After over a year of doing my own manicures at home (which I eventually gave up on), I was relieved to finally be sitting in Julie Kandalec's private nail studio Julie K Nail Artelier in Manhattan in late May.
Not only was it refreshing to be in such a gorgeous space for a manicure, but knowing that my beat up nails would look just as good in about two hours was a feeling I can't even begin to describe.
During "the before" days — you know, back when I took manicures for granted — I had tried nearly every nail system in the books, including acrylics. And while they're great for creating hard extensions, the damage they caused to my natural nails eventually turned me off of the whole process entirely. So, I opted to grow my own nails out and just get bi-weekly gel manis instead, which I did for years. Then COVID hit.
Although I have a curing system and plenty of gel polish at home, the increased hand-washing and use of heavy disinfectants left my polish constantly peeling, with the nails underneath feeling dry and rough. Eventually, I just decided to cut my nails down, put on a couple coats of OPI's Nail Envy, and call it a day.
But after I was vaccinated and my girl Moderna had her two weeks to marinate, I got introduced to CND's Plexigel nail enhancement system and I was ready to give gel and nail extensions another go.
"CND Plexigel is a semi-hard gel which means it is significantly more durable than soft gel," Kandalec explains. "Designed to be a multi-problem solver for flat, brittle, or torn nails, Plexigel is a flexible, yet tough, coating that glides on to plump, lengthen, or repair a multitude of nail issues. It also protects the natural nail underneath the enhancement."
Now, I know a lot of brands promise no damage to the natural nail, but in this case it is absolutely true.
Plexigel typically lasts around three weeks, and a little after that mark, the overlay on my pinky nail popped off as I was getting dressed. Much to my surprise, my natural nail still looked perfectly healthy and the free edge didn't break off or feel weak.
Acrylics could never.
Here, I chatted more with Kandalec to find out everything you need to know about CND's latest nail system that you'll definitely want to try out this summer.
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How does it CND's Plexigel system differ from acrylics?
Acrylic is a cousin of gel, consisting of a liquid (monomer) plus a powder (polymer). When combined in the proper ratio — approximately 1:1 or 1:1.5 — they harden on their own. Gel is an oligomer — in short, a different kind of molecule and requires the aid of UV to cure. Polymers also have a high molecular weight than oligomers, which explains why they feel heavier on the nail than gel. Because of its strength and durability, CND Plexigel is able to be sculpted out to add length as well, where soft gel can only add a minimal amount of length, if any at all. CND Plexigel is one clean and simple step, all-in-one convenient bottle that also shortens application time.
I was actually surprised how easy the application was. Let's break down the process.
After manicuring the nails, prep with 99% isopropyl alcohol. The Plexigel Bonder cures under the CND lamp for 10 seconds, then each layer or bead of Plexigel thereafter is 60 seconds.
There are a few nail extension systems that are sold for at-home use. Why is it important to still go to a professional for services like CND's Plexigel?
Seeing a trained professional is always a good idea for nail enhancement services. Doing gel, dip, and acrylic at home can easily cause overexposure, which may lead to allergic reactions. How does never getting your nails done again sound? It can happen when too much monomer or gel gets on the skin and the person doesn't know how to properly clean it.
My nails with CND Plexigel and some nail art.
Courtesy
How much does this service generally cost in salons?
This varies greatly based on skill, region, demand, or several other factors. Expect it to be at least two times as much as your standard polish manicure.
These nails typically last around three weeks, what is the removal process like?
Gels that are hard and semi-hard need to be removed by a professional. First, the enhancement is gently filed down to about 15% to 20% of its thickness, avoiding filing the natural nail. The rest is soaked off by saturating a small piece of cotton in Offly Fast Moisturizing Remover and wrapped in foil. After about 15 minutes, the remainder will flake away, leaving behind a healthy nail. A great reminder is to never peel your nails off. Peeling an enhancement off takes layers of your natural nail plate with it, which in turn makes it even harder for the next coating to adhere to the nail.
The year 2024 is knocking on our doors, and the nail industry has evolved significantly in terms of healthier and more affordable options. In this blog, we will shed light on the best nail option for 2024, focusing on factors such as durability and overall nail health. Let's dive in!
Nail Polish
Nail polish tends to be the easiest to apply of all the nail application options, however; it really does the least amount to protect your nails and keep them healthy. As far as being able to damage your nail beds, nail polish isn't known to be damaging; but nail polish is relatively weak, so women with weak or soft nail beds won’t get much protection from it. You can still easily break or damage a nail when wearing nail polish.
Gel Polish
A gel polish manicure is an option for nail treatment that tends to be more durable than regular nail polish, but it does require proper application in order to be healthy. That is where a lot of women run into trouble. Unlike traditional nail polish or dip powder, gel polish must be cured with a UV light and curing your gel polish all the way through is key. Uncured gel polish can be absorbed by the nail bed and it can cause softness to your natural nails. Like most nail application methods, if applied and removed properly, gel polish should not damage your nails.
Acrylics
Acrylics are the most controversial nail enhancement and have the most variation in what they can do to your nails. Because of the strength of acrylics, you can have a nail length and shape that even the strongest natural nail could not achieve. The downside is that once you have acrylics applied, they bond so well with your nails that it can cause damage to the nail when its removed. Since you can’t soak acrylics off, they are usually removed with a drill, and for many women that means that the top layer can get damaged during that removal and leave their nails feeling weaker after removal.
Dip Powder: A Durable and Healthier Alternative
Dip powder nails have gained tremendous popularity due to their durability and natural finish. This technique involves applying a base coat, dipping the nails into colored powder, and sealing them with a top coat. Unlike traditional techniques like acrylic or gel, dip powder nails do not require any UV light exposure. This eliminates the potential harm caused by UV lights, making dip powder a healthier choice. Moreover, dip powder nails are known to be highly resistant to chipping and peeling, ensuring longer-lasting manicures. Another big benefit that a lot of women get from dip powder is how strong it is which leads to healthier nails. The strength of the dip powder usually allows them to grow their natural nails to a length they would normally never be able to reach.
Nail Strengthening Treatments
If you prefer to keep things natural, nail strengthening treatments are an ideal choice for maintaining healthy nails. These treatments provide the necessary nutrients and strength to enhance your natural nails' condition, preventing breakage and promoting growth.
As we enter the new era of nail care in 2024, prioritizing nail health is critical. By opting for durable and non-toxic options like dip powder nails, you can ensure the longevity of your manicures while minimizing potential health risks.