Extension with Polygel using Dual Forms

Step by Step

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  1. Prepare your nails

  Before you start working with your Polygel, you need to prepare your nails. You can find our full guide on how to prep your nails in our guide universe. But if you are experienced in doing nails, you know the routine: Wash hands, cuticle pusher, trim, buff, wipe, PH-Bond, Primer. With the preparations done, let’s take a look at Polygel with Dual Forms.

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  2. Apply your Base Coat

  Start by applying a thin layer of Base Coat to the nail. It is important that your Base Coat gets close to both the sides and base of the nail without touching the skin around it. If you happen to touch the surrounding skin or your cuticles, you must remove it before curing the product. For this, you can use our Micro Brush dipped in Cleanser to remove the product. Cure the Base Coat in our UV/LED lamp for 60 seconds.

  Note that the Base Coat leaves a sticky layer after curing – this is completely normal and must not be removed or touched.

  You can use all our Polygel products for extensions. At Nailster, we have Polygel in clear, in colors, with and without glitter.

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  3. Choose your Dual Forms

  Once your nails are prepared, you need to find the right size Dual Form for each nail. It is important that the Dual Form you choose covers the entire natural nail plate and reaches all the way to both sides of the nail. To make application easier, it’s a good idea to have all your Dual Forms ready so you have a clear overview when you begin the application. This is important because you will be working on one nail at a time.

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  4. Apply your Polygel

  Once your Base Coat has cured, you are ready to apply Polygel. Do this by pressing a small amount of Polygel into the Dual Form that matches the width of your natural nail. You can either press the product directly from your Polygel tube into the Dual Form or press it onto a spatula first and then place it in the Dual Form. You can use the grooves on the inside of the form as a guide so all your nails get the same length right from when you place the Polygel in the Dual Form.

  Because the product has a thicker consistency, it will not run like Liquid Builder Gel, which means you have plenty of time to shape it. To shape the product, use a brush and our Cleanser. Dip the brush into the Cleanser and wipe it off on a lint-free pad each time you feel the product starts to stick to the bristles.

  Shape your Polygel inside the Dual Form with the brush. It is important to ensure the Polygel is applied in a thin, even layer that covers the entire form. Once you have built your nail extension in the Dual Form, place the form directly onto your natural nail. You can optionally use one of our clamps to hold the form in place, though some prefer to hold it with a finger.

  It is important to press gently onto the nail so that no excess Polygel seeps out on the sides. If it does, use a Micro Brush with our Cleanser to remove it before curing. Dip your Micro Brush in Cleanser and clean away excess product from the edges. Then turn your hand over and shape the free edge with the brush dipped in a little Cleanser. Make sure to thin out the free edge so you don’t end up with a nail that is too thick. Also, make sure there is a nice C-curve – the arch you see when looking at the nail from the fingertip.

  When you are happy with the shape and length, and have ensured no Polygel has gotten onto the skin around the nail, the nail is ready to cure in the UV/LED lamp for 90–120 seconds.

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  5. Finish your extension

  Once the nail has cured, you can remove the Dual Form by gently squeezing the form – it will pop off on its own. You can easily add more Polygel on top, as long as you remember to cure the product for 90–120 seconds in our UV/LED lamp.

  When you are satisfied with the thickness and length, it is time to file your nails into shape. For this, use our 100/180 grit nail file. Here you can file away any unevenness and refine the shape until you are completely satisfied with the nail’s look. It is important not to file away too much product, as the nail may break if it becomes too thin.

  Finish by buffing over the nail with our Buffer.

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  6. Clean your nails

  Now remove most of the dust from your nails with a brush or a dry Lint-Free Pad, and then clean your nails with our Cleanser and a Lint-Free Pad. Now the extension itself is complete.

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  7. Finish your nails

  When your extension is complete, it’s time to apply either a Top Coat or a Gel Polish and then a Top Coat, depending on your desired look. When applying your Gel Polish or Top Coat, it is important to be careful so you avoid touching the skin with the product. Make sure to get as close to the cuticle and sides as possible without the product coming into contact with the skin. You can see how in our guide universe.

  Once the product is applied, cure it in our UV/LED lamp for 60–90 seconds. Remember that every layer you apply must be cured in the UV/LED lamp for 60–90 seconds. And keep in mind the rule of thumb: Better four paper-thin layers than two thick ones!

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