Japanese Gel Nails: The Next Salon Obsession
Published Oct 17, 2021
If you’re a fan of nail colors nail art and nail polish, then you’ve probably heard about Japanese gel nails. If you haven’t, then you should. After all, nail artists predict that it will be the next nail salon obsession.
What Are Japanese Gel Nails?
As its name suggests, Japanese gel nail is an advanced soft gel nail polish originating from, well, Japan. It uses highly pigmented cosmetic grade nail gel polish making it perfect for both nail art and single color application. At first glance, it may look like your regular gel polish. But Japanese gel nails are longer-lasting and poses no risk of nail damage since they’re made of non-toxic ingredients.
Though it has taken the world of nail art by storm, true Japanese gel nail polish is only produced in small batches for now. As such, it tends to be more expensive than other types of nail polish. But the upside to this is each batch is produced under very strict quality control standards. So you can be assured that your nails get the highest quality treatment every time.
Japanese Gel vs. Regular Gel
The main difference between Japanese gel and regular gel is the ingredients. Regular gel polish tends to have toxic chemicals like toluene and formaldehyde. These substances have been proven to cause various health hazards like headaches, cracked skin, and can even damage the liver and kidneys. Japanese gel nails, on the other hand, don’t contain such substances.
Another revolutionary characteristic of Japanese gel nails is the built-in gel builder. This makes it easier for nail artists to build nail extensions on top of them without needing a separate product.
Since it uses cosmetic-grade pigments, a single coat provides maximum coverage. As such, Japanese gel nails feel lighter and less bulky than regular gel. It also feels “less artificial” than other types of gel polish like SNS nails.
Why Should You Get Japanese Gel Nails?
Aside from coming from the land that perfected gel nail art, there are a lot of other reasons why you should get Japanese gel nails such as:
1. It’s Made With Natural Ingredients
Japanese gel nails are 5-free. Meaning, it doesn’t contain toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, and camphor. These substances are known to be toxic and cause unhealthy side effects.
2. It Provides Strong Adhesion
If you’re looking for a longer-lasting alternative to your regular nail polish, then you should go for Japanese gel nails. They adhere to your nails better than your regular shellac but thin enough that it doesn’t have that “bulky” feeling.
3. It Comes Off Easily
Though Japanese gel nails provide better adhesion, they are easy to remove. You can just soak it with acetone or use a nail filer. The best thing about it is the texture clearly differs from that of your nails making nail filing so much easier.
4. It’s Very Versatile
Since they’re highly pigmented, Japanese gel nails can also be used for nail arts. The cosmetic grade pigment also allows for single coat coverage and versatility. As they’re harder than regular soft-gel polish, they can also be used to build nail extensions.
What’s The Application Process Like?
Getting a Japanese gel nail is pretty much like getting a regular nail gel. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what you can expect during the application process:
- The nail stylist will start by inspecting your nails and asking you the nail shape and style you want.
- A disinfecting solution is applied. This usually contains beeswax to prevent your nails from drying out.
- Your nails are filed according to your preferred length and shape.
- Then your cuticles are softened with jojoba oil and pushed with a ceramic stick.
- In preparation for buffing, a cream made out of various natural ingredients will then be applied to your nailbed.
- Your nails are then buffed using a calfskin polishing tool to make them shine.
- After buffing, another mineral-infused paste is applied to strengthen your nailbed.
- A clear base coat is then applied followed by two or three coats of color or nail art then finished with a clear top gel coat.
- The gel is then hardened under a UV lamp.
Overall, the process shouldn’t take longer than your regular gel manicure. Of course, it depends on the complexity of your chosen design and the skill of your nail stylist.
How Long Does It Last?
A regular Japanese gel nail treatment should last for about 2 to 4 weeks. Some articles even claim that it can last up to three months. It may also last longer if you avoid any tasks that are guaranteed to chip off your nail polish like doing the dishes or the laundry by hand.
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About The Author
Judy Ponio is the lead writer for the Salon Suites of Palm Beach website and blog. Her many years of blogging experience and passions for beauty trends helps her create content that has helped millions of people worldwide.
