Semi-permanent nail polish: everything you need to know for a do-it-yourself application
Having well-groomed hands is a great business card, in any situation. And nails are certainly one of the most prominent parts of our hands. Whether you prefer a homemade manicure or do not give up the usual session at the beautician, the choice of nail polish is a fundamental move. Usually, however, normal glazes keep their brilliance, color and flawlessness only a few days. One solution may be to choose to switch to semi-permanent nail polish which, applied in a special center or at home thanks to the kits now on sale, perfectly lasts up to 3 weeks.
Semi-permanent nail polish: what it is and what are the prices
It is a light-curing gel product that can be considered a middle ground between gel reconstruction - decidedly more invasive - and the common nail polish, for this reason it is also called gel polish, even if this is not strictly correct, in how often there is confusion with the nail gel used for the actual reconstruction.Semi-permanent nail polish can be applied on natural nails or on reconstructed nails and can be applied at home or by the beautician. If you decide to do everything at home, you have to buy the specific nail polish, a UV lamp oven, a base gel, a fixing gel and a sanitizing product to remove the nail polish - a kind of specific solvent for semi-permanent nail polish.
If, on the other hand, you prefer to rely on the professionalism of a beautician, the cost will vary from about 15 to 35 euros, but you won't have to think about anything other than choosing the shade you like best. Remember that if you have short fingers and you want a "lengthening" effect nail polish you will have to choose the right colors: there are in fact nuances and shades more suitable for you.
Then there are colors that are ideal for the autumn season as they are warm and decisive, able to recall and emphasize the atmospheres and nuances typical of this special season of the year. Don't forget the great classics, perfect for any time and season: red and nude, an eternal color with inimitable elegance and refinement.
See also
> Check out this season's top colors on Amazon!
But first of all, let's remember to do a perfect manicure: here's the video!
Before proceeding, however, we remind you of the importance of a perfect manicure. Here is a video with all the secrets for a top result!
Semi-permanent nail polish: everything you need for the do-it-yourself application
The steps for the application of the semi-permanent nail polish are 4 and rather simple: it is in fact 4 passes between the base, colored nail polish (twice) and the final base. This is what you need for semi-permanent nail polish:
- the two bases
- Semi-permanent nail polish (or two to create your own color combination)
- The UV lamp to fix the color. (buy one on Amazon for € 12.99)
DIY semi-permanent nail polish: how is it applied?
To become familiar the first few times it may be useful to have it applied by a professional; once you have learned the tricks of the trade and the most effective techniques, you can try your hand at substantial cost cuts. Before proceeding with the application of the DIY semi-permanent nail polish, remember that it would be good to perform a good manicure, arrange cuticles and cuticles, pass the file, and shape your nails according to your preferences.
The steps to perfectly apply semi-permanent nail polish at home are basically these:
1. First you need to clean the nail from the cuticles;
2. Then proceed with the opacification of the nail with a buffer white (a kind of chalky lime) and with the removal of excess dust;
3. Now that the nail is ready, first apply a transparent base layer (base-finish) and put your fingers in the UV lamp (the exposure time is indicated by the specific brand); in general, however, in the UV lamp 10 to 15 seconds of exposure are enough for a good catalysis, polymerization and fixing of the enamel, which will thus remain intact and bright, without flaking.
4. Then spread the enamel color you have chosen and, after another pass of the lamp, proceed with the second layer of color. Then switch to the UV lamp again;
5. Finally, take the transparent base and pass it over as top coat final (see that of Mesauda on Amazon) and use the lamp again;
6. The last touch is to degrease the nail with a cleanser or with cuticle oil.
For further information: All about nail polish: tips and trends
How do you remove the semi-permanent nail polish?
Removing the semi-permanent nail polish is a rather simple procedure. Below you will find the material you need:
- Specific solvent for semi-permanent nail polish
- A not too hard nail file
- Cotton wool
First, file the nail in its upper part in such a way as to remove a good layer of semi-permanent nail polish. Then you can proceed with the solvent, as follows: soak the cotton wool in the specific solvent for this type of nail polish and place it on the " nail, leaving it to act for a while so that it can dissolve the residual nail polish more easily. If the enamel layer, weakened by the file, struggles to disappear, you can also wrap your finger with the cotton swab in aluminum foil, letting it act for 15 minutes.
At the end of the operation, it is advisable to let the nail breathe for a while, avoiding immediately applying another semi-permanent nail polish. You can instead choose a transparent reinforcing nail polish, and only after a few days proceed with a new coat of semi-permanent nail polish. to avoid excessive stress on the nail.
Who is semi-permanent nail polish best suited for?
- To those who have natural nails not bitten and not altered by nail biting, (compulsive disorder that leads to obsessive biting of one's nails).
- For those who do not want to resort to a real nail reconstruction, but want to have a perfect and long-lasting manicure.
- For those who do not like the typical curvature of reconstructed nails.
- For those who do not want to resort to filings or to use the bur to remove the enamel.
- For those who have little time to dedicate to manicures and are looking for a lasting solution, but not too invasive.
Does semi-permanent nail polish hurt? The possible risks and contraindications
However, this type of enamel is increasingly widespread, but it can also be dangerous. The problem is mainly related to the removal of the enamel. The risks? Weakened, stressed nails that break easily, but also allergic reactions and yellowish discoloration.
Dermatologist Riccarda Serri, president of Skineco (International Association of Ecodermatology), put us on our guard, who spoke about the risks associated with the removal of semi-permanent enamel in an interview with the "Adnkronos Health".
"This type of nail polish - explained Riccarda Serri - it could cause lasting damage, caused by removal using solvents and files. Acetone, for example, is used to make the enamel permeable which is then completely removed by filing the nail in an aggressive way. These steps are highly harmful to the nail. the nail itself, from which a stratum corneum is likely to be removed. Of course, there are specific oils to nourish and strengthen the nails, but nevertheless they can remain damaged even for months ", assures the expert.
Semi-permanent nail polish in pregnancy: can it be?
We reassure you immediately in saying that the semi-permanent nail polish in pregnancy does not involve any risk for the baby and for the mother, you can therefore proceed with the application of the same, even if there are undoubtedly some considerations to be made.
During pregnancy, the nails are much more fragile, so they will react differently to various chemical agents or to the same UV lamp. In fact, they could be subjected to excessive stress and damaged in a more important way, weakening further, not to mention that the particularly strong smell of nail polish and solvents could bother the future mother, who is already very sensitive to odors.
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- Short nails: which nail polish to enhance them?
- Semi-permanent nail polish: 6 tips to make it last longer
