The Ultimate Guide To Base Coat Gel Nail Polish
With the rising popularity of gel manicures, many people are looking to recreate the salon experience at home. A key component to achieving a flawless, long-lasting manicure is the base coat. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which base coat gel is right for you?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: For the best results, look for a base coat gel that is pH-balanced, helps bond the gel polish to your natural nail, and creates a smooth surface for color application.
Avoid base coats with ethyl methacrylate (EMA), which can cause allergic reactions.
What Is Base Coat Gel?
Definition and Purpose
Base coat gel is a type of gel polish that goes on before color and top coat. It helps the manicure last longer by protecting the natural nail and allowing the color polish to adhere better. The main purposes of base coat gel are:
- Creates a smooth surface for polish application
- Protects against staining and discoloration
- Helps prevent chipping and peeling
- Allows easy removal without damage
Unlike regular base coats that are lacquer-based, gel base coats are thicker in texture and cure under an LED or UV lamp. This gives them a protective barrier that adheres strongly to the natural nail.
Difference Between Base Coat Gel and Regular Base Coat
While both provide a foundation for nail polish, gel base coats have some key advantages:
| Base Coat Gel | Regular Base Coat |
| Cures solid under lamp for long wear | Air dries and can absorb into nail |
| Thicker texture that adheres well | Thinner and can allow lifting |
| Highly protective and damage resistant | Less protection against chipping/peeling |
According to nailcarehq.com, base coat gels provide over 50% more wear time compared to traditional base coats. The cured finish resists lifting and peeling better. Additionally, ingredients like calcium and vitamins strengthen nails up to 70% more over time.
While regular base can work well for shorter wear polish, gel base coats are ideal for long lasting manicures. Their protective barrier locks in color for weeks without the need for frequent touch-ups. For damage prone or weak nails, the added durability also helps prevent cracks and breaks.
Benefits of Using Base Coat Gel
Applying a base coat gel before putting on gel nail polish provides numerous advantages. Using a gel base coat makes the manicure last longer, protects the natural nails from damage, and allows the color gel polish to adhere properly.
Longer Lasting Manicures
One of the biggest reasons to use a gel base coat is that it significantly increases the durability and longevity of the manicure. According to research from Nails Magazine, adding a gel base coat underneath gel polish allows the manicure to last up to 3-4 weeks without chipping or peeling, which is 2-3 times longer than a regular manicure.
The gel base creates a protective layer that anchors and evens out the nail plate surface. This allows the color gel polish to bond tightly and last longer without breaking free from the nail. Using gel polish alone results in earlier tip wear, cracks in the polish, and peeling or chipping off the nails.
Protects Nails from Damage
Frequent polish removal and reapplication can weaken and thin out natural nails over time from exposure to harsh acetone nail polish removers. The base coat gel acts as a buffer and shield to prevent the natural nails from becoming dry, brittle, and damaged.
Studies from the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that gel manicures allow the natural nails to grow thicker and stronger underneath the gel polish because they are not subjected to the drying effects of solvents.
The gel base coat seals in moisture and nutrients, allowing the natural nails to maximize growth.
Allows Gel Polish to Adhere Properly
Using a gel base coat first provides the ideal smooth, tacky surface for the gel polish to grip. According to gel manicure experts at Essie, the base coat fills in any ridges and evens out imperfections in the natural nails.
This allows for maximum contact between the gel polish and the nail surface so that the polish bonds tightly with no lifting or air bubbles.
Additionally, most gel base coats are pH balanced to prepare the nail plate for gel adhesion. The right pH helps the gel polish properly cure under the LED or UV nail lamp. Skipping the base coat often leads to the gel polish shrinking back or peeling away from the tips and sides.
| With Gel Base Coat | Without Gel Base Coat |
| – Lasts 3-4 weeks | – Lasts 1-2 weeks |
| – Protects natural nails | – Leaves nails thin and damaged |
| – Color gel adheres tightly | – Polish peels and chips off |
As the research shows, apply a thin layer of gel base coat before gel polish allows for a longer-lasting, damage-free manicure with perfectly adhered color that stays chip and peel-free.
What to Look for in a Base Coat Gel
pH-balanced formula
A base coat gel with a pH-balanced formula creates the ideal surface for polish application. The natural pH of nails is slightly acidic, usually between 4.5-6.5 on the pH scale. Using a base coat with a pH around this range helps lock in moisture and prevents damage to the natural nails (1).
An alkaline base coat with a high pH can dry out nails and make them brittle over time. When shopping for a base coat gel, look for one marketed as “pH-balanced” or within the 4.5-6.5 pH range.
No EMA
Ethyl methacrylate (EMA) is a compound found in some nail products, including base coats. It helps nails bond to gel polish but can cause allergic reactions in some people. EMA allergies may lead to itchy, red, swollen nails. To avoid potential irritation, choose an EMA-free base coat gel.
These provide a smooth base for polish without harsh chemicals. Going EMA-free protects the natural nails.
Creates a smooth surface
A quality base coat gel evens out the nail surface for flawless polish application. Nails naturally have ridges and imperfections. An effective base coat fills in uneven areas to create a smooth, consistent foundation. The end result is a professional, salon-quality manicure.
Smoothing the nails also prevents air bubbles and chipping. With a smooth base, the polish glides on easily without catching or clumping on ridges. The color stays put for longer lasting nails.
Helps bond color to nails
Base coat gel contains ingredients that help bond polish to the natural nails. Most contain methacrylic compounds that increase adhesion (2). These compounds undergo a chemical reaction under UV or LED light, fusing the polish to the nail plate. A base coat is like primer for the nails.
It allows the color to stick tightly for a long-lasting manicure. Without a base gel, polish would easily peel off the nails. Using a base coat provides durability and transfer-resistance.
When shopping for a base coat gel, keep these key factors in mind. Look for a formula that balances the nail’s pH, avoids harsh EMA, smooths ridges, and bonds to the nail plate. With the right base gel, you can achieve beautiful, professional nails that last.
Starting manicures with this simple step makes all the difference in getting that salon-perfect, chip-free color. Don’t skip the base – it’s the foundation for stunning nails!
Sources:
- The Nail pH of Normal Volunteers and Its Implications for Nail Growth
- Adhesion of Nail Polishes to Human Nails
Tips for Applying Base Coat Gel
Prep nails properly
Properly preparing the natural nails is crucial before applying base coat gel. Here are some tips:
- Remove any old nail polish with acetone-free remover. Buff nails lightly to remove shine and oils for better adhesion.
- Trim and file nails into the desired shape. Smooth rough edges with a nail file or buffer.
- Wash hands with soap and water then use nail dehydrator to remove trace oils and moisture. This helps the base gel adhere properly.
- Push back and clean up the cuticles with a cuticle pusher/nail clipper. Don’t cut living skin or overpush cuticles as this can lead to infections.
Apply thin, even layer
Applying base gel evenly is key for long-lasting manicures. Follow these application tips:
- Roll the gel bottle between palms to warm it up before use. Cold gel can be thick and tricky to apply thinly.
- Apply a very thin, even layer of base gel on each nail from cuticle to tip. Too much gel leads to lifting and cracking.
- Be super precise around the cuticles and sides to prevent lifting. Cap the free edge for extra strength.
- Make sure there are no bald spots and the layer is smooth. Add more gel sparingly if needed.
Cure fully before gel polish
Proper LED or UV lamp curing locks in base coat gel. Undercured gel leads to weak, damaged manicures. Here’s how to cure correctly:
- Cure base gel layer for 30-60 seconds or according to manufacturer’s instructions until no longer tacky.
- Check there’s no inhibition layer or tackiness after curing. If so, wipe tacky layer off then cure for longer.
- Once the base coat gel layer is smooth, hard, and shiny it’s ready for color gel polish. Don’t apply color gel until base layer is fully set.
By prepping nails properly, applying base gel precisely, and curing completely in between steps, you’ll achieve a long-lasting, damage-free gel manicure.
The Best Base Coat Gel Products
CND Shellac Base Coat
CND Shellac’s base coat is a popular choice among nail techs for its ability to adhere to the natural nail and improve adhesion of the color coat. This thin, lightweight formula contains vitamins and calcium to nourish and strengthen nails while protecting against staining or yellowing.
Many reviewers love how it leaves a tacky surface for the color polish to grab onto. For best results, apply a very thin layer to clean nails and cure in an LED lamp for 30 seconds.
Gelish pH Bond
The Gelish pH bond is formulated to prep and balance the pH of the natural nail before gel polish application. This allows for maximum adhesion and duration of your manicure. It contains aloe vera and vitamin E to condition the nails.
Many nail techs say this base coat helps gel polish last over three weeks without lifting or peeling. Make sure to avoid touching your nails after application to allow full drying before curing under the lamp. The pH balancing technology works wonders!
OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
OPI’s Natural Nail Base Coat works to lay down a protective layer between your natural nail and the color polish. Infused with hydrolyzed wheat protein and calcium, this formula primes and strengthens your nails for long-lasting gel color. Many users love how smooth and even it glides onto the nails.
For best wear, be sure to cap the free edge of your nail when applying. This prevents chipping and peeling at the tip. Let it dry for one minute before curing for ultimate longevity.
Bio Seaweed Gel Base Coat
The Bio Seaweed Gel Base Coat by Bio Sculpture Gel provides nourishing protection for natural nails. Enriched with seaweed extract, vitamin E, and hydrolyzed wheat protein, it conditions nails while promoting growth. This ultra-thin formula allows your color polish to fully cure under LED lighting.
Many reviewers are impressed with how it guards against staining from darker polishes. For ideal application, wipe the nail with alcohol before use and cure for one full minute after applying a sheer layer from cuticle to tip.
Young Nails Protein Bond
Young Nails Protein Bond is a nourishing base coat designed for use with gel polish systems. It contains hydrolyzed wheat protein to strengthen and reinforce the nails. Many nail professionals prefer this formula for its ability to promote adhesion and prevent lifting or peeling between fills.
Use a clean applicator and thin even layer for best results. Be sure to cap the free edge and cure properly before color application. The protein technology leaves a tacky base for polish grab.
Conclusion
Using a high-quality base coat gel is crucial for achieving beautiful, long-lasting gel manicures at home. Look for a formula that balances the pH of your nails, bonds with the gel polish, and leaves a smooth surface for color application.
Prep your nails properly, apply a thin layer of base coat gel, and cure fully before moving onto gel polish. With the right techniques and products, you can get a salon-quality gel mani without leaving your house!
