As of: February 16, 2024, 1:48 p.m
By: Julia Schuster
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Long-lasting, perfectly manicured fingernails – that’s what UV nail polish and nail foils promise.
© PantherMedia / Edward Derule
UV nail polish promises flawless nails for longer than traditional nail polish, the same applies to nail foils.
Everything you need to know about it.
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Everyone who likes to paint their nails knows the problem: As soon as the nails are freshly manicured, it doesn't take long until the first flaws appear in the paint.
Instead of regularly spending money on expensive gel nails in the nail salon, many people rely on UV nail polish or nail foils.
These products can easily be used at home.
They promise long-lasting, beautiful fingernails.
You can find out what this is all about in this article.
Table of contents
Is UV nail polish better than regular nail polish?
What is the best way to apply UV nail polish?
UV nail polish – also a trend on TikTok
Is UV nail polish harmful to nails?
How do I get UV varnish off?
Alternative to UV varnish: nail foils
Is UV nail polish better than regular nail polish?
UV nail polish is a mixture of UV gel and colored nail polish pigments.
The varnish is applied normally like its normal counterpart, but is then cured under a UV lamp.
While conventional nail polish often chips after just one or two days, UV nail polish lasts up to four weeks.
Although UV nail polish contains gel, the nails are less thick than traditional gel nails and therefore look more natural.
It also allows the nails to breathe better, which makes UV nail polish much gentler than gel.
What is the best way to apply UV nail polish?
You need a colored UV nail polish, a UV-suitable base and top coat and a UV lamp.
Once you have all the utensils together, proceed as follows:
Clean hands
Push back cuticles
Remove grease residue from nails
Apply base coat
Allow to cure under the UV lamp
Apply colored UV nail polish
Allow to cure under the UV lamp for about 120 seconds
If necessary, repeat points 6 and 7
Apply top coat
Allow to harden again under the UV lamp
Aokyom UV LED lamp for nails
Aokyom UV LED lamp for nails © Aokyom
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The UV lamp offers four drying times: 10s, 30s, 60s and 90s.
This allows you to adjust the drying time according to your needs.
The nail dryer is so large that you can put both hands or feet in it at the same time.
UV nail polish – also a trend on TikTok
Is UV nail polish harmful to nails?
UV nail polish does not damage the nails.
However, it should be borne in mind that the UV light required for curing can damage the skin.
It can cause premature aging and the development of skin cancer can be promoted.
However, since the UV radiation during a manicure at home is only of short duration, the risk is rather low.
If you want to be on the safe side, you can apply UV protection cream to your hands beforehand.
How do I get UV varnish off?
UV nail polish can be removed with a UV nail polish remover.
To remove it, proceed as follows:
Roughen the nails with a nail file.
Then place cotton pads soaked in the remover on the nails.
Wrap your nails and cotton pads in aluminum foil and let the remover work for about ten minutes.
Alternatively, you can also use so-called remover clips.
Carefully remove the varnish with a rosewood stick.
Alternative to UV varnish: nail foils
If you don't want to use UV nail polish, but still want long-lasting beautiful nails, you can use nail foils.
These are available in two different versions: as normal films and as UV films.
The products promise a shelf life of around two to three weeks.
In contrast to classic nail polish, you no longer have any problems with unclean edges with foils, as they are already modeled on the natural shape of the nail.
They are simply glued to the nails, the excess is carefully filed off and sealed with a top coat.
Like UV nail polish, the UV version is also cured under a UV lamp.
Another special feature of the foils is that instead of just plain nails, you can also have different patterns such as flowers, French tips or baby boomers.
How you can remove the foil depends on the type of foil.
Normal foils can be easily wiped off with nail polish remover.
UV films are carefully removed using a remover serum and a wooden stick.
Under no circumstances should you simply peel off the foils.
This can damage your nails.
Foils are also suitable for people with brittle fingernails.
However, the nails then require a little more care.
Use a base coat or nail hardener before sticking the foils on.
Between applications, we recommend extensive care with nail oil or a hand bath made from milk and olive oil.
Miss Sophie UV starter set – self-adhesive UV nail foils
Original Miss Sophie UV starter set © Miss Sophie
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Miss Sophie's UV starter set includes everything you need for a perfect manicure: two different UV gel wraps, a UV LED lamp, nail cleaning pads and nail oil.
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