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Nail enhancement techniques are becoming popular day by day. Along with taking care of the body and face, nails are also getting enough attention. This is because people are trying to make them noticeable like other parts of their body. There are so many nail treatments including nail art, manicures, and pedicures available in the present world. Manicures are one of the most popular and effective nail treatments to ensure healthy nails while making them look great. No chip and gel are also two popular types of manicures that involve applying coats and hardening them under UV light.
So, how no chip manicure or gel manicure is different or the same? No chip manicure requires two coats of gel polish along with a sealer and a base coat. On the other hand, gel polishes involve applying a base coat, gel nail polish, and a top coat. Except for this difference, almost all are similarities between gel and a no-chip manicure. The application procedure, lasting power, removal process, and drying time are almost the same for gel and a no-chip manicure. Follow the precautions, tips, and tricks to get the best and your desired manicure.
What is No-Chip and Gel Manicure?
There might be a lot of different types of manicures out there, but the two best types of manicures are considered to be no-chip manicures and gel manicures. Here is a brief discussion on both these types of manicures.
No-Chip Manicure
A no-chip manicure refers to a manicure that requires two coats of gel polish along with a sealer and a base coat. The coats are then hardened under UV light which makes them tough and ultra-durable. No chipping happens in this manicure. The sealing and application process makes this manicure long-lasting. No chip nails can last up to two weeks and it is an alternative term for gel nails. After filing, buffing, and cleaning, the nails are prepared for a no-chip manicure.
After that, a special base coat is applied with two more coats of gel polish and sealed with a top coat. These coats are then cured under a UV light. A no-chip manicure is a hybrid type o gel manicure that is considered the thinner version of gel nail treatment. This process helps to reshape your nails with an extra length. This manicure can last for two to three weeks on average without chipping. Several coats of nail polishes are applied in a no-chip manicure that can only be removed with acetone.
Gel Manicure
A gel manicure involves using a type of nail polish that requires using a UV or LED light to cure the polish. In this process, the nails are cut, shaped, and filed. A soft gel is used in this process to create a shiny and long-lasting finish. Generally, three coats of nail polish are applied in this process-a base coat, gel nail polish, and a top coat. A gel manicure is almost the same as a traditional manicure. The UV or LED lamp is used to cure the nails for long-lasting wear. Gel manicures are also resistant to chips like no-chip manicures.
This is an artificial nail enhancement that is made of gel. Gel nails are lightweight and make you feel like natural nails. The gel nail polish is applied in layers and cured under a UV or LED lamp to harden the gel. Finally, a topcoat is applied to seal the polish and provide a high-gloss finish. Gel nails are of different shapes and lengths and the application process is fast. The gel is a semi-permanent gel that can last up to a month. A gel manicure is a super simple way to achieve great nails.
Gel nails are generally safe for most people to use. For this, it is important to use a reputable salon that follows proper safety measures as an improper application can damage the natural nails. Gel nails must be removed carefully to avoid damaging the natural nails. You can use acetone or any other nail polish remover until the gel gets soft and can gently be removed.
Is No Chip the Same as Gel Nails?
No chip manicure is almost the same as gel nails. The significant difference between these two is that no chip manicure involves two coats of gel polishes after a base coat. And finally, it is sealed with a top coat and cured under UV light. But gel nail polish involves a base coat, gel nail polish, and a top coat.
A gel manicure is long-lasting, super durable, and is not easily chipped and that’s why it is the same as the no-chip manicure. No-chip manicures can be called the same as gel nails because both of these manicures involve a base coat, two coats of gel-based nail polishes, and a sealing top coat. Moreover, both of the nails are hardened under UV or LED lamps so that they don’t chip easily and last longer.
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What Makes No Chip Nails The Same As Gel Nails?
No-chip nails are almost the same as gel nails. The characteristics of no chip-nails and gel nails show how similar or different they are. Besides, the application procedure, drying time, or removal process also proves it to be almost similar to the other.
- Staying Power: A no-chip manicure can last for two to three weeks. However, you can make them last longer by using cuticle oil. Because cuticle oil helps to keep your nails healthy and hydrated. Gel manicure also lasts for two to three weeks if applied and maintained correctly.
- Chipping Difficulty: In terms of chipping, there is a similarity between these two. Both of the nails can last for two to three weeks without any chipping. So, there is no chipping difficulty found in these two types of nails.
- Application procedure: The application procedure for these two nails is also the same. Basic preparation and cleaning are required for both nails application. A special base coat with two more gel coats is applied and then cured under UV light for 30-45 seconds.
- Cost and Time: Special manicures such as no chip, shellac, gel, or acrylics require almost the same time and money. For both nails, the time and cost depend on so many factors like location, nail technician, experience level, and so on.
- Damage to Nails: The removal process for both gel and no chip manicures can result in nail damage if it is done with impatience. Whether it is a gel or no-chip manicure, you can use Acetone to remove the layer. So, maintaining the correct removal process is needed for avoiding damage to nails.
- Removal process: The removal method of no chip and gel manicure is also the same. It involves soaking the nails in acetone for a few minutes and then remove safely. Check the nails if it has loosened up before removing it finally to avoid nail breakage.
- Drying Time: As both nail polishes are sealed under UV or LED lamps, it takes about 1 to 2 minutes to dry up the nails completely. But you should keep in mind that the curing time can vary from a few seconds so some minutes based on nail type and the UV lamp.
- Color Options: There are so many colors available for both no-chip and gel manicures. There are some classic, bold, and natural shades available for both of the nails. So, you can choose any of the manicures for enjoying different colors of nails.
Precautions for No Chip and Gel Nail
For getting the best outcome of your manicure, you must follow some rules and precautions. There are some precautions to follow for a no-chip and gel manicure.
- Risks associated with UV Light Exposure: The risk of cancer increases with exposure to UV light. Sunscreen is mainly advised to stay away from the side effects of UV rays. As UV lights are used to harden and cure the nails in both no-chip and gel manicures, you must be conscious of the side effects while using this. Avoid doing these nails if you have skin problems because these problems can skin cancer or nail bed melanoma.
- Risks Associated with Acetone Remover: No chip and gel nails are removed with acetone. Acetone is a very dehydrating agent that can make your nails thinner and brittle. Besides, your nails will be more likely to break and cause fungal infections. Give your nails enough breathing time to minimize those risks and keep them safe and sound.
FAQs
1. Does no chip weaken nails?
No chip manicure does not usually weaken your nails. If you keep your no-chip manicure for an extended time, your nails may get thinner and weaker after the coat comes off.
2. What is the healthiest manicure for your nails?
A basic manicure along with the right polishes is the healthiest manicure for your nails. Choose a breathable nail polish that does not use harsh chemicals. Choose an organic nail polish that contains vitamins and hydration for your nails.
3. What are the benefits of a no-chip manicure?
A no-chip manicure has so many benefits including lasting power, strength to protect weak nails, requires less maintenance, and so on. All these benefits of a no-chip manicure make it a good choice for people to do their nails.
4. Why is my no-chip manicure peeling?
Too much water can cause your nails to expand. As a result, the nails can chip or peel when you apply any polishes. Many nail technicians recommend using acetone before applying nail polish to prevent these issues.
5. What are the problems with gel nails?
Gel nails contain some ingredients like acrylate and methacrylate that cause allergic reactions, irritations, or rashes. So, people with sensitive skin should go for these nails after knowing the side effects. Besides, when removing your gel nails, they can get damaged permanently.
Final Thoughts
No chip and gel both are very popular types of manicures. No chip manicure involves two coats of gel polishes while gel manicure involves a base coat, gel polish, and a top coat. No chip and gel in both manicures are cured under exposure to UV light. The differences are very little; these two manicures are almost the same. The similarities between no-chip manicures and gel are found in their staying power, chipping, cost and time, removal process, drying time, application procedure, color options, and so on. You must follow some precautions and measures to get your best no-chip or gel manicure.
Key Points
- A no-chip manicure is a hybrid type of gel manicure that involves applying two coats of gel polish along with a sealer and a base coat.
- A gel manicure refers to a manicure that involves a base coat, gel nail polish, and a top coat.
- No chip and gel manicure has so many similarities except for a few differences.
- The staying power, application procedure, cost and time, chipping, drying time, removal process, and color options are almost the same for no chip and gel manicure.
- There are some risks associated with the UV light exposure and the use of acetone. So, keep those in mind before going for no-chip or gel nails.
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