Gel Nails and UV/LED Curing
Gel questions test cure mechanics, lamp compatibility, and why enhancements fail early.
How gel cures
Gel contains photoinitiators that react to ultraviolet and near-ultraviolet light, roughly 365–405 nm. UV and LED lamps both work, but the wavelength must match the product and the cure time must follow the manufacturer. Wattage alone does not tell you whether a lamp cures a given gel.
Application
Thin coats only. Base, color, and top coat each get cured; capping the free edge prevents chipping. Keep product off skin and cuticle. Uncured gel left on skin is the main cause of allergic contact dermatitis, which can end a client's ability to wear gels.
Hard versus soft gel
Soft gel and gel polish are removed by soaking in acetone for 10–15 minutes after breaking the top seal. Hard gel is filed off and does not soak off.
The dispersion layer
The tacky layer left after curing is the inhibition layer; wipe it with cleanser before finishing or before the next coat as the system directs.
Lamp care
Replace bulbs per manufacturer, keep reflectors clean, and position the hand flat so the thumb edge and little-finger sidewall are not left uncured.
Worked example
Gel polish peels in three days. Check three causes: product on the cuticle, an uncapped free edge, or under-curing in an incompatible lamp. Adding more top coat will not fix any of them.
Traps
Assuming LED always cures faster; using any lamp with any gel; curing a thick blob; skipping the free-edge cap; soaking off hard gel.