How to Dry Gel Nail Polish Without UV Light

If you’re a fan of gel manicures, then you know that they cost more than having ordinary nail polish applied at your local nail salon. Plus, the process of application always takes much longer, because of the drying method needed to set them.

When each new coat of gel polish, you then have to put your nails under a UV lamp to cure. And you have to keep doing this over and over until the top coat is cured.

In this article, we look at how to dry gel nail polish without UV light.

So, is it possible to simplify this process? Are you doing gels at home and your light broke? You have some options, but you may need to buy different types of gel polishes. Read on!

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How to Dry Gel Nail Polish Without UV Light

To start, we want to clear up any confusion for those who think that it’s UV light that causes gel polish to harden like regular nail polish. The curing process is what solidifies the gel substance, which causes it to harden. So, technically, curing doesn’t work to dry out the polish.

This means that there are other ways in which to dry gel nail polish without using UV light, although the quality of your resulting manicure won’t be as good.

There are other ways in which to dry your gel nail polish without using UV light, although the quality of your resulting manicure won’t be as good.

And that’s because the curing process has been designed to work the way it does to make gel manicures last longer, without chipping, for weeks at a time.

But this also means that gel manicures do have their drawbacks, such as the need for UV light (so you need to use sunscreen or nail gloves on your hands if you have them done often), and the removal process, which you may even have to return to the salon for, to get them soaked off.

So, is it possible that you can enjoy the feel and appearance of gel polish, without having to go through this lengthy process?

Well, yes it is because not all gel polishes are made the same! In fact, there are many different types of gel polishes and overlays, builder gels, etc. — it can get pretty confusing!

However, you should understand that if you have a gel polish that requires a UV or LED light, and your light is broken, you don’t have many options. You may be able to use an LED flashlight to cure them, if you have one.

But if you really want a gel manicure without UV or LED light, you need to choose a gel that can air dry.

If you really want a gel manicure without UV or LED light, you need to choose a gel that can air dry.

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Is There a Difference Between Gels and Acrylics?

The easiest way to tell the difference between gels and acrylics is that gels aren’t really fake nails, unlike acrylics, which are placed on top of your natural nail bed to make them look longer.

Gel manicures, on the other hand, are simply gel polish on top of your nail. Gel nail polish can’t add length to your natural nails, but it does make your nails weaker because it cuts off the air supply to your nail beds and cuticles for longer than normal nail polish would.

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Can Gel Polish Air Dry?

These days, there are many kinds of gel nail polishes on the market, and as we mentioned above, not all of them require UV light to set . Keep in mind, though, that these gel nail polishes aren’t the OG of gels. So they won’t give you the same quality as a UV-cured gel manicure.

However, they will dry with simple air drying.

So, before you purchase your next gel nail polish, you should make sure that you read the instructions first. In this way, you can be sure exactly how it’s supposed to be used.

If you buy a gel polish that needs to be cured with UV light and expect it to dry naturally, for instance, then you will be severely disappointed.

If you buy a gel polish that needs to be cured with UV light and expect it to dry naturally, then you will be severely disappointed.

So, let’s take a look at some gel-like nail polish options that will give your nails a coating that lasts for longer than an ordinary manicure, without the need for an hour-long UV curing process at the salon.

1. L.A. Girl Gel Extreme Shine Gel-Like Polish 

L.A. Girl Gel Extreme Shine Gel-Like Polish in Persuade is a vibrant teal green that will give your nails a gel-like shine effortlessly, just like you stepped out of the salon. No UV light is needed to cure this color, while the formulation claims to be free from harmful chemicals.

2. Revlon ColorStay Gel Envy Longwear Nail Enamel 

OG nail polish brand Revlon’s revolutionary ColorStay Gel Envy Longwear Nail Enamel is a two-step system that will give you a salon-quality gel manicure at home, without the need to use a UV lamp.

This 2-in-1 gel-like nail polish combines the base coat and color in one simple smooth, bubble-free, and glossy application. Plus, it is formulated with shea butter and oils that work to condition and strengthen your nails.

3. Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Neon Collection 

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Neon Collection in Miami Ice will give you an eight-day manicure with no UV light necessary, and no need for a base coat either. This vibrant color is best paired with the complementary Shiny Topcoat , which will create a salon-perfect shine and longer-lasting results.

4. Essie Gel Couture Longwear Nail Polish Kit 

And finally, Essie Gel Couture Longwear Nail Polish Kit in Inside Scoop will provide your nails with a luxurious gel-like shine and finish in two easy steps, which are included in the box.

This sheer tea rose pink color has a slight blue undertone and will give an appearance of gel-like perfection for up to 14 days. And most users are reporting at least nine days of wear on the fingers and two weeks on toenails without chipping.

Sweet!

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Well Gel

If you’re not obsessed with quality and prefer an easier way to change up your gel nail color, then now you know how to dry gel nail polish without UV light. You simply buy a gel polish that doesn’t require the curing process of UV light and enjoy the manicure that it provides you with.

Is there a catch?

Well, giving yourself a gel-like manicure at home will allow you to experience the best of both worlds. For one, you’ll save yourself some money by not having to visit the salon so often.

And finally, your gel polish will be much easier to remove, so you can change the color of your manicure whenever you want without a problem.

That’s a win-win in our books!