Single-phase gel polish: secrets of proper application

Instructions for applying single-phase gel polish
Gel polish has become very popular among fashionistas and at the same time practical women. This is due to the fact that it does not require a long wait until it dries completely, and it also lasts for a very long time without washing off or peeling off. But there are also different gel polishes. The easiest to use is the application of single-phase gel polish.

What is single-phase gel polish

Single-phase gel polish is a material for coating nails that combines the functions of three products - base, color layer and top. The product has a unique composition, which includes components characteristic of the base and topcoat, as well as a pronounced pigment.

In order to get a finished manicure, you need to apply 2 layers of a single-phase product and dry it in a lamp.

Advantages of single-phase gel polishes:

• reduction in the cost of the procedure - instead of 3 bottles you need to buy 1;
• increasing the speed of the procedure;
• smaller layer thickness, again, due to a reduction in the amount of funds;
• saving space on the desktop - important for craftsmen with a small work area, where now they only need to put 1 bottle of single-phase gel polish;
• durability. The single-phase unit withstands the promised 2 weeks calmly;
• easy removal. The removal procedure is no different from the three-phase coating - the nails are also wrapped in foil under a napkin soaked in the remover. However, single-phase gel polish soaks faster - 10-15 minutes instead of 20-25.

A logical question arises - why salons and craftsmen have not yet en masse switched to single-phase products, but continue to “suffer” with a three-stage system.

The answer lies in the disadvantages of such coverage:

• a single-phase product will not fix the nail plate. They cannot even out “bumps” or hide imperfections in the structure of the nail, whereas with the conventional system a thick base can cope with this;
• Applying such a product requires skill, because with such a system you cannot cover up small imperfections with topcoat, you cannot file down unevenness - both layers must lie perfectly.

Advantages and disadvantages

Pros:

1. The composition of the gels does not contain harmful chemical components that harm the nail plate;
2. A huge number of shades for every taste;
3. All colors can be combined with each other and applied to each other, creating beautiful designs and patterns;
4. Gels are applied in a denser layer than conventional varnishes, which further strengthens the plate and prevents it from breaking;
5. Do not chip at the edges;
6. The single-phase gel lasts about three weeks and does not lose its presentable appearance;
7. The product allows air to pass through well, which allows the nail to breathe.

Minuses:

1. Due to the great popularity of this product, there is a risk of purchasing a fake, which will cost the same as the original, but will be significantly inferior in quality. And, unfortunately, even professionals cannot determine the authenticity the first time;
2. Despite the simplicity of applying a single-phase gel, it still requires some skill;
3. The product is quite expensive even taking into account its cost-effectiveness.

Step-by-step application instructions

Despite the fact that the product is single-phase, you still need to prepare the nail for coating.

For manicure you will need:

• orange stick;
• buff to remove gloss from the nail;
• 220 grit file to file the shape;
• degreaser;
• acid-free primer;
• napkins;
• single-phase gel polish. Choose the brand yourself - there is a selection at the end of the article.

If you are doing a hardware or edged manicure, then instead of a pusher or an orange stick, prepare the necessary set of tools - a router or nippers.

1. Do a hygienic manicure - move or remove the cuticle, polish the side ridges, file the length, correct the shape;
2. Lightly sand the surface of the nail plate to remove the gloss. Don’t overdo it – you don’t need to cut off the top layer too much;
3. Wipe the nail with a cloth soaked in degreaser and wait 30 seconds for the product to evaporate;
4. Apply primer to the dry nail plate. You can skip this step. It all depends on individual characteristics and the average wear period - if the coating comes off after 2 days, then the primer will help increase this period. If you have been wearing socks for at least 2 weeks without a primer, then you don’t have to use the primer;
5. Wait for the primer to dry and apply the first layer of gel polish. Almost all modern products have the property of self-leveling, so there are usually no problems with application. Dry the layer in a lamp - in LED - 30-60 seconds, in UV - 120;
6. Apply a second layer to the dried layer and put it back into the lamp;
7. Remove the sticky layer - the manicure is ready.

Doing a manicure at home

What is a primer and when is it needed?

Tips for choosing gel for nail extensions

Salon procedures are better because the specialist will advise you on the “right” gel polish. And when choosing a coating yourself, be sure to examine the treasured tube from all sides. What is important to consider when choosing?

• It is better to give preference to cosmetics from trusted brands. This minimizes the risk of buying low-quality varnish.
• A high-quality gel does not have a strong odor. If possible, it is better to open the tube and smell the product.
• If you have chosen three-phase extension technology, then all the varnishes that you will use must be of the same brand. Then the components will be best combined with each other, and you will enjoy beautiful nails as a result of extensions.
• The viscosity of the varnish is of great importance. A product that is too liquid will spread and crack, while a product that is too thick, on the contrary, will cause difficulties when modeling your nails.

Home and salon procedures can be carried out using several types of varnishes, which differ in the way they harden. Please also take this into account when choosing cosmetics for extensions. The products harden using:

This method of extension will require the purchase of another product that will contribute to the polymerization of the gel polish used. It is worth considering that it is quite difficult to work with such compositions - they are viscous in consistency, which causes certain difficulties in leveling the surface of the nails

The base is easier to apply to the nails and can be easily processed later. At the same time, the procedure time is significantly reduced. These are the products that should be preferred when doing nail extensions at home.

TOP 6 manufacturers

ruNail, MultiLac series

The brand offers a palette of more than 150 different shades of gel polish. Judging by the reviews, gel polishes wear well and give an even color in 2 layers. And this is at a very affordable price - about 150-250 rubles per bottle.

“The varnish goes on smoothly and doesn’t shrink. I didn't notice any bubbles either. The only thing I want to say is that in the first couple of seconds the lamp is very hot, although this has not been observed with other products. But for a wide palette and high-quality application, you can tolerate this drawback.”

Maria G.

Fashionable shades this season:

• No. 2343 pastel mint;
• 2337 "Adelaide" - blue with sparkles.

TNL 3 in 1 One step

The line of single-phase products was not given a name - the official name is “3 in 1 gel polish.” There are many colors, just like ruNail - more than 150. There are options with glitter and fine shimmer, which gives a chameleon effect. Translucent gel polishes are also available. Price – up to 200 rubles.

Reviews are mostly positive:

“The brush is comfortable, the density is moderate - it does not spread, but is distributed well. But the durability – you can’t last more than 2 weeks with this coating. Detachments appear on days 15-16.”

Alina B.

In this case, we consider the review positive, because the stated wear period is just 2 weeks.

Solomeya, One step

Solomey's products are in the middle price segment - the price per bottle is about 300 rubles. There are more than 100 shades - there are classic dense ones, with glitter and translucent ones. The average rating of masters and amateurs is 4.3 out of 5 points, which indicates decent quality.

“I tried to attach rhinestones to the single-phase Solomeya. I secured them with jewelry retainer. I wore it for 2 weeks without any problems, but during this time my nails grew longer and already required correction. There are no complaints about the quality, only one small non-critical detachment appeared around the 10th day.”

Elena R.

Fashionable shades:

• No. 02 “Clouds” – milky beige
• No. 03 light peach;

Masura Basic

Masura produces single-phase gel polishes as part of the Basic collection. There are enough colors - about 100. Like all brands, Masura offers coatings of different densities, as well as complemented with sparkles and mother-of-pearl

Price – about 300 rubles.

“All the colors are solid. They go on without bald spots even in 1 layer, but to be sure, I still apply a second one. The only question for the manufacturer is why some shades shrink when dried in a lamp. Overall quite good, although I had to throw away a couple of bottles due to the product’s behavior during drying.”

Irina L.

Patrisa Nail

Patrisa Nail also has its own line of single-phase products. There are not many colors - a little less than 100, but there are options with glitter, plain and pearlescent. The cost is more than acceptable - 150 rubles.

Customer reviews are mostly positive. Excellent leveling ability, no streaking, and dense colors are noted. The disadvantages are a small selection of colors and rare replenishment of the palette with current shades.

• No. 706 – classic blue;
• No. 721 – classic nude.

Kinetics, Super Polish

The manufacturer claims that coating it with gel polish takes 10 minutes. Moreover, unlike other brands, the promised wear period does not exceed 10 days. There are not very many shades - about 50, but the palette always contains only popular colors that are relevant this season.

The price is higher than the brands reviewed earlier - about 500 rubles, but, as buyers say, the result is worth it. Among the advantages are good colors, durability for the promised 10 days. Disadvantages include some “harmful” shades that form clumps and require some experience in leveling.

We detect fake gel polishes

the best gels

The requirements for the main component of a manicure are clear. After all, a good choice will provide bright shiny nails that are insensitive to either water or detergents. This is perhaps one of the most important criteria for our women who are accustomed to housework. Additionally, before going to the store, you can familiarize yourself with the best representatives of this family.

The American company CND has become a revolutionary in the field of nail services. It was she who first proposed a hybrid of gel and varnish in 2010.

It’s easy to achieve perfect skin with the Vichy Ideal series of products.

Shellac from CND

The name of this product has already become a household word, because this substance is a pioneer. As at the time of its appearance, today the company carefully monitors the quality of the composition and its consistency. It is thick and rich, so 1-2 coats are enough. Disadvantages include poor compatibility with thin nails and corresponding cost.

Shellac CND

This article will help you choose Vichy face cream according to your age and skin type.

Kodi Professional

Another American brand that claims to be the best. Its distinguishing feature is its rubber-based formula, which strengthens the plate. In addition, its durability and rich color palette are highly valued.

Before starting work, you need to keep in mind that the varnish itself is quite liquid.

Kodi Professional

Entity

This company produces everything you need for manicure. EntityOneColorCouture gels are highly durable and easy to remove.

The downside is that building up can take a long time.

Entity

Temporary hair dye will help you change the color of your curls without harm.

Gelish

A brand that won the title “Product of the Year” in Europe in 2010. The palette includes more than 140 shades, which allows you to create an innumerable number of looks. The product itself is characterized by a perfectly even coating and durability.

According to some reviews, the brush in the top product can dry out quickly.

IBD

The brand was founded only in 2011, but has already gained its place. The company's products are distinguished by their quality and non-standard colors, including flashy neon tones.

The product polymerizes in both LED and UV lamps.

Ibd

Find out how to choose Garnier face cream here.

Review of popular products

Which single-phase gel for nail extension is better? There is no definite answer to this question; each master has his own favorites. But we can highlight several products, the reviews of which are the most numerous.

1. RuNail can be called one of the most popular. Available in several shades, it files and presses well, and is well suited for beginners. Course teachers often choose this material: nail extensions with RuNail single-phase gel are discussed step by step during training. It is suitable for professionals with a lot of traffic, and for those who only do their own nails. Low cost is one of the advantages of the product. A jar of 15 grams will cost on average 250-300 rubles.
2. Formula Profi is a brand loved by many craftsmen. For a jar of single-phase gel “A-Profi” you will have to pay about 450 rubles. Once polymerized, the gel turns into a very durable monolith. It is easy to file and does not create a large amount of flying dust.

3. UV Lina is a product that many craftsmen who are passionate about shopping on Chinese sites have become familiar with. The cost of one jar weighing 15 g is only about 100 rubles. Reviews about this product are extremely contradictory. Some claim that the single-phase gel for nail extension “Lina” copes with the tasks perfectly. But there are also those who warn potential buyers against the terrible smell, poor packaging, and allergic reactions.
4. Cosmoprofi gel is available in several shades. It is loved by manicurists due to its comfortable consistency of medium viscosity, average price (350 rubles / 15 g), and good wearability.
5. Irisk single-phase gels are praised by many for their lack of odor and large palette of shades. But in reviews, some note a runny texture, due to which the material tends to flow. Not everyone is happy that the time stated by the manufacturer is not enough for polymerization.

Some features of working with gels

Whatever material is used, the professionalism of the craftsman will play a key role in the quality of the work. It is very important to properly prepare the nail plate before the extension procedure. Compliance with all technology is the key to successful work. But violations in the correctness and sequence of manipulations lead to marriage. This manicure is susceptible to chipping, cracking and peeling of the coating. And even when all technologies are followed, the gel can quickly peel off. Don't blame the manufacturer. The material may be fine. It turns out that there are people whose body can simply reject any of the components. And these are about 10%.

Primer: why you need it, which one to choose, how to use it

Some masters consider this stage optional. But if there are no obstacles (for example, allergies), it is better to use a primer. It acts like double-sided tape, reliably adhering the material to the surface of the nail.

The primer also solves other problems: eliminates excess moisture, prevents the development of infections, degreases, and slightly dries the surface.

There are so-called acidic and acid-free products. In fact, both contain acids, but in the second their content is lower. This option is suitable for treating nails before applying polish.

And before applying single-phase extension gel, nails must be coated with an acid primer. It is important that the material does not come into contact with the skin. The product dries in air, it does not need a lamp. You can begin further stages of coating in a minute. But if more than half an hour has passed since applying the primer, the procedure must be repeated. Therefore, there is no point in covering all 10 nails before starting work.

Necessary tools and aids

Apply the single-phase gel using a flat brush with a rounded end made of synthetic bristles. Natural is not suitable for these purposes. When choosing a brush, place it on the nail of your little finger and press lightly: it should not go into the side rollers.

To dry gels, it is best to use hybrid lamps with a power of at least 36 watts.

You can’t do without forms, lint-free napkins and a cleaner. The most important tool after a brush, perhaps, can be considered a file with an abrasiveness of 100-180 grit. Some craftsmen use a machine with a suitable cutter for sawing, but this requires considerable skill.

Advantages

According to reviews about gel polish in jars without a brush, it is more correct to call this composition not varnish, but gel paint. This material has similar advantages as gel polish, plus a wide color palette. Craftsmen love working with gels in jars because they are easy to mix to create new shades. Since the jar does not come with a brush, you can use brushes of different widths for application, which makes it possible to create stunning artistic masterpieces on your nails. Reviews from manicurists claim that using gel polish in a jar is as easy as using regular gel polishes in bottles. The composition does not weigh down the manicure, lays easily on the surface and looks very elegant.