Non gel nail polish, also sometimes referred to as regular nail polish or traditional nail polish, is a type of nail polish that differs from gel nail polish in ingredients, application process, and wear time. Unlike gel polish that requires UV or LED light to set and harden on the nails, non gel polish air dries naturally without the need for special lighting. Non gel polish also tends to wear off more quickly than gel manicures. However, regular nail polish allows for easy removal with acetone-based nail polish removers, unlike gel polish which requires soaking and scraping for removal. Below we’ll explore non gel nail polish further including what makes it unique, application tips, popular brands, and more.
What Makes Non Gel Nail Polish Unique
Non gel nail polish contains a blend of ingredients including:
– Nitrocellulose: The main film forming polymer that allows polish to adhere to nails and build color.
– Tosylamide Formaldehyde Resin: Helps the polish dry quickly and evenly.
– Acetyl Tributyl Citrate: A plasticizer that improves flexibility of the polish and prevents chipping or cracking.
– Isopropyl Alcohol: Quickens drying time.
– Stearalkonium Hectorite: A thickening agent that gives polish its creamy opaque consistency.
– Pigments: Provide color, shimmer, and special effects.
Unlike gel polish that uses methacrylate polymers as the main ingredient, regular nail polish relies on nitrocellulose. The ingredients in non gel polish also allow it to air dry naturally in a few minutes rather than requiring UV lamps. The main benefit of non gel nail polish is also that it can be easily peeled off with acetone removers. Soak cotton balls in pure acetone based nail polish remover, hold them on nails for a few minutes until polish is softened, then gently push or wipe off. No drills or scraping is required.
Non Gel Polish Application Tips
Follow these tips when applying regular nail polish for the most flawless, long-lasting manicure:
– Prep nails by gently pushing back cuticles, then buffing nails lightly to smooth ridges. Remove dust with a brush.
– Apply a layer of base coat and let dry. This helps polish adhere better.
– Shake bottle before applying polish. Use smooth, even strokes starting in the center of the nail and sweeping outwards to each side.
– Apply 2-3 thin coats allowing drying time between coats for best coverage and shine. Thin coats prevent bubbling.
– Cap the free edge, swiping polish over the tip of nails to seal in color.
– Finish with a top coat for extra gloss and protection. Quick dry top coats also help polish dry fast.
– Let manicure fully dry for at least 10 minutes before using hands to prevent smudging.
Proper polish application helps non gel manicures last 5-7 days on average before needing a touch up.
Popular Non Gel Nail Polish Brands
Some of the top regular nail polish brands include:
| Brand | Notable Qualities |
|---|---|
| OPI | Iconic for unique shade names and high quality. Known for longwear. |
| Essie | Trendy sheer and neutral shades. Quick drying formula. |
| Sally Hansen | Affordable drugstore brand. Range of classic to trendy colors. |
| Zoya | “Big 10 Free” non-toxic formula with natural ingredients. |
| China Glaze | Fun colors and unique special effect polishes. |
These are some of the top brands for non gel nail polish in terms of color selection, quality, wear time and popularity. OPI and Essie are salon quality while Sally Hansen and China Glaze offer drugstore options.
Non Gel Polish vs Gel Polish
Though often confused, non gel and gel nail polishes have some key differences:
| Non Gel Polish | Gel Polish |
|---|---|
| – Air dries naturally in minutes | – Requires UV or LED lamp to set |
| – Nitrocellulose base | – Methacrylate polymers base |
| – Easy peel off removal with acetone | – Must be soaked off |
| – 5-7 days wear time | – 2-3 weeks wear time |
| – Less damage to nails over time | – Can weaken nails with repeated use |
While gel polish offers longer wear without chips or smudges, non gel polish has the benefit of being easier to apply and remove. It can also be healthier for natural nails over time.
The Pros of Non Gel Nail Polish
There are many advantages to using traditional non gel nail polish:
– Wide range of colors and finishes – From classics to on-trend shades. Matte, shiny, textured and special effect options.
– Quick and easy application – No need for UV lamps. Just brush on and air dry.
– Easy removal – Acetone remover can break down polish for quick removal.
– Less damage over time – Doesn’t weaken natural nails as much as gels with less exposure to acetone.
– Cost effective – Traditional polishes are budget friendly, especially drugstore brands. At home manicures save money.
– Immediate results – See your polished nails right away versus waiting for light curing.
– Can change polish frequently – Removing and reapplying is fast and simple.
While non gel polish may not last quite as long as gel manicures, the option to easily change up your nail color often is a major perk. Overall it offers a customizable, affordable and convenient nail polish option.
The Cons of Non Gel Nail Polish
The disadvantages of regular nail polish include:
– Shorter wear time – Chips and wears off more quickly than gel polish, lasting only 5-7 days on average.
– Increased drying time – Each coat can take 2-5 minutes to dry before applying the next layer.
– Potential for smudging – Wet polish can get dented or smeared if using hands before fully dried.
– Can peel off in sheets – If not properly adhered to the nails, polish may lift and peel.
– Requires more frequent touch ups – Growth and chips become obvious faster than with gel manicures.
– Salon gel manicures last longer – At 2+ weeks for gels vs 1 week for regular polish.
While gel manicures have superior wear time and don’t smudge or dent, non gel polishes offer more flexibility and convenience for at home or DIY manicures.
Non Gel Polish Finish Types
From shiny cremes to explosions of glitter, non gel nail polishes come in a variety of finishes:
– **Creme** – Opaque, ultra glossy solid colors. Most popular classic finish.
– **Pearl** – Shimmery iridescent sheen for a luminous effect.
– **Metallic** – High shine and reflective qualities of metals like chrome, gold, and silver.
– **Frost** – Tiny flecks of shimmer create a frosted glow, often in paler tints.
– **Glitter** – Bits of glitter suspended in clear or tinted polish for sparkling nails.
– **Caviar** – Multicolored balls of glitter layered on tinted polish.
– **Crackle** – Intentionally cracks over polish below for a distressed effect.
– **Matte** – Soft flat finishes without shine. Achieved through matte top coat.
– **Textured** – Bumps, stripes or dimpled surfaces add dimensional texture.
– **Chrome** – Hyper reflective mirror-like chrome effect through iron oxide pigments.
The possibilities are endless for the colors, shimmers, and textures that can be achieved with regular nail polish.
How to Make Non Gel Polish Last Longer
While non gel manicures don’t have the long staying power of gel polish, you can extend the life using tips like:
– Apply thin coats and allow 2-3 minutes of drying time between each. Thick globs increase the risk of bubbles and chips.
– Always use base coat first to help polish adhere to the nail. Top coat seals it too.
– Cap the tips when applying by lightly running the brush off the edge.
– Avoid water exposure for 1-2 hours after painting nails to prevent possible adhesion issues.
– Add an extra layer of top coat every 2-3 days to refresh shine and help re-seal the color.
– Carry nail polish for quick touch ups of any chips. Fill them in as soon as possible.
– Replace polish once it starts getting thick and gloopy to maintain best application.
– Check for expiry date, most polishes last 1-2 years then start to thicken.
With the right polish formula and application techniques, non gel manicures can maintain their beauty for up to a week without need for redo.
How to Remove Non Gel Polish
Removing non gel nail polish is a quick and easy clean up:
– Always start by applying pure acetone-based nail polish remover to avoid damage to nails.
– Soak a cotton ball or pad with the remover and hold it against the nail for ~5 seconds.
– Gently slide or roll the cotton along the nail surface – the polish should glide off easily.
– Swipe a new cotton ball/pad with remover over each nail until all traces of color are gone.
– Push back cuticles and shape nails as needed. Rinse and moisturize hands.
– For glitter polishes, hold the soaked cotton on the nail for 10-15 seconds before swiping to allow the acetone to break down the polish.
– If any residual stain remains, re-soak the nail and gently buff surface stain away.
With the right remover, non gel manicures can be removed in minutes for quick color changes or clean up between polishes.
Conclusion
Non gel nail polish allows anyone to change their nail color easily and affordably at home. While the wear time is shorter than gel manicures, regular polish offers flexibility to switch up looks, health benefits to nails, and quick on and off. With a huge range of color and finish options, non gel polishes can create any desired look. Using base coat, multiple thin layers, and top coat help extend the life between chips and tips. Overall non gel nail polish provides a customizable, budget-friendly option for beautiful nails any day or occasion.
