What Are Semi Cured Gel Nails?
(revamped February 1st, 2024)
Semi cured gel nails are the key to achieving a professional salon look from the comfort of your home. These nail stickers have become increasingly popular since the pandemic, and for some people, they have completely replaced their manicures, and they love the switch. You should read on if you want to know more about these magic nail stickers upping everyone's manicure game.
This blog explains what semi-cured nails are, including how they differ from regular nails. We also discuss the pros and cons of semi-cured nail stickers, where you can buy them, and how you can apply them from the comfort of your home.
Semi-Cured Gel Nails
Semi-cured gel nails are pre-made nails partially cured (60%) with a UV light. They are made of real gel nail polish, which makes them flexible and stretchy to fit all sizes of nails perfectly. Unlike traditional liquid gel nails, they don't need to be filed or shaped with a nail file and come in an array of colors and designs. Once applied to the nails, they are cured under a UV light for up to two minutes and can last up to three weeks with proper care.
These semi-cured gel nail strips not only look like professionally done gel nails but also provide convenience since you don't have to leave your house or wait around in line at the nail salon. In addition, removal is easy as you can peel off the semi-cured nail strips without any soaking or harsh chemicals needed, which makes it great for people who want to keep their gel mani game fresh but don't have time for lengthy salon visits every other week.
What Is The Difference Between Semi-Cured Nails And Regular Nails?
The main difference between semi-cured nails and regular nails is the curing process. A UV light partially cures semi-cured nails before they are applied to your nails and the remaining curing process takes place after the nail wrap is applied to the nails. This allows the gel to mold to each nail shape. Regular polish on the other hand requires air drying from 10 minutes to an hour, depending on the type of polish used. Thus, semi-cured nails last longer than regular nail polish since it has already been cured.
In addition, regular nail polish tends to chip more easily, which can cause it to look dull and uneven after a few days, whereas with semi-cured wraps, your manicure will stay intact for up to three weeks if you take good care of them.
Are Semi-Cured Gel Nail Strips Safe?
Gel nail strips and wraps are a safe and effective way to get beautiful nails without needing nail salons. Unlike regular nail polish, semi-cured nail wraps are virtually odorless and since they are not wet, there's no wet mess or chemicals that touch the skin. Additionally, unlike acrylics, these nail wraps don't require filing or buffing of the natural nail, so there is no risk of damaging your nails.Where Can You Buy Semi-Cured Nails?
When choosing semi-cured nail stickers, ensure you get a quality product from a trusted brand, as not all brands will offer the same result. To help make nails stronger and protect them against chips and breakage, don't forget to use cuticle oil nightly. It's best to opt for cuticle oils that contain natural ingredients such as vitamins and minerals. Gellydrops is the perfect one-stop-shop for all your semi-cured nail needs, as we offer high-quality nails at competitive prices and carry an amazing selection of top-brand semi-cured nails which are completely safe to use. We also sell quality nail care tools, from gel lamps to Ohora's pro nourishing nail oil and loose skin remover to give you the perfect gel manicure experience. To top it all off, We offer free shipping in the US for orders above $35. Here are some reviews from our customers:
Kelly Swenson Shares:
"So, I was on the color street thing from the beginning. The thing about them is it didn’t feel like a salon manicure. I have tried a few brands from here and other online places and some retail stores. This is the only place that seemed to care that I had a good experience; they always have new stock, and they have all kinds of other things to make it a fun at-home experience and easy.. by far, my favorite gel manicure at home shop online.. or in person!"Loveis Wilson Shares:
"Since the start, I have loved Gellydrops. They are always bringing new fun things to try; you can count on them to be soo nice whenever anything comes up.. because buying online means things do happen. And literally, they have all the best brands and styles in one place. Love them:)) thank you from a DIY mama!"
How To Apply Semi-Cured Nail Stickers At Home
The application process for semi-cured nails is super easy and doesn't require special tools or equipment. All you need is a cuticle pusher, nail scissors or clippers, and a UV or led lamp. Some brands that we carry such as Edgeu nails don't require a UV lamp.
Prep Your Nails
First, prep your nails by pushing back the cuticles and buffing them clean. Then wipe your nails with an included swab to remove any oils or dirt that may be present.Choose The Gel Nail Wrap
Next, choose the size of the semi-cured gel nail wrap that fits each finger and gently peel off each piece's protective film. Make sure to press down firmly around the edges and near the cuticle line for a secure fit.Trim Off Excess Wrap
Finally, trim away any excess wrap with nail clippers or scissors. Then Cure with UV/LED light. Smooth nail tips by gently filing nails after curing.Apply Top Coat
Optional (But Highly Recommended), apply Top Coat Gel. Applying Top Coat Gel requires curing nails again in a led light until they are completely dry - hard and smooth (about 1 to 3 minutes).
Extending Your SCG Nails
Extended nails are a popular choice among those who want to add a touch of glamour to their manicure. They can make your hands appear more elegant and feminine, and they can also be a fun way to experiment with different nail designs and colors. Semi cured gel nail stickers can be extended to create longer nails if desired. This is a popular trend among those who want to achieve a more dramatic and glamorous look. By adding length to the semi cured gel nail stickers, you can create a stunning manicure that is sure to turn heads.
To extend your semi cured gel nail stickers, you can use nail tips or nail forms such as UUUUU's Magical Extension Kit.
They come in various shapes and sizes, allowing you to customize the length and shape of your extended nails. Nail forms, on the other hand, are flexible guides that are placed under the natural nail to create an extension. They provide a more natural-looking result and allow for greater customization. The best thing is that they are reusable anytime!
Once you have chosen your preferred method of extension, you can apply the semi cured gel nail stickers as usual. Make sure to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for the best results. After applying the stickers, you can trim and shape the extended nails to your desired length and shape.
How To Remove Semi-Cured Nails
Removing semi-cured nails is quick and doesn't require soaking or harsh chemicals. All you need is two to three drops of removing serum, either store-bought or homemade (mixing acetone and cuticle oil), at the edge where your nail meets your skin.
Apply The Removing Serum and Lift
Let the solution sit on your nails for a minute before using the included wooden nail tool to lift the gel sticker off your nail. Start from the lower part of your nail and work toward the nail tip – do this slowly and steadily for the best results! If your gel sticker is still strongly bonded with your nail, apply additional serum between the gel sticker and the nail before continuing to lift it off with the wooden tool. Finally, wipe away any remaining serum or residue with a soft cloth. Here are some extra-special tips from us to help you apply semi-cured nail stickers at home like a pro!- Keep your semi-cured nails away from UV light at all times, as this will cause them to cure and become difficult to remove.
- Store your semi-cured nails in the original packaging or box for maximum protection from UV light.
- If you are in-between sizes, opt for a smaller size over a larger one.
- Gently stretch each nail sticker to fit the shape of your finger or toe before applying.
- For a high stretch, place the gellies over a cup of warm water and let the steam soften the nail strips or gently warm them up between the palms of your hands.
- Always avoid sticking gel nail wraps on the cuticle line or skin of fingers, as this will cause the gellies to lift prematurely after application.
- Spend time getting the edges pressed down before curing in a UV lamp.
