Chapter 29

Light Cured Gels

Learning Objectives

• Explain when you would use a one-color or two-color method for applying UV or LED gels.

• List the different types of light cured gels used in current systems.

• Identify the supplies needed for light cured gel application.

• Determine when to use light cured gels on your client.• List the four guidelines that will assist you in choosing

the proper light cured gel technology for your client.

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• Discuss the differences between light cured lamps and bulbs.

• Identify the advantages of using light cured gel polish.

• Describe how to maintain light cured gel nail enhancements.

• Explain how to correctly remove hard light cured gels.

• Identify the correct way to remove soft light cured gels.

Learning Objectives (continued)

• Light cured gel– Also known as UV and LED gel– A type of nail enhancement product that hardens when

exposed to a UV or LED light source

• Light cured gel is an increasingly popular method for nail enhancement services.

Introduction

Comprehend the Chemistry of Light Cured Gels

• Oligomer – a short chain of monomer liquids that is often thick, sticky, and gel-like and that is not long enough to be considered a polymer.

• Light cured gels rely on a special type of acrylate called a urethane acrylate, while newer light cured gel systems use urethane methacrylates.

• A chemical within the product, called a photoinitiator initiates the polymerization reaction.

Describe Light Cured Gels

• The different light cured gels– Thin-viscosity gels– Medium-viscosity gels– Thick-viscosity gels

– Building or sculpting gels. • The one-color method – one color of gel is

applied over the entire surface of the nail • The two-color method – two colors of resin are

used to overlay the nail

Types of Light Cured Gels

• Bonding gels

• Building gels

• Self-leveling gels

• Pigmented gels

• Gel polish

• Glossing gel

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Name the Supplies Required for Light Cured Gels

• Light curing gel lamp

• Application brush

• Gel primer or bonding gel

• Light cured gel

• Nail forms

• Nail tips

• Nail adhesive

• Nail dehydrator

• Abrasive files and buffers

• Cleansing solution

• Lint-free cleansing wipes

Name the Supplies Required for Light Cured Gels (continued)

Storing Light Cured Gels

• Be sure that lids are on tight and containers are upright to avoid leakage.

• Gels should be stored in a dark, cool place to prolong the life of the product.

When to Use Light Cured Gels

• Can be used anytime depending on the needs of your client.

• As a professional, you should recommend the products that you feel will perform best for your clients.

Choose the Proper Light Cured Gel Technology

• Flat fingernails – thicker building gel

• Arched or curved fingernails – self-leveling gel

• Frequent breaks – gel with fiberglass

Distinguish the Difference Between Light Cured Bulbs and Lamps

• UV bulb – emits UV radiation• UV lamp – a specialized

electronic device that powers and controls UV bulbs

• LED (light emitting diodes) – will cure LED gels.

• LED lamp – a specialized electronic device that powers and controls LEDs.

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Specify the Advantages of Light Cured Gel Polish

• Cure rather than dry

• Do not imprint or smudge while lacquer is drying

• Do not thicken over time

• Last longer in the bottle

Relate Nail Art to Light Cured Gels

• Light cured gels can be a very lucrative nail art medium.

Perform Light Cured Gel Maintenance and Removal

• Every two weeks

• Use 180-grit abrasive file.

• Remove oils for better adhesion.

• File with a lighter touch than on ML/PP.

Light Cured Gel Removal

• Hard (traditional) UV and LED gels – cannot be removed with acetone; must be filed off

• Soft UV and LED gels – removed by soaking in acetone

• It is important to learn another procedure for applying beautiful and durable nail enhancements.

• As a professional in the cosmetology field, it’s important to have a thorough understanding of and competent skill level in every nail enhancement procedure in order to properly consult with clients to choose the enhancement procedure that best suits their needs.

Summary and Review

1. Describe the chemistry and main ingredients of light cured gels. 

2. When would you use a one-color method of applying light cured gels? When would you use a two-color method for applying light cured gels?

3. What are the different types of light cured gels found in current systems?

4. What supplies are needed for light cured gel application?

Chapter Review Questions

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5. When should you use light cured gels?

6. When should you use a building gel, a self-leveling gel, or a light cured gel that uses fiberglass?

7. What are the differences between light cured lamps and light cured bulbs?

Chapter Review Questions (continued)

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8. List the steps to use when applying one-color, light cured gel on tips or natural nails.

9. Describe how light cured gels are applied over forms.

Chapter Review Questions (continued)

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10. Describe how to maintain light cured gel nail enhancements.

Chapter Review Questions (continued)