Polygel, also known as acrylic gel, is essentially the same product regardless of what you call it. Polygel is a blend of acrylic and gel. It needs to cure under a UV/LED lamp.

It's incredibly easy to work with because you can take all the time you need. Unlike acrylic, it doesn't air dry, and it's not as fluid as gel, so you have plenty of time to sculpt the perfect shape.

The consistency of acrylic gel is quite solid, so you need to use a cleanser to shape the product. Dip the brush in our cleanser and then gently dab it on a clean wipe. Remember to do this continuously while shaping the polygel. Once the brush is damp, you're ready to shape the polygel.

When shaping the product, it's important not to take the brush and push the product around. Instead, gently dab the product onto the nail.

Before you start applying Poly Gel, refer to our guide: Step 1 NAIL PREP.

After completing thorough prep, it's time to apply the Poly Gel.

• If you're a beginner, I would strongly recommend working on one nail at a time. It might take a bit longer, but you'll ensure a really good result.
• Remember, if you get the product on your skin, remove it immediately using a cuticle stick or a remover pen.
• When creating nail extensions, it's crucial to create something called the apex. The apex is the thickest part of the nail, positioned in the center. The apex provides stability and durability to the nail. Normally, the apex is shaped like a small arch on the nail. A proper apex contributes to the strength and longevity of the nail, preventing easy breakage or cracking.
  

STEP BY STEP - NAIL EXTENSION WITH POLYGEL USING NAIL FORMS

After completing your PREP, you can start applying the product.

1. Nail forms
   Slide the template under your nail, ensuring there's no air between the nail and the template.
2. Base Coat
   Apply a thin layer of base coat, massage the Base Coat into the nail. Once you're satisfied with the layer you've applied, cure it for 60 seconds under a UV/LED lamp.
   It's normal to have a sticky layer after curing. Don't remove it, as it helps the next layer adhere.
3. Polygel Nail Extension
   Squeeze a small bead of polygel, use our 2-in-1 polygel tool and the spatula to pick up the acrylic gel.
   Place the acrylic gel at the transition between the edge of the nail and the template.
   Take your 2-in-1 polygel tool, using the brush side. Remember to dip the brush in our cleanser and then dab it on a clean wipe. Once the brush is damp, you're ready to shape the polygel.
   Now, shape the desired nail extension. Ensure the polygel makes contact with the natural nail.
   Once satisfied, cure for 60 seconds under a UV lamp.
   Gently remove the template.
4. Polygel on the Entire Nail
   Squeeze a bead of polygel, this time use enough product to cover the entire nail. Place the polygel in the center of the nail using your spatula.
   Dip the brush in our cleanser and lightly dab on a clean wipe, so the brush isn't overly wet.
   Start by brushing some product towards the cuticle edge, ensuring an even and thin layer. The product mustn't touch the skin; if it does, remove it with our remover pen or a cuticle stick.
   Once satisfied with the application at the cuticle edge, work your way down the nail. Distribute the product evenly and smoothly.
   Once done, cure for 60 seconds.
5. File and Prep
   When your Polygel is fully cured, wipe off the sticky layer with cleanser.
   Now it's time to file the nail. Start by shaping the form. When satisfied, file the entire nail surface until it's even and smooth.
   Finish filing by buffing the entire nail surface.
   Use a wipe with plenty of cleanser to remove dust and debris from the nail.
6. Color Coat
   If you don't want a gel polish color but just the color of your chosen polygel, proceed to step number 7. Apply the chosen color in a thin layer, remembering to seal the free edge of the nail. Cure for 60 seconds under a UV/LED lamp. Apply a second coat in the same way and cure for 60 seconds again. You might need a third coat if the chosen color isn't very pigmented. Apply the third coat as you did with the previous color coats.
7. Top Coat
   Apply a thin layer of top coat, ensuring to seal the tip of the nail to secure the gel polish. Cure the top coat for 60 seconds under your UV/LED lamp.
8. Nail Oil
   Finish by massaging nail oil around the cuticles, skin around the nails, and under the nails.
   

And voila, you now have beautiful nails.

How did your result turn out? Feel free to share it with us, either on our Facebook group or tag @nailie_com on Instagram.