Gel Nail Care: Long-Lasting Tips & UV Gel Explained

Question
QUESTION: I've done a little bit of research on gel nails (which is what  I think I have) and am wondering how I take care of them for the long run.  Does the fake nail tip eventually shrink and disappear as the natural nail grows? I'm just wondering if I'm always suppose to have a fake nail tip.  The technician dipped a brush in a light purple liquid then in powder (one pink and one white).  A UV light was used at the end of the process.  Is this UV gel? What should I know about nail maintenance? Any recommendations?

Thanks so much!
~Steph

ANSWER: Dear Steph,
You most definately do NOT have UV Gel.  If powder and a purple liquid (monomer) was used, then they are most certainly Acrylic.  UV Gel NEVER has any powder whatsoever.  Not ever.
If they were put under a uv light afterwards, they "may" have (but no guarantee) a UV top coat on, which simply helps prevent cheap acrylic from yellowing and adding a permanent shine.

Please see this page on my site to learn more about NSS (non Standard salons) and their scams.  And to learn more on how to ascertain if you have quality enhancements or toxic acrylic:  http://ongles-chez-victoria.tripod.com/victoriasnails/id18.html

To maintain any enhancements,whether acryic or uv gel; they require refills/rebalances every 2 to 3 weeks.  To help prevent lift, use cuticle oil every day, rubbed into the surface of the enhancement.  Wear gloves when doing housekeeping (such as cleaning the bathroom or washing dishes).  A good rule of thumb is if you wouldn't put your face in it, don't put your hands in it. The skin on your hands is the same as that found on your skin; and neither your skin, natural nails, nor your enhancements should come in contact with harsh cleaning agents.

I hope this helps
best regards
Victoria

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Victoria.  Can you explain to me what the gel process is? Or direct me to a site that has pictures and descriptions so I'm not fooled again?

Thanks Again!
Steph

Answer
Dear Steph,
This is a 'tutorial" that shows the application of UV Gel.
It's for a sculpted french, so the steps will not be necessarily the same. Some technicians sculpt, and some use tips and overlay the gel onto the tip.
But at least this video will show you the different viscosities of gel and that there is no powder, nor liquid.
Please note: in the video, you don't actually see the hands go into a lamp.  It was edited for time. But they do go under a lamp.
http://www.gelessentialz.com/page/page/4768891.htm

Hope this helps
Best regards
Victoria