One of the best feelings in the world for women is having freshly painted toenails. A durable pedicure is the right option to pamper your feet. In today’s article, you’ll get all the detailed information about gel pedicures.
What Is A Gel Pedicure?
A gel pedicure will give you chip-free nails with long-lasting results. In this type of pedicure, a gel polish is applied on your toenails instead of a regular nail polish. Gel pedicures are the best option for those who love shiny, glossy, chip-free nails.
Most people get confused about gel pedicure vs regular pedicure. You can keep on reading to know how this type of pedicure is done and different from a regular pedicure.
Also Read : What Is A Zero Gravity Pedicure And Is It Worth It?
What Are The Steps Included In A Gel Pedicure?
Below, I have given all the steps involved in a gel pedicure.
- Nail Preparation
The expert will start by removing the old nail polish applied to your toenails using alcohol wipes. Then prepare your toenails by cutting, trimming, and filing your nails.
- Foot Soak
A foot soak of warm soapy water is prepared for lightly soaking the feet. This helps to remove all dust and dirt from your toenails.
- Exfoliation
Your feet will be lightly exfoliated by using an exfoliator. Exfoliation quickly removes any dead skin on your legs.
- Cuticle Care
Now, cuticle oil is applied to nails to make your cuticles soft. The cuticles are gently pushed back with the help of a cuticle pusher. The expert will trim any excess skin around the cuticles.
- Buffing Nails
It’s important to thoroughly buff your toenails before applying any nail polish. This helps to get rid of natural oil and achieve a nice rough texture. Any leftover dust particles are then removed by using alcohol pads.
- Application of Base Coat
After prepping your nails, a layer of gel base coat is applied to each toenail. Your toenails will be then kept under a UV or LED light for a minimum of 30 seconds. This helps to cure the gel base coat.
- Application of Gel Polish
Here comes the main part of this pedicure session! A gel polish of your choice is now applied to your toenails. Mostly two coats of gel polish are applied and then cured under a UV or LED light for 45 seconds.
- Application of Top Coat
A thin layer of gel top coat is applied on top of the gel polish to cure it. The top coat is cured under a UV or LED light for 45 seconds. This step is essential to make your pedicure last as long.
In addition to this, you can do nail art on your nails. The nail art or design is then again sealed by the top coat.
- Moisturizing
Last but not least, the expert will apply a good amount of moisturizer, lotion, or body oil all over your legs. A gentle massage is also given to promote relaxation as well as hydration.
This entire procedure can take about 60 to 70 minutes approximately to complete. However, the time required to apply and remove gel nail polish can vary depending on the nail tech.
Also Read : What Is A Dry Pedicure? Advantages, Disadvantages, Cost, Etc
Gel Pedicure Wear Time
A gel pedicure can easily last for about two to three weeks roughly. If you take good care of your toes, it can last up to four weeks! However, the wear time of your gel pedicure highly depends on your nail growth, shoe type, and the kind of activities you do.
You can keep on reading further to learn more about what is a gel pedicure.
Benefits Of Gel Pedicures
Here, I’ve listed down some advantages of gel pedicures.
- Gel pedicures offer a higher level of wear time.
- It can easily last for about a month if you take good care.
- This pedicure is perfect if you are busy and want long-lasting results.
- There is less chance of smudging or chipping of newly applied color.
- You don’t have to wait for the gel polish to dry as it is dried under a UV or LED light.
- With this pedicure. you can easily get glossy, shiny toenails that last for weeks.
Drawbacks Of Gel Pedicures
Getting a gel pedicure can be a good as well as a bad thing. Let’s check out the disadvantages of gel pedicures.
- Gel pedicures can make your toenails brittle.
- Your nails can become thick and curved due to prolonged exposure to UV light.
- Your nail bed can get infected if the gel application is not done properly.
- Redness, swelling, and blisters can appear around the toenail.
- Severe skin infection can occur if your skin gets broken during the session.
- Toe fracture can occur if excessive force or pressure is applied during a pedicure.
- Harsh chemicals used during this pedicure can lead to skin cancer.
- In rare cases, patients can develop foot ulcers.
Do not panic! You can get a gel pedicure without harming your skin and nails. Together let’s check out pre and post-care for gel pedicures.
Tips To Consider Before and After Getting a Gel Pedicure
Gel pedicures can be a pleasant experience if you consider the following factors.
- Avoid getting gel polish if you have diabetes.
- Check if you have any open wounds or cuts before getting gel pedicures.
- Always visit a salon that uses proper techniques and maintains good hygiene.
- Give your toenails time to rest and recover before getting new gel applications.
- Take good care of the skin and nails post-treatment.
- Frequently apply cuticle oil on your nails.
- A gel polish must always removed by an expert at the salon.
Cost of Gel Pedicures
The average cost of a gel pedicure is about $40 to $70 per session. It can also go up to $100 or $150 if you are getting a nail art. Always remember that the final price can vary depending on the location and the nail tech’s skills.
Closure
Gel pedicures are the best option for someone who wants long-lasting results without worrying about nails being chipped. Even though it costs you more than a regular pedicure but will give an effective outcome.
FAQ
How To Remove Gel Pedicure?
A gel pedicure can easily be removed by wrapping each toenail in acetone with special wraps or cotton balls.
Can I Wear Shoes Immediately After Getting A Gel Pedicure?
Yes, you can wear shoes right after getting a gel pedicure session. This is one of the main benefits of gel pedicures as the gel polish is dried under LED/UV light.
Can I Keep Gel Polish For More Than 30 Days?
No, you must not keep gel polish for more than 30 days. It can damage your nail bed leading to peeling or chipping.
Can You Cure Gel Polish Without Using LED Light?
Yes, you can cure gel polish without using an LED or UV light by using non-UV gel polish and an ice bath.
