What is gel nail polish?

Gel nail polish is a long-lasting type of nail polish that cures under ultraviolet light. Gel manicures do not chip and remain intact longer than traditional manicures.

A gel manicure begins with removal of any existing nail polish. Traditional acetone nail polish remover removes regular nail polish, but gel polish requires soaking in a special removal solution. After trimming and shaping the fingernails, the manicurist applies an adhesive that bonds to the nails under ultraviolet light. The second layer is a clear base coat. After the base coat cures, the manicurist applies the colored gel polish. The final step is a protective clear gel topcoat.