So, you are looking to update your regular manicure routine. Maybe you are someone who rarely gets a manicure and is debating what kind you should get? Or maybe you tend to get them done so often it has become too big of an expense and you are looking for alternatives? Or is it that you always do your nails at home and love nail art but every time you try a design it looks like a kid splatter splattered paint on your hands? Whatever you are a nail enthusiast or a total newbie, you might want to consider investing in a set of semi cured gel nails. Let us go through the pros and cons of this nail technique.
Starting off on a positive note, here are the pros of using semi cured gel nails!
Pro #1: Easy Application
What makes these nails unique is how easy the application process is! These nails are made of stickers made of 100% real gel that are 60% cured when you open your package. Curing your nails means the gel must be exposed to a UV or LED lamp to harden the gel. Just like liquid gel nail polish you will have to cure your nail stickers too. This process is very simple. You will have to start off by cleaning your nails. Remove any remaining nail polish and oils. Cut, file, and buff your nails to your desired length and shape. Your nails will come in many different sizes. Choose the size for each of your individual nails. Before applying your nails push back your cuticles using a wooden cuticle stick. Place the stickers on your nails, shape them in case they are too long, and place your hand underneath the lamp. Within minutes your nails will be done!
Pro #2: Easy Removal Process
Just like its application process, semi cured gel nails have a very simple method of removal. Each of your gel nail kits will come with that little wooden cuticle stick. This is used for both the application and removal processes. Firstly, dip the wooden stick into your favorite nail polish remover. Then, push the stick gently against the edge of your nail strip. While you are starting out make sure to do this slowly so you do not damage your natural nail bed. Nudge the sticker in the direction of your cuticle. This will also help minimize damage to your natural nails. Lastly, keep pushing until the entire sticker peels up and detaches from your nail. No need to soak off the polish with acetone to spend time buffing and filing away!
Pro #3: They Last!
Gel manicures are so popular because they last significantly longer than regular nail polish. Semi cured gel nail stickers offer all of the same benefits are liquid gel polish! The stickers can last up until two weeks after application! The other added benefit is that these stickers do not chip easily. You will have a great looking manicure for days, potentially weeks, longer than if you used regular nail polish.
Pro #4: They are Affordable!
Getting your nails done every two weeks can add up very quickly! If you are looking for a budget friendly option to keeping your nails manicured then semi cured gel nails is the option for you! Depending on the salon, you may find yourself paying 30-70 dollars per appointment for just one gel manicure. However, semi cured stickers cost on average about ⅓ of salon prices! Can you imagine a 12 dollar gel mani! I can because those products exist! There are great options when you are on a budget!
Pro #5: They are Trendy!
What is incredible about semi cured gel nails is that companies who create them keep up with the trends! Nail art has trends just like the fashion industry. Companies sell classic collections, seasonal, and trendy tik tok/ viral designs. For example, marble nails were very popular on tik tok. This design however can be complicated to replicate and expensive to get done at a salon. Nail enthusiasts understand their customer base and realize products provide trendy nail designs for affordable prices.
A friendly reminder is that all nail techniques have their pros and cons. Here is the biggest con related to semi cured gel nails.
Con: DIY
For some people, they really enjoy being pampered in a nail salon. The whole process is part of their own self care ritual. If beauty services is something you value getting done by a professional you may not like the do it yourself approach to semi cured gel nails. While this process is quick and easy it may be more work than what is ideal for some. If you are not used to doing your own nails at home it may take you a bit of trial and error to do your own manicure since it can be a manicure. If at home beauty is not your style then you might prefer a gel manicure done by a nail tech in a salon.
