Before you begin applying Gel Polish, it is essential to have a good understanding of the products and tools used throughout the process.
Knowing the purpose of each product, when to use it, and being mindful of product safety are key factors in achieving the best results and ensuring safe use.
Our Cleanser is formulated with isopropyl alcohol and is an essential product for gel polish manicures.
Its primary function is to disinfect, cleanse, and prepare the nail plate before applying gel polish. By removing oils and dehydrating the surface of the nail plate, Cleanser ensures that the nail is optimally prepared for better adhesion. This step is essential for preventing lifting and extending the longevity of the final result.
Using Cleanser helps ensure a clean and hygienic process, which is essential for reducing the risk of bacteria and fungi coming into contact with the skin or nail. Cleanser can be applied to the nail and can also be used to clean and disinfect your tools.
Cleanser should be used with lint-free pads, which are designed for single use to help improve hygiene.
Isopropyl alcohol is generally considered safe to use on the skin in limited amounts and when used correctly. It is commonly used as a disinfectant for minor wounds and scrapes, as well as in hand sanitizers. When used as part of skin cleansing or disinfection, it helps remove bacteria from the surface of the skin and reduce the risk of infection.
However, isopropyl alcohol should still be used with care, as it can be drying to the skin, especially with frequent use. This is because alcohol can remove the skin’s natural oils, which may lead to dryness, irritation, or even cracked skin if not followed up with suitable skincare. It is therefore recommended to apply a moisturizer after using isopropyl alcohol, especially for those with sensitive or dry skin.
As isopropyl alcohol is flammable, it should not be used or stored near open flames.
Lint-free pads are essential for prep, application, and removal of Gel Polish.
They are highly absorbent, making them easy to dampen with Cleanser or Gel Remover.
They are made from a material that does not leave behind lint or loose fibres, ensuring the nail surface remains clean and ready for the next step of the treatment.
Please note, however, that if you rub repeatedly with the same pad, it will eventually start to pill.
Lint-free pads can also be used dry to wipe excess product off the skin.
Hygiene
Lint-free pads are designed as a single-use item. They should only be used once to maintain the highest hygiene standards and reduce the risk of spreading product residue, oils, and pathogens.
The cuticle pusher is a specially designed tool for caring for and preparing your cuticles and nails before applying Gel Polish or other nail treatments.
This tool is essential for achieving a neat, clean look, as it gently pushes back the cuticles and removes dead skin cells from the nail plate. This is also an important step in your prep routine, helping to prevent lifting and support a long-lasting result.
When using the cuticle pusher, it is important to take care not to damage the lateral nail folds or the proximal nail fold, as this may increase the risk of infection.
The cuticle pusher should be cleaned and disinfected between each use to prevent the spread of bacteria and fungi. We recommend cleaning the cuticle pusher with our Cleanser (isopropyl alcohol) or another alcohol-based disinfectant containing at least 70% alcohol.
A cuticle nipper is designed to precisely remove excess skin and loose cuticles around the nails for a clean, well-groomed finish. Crafted from high-quality stainless steel, this tool ensures long-lasting durability and can be sterilized to help maintain hygiene. With sharp, precision-shaped jaws, the cuticle nipper allows for accurate trimming without pulling or tearing the skin, helping to prevent nicks and irritation while supporting healthy nail growth.
As with the cuticle pusher, it is important to use the cuticle nippers with great care. Only trim the cuticle that you have first loosened with the cuticle pusher. Avoid cutting directly into live skin, as this can be painful and may also increase the risk of infection.
The cuticle nipper should be cleaned and disinfected after each use to help prevent the spread of bacteria and fungi. We recommend cleaning the cuticle nipper with our Cleanser (isopropyl alcohol) or another disinfecting alcohol of at least 70%.
Nail files are used to achieve your preferred nail length and shape. They come in different grits – coarse files are designed to shorten and shape the nails quickly, while finer files are used to refine the edges and surface for a smooth finish. It is important to choose the right type of file based on your nail strength and the desired result to avoid damaging the nail plate.
The buffer is used with gentle strokes across the nail to lightly roughen the surface of the nail plate. This helps your Gel Base Coat adhere better to the nail and makes your manicure last longer.
Grit 100 - Very coarse, used to file away large amounts of product from the nail, e.g. Polygel.
Grit 180 - Medium/coarse, used to shape product on the nail, e.g. Polygel.
Grit 220 - Medium/fine, used to file the free edge and shape the nail.
Grit 400 - Fine, can be used to refine the edges of the nail.
Grit 600 - Very fine, used to remove ridges and create shine on the nail surface.
Abrasive grain sizes are also often referred to as “grit”.
In general, if you are unsure which nail file to use, we recommend choosing one with a grit size of 220. With grit sizes 100-180, you can easily risk damaging your natural nail.
The most common nail damage we see among new nail enthusiasts is caused by over-filing the nail. The nail plate is extremely thin, so you need to be very careful when filing or buffing its surface.
Over-filed nails can lead to damage to the nail bed, as well as increased sensitivity and overexposure to UV light and heat while the products are curing. Your nails will also be more prone to infections and physical damage, as they lose their protective function.
Damage to the nail bed caused by a thin nail plate can, in the worst case, result in lifting of the nail plate (onycholysis).
Our PH bond is designed to prepare the nail surface before applying primer and/or base coat. It helps disinfect the nail while removing excess oil and moisture from the surface of the nail plate.
The dehydrating effect on the surface of your natural nail is temporary, and your body will naturally rehydrate the nail plate within 30-60 minutes.
This thorough disinfection, oil removal, and temporary dehydration of the nail plate surface can help create better adhesion to the nail and prevent lifting.
Our PH bond is recommended for anyone whose nails naturally produce more oil, or who has oilier nails.
It is not recommended if you have very dry nails, as PH bond may make them even drier. If you have dry nails and want better adhesion, we recommend using a primer without PH bond.
To ensure the best possible effect of PH bond, it is important to clean the nail thoroughly with Cleanser first. Cleanser helps remove most of the surface oil from the nail plate. This step is essential to prevent oil from transferring to the brush during application of PH bond. If oil is transferred to the brush, it can gradually build up in the bottle, which may reduce the effectiveness of the PH bond solution over time.
Avoid skin contact with the product wherever possible, as it may have a drying effect. If the product does come into contact with the skin, simply wipe it off with a lint-free pad and allow any remaining product to evaporate.
The product releases small amounts of vapour, which may irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Exposure to high concentrations of vapour may cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea. It is therefore important to use the product in a well-ventilated area to reduce the risk of inhalation.
Our primer helps your base coat adhere better to the nail plate. For most people, simply cleansing and dehydrating the nail with cleanser is enough, but if you have oily nails or issues with your gel polish lifting, a primer can be a very effective solution.
Primer is used as the first layer on the nail plate before base coat is applied. It first removes oils from the nail to improve adhesion, then leaves a sticky layer on the nail plate that bonds with the base coat.
Our primer is based on Ethyl Acetate, so it does not need to be cured in the lamp, but simply needs to evaporate for 30-60 seconds.
As a new nail enthusiast, we do not recommend starting out with a primer, as it can hide underlying issues in your prep and application. We recommend that you first fully master your technique, as a primer is not a substitute for good, thorough prep followed by precise application. You should view your first few cases of lifting as direct feedback and a valuable learning experience.
Please be especially aware that, in general, when bonders, primers, PH bonders, and dehydrators from other brands are discussed, the exact products being referred to can vary greatly, as the different terms are often used interchangeably. For example, what one brand calls a primer may be what another brand calls a dehydrator or PH bond. We recommend that you check the ingredient list, pay attention to which ingredients the product contains, and familiarise yourself with the product’s specific function and effect.
The primary function of the PH bonder is to dehydrate the nail plate. The PH bonder contains only three ingredients, all of which evaporate, so it leaves no residue on the nail plate.
The primer, on the other hand, first dehydrates the surface to prepare it for better adhesion. It then leaves a sticky layer on the nail plate that bonds the nail plate and base coat together.
Our primer contains acrylates, which may pose a risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions upon contact with the skin.
Base coat is applied as the first layer of gel polish on your natural nail. It is designed to adhere to your nail plate and leave a sticky layer that the color coat and top coat can bond to.
It forms the foundation of a good gel polish application by creating a smooth, even base for the rest of the gel polish layers to be applied on top.
In addition, the base coat helps protect the natural nail from direct contact with the color coat, which can help prevent discoloration of the nail.
The base coat cures in our UV/LED lamp in 60 seconds.
Safety
Base coats contain acrylates, which may pose a risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions if they come into contact with the skin.
The color coat is the layer that lets you get creative. It comes in hundreds of different colors, shades, and finishes. You can keep it completely simple with a single color, or mix colors together to create your desired patterns and looks.
The color coat's sole purpose is to add your chosen colors and looks to your nails.
The color coat cures in our UV/LED lamp in 60-90 seconds and, like the base coat, leaves a tacky layer that the top coat can bond to.
Typically, 1-3 layers of color coat are applied, depending on the desired effect and the color being used. It is important to apply the product in very thin layers so that it cures evenly and does not shrink back.
Safety
Color coats contain acrylates, which may pose a risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions if they come into contact with the skin.
Top Coat is the final layer of any gel polish manicure. It is the protective layer, formulated to withstand daily wear and extend the longevity of your gel polish.
The Top Coat cures in our UV/LED lamp for 60-90 seconds and, unlike the other layers, does not leave a sticky layer.
Our top coats come in three different finishes: Normal, Matte and Shine.
Safety
Top coats contain acrylates, which may pose a risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions if they come into contact with the skin.
The lamp is designed to cure all our gel polish products, including base coat, color coats and top coats.
The lamp emits UV light at wavelengths between 365nm and 405nm. These are the wavelengths our gel products are developed to cure under.
The lamp has four buttons. The first three buttons from the left turn the lamp on at 100% power and count down for 10, 30 and 60 seconds respectively.
The final button activates low heat mode. When you use it, the lamp turns on at 50% power for the first 30 seconds. After 30 seconds, the power increases to 80% and then gradually rises to 100% once 99 seconds have passed.
The purpose of low heat mode is to reduce the heat that occurs during the curing process. By using 50% power for the first 30 seconds, when heat generation is at its highest, the heat is distributed more evenly over the 99 seconds and therefore feels gentler on the nail bed.
Instead of pressing the buttons, you can also place your hand inside the lamp. The lamp will then turn on at 100% power and count up instead of counting down. You can remove your hand once you have reached the desired number of seconds.
When using the lamp, it is important to be aware of the heat generated during curing. If you experience a burning sensation in the nail bed, we recommend removing your hand from the lamp for 10 seconds and allowing the heat to subside before continuing. To minimize heat build-up and ensure a more comfortable experience, especially for sensitive nails, you can use the lamp’s low-heat function.
Never ignore a burning sensation, as the nail bed can be damaged, which may lead to nail damage or nail lifting.
Never look directly into the LEDs while the lamp is switched on.
Cuticle Oil is, quite simply, an oil formulated to nourish and hydrate your cuticles and the skin around your nails.
It is easy to apply and should be part of your daily nail care routine. Apply a few drops of oil to each cuticle and gently massage it into the skin and nails. For best results, use the oil at least once a day, preferably before bedtime, so it can absorb deeply and work overnight.
With regular use, Cuticle Oil helps maintain healthy, well-cared-for nails and cuticles. It supports a healthy skin barrier and helps create a better-looking result.
Cuticle Oil is especially important after applying a fresh set of nails, as the skin around the nails will be extra dry and in need of care after trimming and the use of alcohol-based products such as Cleanser.
Gel Remover is used to remove Gel Polish using the soak-off method. Our Gel Remover contains 100% acetone. Acetone is effective at dissolving the hard polymers in Gel Polish without damaging the natural nail. Its ability to break down and dissolve the structure of Gel Polish makes it possible to remove the polish completely, for clean, gentle removal.
Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation about acetone, and many people mistakenly perceive it as a very dangerous substance due to its smell and flammable properties. In reality, acetone is a very safe substance, and numerous studies worldwide have confirmed its safety. Acetone is a naturally occurring substance found in the body and is also produced by the body when it breaks down fat.
Because acetone absorbs moisture, it can have a drying effect. That’s why it’s important to moisturize your nails and the surrounding skin after use to help restore their natural moisture balance. You can do this with hand cream and cuticle oil.
Acetone vapours can irritate the respiratory system and affect the body when exposure is high, and may cause temporary headaches and dizziness. We therefore recommend using nail polish remover in a well-ventilated area.
As acetone is flammable, it should not be used or stored near open flames.