UV gel polishes were introduced in 2012 and revolutionised the industry. The polish was dry by the time the clients left the salon and while the service took slightly longer than the traditional manicure, it lasted two to three weeks. This new product revitalised nail services, as the UV gel polish manicure is an enhanced manicure that improves on the traditional manicure by being immediately dry and lasting longer.

O que há em um esmalte em gel UV?

UV gels are a two part system consisting of the gel-like UV gel and a UV lamp. Within the UV gel are a balance of oligomers (short chains of monomers), photo-initiators and catalysts. To create a proper cure the photo-initiators within the gel need to be exposed to UV light for the correct duration and at the correct intensity. This provides the energy for the reaction, and causes the initiators to start the reaction, the speed of which is controlled by the catalysts.

Os géis UV são cuidadosamente formulados e desenvolvidos para que a exposição à quantidade correta de luz UV sob uma lâmpada UV cure adequadamente o polimento no tempo determinado.

Precauções e problemas com os esmaltes em gel UV

It is essential that every provider of UV gel polish understands the science behind these nail products and the systems, and chooses a good brand that comes with sufficient instruction and education. To perform a safe UV gel manicure, the instructions need to be followed to the letter. Some brands on the market are not supported by good educational content or instruction, which makes them unsafe and possibly result in under-curing of the UV gel. Under-curing results in dangerous levels of unreacted oligomers within the coating that could be released during removal, possibly causing an allergic reaction.

Not every client is appropriate for a UV gel polish manicure or pedicure. It is up to the nail professional to conduct a thorough consultation and advise their client accordingly. The health of the nails is very important – damaged, thin or weak nails are not suitable for UV gel polishes as are any nails that are exhibiting nail conditions such as delamination. Only healthy nails should be worked on!

A evolução dos esmaltes em gel UV: Uma linha do tempo

• Introdução ao polimento em gel UV (1982)

  • A tecnologia de cura UV para produtos para unhas existe desde pelo menos 1982.
  • Traditional hard gels (builder gels) were already in use before gel polishes became widely popular.

• CND Shellac (2010)

  • CND introduzido Goma-laca em 2010 como um híbrido entre gel e esmalterequer luz UV para a cura, mas pode ser removido como um polimento comum.
  • Essa inovação mudou o setor ao tornar as manicures em gel mais acessíveis e fáceis de remover.

• Polonês em gel UV (2012)

  • Em 2012, mais marcas entraram no mercado com esmaltes em gel UV verdadeiros—not hybrids like Shellac.
  • Gelish (da Hand & Nail Harmony) é uma das marcas mais notáveis de esmalte em gel UV que ganhou amplo reconhecimento nessa época.
  • OPI GelColor também lançado por volta de 2012.