1. UV GELS
Chapter 29

2. Introduction
UV gels enhancements rely on ingredients from the acrylic family
Wrap resins – subcategory called “cyanacrylics”
Monomer liquid/polymer powder nail enhancements are from the same category called “methacrylate”
UV gels contain monomers – related form called “oligomer”

3. “mono” meaning “one”
“poly” meaning “many”
“oligo” meaning “few”
Oligomer is a short chain of monomers not long enough to be considered a polymer
Monomers are liquid
Polymers are solids
Oligomers are in between – thick, gel-like, sticky

4. Traditionally – urethane acrylate Newer – urethane methacrylates
UV gels
Easy to apply
File
Maintain
Not as durable as methacrylate enhancements

5. Application process differs
Nail plate is properly prepared
Each layer of product applied requires exposure to UV light to cure or harden
Special lamp designed to emit proper type of UV light

6. One-color method Two-color-method One color applied to entire nail
two colors applied
Usually pink and white

7. Types of UV Gels UV Bonding Gels UV Building Gels
Increase adhesion to natural nail plate
Vary in consistency and chemical components
No strong odor
UV Building Gels
Thick-viscosity resin
Allows building of arch and curve to nail
Great for repairing cracks and breaks

8. Pigmented UV Gels UV Gel Polish Building & self leveling gels
Two-color method
Usually pink & white
Thinner
UV Gel Polish
Very thin viscosity
Packaged in a pot or bottle
Cure in UV lamp
Do not require drying time

9. UV Gloss Gel Wide array of colors
Sealing gel, finishing gel, shine gel
Creates a high shine
Inhibition layer – is a tacky surface left on the nail after a UV gel has cured
2 types – traditional & Tack-free gloss gels
Wide array of colors
Opacity – amount of colored pigment concentration in a gel, making it more or less difficult to see through

10. Application of UV Gel Nail Enhancements/ Supplies
UV gel lamps
Designed to produce the correct amount of UV light needed to cure products
UV gel products packaged in opaque pots or squeeze tubes to avoid exposure to UV light
(sunlight, tanning beds)
“Full spectrum bulbs” and “true color”
Shelf life may be shortened and harden on containers

12. Use the lamp designed for the UV Gels product
Wattage
Measure of how much electricity the bulb consumes
Use the lamp designed for the UV Gels product
Greater chance of success and fewer problems

13. UV light bulbs Stay blue for years
After a few months of use they may produce too little UV light to properly cure enhancement
Bulbs must be changed 2 – 3 times per year
If not changed regularly –
Service breakdown
Skin irritation/sensitivity

14. Brush
Synthetic bristles
Small
Flat
square

15. UV Gel Primer
Improve adhesion to natural plate
Follow mfg directions

16. Nail tips Use recommended tips for use with Gel products
Heed all precautions and recommendations

17. Nail Dehydrator Removes surface moisture and oil Both block adhesion
Prevents lifting

18. Nail Adhesive Select type best suited for work you are doing
Buy in small quantities
Shelf life of 6 months or less
Prolong shelf life
Close cap tightly
Store at 60° – 85° F

19. Abrasive Files & Buffers
Medium abrasive –
180 – 240 grit
Natural nail preparation
Medium fine grit
240 grit
smoothing
Fine buffer
350 grit or higher
finishing
High shine buffer – no polish is to be worn

20. UV Gel Application Pre-service
Complete preservice sanitation and disinfection procedures (Ch. 25)
Wash implements
Rinse implements
Immerse implements
Wash hands with liquid soap
Rinse and dry implements
Prepare work station with everything you need at your fingertips

21. Greet client with a smile
If first appointment, perform a consultation
If return visit, perform consultation – record responses and observations

22. Light-cured Gel Application
Pages 935 – 938 – One color method
Pages 939 – 941 – Two-color method

24. UV Gel Application Post-service
Make another appointment
Take-home product recommendation
Clean up around table
Clean brush
Discard used materials
Clean table - clean and disinfect implements and multiuse tools

25. UV Gel Application over Forms
Pages –

26. Maintenance and Removal of UV Gel EnhancementsPP
Rebalances every weeks
Use medium abrasive file (180 – 240 grit)
Thin and shape nail enhancement
Be careful to not damage the natural nail plate with the abrasive

27. Removing UV Gel Nail Enhancements
946 – 947, 950, 952
Read & follow mfg. directions
Removed quickly by reducing thickness with medium coarse file (120 – 180 grit) before soaking
Once begins to soften
Gently scrape it from nail plate
Use wooden pusher

28. Follow with gentle buffing of natural nail plate using fine buffer (350 grit or higher)
Condition surrounding skin with nail oil/lotion

29. Application of UV Gel over Forms

30. UV Gel over Monomer Liquid & Polymer Powder Nail Enhancements with UV Gel PolishPP