Pampering yourself with a nail makeover is a fun way to express yourself. If you have gel nails and are thinking about using regular nail polish, you might wonder if it will work out. We've researched to give you the best advice.
In this guide, we'll share how to apply regular polish over gel nails right at home. Plus, we’ll suggest some products to help you achieve a salon-quality look affordably. Let’s get into how you can give your gel nails a new look with regular polish!
Gel Vs. Regular Nail Polish
The main difference between a gel manicure and a traditional polish is that the gel is much more durable. A gel manicure uses a thick bonding liquid that coats your nails with a stronger polish layer and lasts anywhere between two and three weeks.
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Regular nail polish is much lighter and more fragile than gel and will last you about a week on average. You can use both gel and regular nail polish on your natural nails.
LOKFAR 6 Color Matte Nail Polish Set
Here is a regular polish from LOKFAR that will work well on top of gel nails. According to the manufacturer's description, this polish set has a matte look and is easy to apply to already-painted nails.
Gellen Gel Nail Polish Set
Here is another gel nail set we found from the Gellen Store for you to try out. This set is a fresh summer color palette but does come in other polish options.
How Long Does It Take For Gel Nail Polish To Air Dry?
Choosing to air dry your gel nails is easier said than done when it comes to the quality of your finished nails. It will take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes to dry out your gel nails enough to resume daily activities, which seems like an eternity to many.
Air drying also comes with running and smudging your polish, so keep that in mind if you take this route. If you prefer a salon-quality look, we recommend investing in a UV/LED drying lamp for your nails.
Can You Use Gel Polish Without UV Light?
If you use gel polish and do not have a UV drying light, you are not entirely out of luck. Although UV light will dry your nails faster and give them a smoother, higher-quality look, air drying is also possible.
The gel is a very thick liquid polish, so air drying could take up to half an hour, which might not be ideal for your schedule. If you can find a UV nail dryer, we suggest getting your hands on one rather than risking a chunky, smudged manicure.
UV/LED Professional Grade Nail Dryer
Here, we have a professional-grade UV nail dryer from JEWHITENY that will dry your gel nails and make them look fabulous in no time. This machine has three drying settings and is specifically made to work with gel polish nails.
For tips on drying time, consider reading our article: 'How Long Does Nail Polish Take To Dry Completely?'
Do UV Nail Dryers Work On Regular Nail Polish?
If you already have a UV or LED drying lamp, you can certainly use it on regularly painted nails. A drying lamp's primary purpose is to improve quality and dry time, no matter the polish you are using.
We recommend a drying lamp for your nails regardless of your polish to ensure your manicure turns out as perfect as possible. There are plenty of smaller and more affordable UV lamps available for at-home manicures, helping you achieve a professional look for less.
GreenLife UV Portable Nail Dryer
Here is a great nail dryer from GreenLife that is perfect for on-the-go manicures and only takes 30 to 60 seconds to dry. This dryer has three dry settings and promises to be portable and compact for travel.
What Can You Use Instead Of A Gel Base Coat?
If you don't feel like using gel polish for your base coat, we suggest using a simple white, non-gel polish or just deep nail cleaning.
The purpose of a base coat is to make your nail smoother, so your actual polish will adhere to it without looking textured or uneven.
Cleaning your nails with an acetone polish remover will also smooth them out and get them ready for your primary nail polish. Another way to get your nails ready to paint without using a base coat is to buff them out using a standard nail file or kit.
OPI Lacquer White Nail Polish
Here, we have a simple white polish from OPI that is a great base coat alternative and will get your nails ready to be painted. This polish has a sheer finish and comes in a few different shades.
Here is an acetone nail polish remover from Pronto that will make your nails feel extra clean. This remover promises to safely remove existing polish and smooth out your nails for new polish.
Semme Manicure Buffing And Polishing Kit
Here, we have a nail cleaning and buffing kit from Semme that will get your nails ready for paint. This kit comes with buffing cream, a nail buffing brush, and a polishing strip.
Is Gel Good For Nails?
When it comes to whether gel polish is safe or not for your actual nail health, the answer is yes and no. This is an excellent example of too much of a good thing going wrong and can cause damage to your natural nails.
The recommended time for gel polish to be on your nails is about two weeks, and then you should take a break for about the same time.
Keeping gel polish on your nails for an extended period can cause severe peeling, brittleness, and, in extreme cases, skin cancer.
To understand more about the durability of gel treatments and how often you should opt for them, read our detailed guide in the article: "How Long Does A Gel Pedicure Last? [And How Often To Get One!]:"
Gel Polish Alternatives
If you currently need a break from gel polish, there are plenty of great alternatives you can try on your nails. Our top picks are natural-made polishes, or adhesive nail wraps to try in between gel manicures.
Natural ingredient polishes are safer for your nails and keep them looking healthy and strong. We recommend researching polish ingredients before making a purchase that might save your natural nails.
Sally Hansen - Good. Kind. Pure Plant-Based Vegan Nail Polish
Here is a vegan nail polish option from Sally Hansen that will allow your nails to heal between gel sessions. This polish is made with all-natural ingredients and comes in a variety of eye-catching colors.
786 Cosmetics Breathable Vegan Nail Polish
Here is another nail-friendly polish that is both vegan and cruelty-free from 786 Cosmetics. This all-natural nail polish comes in a variety of colors and promises to be high-quality and fast-drying.
WOKOTO 20 Sheet Adhesive Nail Wrap
Here, we have a self-adhesive nail wrap set from WOKOTO that is a great in-between option for your nails. This set comes with 20 sheets of different colored nail wraps you can try at home without glue or harsh chemicals.
Final Thoughts on Gel Manicures
Gel nails offer a long-lasting, low-maintenance style, and you can definitely use regular nail polish on them to change your look. For the best results, use a UV or LED lamp to dry the polish smoothly and professionally.
Remember to give your nails a break between gel applications to keep them healthy. Apply regular polish on gel nails thinly to avoid a clunky finish, as the existing gel coat already adds thickness. This way, you'll maintain a sleek appearance.
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