachments.
• You can use this gel polish to create designs on the base coat. Or mix shades to create a new color.

Watch the video on how to apply and remove single-phase gel polish:

Why does the gel bake in the lamp?

In reviews of single-phase gels for nail extensions, you can often find indignation about the burning sensation when drying. This is due to the fact that the material passes from one state of aggregation to another, and crystalline networks are formed. Chemical processes are accompanied by the release of heat.

It is enough to simply reduce the lamp power (if such a function is provided by the equipment manufacturer). When working with unregulated lamps, you can simply remove your hand for a few seconds, allowing the heated material to cool slightly. As soon as the gel “sets”, the burning sensation will go away.

It should be understood that this is not a lack of material, but a technological feature.

Useful tips

Single-phase manicures will become your favorite means for long-term manicure if:

• choose well-established product brands;
• buy them in trusted stores to avoid purchasing counterfeits;
• use for strong nails with a smooth surface, since leveling with a base is not provided here;
• Do not apply to thin, bendable, very long or peeling plates;
• carry out preliminary preparation of nails in a high-quality manner so that skin particles on them do not provoke detachments;
• for 3 hours after a manicure, do not fiddle with your hands in water, otherwise the coating will quickly fade and come off;
• in the future, work with gloves so that the design remains fresh longer;
• After removal, give the nails a rest for 1 day, only then apply a new coating.

Three-in-one gel polishes help out if you don’t have time for a professional manicure with base and top. They are widespread, you can choose a shade to suit every taste, and apply the coating yourself. But you need to keep in mind that this type of product is not suitable for all nails, and they do not last as long as three-phase ones.