Gel Nails and Light-Cured Enhancements
How gel cures
Gel enhancements cure by photoinitiation - a UV or LED lamp activates photoinitiators in the gel, causing polymerization. Unlike acrylic, gel does not evaporate or set in air; it stays workable until cured. This is why gel can be applied thinly and shaped before curing.
Lamp and product facts
Lamps must be strong enough and clean; bulbs degrade over time, so follow manufacturer replacement schedules. Clients should be warned about the exothermic "heat spike" during curing of thick layers - thin layers reduce it. Gel polish requires a base coat, color coats, and top coat, each cured. Gel is not a substitute for a hard gel extension unless the product is designed for building.
Traps
- "Gel cures in air" - false; it needs light.
- Curing time is product-specific; do not assume a universal number.
- Uncured gel (inhibition layer) must be removed with cleanser before finishing.
- Do not use gel over infected or damaged nails.
Rule of thumb
"Thin cures, thick fails." If a gel service peels or wrinkles, the likely cause is a layer that was too thick or a lamp that was too weak - check those before blaming the client's prep.