Gel nail polish doesn't air dry. It requires curing under a UV or LED lamp to harden.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Gel nail polish contains photoinitiators that react when exposed to specific wavelengths of light from a UV or LED lamp. This reaction causes the polish to harden and create a durable, long-lasting finish.
The Curing Process
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Apply Thin Coats: Apply thin, even coats of gel polish. Avoid applying thick coats, as they may not cure properly and can lead to bubbling or wrinkling.
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Curing Under the Lamp: Place your hand under a UV or LED lamp for the recommended time. The curing time varies depending on the lamp and the brand of gel polish. Generally, LED lamps cure faster than UV lamps. Check the instructions for your specific gel polish and lamp for the recommended curing time. Typical curing times are between 30-60 seconds for LED lamps and 2 minutes for UV lamps per coat.
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Top Coat: Apply a gel top coat to seal the color and add shine. Cure the top coat under the lamp as well.
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Wipe with Alcohol: After curing the final coat, use a lint-free wipe saturated with isopropyl alcohol (typically 70% or higher) to remove the sticky residue that can remain on the surface.
Why Gel Polish Doesn't Air Dry
Unlike regular nail polish, gel polish doesn't contain solvents that evaporate to allow the polish to harden. It relies on the chemical reaction triggered by UV or LED light to cure. Attempting to air dry gel polish will result in a sticky, uncured mess.
Troubleshooting
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Sticky Finish: A sticky finish after curing usually indicates that the gel polish has not been fully cured or that there is a residue left behind. Try curing for a longer period or wiping the nails with isopropyl alcohol.
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Wrinkling or Bubbling: Wrinkling or bubbling can occur if the gel polish is applied too thickly or if the lamp is not powerful enough. Apply thinner coats and ensure your lamp is functioning correctly.
Therefore, to reiterate, gel nail polish must be cured under a UV or LED lamp and will not dry on its own.
