Can You Do Poly Gel at Home? DIY Nail Hacks

Wouldn't it be nice if you could do overlays, extensions, and nail art without spending a lot of money or time? All you need is the innovative product called poly gel. It combines the durability of acrylics with the flexibility of gel polish. And yes, you can do poly gel at home!

Ideal for both experts and novices, poly gel allows you to effortlessly create salon-quality extensions, embellishments, and overlays. You won’t have to deal with a steep learning curve or strong odors. Moreover, a poly gel manicure lasts for a month and can be backfilled instead of removed.

The Unique Properties of Poly Gel

Poly gel stands out with a putty-like consistency. It's premixed, unlike acrylic powder and monomer. Also, unlike traditional polish, it comes out of a tube. The sticky substance remains where you place it instead of flowing like polish. This offers an outstanding level of control during application.

Like an acrylic bead, this firm substance requires the user to shape and mold it. Then, once it's positioned, the poly gel must be cured under a UV or LED light to harden.

Poly Gel vs. Regular Gel and Acrylics

While gel polish is celebrated for its long-lasting color, it doesn't provide the same strength or protection for the nails as poly gel. This makes poly gel more suitable for durable nail enhancements that resist breaking at stress points.

Meanwhile, acrylics require a liquid monomer and acrylic powder, presenting a more complex challenge. They require a precise mix to achieve the correct consistency that isn't too wet or dry. This is a skill that takes training to perfect. Poly gel, however, is premixed and thus eliminates the worry about achieving the right ratios. It’s easier to use and simpler to master.

Another significant advantage of poly gel is its lack of odor. That makes it a pleasant contrast to the intense smell associated with acrylics. Furthermore, unlike acrylic enhancements, poly gel does not require regular removal. The nail growth area can be refilled with more poly gel, making maintenance quicker and less destructive to the natural nails.

LAVIS Poly Extension Gel

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LAVIS Poly Gel is an excellent product for beginners and professionals. It’s available in 18 colors, so the user doesn't need a polish color on top unless desired. The shades include clear, pink, white, red, nudes, and vibrant options like blue sparkle, purple sparkle, gold glitter, and silver glitter. It’s odor-free and cures in only 60 seconds in a nail lamp.

How to Do Poly Gel at Home

The friendly nature of poly gel starts with a straightforward application process. Unlike acrylics, which dry quickly and can be challenging to manipulate, poly gel allows ample time to work with it until you're ready to cure. This flexibility is handy when using poly gel with dual forms or sculpting it. The only caveat is that you must have slip solution for your brush because poly gel is sticky.

Essential Tools and Products for Home Application

To apply poly gel at home, you will need:

• Poly gel in any color
• LAVIS Gel Base Coat or similar gel base
• LAVIS Slip Solution Poly Gel
• LAVIS Gel Diamond Top Coat or go rebel with a matte top coat
• Dual forms or molds for shaping extensions and nail clips to secure the forms if needed
• A poly-tool, with a brush and spatula on either end
• UV or LED nail lamp
• 180-grit nail file
• Acetone
• Rubbing alcohol (as a potential alternative to slip solution)
• Lint-free wipes
• Cuticle oil

Poly Gel Step-by-Step Application Guide

Nail Preparation: Begin trimming and shaping the natural nails and pushing back cuticles. Buff the nail plate gently to remove the shine and cleanse the nails.

Base Coat: Apply a base coat of gel and cure it.

Size the Dual Forms: Before starting with the poly gel, size up all your nails with the dual forms or molds. Line them up in the order you will need them.

Apply the Poly Gel: Dispense a small bead of poly gel and use the spatula to deposit it on the form. Dip your brush in the slip solution and spread the poly gel evenly. Flip the form and press it on top of the nail.

Cure the Poly Gel: Cure the poly gel under the lamp with the clear plastic form in place. Using a nail clip to secure the mold against the nail may be helpful in maintaining the shape while curing.

Filing and Shaping: File and shape the poly gel extensions with a 180-grit file until you achieve the desired shape and smoothness.

Final Touches: Apply a gel layer of polish if desired, followed by a top coat. Remember the cuticle oil, too.

Customizing and Maintaining Poly Gel Nails

Poly gel nails can be painted with gel polish. Additionally, you can mix and match colors of poly gel to create French tips, but this requires more skill. After 3 to 4 weeks, the manicure can be refilled instead of removed. But it’s wise to reapply the top coat after 2 weeks to guard against damage.

How to Remove Poly Gel Nails

Poly gel comes off easier if it’s filed down close to the natural nail before soaking in acetone. Using a nail drill will speed up this process, but it's risky unless you've practiced using one.

Conclusion

We’d love to see how you use LAVIS poly gel to express your unique style. If you share your nail art on social media, please remember to tag us!

For more tips, tricks, and the latest trends in nail art, keep an eye on our blog and social media channels. We're constantly updating with new content, tutorials, and inspiration.

Since we understand the excitement of exploring new nail art possibilities, we want to save you money so that you can follow your dreams. We are pleased to offer free shipping on all orders over $50. Now's a great time to stock up on your favorite shades of poly gel and get all the tools you need.