How Semi-Cured Gel Nails Are Different From Salon-Style Gel Nails

If you’ve been wondering what a semi-cured nail gel strip is, prepare to have your mind blown.

Many of us have spent the pandemic avoiding nail salons, but we still want the nail salon experience. Have you come across the semi-cured gel nails option and have wondered, “How’s it different from other DIY at-home options?”

First of all, semi-cured gel nail strips are a fantastic at-home alternative to getting a mani-pedi in the salon. And it can last just as long, too.

A semi-cured nail gel strip comes as a soft strip with a squishy, almost jelly-like consistency (because it is 60% cured). It can easily be molded to adapt to any nail size or shape. After it has been 100% cured under a UV lamp, it will harden into a durable, salon-quality gel nail that can last for up to 14 days. That’s two whole weeks of durable nails from one manicure.

And in an exciting twist, semi-cured gel nail strips are way more affordable than an extended visit to the salon. So, you can get your nails done more often and, even better, have more fun experimenting with your look through bold, fun nail art.

Take this quiz to discover the perfect nails to fit your personality and style.

Nail Polish Strips Don’t Last As Long as Semi-Cured Gel Nails

Nail polish strips don’t last as long as semi-cured gel nails because strips are made from real nail polish. Their lifespan and chip-ability are the same as you would expect with regular nail polish. For many, regular polish only lasts a few days before chipping.

Also, to lengthen traditional nail polish's life, you must usually add a clear topcoat. This requires spending even more time and money on nails that in the end — will not last that long. You can expect any nail polish strips at your local drugstore to be made from real nail polish.

Semi-Cured Nail Gels Are Made With Gel Nail Polish

This means semi-cured nail gels are more durable and long-lasting, unlike nail polish strips. Like gel nails from a salon will last longer than regular nail polish, semi-cured nail gels will also provide that same advantage at home.

With semi-cured nail gels, you can be relaxed and not worry about chipping your nails, even if you’re someone with a very active lifestyle.

Are Semi-Cured Nail Gels Right for You?

With all the new beauty crazes, it’s hard to know when something comes around if it’s the right fit for your lifestyle. The number of creams, serums, and products being recommended to us on a regular basis feels incredibly overwhelming.

That being said, sometimes something new comes around and is being talked about for a reason. Semi-cured nail gels are just that product.

Are You Someone Who Uses Your Hands a Lot?

Some professions require people to use their hands more than others. If you’re a carpenter, a massage therapist, or even a hairstylist, you still want to have cute nails without feeling like, “They’ll just chip in a day anyway.”

If you avoid getting your nails done because you think your job will mess them up and waste a lot of money, semi-cured nail gels will strike just the right balance. Gel polish is always more durable than regular polish, so investing in semi-cured gel nails is a great way to get something that can stand the test of time.

Are You on a Budget?

Many of us can’t afford a weekly or biweekly trip to the salon. In that case, semi-cured gel nail strips are a great way to ball on a budget. You will get that glamorous, professional look and feel, but at a much lower cost. A better price can be especially nice if you like to switch your style a lot.

Do You Like To Experiment With Your Nails?

The flexibility and affordability of semi-cured gel nails are such that it allows you to try out many different kinds of nails. The cost of a salon mani-pedi can buy you more than triple that of semi-cured nail mani-pedis.

So, you can take risks and be bold with your nail choices. You can even decorate your nails with gems or other ornaments to personalize and give you that boost of self-confidence that can change your day.

Are You Avoiding Salons Due to the Pandemic?

The past couple of years have changed many things for most of us. If you prefer not to be in public these days or can’t be in public, semi-cured gel nail strips are the best option when you want to do your own nails from home.

If you worry about catching COVID, sometimes the most relaxing option is doing your nails yourself or making an event of doing your nails. Invite your friends over for a nail party and give each other's nails a spectacular make-over. This is a fun, relaxing time you can have either outside or inside. It’s a perfect, safe way to be social and get cute nails in the process.

Are Salon-Style Gel Nails Right for You?

Classically, getting your nails done at the salon seemed like the only option. However, in a world where you have options, are salon-style gel nails still the right choice for you? Read on to find out.

Do You Enjoy Going to the Salon?

Being in a salon and getting the personalized care that comes with it is very relaxing for some people. If that is the case, getting your gel nails done professionally can be a nice, comforting experience. However, you have to be prepared to handle the extensive processing time and costly expenses.

Is Money No Object?

Do you have a lot of disposable income to burn? Then getting your nails done in a salon can be an easy, no-brainer option. As long as getting to a salon is easy for you.

So, What’s the Real Difference Between Semi-Cured Gel Nails and Salon Gel Nails?

Like semi-cured gel nails, salon gel nails must be cured under a UV light or LED light to harden. In general, gel nails are durable and long-lasting. While at home, semi-cured gel nails last up to two weeks, salon-style gel nails can last up to four weeks.

However, that extra amount of time certainly comes at a higher cost. Salon nails can range anywhere from 35 to 100 dollars, and that’s not even with the 20% tip included. Semi-cured nail gels are much more affordable, with most nail set prices ranging between 10 to 20 dollars.

This makes semi-cured gel nails super affordable to change. You can dress your nails up or down depending on your mood, style, or even your social calendar.

ohora has tons of affordable designs to suit any fashion sense, from glitter and gems to cute and playful. Even if you changed your nail set every week, you would still be spending less than the price of a single nail salon visit for one set of nails.

Ultimately, gel nails at the salon or at home are very similar in formula and durability. The main difference comes down to cost and the comfort of being in your own home vs. a salon.

If You’ve Decided Semi-Cured Gel Nail Strips Are Right for You, Here’s How To Apply Them:

If you have decided to take the plunge and try out semi-cured gel nail strips, follow the tutorial steps below to apply your gel manicure:

Find and Purchase the Strips

Find the strips that suit your mood. ohora has tons of best seller options available to suit your style. Whether you are a dashing diva, classy professional, or floral lover, we have everything from traditional solid colors to bold styles.

Have fun with your options and choose what feels right for you. There are all kinds of options, from sophisticated and professional to playful and flirty.

Apply the Strips

Real gel nails will come in different sizes for the most customized fit. Find the correct strip size for each nail. The strips are marked to show where to place the strips on your fingernails. This makes placement easy.

Once in place, press the strip onto your nail and smooth them out around the cuticle area. Try to apply pressure evenly.

Remove Any Excess Strip

You can file away any excess with the nail file provided by ohora or even tear off the extra strip with your fingers. You can also rub your nail across a hard surface or use nail clippers. It’s essential to smooth your nails out along the edges.

With ohora, you are provided a wooden spoon for this exact purpose — no need to go out and buy one.

Cure Your Nails Using a Gel Lamp

And arguably, the most professional aspect of this whole process — is curing your nails under the ohora Gel Lamp. The time will depend on the specific product you are using and if you are placing any nail gems or more substantial decorations. Usually, you should cure two to three times to get the best results.

Be sure to set up and use your ohora Gel nail Lamp according to the directions. With your Gel Lamp, you will feel like a real professional.

Now, you can have a full salon and spa experience from the comfort of your own home. After curing your nails a few times with the UV/ LED lamp, you can once again smooth out the edges, and there you did it.

Ultimately, Both Nail Options Have Pros and Cons

At the end of the day, your beauty routine is about doing what works best for you. If you want to have a fun, relaxing, and luxurious home spa experience, ohora has you covered at a fraction of the salon cost.

In a time of endless possibilities, you just have to listen to yourself and choose what feels right. With semi-cured nail gels being a more affordable option, it can’t hurt to try them out.

Whatever You Choose, Now It’s Time To Enjoy Your Nails

In a world that can sometimes feel dark, self-care and finding brightness in life are essential. So, if you do your own nails from the comfort of your home, be sure to enjoy the experience and allow yourself to relax. Extend the relaxation with a matching pedicure for fabulous fingers and toes.

Self-care is vital to our health, and beauty routines can be a big part of that. Daily routines that can strengthen your confidence are a great way to show yourself some love. So make yourself a cup of tea, get out your ohora manicure kit, and enjoy the moment you are in right now.

Gel nails are the most long-lasting, durable nail choice you can make. If you appreciate your beautiful nails, make them last. We know you’ll love our salon-quality nails — and love showing them off on TikTok even more. They may even go on your next birthday wishlist.

Sources:

Is It Safe to Get A Hair Cut or Your Nails Done Right Now? | UNC Health Talk

Making a Budget | Consumer.gov

Why Self-Confidence Is More Important Than You Think | Psychology Today