From this material you will learn:
- When do you need to straighten your nails?
- Causes of uneven nails
- Stages of nail straightening
- Materials for straightening nails
A flawless manicure cannot be imagined on uneven nails, riddled with grooves or indentations. Often the nail plate is thin, breaks easily, and has unevenness. These are the consequences of the harmful effects of the environment, household chemicals, poor diet and other factors. Besides the fact that it is unsightly, the varnish on such nails does not last long. But we can fix everything. If you are faced with a similar problem, straightening your nails will help you.
This is a simple procedure, thanks to which the nail plate becomes stronger, acquires a beautiful aesthetic appearance, and also receives additional protection. Why nails become deformed, how strengthening is carried out and with what materials, we will tell you in this article.
When is it necessary to straighten the nail plate?
There are several situations when it is necessary to perform the alignment procedure:
- if there are defects in the nail after the previous manicure: strong cuts, improper formation of the shape;
- if the nail is thin after wearing shellac for a long time or for natural reasons;
- in the presence of natural irregularities and differences on the nail plate;
- if there is fragility and delamination of the plate, this is especially important if the nails suffer during professional activities and at home;
- after suffering nail diseases that provoke deformation of the plate;
- strengthening contributes to longer wearing of the colored coating that can be applied on top;
- the strengthening layer makes it possible, when correcting and removing the top coating, not to remove the material all the way to the nail;
- if you want to grow a longer length, the reinforcing material protects the plate, which grows to the desired length along with it.
Causes of uneven nails
If you want a beautiful manicure, but you have thin and uneven legs, then it is unlikely to work. Even if you buy expensive varnish, the situation will not change - the manicure will look sloppy. It should be noted that nail defects such as bumps and dents usually indicate some kind of health problem.
If you want a beautiful manicure, but you have thin and uneven legs, then it is unlikely to work. Even if you buy expensive varnish, the situation will not change - the manicure will look sloppy. It should be noted that nail defects such as bumps and dents usually indicate some kind of health problem.
Ribbed nails usually occur due to microtrauma of the nail plate. Sometimes these are the first signs of diseases such as psoriasis, fungal infections, etc. But in most cases, this may simply be a structural feature, which is easily corrected in the modern world.
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Let's look at the main reasons that can lead to changes in the nail plate:
- Mechanical damage. If the nails are injured, this may well cause their deformation and the formation of unevenness.
- Poor quality nail treatment and coating removal. For example, the use of hard files that are not designed to work with a natural plate injures it and causes the formation of tubercles.
- Using household chemicals without protection. If you do laundry, clean the house, or wash dishes without gloves, then harmful chemicals in cleaning products destroy your nails.
- Habit of biting nails. Usually, bitten nails are followed by their inevitable deformation, inflammation forms on the skin, and bacteria and viruses enter the body. Try to fight this bad habit.
- Fungal disease. The fungus is easy to catch when visiting public places. Typically, the affected areas are constantly itchy and bothersome. With this disease, the nails become thin and ribbed. It is imperative to consult a dermatologist who will prescribe treatment with special medications.
- Vitamin deficiency or hormonal imbalance. If you notice that your nails often begin to break, flake and become deformed, this may indicate a lack of vitamins, a lack or improper absorption of iron, or hormonal imbalances. Here, too, consultation with a specialist is required. He will most likely suggest getting tested, working on your diet, and advising you to take vitamin supplements.
- Smoking. Surprisingly, this addiction directly affects the condition of the nails: as a rule, they change color, microdamages form on them, and the risk of fungal infection significantly increases.
Tools and materials you will need
It is necessary to level the nail plate using the correct technique and using the necessary tools.
Tools | How are they used? | Peculiarities |
Wooden sticks made from orange wood. | They can be used to push back cuticles and clean the inner surface of the nail. They differ in size and shape, sometimes they have an abrasive coating similar to the coating on files. | The sticks are disposable because they absorb liquids well and cannot be disinfected. |
Pusher or cosmetic spatulas are metal products that look like a spatula, one end is shaped like a spatula, the other end is pointed. | Used to lift and remove cuticles and remove impurities. Also suitable for creating nail shapes when doing extensions. | The metal from which pushers are made is intended for sterilization and disinfection. Therefore, the product can be used repeatedly. |
Files and buffs have a variety of shapes and are made from various materials. They have a coating of varying degrees of abrasiveness - small or large particles. | Files are necessary to create the shape of the nail and align the cuts. Buffs are used to polish the nail itself or an already applied hardened coating. | Metal products are subject to sterilization. In other cases, disinfectants are used. |
Brushes with bristles of various lengths and different hardness. | Necessary for removing dust and particles of materials after sawing. Brushes are also needed for cleaning instruments and attachments of the device. | Brushes can be successfully disinfected. |
The manicure machine includes a large number of attachments. | With the help of mechanical processing the device can solve the following problems:
| All attachments can be cleaned and disinfected. |
Degreasing liquid | Removes the sticky layer after drying the coating in the lamp. Also necessary for treating nails from fatty film. | The liquid is sold in large tubes and is an essential element of a long-lasting manicure. |
Primer | Apply to the nail after degreasing, but before applying the base or base substance. A primer is necessary for maximum adhesion of the material and the nail. Does not require drying in a lamp, dries on its own almost instantly after application. | Sold in bottles with a brush, outwardly indistinguishable from any manicure coating. |
UV or LED lamp | Used to harden the material. | When using the lamp, the bottom surface where the hands are placed may become dirty. Easy to clean with cleaning products approved by the instructions. |
What nail care products to buy
Thin and peeling nails, overgrown with rough cuticles, will spoil the image of even the most well-groomed girl. Appropriate products will help strengthen and give your claws a well-groomed appearance.
Hardeners are predominantly transparent varnishes that are applied to the plate as an independent product or as a base for the main color. Good products should contain keratin, collagen, ceramides, calcium and vitamins. These components thicken and strengthen the nails, giving them smoothness and a healthy shine, preventing brittleness and delamination.
Oils nourish, soften and moisturize the cuticle, making it almost invisible, and at the same time stimulate nail growth. Choose products with natural ingredients that do not contain mineral oil.
Waxes and creams are products for regular nail and cuticle care. They prevent the appearance of burrs and delamination of the claws, sealing the thin plate. Distribute them over the periungual ridge and surface - and within two weeks even nails damaged by shellac will be transformed.
Removers - products in the form of creams and gels for European manicure remove pterygium, hangnails and cuticles. Apply them only to the periungual space, and then push away the rough skin with a pusher or an orange stick. Repeat the procedure every week - and your manicure will always look well-groomed.
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Leveling the nail plate with a base
Leveling the nail plate using a gel polish base is the easiest option to achieve the desired result. An important nuance for successful strengthening is the quality and consistency of the base. When purchasing material, you must ensure that the packaging indicates the presence of rubber. This guarantees the thickness and viscosity of the base.
It is due to the consistency that you can achieve a good shape and hide the unevenness and imperfections of the nail plate as effectively as possible.
What bases are suitable?
Here are the brands of bases that are well suited for the leveling procedure:
- Komilfo;
- Lovely Base;
- NeoNail;
- Kodi;
- Adore Professional.
Leveling and strengthening technique
The alignment procedure is carried out in accordance with the main steps. Compliance with them allows you to achieve the desired smoothness and strength of the nail plate.
The diagram shows how to properly align the nail plate.
Here are the necessary steps:
- The very first and most important stage is nail preparation. It is necessary to remove the cuticle so that it does not interfere with the application of the material. Depending on the situation, it can be removed or simply moved to the edges of the plate.
- Next, you should give the nail the desired final shape by processing the free edge. Sand with a coarse-grain buff for better adhesion of the material to the nail.
- Wipe the nail with a degreasing agent. Then apply primer.
- It is worth choosing a brush that best suits the size of your nail. Use a brush to take a small amount of gel and place it on the apex zone - the line at the root of the nail, located a small distance from the root itself.
- Next, the drop of material should be stretched in one direction towards the root and in the other direction towards the free edge. It is worth remembering that the gel does not harden when exposed to air, unlike regular nail polish, so blemishes and gaps can be easily corrected with repeated movements of the brush. In this case, the pressure should be moderate in strength so that deep furrows do not form.
- After processing the entire plate, you need to seal the free edge of the nail.
- Place your nails in the lamp space and wait the required amount of time, depending on the properties of the lamp.
- When finished, remove the sticky layer from the surface if the base suggests the presence of this layer.
Advice from the experts
When using a gel base, there are several secrets that will help you create the perfect coating:
- after applying the layer, you can turn the brush over with your palm facing up, so the base forms an effective shape;
- some experts recommend applying and drying nails one at a time so that the base does not have time to spread and penetrate into the folds between the skin and the nail;
- For more efficient hardening of the material, it is recommended to use an LED lamp, as it has a faster drying time.
Rating of the best varnishes for strengthening nails
Many manufacturers produce cosmetic products for manicure with medicinal properties. After studying the opinions of experts and consumer reviews, we compiled a rating of the 10 most effective products. In our research, we relied on popular foreign publications and
Nomination | Place | Name | Price |
Rating of the best varnishes for strengthening nails | 1 | OPI Nail Envy | 600 ₽ |
2 | Orly Nail Defense | 790 ₽ | |
3 | ALCINA Effective Nail Hardener | 900 ₽ | |
4 | ANNY Cosmetics Express nail hardener | 420 ₽ | |
5 | Trind Nail Repair Matt | 394 ₽ | |
6 | Stronger Nails | 432 ₽ | |
7 | Super Duper Essie | 299 ₽ | |
8 | Belweder strengthening with calcium | 206 ₽ | |
9 | Zinger Nail Repair | 205 ₽ | |
10 | Frenchi Smart enamel | 1 018 ₽ |
OPI Nail Envy
Rating: 4.9
OPI varnishes are designed for professional, comprehensive nail care. The brand's products are distinguished by high quality and original composition. The manufacturer notes that the Nail Envy line is a medicinal product ideal for weak and damaged nails. The composition does not contain formaldehyde or other harmful components. The product contains calcium, wheat proteins, keratin, vitamins E and F.
Thanks to this composition, this varnish restores the nail plate, evens out the surface, and gives a matte finish. Nutrients strengthen nails and accelerate their growth. They not only penetrate inside, but also provide a reliable, durable coating. The manufacturer notes that hydrolyzed wheat protein, together with calcium, provides hardness and strength to the nail plate.
The varnish can be used in a salon or independently at home. It is applied to cleansed nails every other day for 2 weeks. Can be used as a base coat under regular varnish. In our ranking, OPI Nail Envy takes first place for its visible healing effect. This varnish restores even very peeling, brittle and weak nails. From a comment from an experienced Otzovik.com customer: “This is a lifesaver for my nails. They became harder, stopped breaking and are growing faster.”
Advantages
- easy to use - no need to rinse off every time;
- dries quickly;
- comfortable brush;
- makes the nail plate thick and hard, evens it out;
- provides uniform, long-lasting coverage;
- can be used as a base for varnish.
Flaws
- no cumulative effect;
- expensive.
Orly Nail Defense
Rating: 4.8
Therapeutic coating for peeling nails. The manufacturer has developed a special formula with wheat proteins that strengthen and restore the nail plate. They glue the scales of the nail together, preventing it from peeling. Thanks to the natural ingredients in its composition, this product has a comprehensive effect. Helps cope with problems such as delamination, brittleness, yellowing, unevenness and stains. The coating evens out the nail plate and eliminates fragility.
The composition includes plant extracts and oils that nourish and strengthen nails. Peppermint balm protects against free radicals. Horsetail contains calcium, which makes nails harder. Chamomile relieves irritation, evens out color, and vitamin E stimulates growth and has a regenerating effect.
The varnish can be used to treat severely peeling nails. To do this, it is applied in layers every other day. The course of treatment is 2 weeks. Then the varnish can be used as a base coat. It smoothes and mattifies the nails. This product was included in the rating due to a large number of positive user reviews. From a comment from a Yandex Market customer who used the polish for about a year: “Protects nails. They flake less and shine well.”
Advantages
- dries quickly;
- gives a glossy shine;
- improves the condition of nails;
- convenient brush and non-slip ribbed lid;
- lays flat, smoothes out unevenness;
- increases the durability of manicure.
Flaws
- thickens in the bottle.
ALCINA Effective Nail Hardener
Rating: 4.7
This varnish provides comprehensive care for soft and fragile nails. Evens out the nail plate, eliminates stripes and unevenness. Provides protection from the negative effects of water and dry air. It has a cumulative effect, improving the condition of the nails with each use. For this property we included it in the rating.
This is a professional product from the German brand ALCINA. The company works in collaboration with famous dermatologists and cosmetologists. The effectiveness of the varnish is explained by its unique formula with specially selected active ingredients. It can be used on its own and makes your nails shiny and smooth. Suitable as a base for manicure.
Echium oil nourishes the nail plate and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Hydrolyzed keratin seals the nail scales, preventing delamination and cracking. Mineral base provides natural shine and protection. The composition also contains radish extract, colloidal gold, and lecithin. Does not contain formaldehyde, toluene and other harmful substances.
Advantages
- provides a natural milky pink color;
- convenient flat brush for uniform application;
- creates a durable coating;
- restores the health of the nail plate after extensions or gel polish;
- It is used sparingly.
Flaws
- dries slowly.
ANNY Cosmetics Express nail hardener
Rating: 4.7
Therapeutic from the German manufacturer ANNY. This brand produces high quality professional cosmetics in collaboration with experts. The products do not contain formaldehyde and other harmful components, therefore they comprehensively care for the nail plate, nourishes and strengthens it.
This is a clear polish that can be used alone or as a base coat. Thanks to its thick consistency, it is distributed evenly without creating streaks. Smoothes the nail, dries quickly, provides natural shine. Contains keratin, which increases hardness and prevents delamination and brittleness. Silk proteins provide additional protection and nutrition.
ANNY Cosmetics Express nail hardener allows you to create a flawless manicure at home. It is easy to apply yourself, spreads well and dries quickly. We included this product in the rating because, according to user reviews, the coating lasts up to 7 days, protecting and strengthening nails.
Advantages
- the result is visible after 5 applications;
- makes nails hard and durable;
- good base for colored varnish;
- a comfortable wide brush ensures uniform distribution and economical consumption;
- creates a pleasant matte shine.
Flaws
- smells strong.
Trind Nail Repair Matt
Rating: 4.7
This is a luxury product with a strengthening and restorative effect. Thanks to its unique formula, it provides comprehensive care and a flawless manicure. The composition is safe and does not contain harmful components that dry out nails. Therefore, it quickly and effectively solves existing problems.
The famous Dutch brand Trind has created a unique formula. Thanks to this, the varnish provides the perfect balance between strength and elasticity. Creates a solid keratin frame and retains a sufficient amount of moisture in the nail plate.
The varnish is suitable for professional and home use. Used in beauty salons, it receives many positive reviews from manicurists. Provides a long-lasting coating that protects nails and makes them stronger. From a comment from a Yandex.Market buyer with several months of experience using varnish: “I liked the natural matte tone. And my nails have become really strong – you can twist the nails.”
Advantages
- does not change color, creates a matte finish;
- Convenient lid with a flat brush for even application;
- economically used;
- dries quickly;
- restores the health of a damaged nail plate in 2 weeks.
Flaws
- must be washed off before applying the next layer;
- may cause a slight burning sensation after application and allergic reactions.
Stronger Nails
Rating: 4.6
We included this product in the rating not only for its strengthening effect. This is a decorative varnish, the line includes 10 fashionable shades. Provides durable and rich coverage even in 1 layer. You can choose a color from natural pastel to bright and modern.
This comprehensive product for a beautiful manicure is produced by the German brand Catrice. The manufacturer uses modern technologies and safe, high-quality raw materials. The products correspond to fashion trends, are characterized by affordable prices, and beautiful packaging.
This 2 in 1 product is designed to restore brittle and dry nails. The varnish is thick, spreads well without streaks or bubbles, and creates an even, smooth surface. For maximum therapeutic effect, apply every 3 days, each time washing off the previous layer.
The unique vegan formula contains a mineral complex. Substances such as iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium, silicon and copper nourish and strengthen the nail plate. More than 80% of buyers note that after a course of use their nails actually became harder and stronger.
Advantages
- dense wide brush for uniform application;
- convenient transparent bottle that allows you to control consumption;
- the composition is suitable for vegans;
- the smell is not strong;
- easy to apply and wash off;
- wide selection of beautiful shades.
Flaws
- If you apply a second layer, it takes a long time to dry, leaving marks from the brush.
Super Duper Essie
Rating: 4.5
This is a top coat to increase the durability of decorative varnish and speed up its drying. Provides protection from chips and scratches, a beautiful pearlescent shine. Can eliminate any manicure errors and maintains color brightness for a long time.
We included this product in the rating because it strengthens the nail plate, protects it from brittleness and provides comprehensive care. The polymer complex protects against the negative effects of the external environment. The safe composition is suitable for weak, fragile nails and does not dry them out. With regular use, it restores their strength and healthy appearance.
This polish from the famous American brand Essie has a gel texture, transparent and quite liquid. The brush is wide and covers the entire nail. Thanks to this, it is easy to apply in one go, spreads evenly over the surface and dries quickly. With each subsequent layer it becomes even more shiny.
Advantages
- can be applied several times without rinsing off;
- extends the durability of manicure up to a week;
- gives glossy shine and shine;
- distributed evenly, without bubbles or streaks;
- The brush is wide and comfortable.
Flaws
- thickens quickly in the bottle;
- Not compatible with all varnishes.
Belweder strengthening with calcium
Rating: 4.4
A remedy based on calcium pantothenate. Designed for weak, brittle and slow-growing nails. Helps restore their healthy appearance after gel polishes and extensions. Eliminates fragility, prevents moisture loss, creates a protective film. With regular use, nails grow hard, strong, and do not split.
This varnish is transparent and quite liquid. Can be used independently, applied in 1-2 layers. After this, your nails look well-groomed and acquire a beautiful glossy shine. The product is also suitable as a basis for decorative manicure.
Belweder brand cosmetics are characterized by high quality and affordable prices. Therefore, we have won a lot of positive reviews. From a comment from an experienced Yandex.Market buyer with about a year of experience using the product: “Nails have really become stronger. They look well-groomed and look natural.” But some users do not like its bluish tint and rather liquid consistency. To prevent these imperfections from being noticeable, you need to apply varnish in one layer, and decorative manicure on top.”
Advantages
- accelerates growth;
- easy to apply and lasts for several days;
- makes nails strong, prevents peeling;
- provides protection against water and mechanical damage;
- provides a beautiful glossy shine;
- comfortable brush.
Flaws
- the second layer takes longer to dry;
- There is no cumulative effect, you need to use it constantly.
Zinger Nail Repair
Rating: 4.3
Another polish that accelerates nail growth, but not transparent, but with a pleasant beige tint. This tinting gives your nails a natural, well-groomed look. This product is gel-like, spreads easily and dries in a few minutes. It can be used as a base for manicure, on its own or as a topcoat.
The manufacturer classifies this varnish as a medicinal product and notes that it moisturizes and accelerates regeneration processes. It can be bought not only at a cosmetic store, but also at a pharmacy. The varnish restores the nail plate and makes it harder. Protects against delamination and harmful effects of the external environment.
The effectiveness is explained by the complex composition. Silicon, calcium and other minerals strengthen and nourish the nail plate. Aldehyde stimulates the production of keratin. Rose oil has a regenerating effect, and cranberry extract has an antibacterial effect. The composition also includes algae extract, ginkgo biloba leaves and tocopherol - powerful antioxidants.
Advantages
- eliminates delamination and fragility;
- contains a UV filter;
- dries in a few minutes;
- has a beautiful natural color;
- smoothes the surface, eliminates unevenness;
- makes nails hard and shiny;
- accelerates growth;
- increases the durability of decorative varnish.
Flaws
- must be applied in several layers.
Frenchi Smart enamel
Rating: 4.3
This is a budget acrylic varnish. We included it in the rating due to the large number of positive reviews. Almost all users note the quick effect and large selection of tools for solving various problems.
The Frenchi brand, in the “Smart Enamel” line, produces varnishes to accelerate growth, with a moisturizing effect, to restore, eliminate splitting and thickening of nails. There are base coatings, as well as for increasing the durability of decorative manicure. Different products provide a glossy or matte effect, some are transparent or with color. All of them strengthen nails and increase their strength.
All Frenchi varnishes have a rich natural composition. They contain vitamins B, A, tocopherol, minerals, vegetable oils and extracts, silk proteins, collagen.
Advantages
- visible therapeutic effect after a course of use;
- natural safe composition;
- affordable price;
- provides durable coverage – lasts 1-2 weeks;
- comfortable wide brush.
Leveling the nail plate with biogel
Biogel is a material that combines 2 important properties:
- biological basis, which has a healing effect on damaged nails thanks to the vitamins A and E contained in the composition, teak resin and proteins;
- the gel base, which contains restorative substances, forms a strong protection for the plate and masks imperfections.
Biogel helps to activate the protective properties of the nail and the production of keratin.
Which biogels are suitable
When using biogel, you should opt for the following brands:
- Bio Stretch Gel (BSG);
- Yoko;
- Atica TM;
- Creator;
- El Corazon.
Leveling and strengthening technique
The application of biogel does not differ significantly from the application of a gel base:
- Prepare the plate - remove or push back the cutiticle.
- Using files, give the desired shape and make the surface of the nail rough.
- Degrease nails and apply primer.
- Apply a thin layer of biogel over the entire area of the nail, slowly stretching a drop of material to the root and then to the free end of the nail. Dry in a lamp.
- Since biogel has a less dense texture after polymerization, it is worth repeating the application to get 2 to 4 layers of gel in total. Each time it is worth lengthening the drying time from 10 to 15 seconds.
Features for C-curve nails
The C-curve is the formation of the highest point of the nail, which is located closer to the free edge of the plate. To do this, applying the material begins by placing a drop at a slight distance from the root, followed by stretching it to the sides.
Then, to create a bend, you need to place your hand with your fingers down so that the material flows a little into the desired area. After a few seconds, place your hand in the lamp and dry the coating.
Advice from the experts
For greater durability of the coating, it is worth applying a base under the biogel.
The best products for removing and softening cuticles
Do you want to give up the classic manicure, but you can only tame rough cuticles and hangnails with the help of nippers? We advise you to include cuticle removers in your nail care, which will dissolve the growths or make them completely invisible.
Such products are applied only to the periungual space and left for no more than 5 minutes, and then the cuticle is pushed back with a pusher.
Kapous Body Care Manicure & Pedicure Cuticle Remover
5.0
★★★★★
editorial assessment
100%
buyers recommend this product
The cuticle softener from the Kapous company has proven itself well among professionals and ordinary girls. The product has a liquid gel texture that dissolves roughness in just a minute.
Express results are achieved thanks to the high concentration of alkalis in the remover. The solvent formula is enriched with rice oil, which protects the plate and hand skin from drying out.
Thanks to the convenient spout, the gel is neatly distributed, and the next couple of movements with an orange stick will allow you to achieve the perfect result. Remover from Kapous is a budget but effective product that is also suitable for removing calluses and corns.
Advantages:
- Multifunctionality and efficiency;
- Protective component in the composition;
- Large packaging volume (30 ml);
- The action time is only a minute;
- Low price (200 rubles).
Flaws:
- May sting the skin.
Thanks to its ease of use, safety and effectiveness, the Kapous remover is recommended for girls who have just begun to master the art of manicure.
Leveling the nail plate with manicure gel
Manicure gel allows you to form especially strong nails with the most even surface. This is especially important in the presence of severe damage and grooves.
What gels are suitable
The following brands of gels have the optimal consistency for strengthening:
- Cosmoprofi;
- Irisk;
- Kodi;
- CNI.
Leveling and strengthening technique
The method of applying this material is universal:
- Preparing nails, creating a shape, processing the cuticle, creating a rough surface.
- Before applying the primer, you need to degrease the plate.
- Apply a light layer of gel from a drop on both sides and dry the coating. Then repeat the application, creating from 1 to 3 layers is acceptable.
Advice from the experts
There are several secrets to using manicure gel:
- if the gel forms unevenness on the free side of the nail, they can be corrected using files; this can be done on any layer of the gel;
- to form a pronounced highlight on the coating, after applying the material, you should place your nails under a round-shaped lamp, even a table lamp will do, after 15-20 seconds you can place your fingers in the lamp to fix it.
How do nail hardeners work?
Gel nail hardener is used to stimulate growth, improve shape and appearance. A strengthening agent for nail growth has a beneficial effect on the plate, does not destroy it, and nourishes it with useful components. Vitamin A in the composition accelerates the process of renewal of dead cells that have grown to the plate. Due to this, instant recovery occurs.
The product is applied daily to the weakened plate, is quickly absorbed and does not require removal. It also contains protein, which promotes rapid nail growth, strengthening, and formation of a beautiful, durable shape. The safe composition can be used even by pregnant women, because it does not cause allergies, is easily tolerated by the body, and does not cause skin rashes or other consequences. Healing varnishes can be bought at a pharmacy or at any nail salon. They do not have a pronounced pungent odor or color. They can be used in their pure form, it is not necessary to cover them with colored varnish.
Note! The composition is not recommended to be applied to a plate with damaged cuticle; this can cause a sharp burning sensation.
Leveling the nail plate with acrylic powder
You can also level the nail plate using acrylic powder. It is a polymer powder that, after hardening, acquires a porous structure, which allows nails to breathe freely.
The coating also makes the nails strong and prevents peeling. Using powder requires a certain skill and knowledge, so it is not suitable for independent use by beginners at home.
What bases are suitable?
The most popular and high-quality powders are products of the following brands:
- Kodi Professional Power Clear;
- Irisk Professional Clear;
- TNL Professional Premium;
- InGarden Pure Glass;
- INM OTD Powder Natural;
- RuNail.
Leveling and strengthening technique
When using acrylic powder as a strengthening material, there are some differences compared to other classic means:
- Nail preparation is classic - push back or remove the cuticle, give the nail the desired shape, make the surface of the plate rough.
- Degrease the nail.
- Apply primer and wait until it dries completely.
- Take a small amount of base with a brush and spread it over the entire length of the nail; this layer does not need to be dried.
- Next, you need to place your fingers over the container with the powder so that the remains fall back.
- Carefully pour a small amount of powder onto the freshly applied base and dry the layer in a lamp.
- Then you should remove excess powder from the skin using a special brush.
- If necessary, apply another layer of powder.
- Depending on the instructions for using the powder, it is permissible to apply a top fixing layer.
Advice from the experts
When using powder, there are several secrets that will help make this type of manicure even more comfortable:
- to achieve maximum results, you need to purchase products from one manufacturer;
- some masters prefer not to sprinkle powder on top, but to immerse the nail with the applied base completely in a jar of powder;
- To remove the powder coating, you can use liquids to dissolve acrylic materials or cut off the coating using a device.
Minuses
When using decorative varnish with a complex texture, you may encounter some problems. Thus, the pearlescent composition is difficult to apply and emphasizes the unevenness of the nail plate. Glitter is difficult to remove with remover and can damage the surface. Therefore, to achieve the desired effect, use a colored coating together with the base.
Other disadvantages:
- toxic formaldehyde content;
- durability up to 7 days;
- with the slightest chip or mechanical damage, the initial effect is lost;
- Strong smell;
- some ingredients in the color composition (ethyl alcohol and solvents) make the nail plate fragile and brittle;
- long drying of each layer: if the drying time is not maintained, all layers will be smeared.
Use strengthening and healing bases with caution, as overusing them will make healthy nails brittle and peeling.
Post-procedure care
You can get maximum benefit for your nails by following several recommendations after straightening:
- It is recommended not to wet your hands for 2 hours after strengthening.
- During the first 24 hours after strengthening, it is necessary to protect your nails from strong mechanical and chemical influences.
- In cold weather, it is necessary to actively moisturize the skin of your hands and around your nails, especially before going outside.
- Before going to bed, it is recommended to massage the skin around the nails with a special cuticle oil.
- If possible, remove coatings that harden in the lamp using a machine, rather than by dissolving and manual cutting.
- After wearing gel and acrylic coating for a long time, you should give your nails a rest and recovery.
Following simple rules after the straightening procedure allows you to maintain an excellent appearance and improve the health of the nail plate.
How to check that the coating is perfectly smooth?
- Look at the nail from the side and from the end: it should show a clear bend of the correct shape of the nail in its central part.
- Check the coating under the light of the lamp: you should see a clear and even highlight without any refractions, bends or bends. It is these highlights that can often be seen in photographs of finished works.
I hope that in this article I have clarified all the questions about leveling the nail plate for gel polish. If anything remains unclear, ask in the comments!