As we welcome the new season, the desire to spice up our nails instantly grows. For the nail industry, new seasons mean new techniques, colors, and nail art trends. And if you take your claws seriously, then you’ve probably heard of a new “semi-hard” nail technique that’s making waves: Japanese gel nails.
Japanese gel is said to be better for your nails because it requires less prep and is longer-lasting So if you are tired of chipped nails or you just don’t have the time to do your own mani at home, Japanese gel is a pretty great option. Here’s why you need to give this new trend a try.
What is Japanese Gel?
Japanese gel is a professional, soft-gel nail product that can be set using a UV light and removed by soaking off. Japanese gel manicures are more expensive than your average manicures because the gel is currently only made in small batches in Japan. They have to undergo strict inspections to ensure the highest quality. Japanese gel is also more concentrated which means a more pigmented finish.
Why you should try it?
Japanese gel nails are a safer and healthier option for natural nails. Dip powder, acrylic, and even regular gels require some rough prepping of the nails which affects your nail’s texture. This isn’t the case for Japanese gel nails. The only thing you need to do is to make sure the nails are clean before application.
Nail artists love Japanese gel because of their versatility. They can also be used for manual nail art unlike normal gel polishes that are usually used to do one-color looks. They can also be used to build nail extensions as it provides the strength of a hard gel minus without uncomfortable bulkiness.
Bonus: Japanese gel products are 5-free, meaning they’re formulated without five potentially toxic ingredients: Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Toluene, Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), and Camphor.
What’s the process like?
The process of getting a Japanese gel manicure is pretty much the same as a regular gel nail application. The first thing that is applied is the base coat, and after that come two or three coats of color and another clear coat. The coats of polishes are go under a UV lamp. Contrary to other gel nails, Japanese gel nails are not as thick so they look less bulky. But they are slightly thicker and stronger than a regular mani, but thinner than the common gel nails. If applied correctly, your nails should last 4-5 weeks.
Though still relatively new, Japanese gel nails are already super popular in New York and California. Nail enthusiasts all over the world are losing their heads over this technique and for good reason. Who wouldn’t want vibrant, long-lasting nails that require minimal prep yet can be easily removed? Japanese gel is definitely worth it!