What is polygel?

Galina Tischenko

KODI PROFESSIONAL International Instructor Trainer

Polygel combines the best qualities of two build-up systems: gel and acrylic. The second name of this material is acrylic-gel. Its advantages include hypoallergenic and maximum ease of work. Experienced masters recommend it to beginners who are just trying their hand at modeling nails.

It is also used in "nail prosthetics", that is, in cases where part of the nail is missing or the nail plate is severely deformed (for example, due to fungal diseases on the feet, when voids or deformities form in the nails on the foot).

Advantages of polygels

Acrigel's strengths include:

2. Speed of operation.
3. Almost complete absence of pungent odor.
4. Safety for the body. "Heavy" particles of sawdust do not form dust, facilitating the process for the master and the client.
5. Exclusion of contact with the skin. The density of the material does not allow it to spread, get on the skin.
6. The master can work at a comfortable pace, without worrying that the material will harden before time.
7. Exclusion of accidental polymerization, if the can with the material gets a sunbeam or a beam from a UV lamp.
8. No unpleasant sensations when drying in the lamp. You can make long and dense nails without unpleasant tingling and burning sensation. 
9. Comfortable to wear. Polygel is durable and plastic, while it is almost not felt on the nails.

This makes polygel a more popular and functional material for fast and quality extensions and corrections.

What do I need for polygel extensions?

Professional tools are required for polygel extensions. You will need:

• set for trimming manicure or cutter for European (uncut) manicure to remove cuticle, file natural nails;
• nail file for polishing the nail plate (buff);
• files of different abrasiveness for filing and polishing artificial nails;
• brushes for modeling;
• primer for adhesion (adhesion of the natural nail and the material applied to it);
• cleanser or other product for degreasing natural nails;
• base or topcoat;
• can with acrylic gel and liquid for wetting the brush for modeling.

Such a basic set will help qualitatively and accurately perform any task facing the master.

How to work with these tools or instruction on modeling with polygel

Step by step, the work process looks like this:

• Make a hygienic preparation by removing the cuticle and the length of the natural nails.
• Treat your nails with a cleanser to degrease them.
• Apply primer, if you did a trim manicure and the nail plate is wet.
• Apply a layer of base with rubbing movements, and on the end part of the nail. Use a special mold for extension.
• Take a ball of acrigel and distribute it with a brush, pre-moistened in a special liquid. Distributing the material at the cuticle, do it with a little pressure. Moisten the brush and soft smooth movements remove all the roughness on the surface of the nail. 
• Allow the polygel to smooth itself a little, and then dry it in LED-lamp for 30-60 seconds, and in UV - 60-120 seconds.
• Gently buff the surface of the nail and cover it with topcoat.

The final stage - applying a colored coating of gel-lacquer, drawing or using another method of decoration (glitter, steamping, stickers, foil).

Which is better gel or polygel?

Polygel has better performance compared to gel and acrylic. Unlike gel extensions, it is:

• virtually odorless;
• is not harmful to health;
• there is no methyl alcohol in its composition;
• compared to conventional gel, polygel is lighter. It is almost not felt on the nails and is suitable for those who have naturally thin and fragile nails;
• unlike gel polygel does not spread, so contact with the skin is virtually eliminated.

It is easy to work with polygel, and most importantly, it does not require additional training or new tools. If you already have experience modeling nails with acrylic or gel, all you need to work is a can of acrylate and liquid for wetting the brush.