Brilliant colors and long durability make UV nail polish a real trend in nail design. With a shelf life of up to four weeks, these beauties are the best companions for well-groomed nails. The high-quality and modern UV nail polishes are a combination of nail gel and nail polish, which gives them special stability and adhesion. A UV lamp is required to cure the UV nail polish .
UV nail polish: 3 questions and an insider tip from our nail designer
Our expert regularly works with UV nail polishes in the nail salon and tells us what advantages and disadvantages she has found. She also advises on how to apply the polish correctly and reveals an insider tip for nail design with UV nail polish .
What do you think are the benefits of UV nail polish?
Nail designer Stefanie: For me, the UV nail polishes are a favorite because of their quick and easy application options. They are also suitable for beginners for nail design at home, as no complex modeling is necessary. The durability is another advantage of UV nail polishes compared to normal nail polish - so you can save a lot of time in everyday life.
What are the disadvantages of UV nail polish?
Nail designer Stefanie: Of course, UV nail polish doesn't last as long as gel or acrylic , but it lasts significantly longer than normal nail polish . For me, it is easier to create nail art designs with gel and acrylic than with UV nail polish - this could be an important decision-making criterion for nail art fans .
What tips do you have for applying UV nail polish?
Nail designer Stefanie: I apply the UV nail polish to the prepared nail - it's as easy as with a conventional nail polish, except that you need a UV lamp to cure it. I make sure not to apply the individual layers too thickly and not to bring the polish too close to the cuticles so that nothing can settle, otherwise it can feel unpleasant after it has hardened. It is better to apply the color layer twice and let each layer harden individually. Depending on the consistency of the color, I sometimes only paint one or two nails and let them harden before I continue so that nothing runs and an even image is achieved.
Do you have an insider tip for UV nail polish?
Nail designer Stefanie: I always have an extra rosewood stick on hand so that I can immediately remove nail polish that runs into the groove between the nail and the skin. I also recommend taking your time and creating a good working atmosphere. For me, this includes preparing and setting up your products on a table, sitting comfortably and ensuring good lighting. Of course, you can't do this in sunlight, because the paint hardens under the UV rays , which can lead to uneven results or damage the product.
You need these 10 things to work with UV nail polish:
Here you will find the perfect shopping list for your first UV nail polish DIY so that you have everything at hand and can achieve flawless results:
- Twin coat as a base
- Top coat UV nail polish
- Colored UV nail polish of your choice
- UV lamp
- file
- Buffer
- Rosewood sticks
- Cuticle remover
- Cleaner & Cellettes
- Remover for removal
DIY: 5 steps for the perfect UV nail polish
Our expert Stefanie will tell you in five steps how you can easily and quickly achieve the most beautiful results on your nails with UV nail polish .
- Prepare nail
For the perfect nail design, you should first remove any excess cuticle from your nail. Use a rosewood stick and cuticle remover - with this gentle method you can remove your cuticles painlessly and gently. Then you shorten the nails and file them into the shape you want. To make the surface of the natural nail as even as possible, matt it with a buffer and then degrease it with the cleaner . Make sure that you do not touch your nail with your bare skin or hair, for example when you brush them back - otherwise the natural skin oil on the nail will prevent the UV nail polish from adhering perfectly.
- Primer with twin-coat base
When your natural nail is prepared, you can apply the twin coat as a base. To do this, apply a thin layer with a brush and let it harden under the light curing device (UV: 2 minutes / LED: 30 seconds). You have now completed the adhesive base of your UV nail polish look!
- Apply a layer of paint
Now apply the UV nail polish in the color you have chosen to your nails and cure the layer under the UV light (UV: 2 minutes / LED: 30 seconds). Do you want a more intense color? Then repeat this step and apply the color layer twice!
- Protective top coat as a finish
To finish off your nail design with the innovative UV nail polish, apply a thick layer of the protective top coat. It prevents your paint from getting scratches quickly, so that it stays brilliant for a long time and impresses with its exceptional high gloss. Furthermore, it gives your nail resistance and makes it fit for your active everyday life. You can also cure the finish under the UV lamp (UV: 4 minutes / LED: 1 minute).
- Remove sweat layer
You will now find a layer of sweat on your nail, which you can easily wipe off with a clean cellette and cleaner .
Do pedicure with UV nail polish at home
You want long-lasting, beautiful colors on your toenails - that's no problem with UV nail polish ! Our nail designer often uses this type of pedicure in the studio because it lasts a long time and the colors stay brilliant and offers great effects such as thermal colors and mica. The expert tells you how to perfectly treat your toenails with UV nail polish :
“A pedicure with UV nail polish is super easy and is just like a manicure with the product. Nail preparation also plays an important role on the feet because it determines durability. The nail should no longer be soft from a nail bath - in my experience, this can have a negative effect on the durability of the product on natural nails. In the studio I always do the nail bath first, then a complete pedicure and then apply the UV nail polish . Only then do I peel the foot and apply cream to it. It is important that the care comes at the very end so that the nail is free of grease and other residues and offers the UV nail polish perfect hold.”