A nail gel overlay is a thicker, more supportive version of standard gel used on natural nails to add strength and durability.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Purpose: Primarily designed to reinforce flexible natural nails, preventing bending and breakage. It provides a layer of protection without adding artificial length, unlike nail extensions.
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Ideal Nail Length: Best suited for short to medium-length nails. Overlays on longer nails are more susceptible to breakage due to increased leverage.
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Application: The gel overlay is applied directly onto the prepared natural nail. The application process involves multiple thin layers of gel, each cured under a UV or LED lamp.
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Removal: Gel overlays are typically soak-off, meaning they can be removed by soaking the nails in acetone. However, due to the thicker application, removal may take longer compared to standard gel polish.
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Benefits:
- Strengthens natural nails.
- Provides a smooth, even surface for polish application.
- Offers a more durable manicure compared to traditional nail polish.
- Maintains the natural nail length.
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Difference from Gel Extensions: Unlike gel extensions (like hard gel or acrylics), gel overlays do not add any artificial length to the nail. They work solely by reinforcing the existing natural nail.
In essence, a nail gel overlay is a protective shield for your natural nails, providing strength and support for a longer-lasting, chip-resistant manicure.
