A hard gel manicure is a type of nail enhancement that is more durable than a shellac manicure. Hard gel is a self-leveling gel that cannot be soaked off with acetone and needs to be filed off. It is made of monomers and/or oligomers plus other ingredients that help the gel remain workable, adhere to the nail, harden properly, and resist yellowing. Hard gel is applied to the nail straight from the pot, and each layer is cured under a UV or LED light. The curing process creates a strong, compact polymer that solvents can’t penetrate, which means hard gel can only be removed by filing. Hard gel is essentially odorless, making the appointment more pleasant for those sensitive to smells.
Positive aspects of hard gel manicures include their durability and strength, which can help nails grow longer. Hard gel can also be sculpted into any nail shape, and will transform even the shortest nails into longer ones.
Negative aspects of hard gel manicures include the fact that they can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk for skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands. Additionally, hard gel needs to be filed off, which can be damaging to the natural nail if not done properly.
The ingredients or materials used in hard gel manicures include monomers and/or oligomers, which are chains of monomers, and other ingredients that help the gel remain workable, adhere to the nail, harden properly, and resist yellowing.
