What Brand of Gel Polish is Used by Nail Shops?

Getting a fresh gel manicure can completely transform your nails, leaving them with a stunning, high-shine polish that lasts weeks. But, frequent visits to the nail salon for gel paint fills can quickly add up. But here's the good news-knowing what brand of gel polish is used by nail shops can empower you to achieve the same professional, long-lasting look in the comfort of your own home.

Gel nail polish is a unique product that sets it apart from traditional nail polishes. It's cured or hardened under UV or LED light, eliminating the need for air drying. This 'baking' process results in a chip-resistant polish that can last up to three weeks with proper care.

In this comprehensive blog post, we'll delve into the world of professional gel paint products for salon nail technicians. We'll also equip you with valuable tips on how to extend the life of your at-home gel manicure and remove gel paint without harming your nails. Let's dive in.

Key Takeaways

Professional gel polish brands offer longer wear time, high-gloss finish, wider color variety, and compatibility with curing lamps.
Popular salon gel polish brands include CND Shellac, OPI Gel, Gelish, Kiara Sky, and Bio Sculpture Gel.
Proper application, proper removal, and using cuticle oil can significantly extend the life of your gel manicure.
Acetone-based remover and soaking are necessary for safe gel polish removal.

Why Do Nail Salons Use Professional Gel Polish Brands?

There are many reasons why nail salons invest in high-quality, professional gel polish brands over cheaper drugstore options:

Longer wear time: A good gel manicure can last 2-3 weeks with minimal chipping or peeling when applied correctly.
High-gloss, chip-resistant finish: Professional formulas provide a thicker, more durable coat of color with a glass-like shine.
Variety of colors and finishes: Salon brands offer a wide array of hues, from classics to trendy shades in crème, shimmer, and glitter finishes.
Made for use with LED/UV lamps:These gel polishes are explicitly formulated to cure properly under LED or UV lighting systems.

While gel manicures require a few extra steps and tools compared to regular polish, the stunning results and longevity make it worthwhile for many people.

Top Gel Polish Brands Used by Nail Salons

Here are some of the most popular professional gel polish brands you'll find nail technicians using at salons:

CND Shellac—Arguably the original pioneer of gel nail polish, CND Shellac offers a wide range of shades in the Nude, Cream, Red, and Remix collections. It's known for its thick, mirror-like shine.

OPI Gel–With over 100 classic and trendy shades, OPI's Gel Color line is a salon favorite. The DuraChrome formula promises "nonstop" color vibrancy.

Gelish—This brand offers impressive durability with its patented PhotoBlack technology, which utilizes black pigments to enhance shine. Popular collections include the new Twitterific and Botanical Garden lines.

Kiara Sky–Salons love Kiara Sky gels for their thick, self-leveling application and unbeatable range of colors from bright to nudes to glitters.

Bio Sculpture Gel—This brand is a good choice for those concerned about harsh chemicals. Its gels are vegan, cruelty-free, and free of many common toxins, such as formaldehyde and toluene.

Of course, nail salons often carry multiple brands to give their clients plenty of shade options. Many techs also have their personal favorite formulas that work best for their application techniques.

How to Make Your Gel Manicure Last Longer

Even with a top-quality gel polish from brands like OPI, Gelish, or CND Shellac, doing a little prep work can help maximize the life of your gel mani:

Get the right tools: You'll need an LED or UV nail lamp, isopropyl alcohol or gel polish remover for cleansing, and a good gel base and top coat like OPI Stay Classic Base Coat and Pro Stay Top Coat.
Proper nail prep is essential: Use a coarse nail file/buffer to lightly rough up the nail surface so the gel adheres better. Push back cuticles and cleanse nails thoroughly with alcohol or remover. Even a tiny bit of moisture or oil can cause premature lifting.
Follow application and curing instructions carefully: Apply each layer (base, color, top coat) in skinny, even coats. Allow each coat to fully cure for the recommended time under the lamp before applying the next. Don't forget to cap the free edge!
Use cuticle oil daily. Hydrated nails are less prone to cracking and chipping than dry, brittle nails. Massage cuticle oil around your nails each day.
Avoid harsh chemicals and excessive water exposure: Things like household cleaners, removing gloves after washing dishes, and soaking in the tub can all accelerate gel polish breakdown over time.

With a bit of care, you can keep that just-done gel mani looking flawless for weeks!

Gel Polish Removal Tips

Eventually, all good gel manicures must come to an end when your nails start growing out. Never pick or peel off gel polish, as this can severely weaken and damage your nails. Instead, follow these proper gel polish removal steps:

Use an acetone-based remover: Regular nail polish removers won't effectively break down gel formulas. You need an acetone or specially formulated "soak-off" remover like OPI Expert Removal Gel.
Soak nails in remover wraps: Saturate cotton balls with the acetone remover and place them over each nail, wrapping the tips with foil or plastic wrap to create a seal. Let soak for 10-15 minutes.
Gently push off gel with a cuticle pusher: After soaking, the gel should have dissolved enough to easily scrape or push off the polish from each nail. Don't force it!
Nourish nails after removal: After gel removal, your nails may feel brittle and dehydrated. Give them some extra TLC with a good cuticle oil and nail strengthener.

By following the proper gel polish removal process, you can confidently switch up your gel mani while keeping your natural nails healthy and ready for your next color. This knowledge empowers you to enjoy the benefits of gel manicures without compromising the health of your nails.

Best Gel Nail Salons in Markham

Maybe an at-home gel mani isn't your thing, or you prefer the pampering salon experience. If that's the case, here are the top-rated gel nail salons located right in Markham:

Lavish Lux Nails & Spa– This premium nail bar is a local favorite, earning rave reviews for its talented technicians, commitment to cleanliness and safety, and outstanding customer service. They offer gels from OPI, Gelish, CND Shellac and more.

Gel manicure cost: $35-$45 (higher for designs) Popular gel colors: Shades of nude, baby pink, and red Top seller: OPI Gel in You'll Covet the Runway

"I've been going to Lavish Lux for over a year now, and their gel manicures are simply the best! I get OPI every time, and they last at least three weeks with almost no chips."— Jessica T.

No matter which Markham nail salon you choose, you're sure to get a stunning gel mani with professional products and applications from experienced nail techs.

Conclusion

As you can see, the brand of gel polish used by nail shops can make a big difference in the longevity and quality of your manicure. By investing in professional gel polish formulas like OPI, Gelish, and CND Shellac and following the proper application and removal techniques, you can enjoy weeks of chip-free, high-shine nails.

Remember, taking the time to prep and apply your gel polish correctly is critical. With a bit of practice, you can easily recreate gorgeous gel mani looks from the comfort of your home and save money compared to frequent salon visits.

If you're in the Markham area, be sure to treat yourself to gel nail services at top spots like Lavish Lux Nails & Spa. Their talented nail artists will leave you with an envy-worthy gel mani using only the best professional polish brands.

Whichever gel polish you choose, the most critical factors are using quality products made for LED/UV curing and taking care of your nails pre and post-gel application. Enjoy that long-lasting gel shine!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is gel polish safe?

Yes, gel polishes from reputable brands are considered safe when applied and removed correctly. However, the UV/LED lamps used to cure gels may potentially increase skin cancer risk with excessive exposure over many years.

How often should I get gel fills?

For a fresh, flawless look, most salons recommend getting gel fills or a new set every 2-3 weeks as your nails grow out.

What if I leave gel polish on for too long?

Leaving gel on for more than 4 weeks can cause the polish to lift and separate from your nails, potentially leading to damage. It's best to get it adequately removed every few weeks.

Can I do gel polish at home?

Absolutely! With a good LED lamp, gel base/top coats, acetone remover, and practice, you can achieve professional-looking gel manicures at home using the tips in this guide.