Have you tried poly gel yet? It’s an innovative nail enhancement that blends the benefits of gel polish and acrylics. This unique hybrid is fast becoming a favorite among professionals and nail enthusiasts. It’s ideal for overlays, extensions, and sculptured nail art because it’s flexible, lightweight, durable, and easy to use. Several brands are taking on this trend now. We're not surprised that everyone is anxious for the best poly gel nail reviews to decide where to start.
Poly gel’s premixed putty-like texture is a game changer. Unlike acrylics, it doesn’t require the right balance of monomer and powder. Instead, it’s ready to use right out of the tube. Moreover, it stays exactly where you place it. Shape it however you like because it will only dry once you cure it in a nail lamp.
What’s more, poly gel has no odor. That’s a relief for those who want to avoid the pungent scent of acrylics. It's compatible with gel polish and lacquer, so it can be painted. It’s also easier to remove than acrylics without extensive filing. However, there’s no reason to change it often. Poly gel can stay on the nails indefinitely. Just fill it in near the cuticle every three or four weeks.
Which Poly Gel Is Best?
We admit our bias. We love LAVIS Poly Extension Gel for several reasons. But first, let’s see what other brands are popular.
There’s Gelish, who invented PolyGel. It hit the nail scene around 2017, according to NAILS Magazine. That's not surprising, as Gelish also created the first brush in the bottle gel polish. This brand offers a handful of colors, including clear, white hues, and pink shades. For convenience, they sell kits with the double-ended poly tool and slip solution for sculpting.
You may have heard of Modelones, which now has Tom Bachik as its brand ambassador. They have an impressive selection of colors. Also, they package the poly nail gel in kits with nail forms for doing extensions and overlays.
Sadly, nail artists need caution when shopping for poly gel. There are cheap imitations out there with harmful chemicals. If you love doing nails, it’s no fun to develop an allergy or a fungal infection from inferior products. Instead, it's wise to seek out brands that take pride in their offerings.
Finally, there’s LAVIS. Their Poly Extension Gel is designed for professionals yet beginner-friendly. It comes in eighteen colors, including glitters. Therefore, you might not even need to paint it!
Let’s review the best poly gel LAVIS offers, including what you need to use it.
What You Need for Poly Gel
Doing a poly gel manicure is more straightforward than doing acrylics, as fewer steps and products are needed. Here's what you'll want on hand:
- Manicure tools, including a 180-grit file for shaping the poly gel after it cures
- Slip solution or rubbing alcohol for shaping the gel—otherwise, it will stick to the brush
- Base and top coats the same as you’d use for a gel manicure
- A nail lamp, either UV or LED
- Nail forms for shaping extensions if desired
- Acetone for clean-up
- Lint-free wipes
- Poly gel, of course!
Our only criticism of LAVIS at the time of writing is that they need to have all-in-one kits for beginners.
Now that you have all your tools ready, here’s how to apply poly gel.
How to Apply Poly Gel
Step 1: Nail Prep
Trim, shape, and cleanse your nails the same as you would for a gel manicure. There’s no need for a dehydrator. However, it may be beneficial to use a primer if you have oily nails. Otherwise, just clean the natural oil off with acetone or alcohol before applying the base coat.
Step 2: The Base
Brush on the base coat and cure it.
Step 3: The Poly Gel
It’s easiest to choose the correct mold sizes for each finger first. Then, use the spatula to cut off a bead of poly gel from the tube as you squeeze it. Place the bead inside the plastic mold and dip your brush in slip solution or alcohol. Pat the gel smooth until it reaches the length you want. Flip the mold over and gently press it into place on your nail. If you have clips, they can help hold the mold in place. While the finger is upside down, use the brush to further flatten and shape the gel if needed. Finally, cure the finger in the nail lamp. Depending on the wattage, it will probably take a couple of minutes. Remember to rock your hand side to side so the light penetrates.
Step 4
Remove the mold and shape the hardened poly gel with the 180-grit file. Next, cleanse with the slip solution and a nail wipe.
Step 5
Paint the poly gel another color if you wish, add embellishments, or just brush on the top coat. Ta-da!
How to Choose the Best Poly Gel
Obviously, colors and the price matter. But those aren’t the only factors to consider when choosing poly gel. Make sure the brand you get is odorless and non-toxic. There’s no need for harsh chemicals.
Moreover, check the reviews. We know there are fake ones, but you can also see the general trend. Nail enthusiast sub-Reddits are helpful, too. You could also ask at your favorite salon to see what they use.
Look at the manufacturer—are they US-based? What do they specialize in? Is their poly gel salon quality and approved by professionals? Do they provide clear instructions and have the other tools you need?
LAVIS makes its products in the USA. Their Poly Extension Gel comes in a beautiful variety of single colors or multi-color packs. And if you check the Poly Extension Gel ingredients, you’ll find that they are widely used in cosmetic products and generally considered safe.
Here are examples of LAVIS POLY Extension Gel in action:
LAVIS Poly Extension Gel 15ml - 11 - Coffee
LAVIS Poly Extension Gel - 006 - Dark Pink
LAVIS Poly Extension Gel 15ml - 06 - Milk White
LAVIS Poly Extension Gel 15ml - 13 - Fairy Frost
Conclusion
We hope you found the poly gel nail reviews helpful. If you seek a way to strengthen and lengthen nails with less effort and expense, poly gel is the way to go.
While you’re here, check out our new arrivals and see what’s trending in the nail world. Also, get free shipping on orders over $75!