Some people believe that women look more attractive with long fingernails. This is one of the drives for some guys to hook up with some ladies. Meanwhile, long nails are commonly referred to as feminine in nature. When your nails are well-shaped and moderately long, they appear longer and slimmer than when they are short and hard.
Artificial nails, or false nails, have made fingernails more attractive by making them longer. Fake nails can be made of gel, acrylic, and/or silk, and can be extensions or overlays.
Gel manicures, for example, are a great option for anyone who wants to have long, strong nails. But are they actually able to add length to your real nails? Do gel nails add length to nails?
Yes, gel nails add length to nails. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the pros and cons of gel nails and whether or not they’ll help you grow your natural nails.
What Are Gel Nails?
Gel nails are a type of artificial nail, a popular alternative to acrylics. Gel nails are made from a gel polymer that is cured under UV light. Gel nails can be removed without damaging the natural nail and will not yellow over time.
The process of applying gel nails can take about an hour or two depending on how many coats you want to apply.
Gel Nails Benefits
1. Gel nails are a more natural-looking alternative to acrylic nails
Gel nails are a newer, more natural-looking alternative to acrylic nails. Gel nail polish is applied like regular nail polish, but it dries quickly and can last up to two weeks without chipping or peeling.
The gel itself is quite thin and blends into the natural nail so that it doesn’t feel thick or heavy. It’s also flexible, allowing you to move your fingers without worrying about accidental breaks in the nails like with acrylics.
2. Gel nails are less likely to chip and break
Gel nails are less likely to chip and break. When you get gel nails, the polish will be applied in a thicker layer than regular nail polish. This makes it less likely that the color will crack or peel off. Additionally, your nail technician may apply a top coat that gives extra protection from chipping or peeling if you have had trouble with this issue in the past.
3. Gel nails are more durable than acrylic nails
Gel nails are a bit more durable than acrylic nails. This means that you can get gel manicures for a longer period of time before they start to chip and peel off, which will give you longer-lasting results.
4. Gel nails are less damaging to your natural nails
One of the reasons gel nails are so popular is they’re less damaging to your natural nails than other types of nail enhancements. This is because they don’t require any type of adhesive or bonder. When you get acrylic or gel polish, the layer under your nail is removed to create space for it to adhere properly to your nail bed.
Gel nails work differently: they adhere directly onto the top layer of your natural nail by sitting in a layer of UV light-cured resin (which means there’s no damage done during removal).
The result? You can have stronger, healthier nails that will grow better when you remove them. If you want minimal damage and maximum length, go with gel over acrylics any day, you won’t regret it.
5. Gel nails can last longer
Gel nails are more durable, which means they last longer. This is because gel nail polish is applied to the natural nail and hardens under UV light. Regular nail polish also chips easier than gel nails because they’re attached only with glue; when you move your fingers around during the day, this movement causes stress on the bond between the polish and your own nail which can lead to chipping or peeling off completely.
Because gel nail polish is applied directly onto your actual fingertip instead of being glued on top of it like acrylics are, there’s less chance of any damage happening from direct contact with chemicals used in application processes (plus no need for filing away excess polish). Finally and perhaps most importantly, they last at least two weeks longer than regular manicures do.
Dangers of Gel Nails
1. Gel nails are not really good for the nails
When you get gel nails, what you’re really doing is applying a layer of chemicals to your real nails. This means that not only are you damaging the natural nail over time but also that if you want to remove them and go back to your natural nails, they might be damaged.
Some people use nail polish remover when removing their gel nails and this damages the surface of the nail even more. The best way to remove gel nails is with an acetone solution designed specifically for removing artificial nail products, which is not so safe either.
2. Gel nails can cause damage to your real nails
Gel nails are more likely to cause damage to your real nails. The good news is that gel manicures can last two or three weeks, while traditional nails only last one week. However, they’re also more likely to make your real nails weak and brittle which can cause them to chip and break.
3. Gel nails can be dangerous if you don’t take care of them properly
It’s important to know that gel nails can be dangerous if you don’t take care of them properly.
If you want to get gel nails done, make sure you find a salon you trust so that your technician knows exactly what she is doing. Make sure she washes her hands before applying any product on your nail bed or cuticles. She should also wear gloves during the process so she doesn’t spread bacteria during the application.
Once your application is complete, make sure not to pick or peel off pieces until they are completely dry. If you do this too soon, it could cause some serious damage, especially if there’s moisture near your cuticle area.
Try not abusing them either by biting them off or scratching at things with them constantly; this will only wreak havoc on how long they last.
Do Gel Nails Increase Length?
Yes, Gel nails can add length to your natural nails.
For those who have a problem with their nail beds, gel nails are a good solution because they can be applied over your natural nails and also provide a protective layer that prevents the cuticle from breaking down. As your nail grows, it will continue to grow through and past the gel layer, which will eventually wear off. Once it does, you can simply reapply another coat of gel polish on top of them to maintain their desired length or go to the salon to redo them.
Are My Nails Too Short for Gel Nails?
No, your nails are not too short for gel nails. Gel nails are designed to be more flexible than acrylic nails, which means that they can be applied to any length of the natural nail. However, the longer your natural nail is, the more likely it is that gel will adhere to it without lifting off in a few weeks. If you have very short nails and want to get gel nails anyway, ask your technician about using a base coat or another option for keeping your gel manicure on for as long as possible.
If you’re concerned about how much time and money it takes to grow out your natural nails before getting them professionally done with gels, there are other things you can do at home.
Can a gel manicure add length?
Yes, gel nail polish can add length to your nails. If you have healthy natural nails with a good amount of growth, gels will make them longer and stronger. If you want to get the most out of a gel manicure, it’s important to choose a formula that will help your nails grow. If you don't have enough nails to cover when going from short to long, then adding on an overlay is another option for gaining length.
Conclusion
Yes, gel nails can add length to your nails. Gel polish has long been the nail care product of choice for women and men who want to get salon-quality manicures. It’s easy to use, lasts longer than traditional nail polish, and gives your nails a beautiful shine.
