There are many types of nail systems available that create beautiful artificial nail sets. All nail systems apply, perform, and remove differently.
Let’s talk about bio gel. You’ve heard of gel, acrylic, dip powder, and polygel. Being able to differentiate these nail systems will make or break your manicure service. We will give you the information you need to know right now.
What Are Gel Nails?
Gel nails are a popular nail option for many people. When someone says they want a gel manicure, they often just want an application of gel polish. Gel nails provide the client with a clean, glossy finish, and there are different types of gel available.
Gel polish is considered a softer gel lacquer that is not prone to chipping like traditional nail polish. It is thicker than regular nail polish but thinner than soft gel. Gel polish is removed by soaking the nails in acetone for 10-15 minutes. Each layer of polish cures under a UV or LED lamp to dry.
Soft gel is used as a nail overlay to add strength and durability to natural nails. Apply this gel to the nails in a thin, even layer. Sometimes soft gel creates several layers over the nails. Gel polish and a gel top coat complete the nail set, offering a glossy finish. Soft gel is removed by soaking the nails in pure acetone for 10-15 minutes.
Hard gel forms nail extensions and builds a solid overall nail structure. It is stronger than soft gel. The hard gel cannot dissolve in acetone like other gels and is removed by filing it away from the natural nails.
Dip powder is a nail system that involves an acrylic-based powder and a liquid adhesive. The process involves dipping the nails back and forth into the powder. Dip powder nails should be removed in the nail salon by a professional to avoid damage to the natural nails. This system is not considered as gel nails.
What Is Bio Gel?
Bio gel is a very thick gel that forms as an overlay on weak, brittle nails. It also builds gel extensions because of its flexibility and long-lasting characteristics. The gel does not contain the harsh chemicals that acrylics do, which means the nails remain healthy, strong, and damage-free.
Bio gel is nourishing to the nails because it stimulates nail health and contains vitamins and minerals. The vitamin drop applied to the nails during the application process is beneficial to nail health. Since this gel is not self-leveling, it requires much manipulation when brushed around the nail plate.
Pros of Bio Gel
Bio gel, unlike acrylics or regular gels, nourishes the nails. This nourishment is due to applying a vitamin drop that absorbs into each nail before the gel is applied.
This vitamin and mineral application protects the nails from dryness and damage. Bio gel nails will last on the nails for three weeks without chipping. Pigmented bio gel is sometimes applied to eliminate the use of gel polish.
Cons of Bio Gels
Although bio gel nails have many pros, there are also some things to consider before applying this nail system. Bio gels are very thick gels and require UV or LED light to cure. Over time, overexposure to UV light may be harmful.
How To Apply Bio Gel
Bio gel is applied the same way other gels are applied. Use a nail brush to place a bead of gel on the nail. The gel bead is moved around the nail to create a smooth, even layer of gel. Bio gel is used as an overlay to strengthen natural nails or for nail extensions. Since bio gel is flexible and long-lasting, it is ideal for all types of nails.
Bio gel is very thick, so it is easier to build an extension on a nail form than self-leveling or thinner gels. As with other nail systems, nail prep is necessary before bio gel application.
- Spray the special anti-fungal on the nails.
- File, buff, and shape the nails. Do not over file.
- Apply the special base coat to the center of the nail.
- Apply the gripping base gel to the nail in a thin, even layer and cure for 30 seconds.
- Apply and second and third application of the gel to the nail and cure.
- Cleanse the nails and file.
- Apply the colored gel in a thin, even layer and cure. Apply two more coats of colored gel. Cure between gel layers.
- Apply gloss gel to each nail and cure for 30 seconds.
- Cleanse the nails.
- Apply cuticle oil to rehydrate the area around the nails.
How Often Are Bio Gel Refills Needed?
Bio gel refills are needed between two to four weeks, depending on how quickly the client’s nails grow. At the time of refill, file the nails and apply a new application of bio gel to the regrowth area. Apply a fresh coat of pigmented gel or gel polish, then reshape the nails and top them with a glossy top coat. Follow with cuticle oil for replenished hydration.
How To Remove Bio Gel Nails
Removing bio gel nails is very simple. Remove bio gel similar to the way you remove other gel nails. Make sure to use the system-compatible products for the removal process.
- File off the top cost and soak a cotton ball in gel remover and apply one piece of cotton to each nail.
- Wrap each nail in a small piece of foil.
- Allow the nails to soak for 10-15 minutes.
- Remove foil wraps and scrape the bio gel from the nails.
- Cleanse the nails and apply the special cuticle and nail conditioner to the nails.
Bio gel nails will last for several weeks, spending on how fast the client’s nails grow. After two to four weeks, refill the nails or remove the gel with gel remover.
Bio Gel vs. Acrylic
When it comes to the differences between bio gel and acrylic, there are a few worth noting.
- Bio gel requires less harsh filing than acrylics. Excessive filing can cause damage to the natural nails.
- Bio gel nails involve the application of a vitamin nail drop that nourishes the nails. Acrylic does not.
- Bio gel does not contain the harsh chemicals and odors that acrylics do.
- Bio gel is a one-step application. Acrylics require the mixing of powder and liquid to form the moldable acrylic bead.
- Bio gel applies straight on the nail, rather than being etched into it like acrylics.
- Bio gel is more flexible than acrylic.
Bio Gel vs. PolyGel
Bio gel and PolyGel are similar in many ways, yet they do have a few differences. Consider these differences before you choose which nail system to apply.
- The removal process: Bio gel soaks off the nails with the use of gel remover. PolyGel requires filing for removal.
- Nail integrity: Bio gel applications involve the use of a vitamin treatment applied to the nails. This treatment nourishes the nails and prevents damage from occurring. PolyGel does not include a special nail treatment and is somewhat damaging to the nails if not properly removed.
Bio Gel vs. Dip Powder
Bio gel and dip powder differ in many ways. Not only does bio gel not require mixing products, but it also doesn’t contain the chemicals that dip powders do.
- Bio gel is a one-step product applied in layers to form the nail structure. Dip powder requires a powder and an adhesive mixed in layers to achieve the nail style.
- Bio gel does not contain the chemicals or acrylics that dip powder nails include.
- Bio gel is odorless and dip powder is not.
Conclusion
Bio gel is an artificial nail system used to design gel nail overlays and nail extensions. The gel is available in both clear and pigmented, so the color is incorporated into the gel instead of using gel polish. This pigmentation offers a long-lasting chip-free manicure that many clients prefer.
Bio gel differs from other manicure systems, but it is also similar in some ways. The one-step gel is easy to apply and is easily removable with a gel remover.
Every nail tech needs a professional nail product. V Beauty Pure offers high-quality gel products that create beautiful nail sets for your clients. Our gel and acrylic systems are easy to apply and remove.
Trust V Beauty Pure to provide the nail products you need, to provide your clients with an exceptional nail service that they’ll be proud to show all of their friends.
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