Gels for Nails

Women are seeking gorgeous painted nails that are glossy and shiny, last for weeks and are actually good for their nails. The new solution may be gels. In working with a skin care client, we met the lovely women of their IBD Gels department. The thought of long lasting polish that makes the nails stronger seemed too good to be true. We had to know more!

 It turns out gels have been around since the 1980s but are just starting to catch some steam in the American market. They have been widely used in Europe for many years.

 Dee Finn, marketing for IBD Nails is a gel expert. She explained build-able gels can be used with tips, used like a classic polish or used to strengthen the nails under polish. They are cured under UV light (in as little as 30 seconds) to form or polymerize the polymer chain; the crystal monomer of the gel substantially increases the reflectance qualities, resulting in extra hard, shiny color that doesn’t fade.

Gels offer several benefits versus polish or standard acrylic. First, they are acid free and therefore do not eat away and soften the nail bed. Also, they are strong and durable, long lasting (up to two weeks with no chipping or fading) and will not lift, peel, yellow, crack or break. They look and feel more natural than other artificial nail enhancement. And, as an added bonus for consumer health, because there is no dust or chemicals, they provide a healthier environment for salons and customers.

Still not convinced about the potential? Gels also allow nails to be longer, because of the build-ability factor. Since they also make the nails stronger and healthier, they’re ideal for nail biters or those with naturally thin nails.