What Is a Structured Manicure? Nail Artists Share All of the Particulars

If in case you have issues rising or sustaining lengthy nails, you are not alone—it may be a problem for a number of causes. Or, maybe your nails have ridges that you just want would disappear for a smoother end. Regardless of your nail objectives, choosing a structured manicure may also help you obtain the specified size and end that lasts longer than common gel polish.

This nail method encompasses a thick gel base that smooths and evens the nail for a stunningly seamless utility that additionally strengthens and enhances longevity. Sounds fairly incredible, no?

Hold studying to be taught all the things there’s to find out about structured manicures, full with insights from professional nail artists.

What Is a Structured Manicure?

Structured manicures are a nail method that improves the nail’s look and, in some circumstances, provides size. “To place it plainly, a structured manicure includes making use of a builder gel beneath the gel polish layer to create a extra sturdy and aesthetically pleasing nail,” says NYC-based movie star manicurist and educator Julie Kandalec. “This method focuses on making the middle of the nail (apex) thicker, leading to a stronger and elegantly arched nail.” 

When executed with care, movie star manicurist Laura Malarkey says that structured manicures are the best-looking, longest-lasting manicures potential. “They trigger nearly zero harm to your pure nail and might really provide help to develop your individual nails lengthy and powerful, even in case you are vulnerable to breaking,” she says.

Kinds of Structured Manicures

A structured manicure is characterised by a thick gel overlay: “It will get its identify from the kind of gel used (construction gel),” Malarkey tells us. Construction gels are usually categorized as delicate or exhausting, and each require being cured below an LED lamp. “The distinction [is] that delicate gel will be soaked off with acetone, however exhausting gel must be filed off,” Malarkey explains. 

Whereas most structured manicures fall into both the delicate or exhausting class, Kandalec factors out that hybrids additionally exist. “These are semi-hard gels that fall in between delicate and exhausting gels,” she says. “They’re sturdy and sturdy and must be filed 90 p.c of the best way off earlier than soaking the remainder off.” An instance of a hybrid construction gel is polygel. “This method includes utilizing a hybrid gel and acrylic formulation that may be patted into place utilizing a particular slip resolution earlier than being cured below a UV or LED lamp to create a robust and sturdy nail,” Kandalec explains. 

Whereas acrylic makes use of powder (polymer) and liquid (monomer), Kandalec says that it’s nonetheless thought of a kind of structured manicure. “It creates a robust and sturdy base layer that may be formed and buffed to perfection,” she elaborates.

What to Anticipate Throughout a Structured Manicure

Structured manicure appointments range in course of and size relying on the kind of construction gel used, the manicurist’s experience, and your required outcomes (i.e. if you would like lengthy nails and/or nail artwork). Since so many various construction gels exist lately, Kandalec says that it’s greatest to check with the producer’s directions for the correct base coats, lamp wattage, and treatment occasions. Whether or not you’re attempting a DIY structured manicure or getting one from a professional, a fundamental structured manicure follows the beneath steps:

• Clear and prep the nails: The prep step is rather like with any manicure, so you recognize the drill: Take away previous polish, file your nails, push again your cuticles, buff the floor, and wipe them down with an alcohol wipe to make sure no residue stays in your nails. 
• Apply a base coat if wanted: Relying on the kind of gel you utilize, it’s possible you’ll or might not want a base coat. Your guide or your nail tech could have the reply. 
• Apply builder gel: “Apply the builder gel in skinny, even layers to the middle of the nail, increase the apex to create a stronger and extra outlined form,” Kandalec says. “Remedy the gel below an LED lamp as per the producer’s directions.”
• Take away the cheesy layer, if there’s one: Identical to common gel polish, some builder gels have a cheesy layer as soon as cured. These must be wiped off with acetone and/or filed. “We name this ‘prime submitting,’” Kandalec says. Should you do file, be sure you wipe away any mud earlier than shifting on to the following step.
• Apply gel polish: As soon as your builder gel has been cured, it’s time so as to add coloration. “Apply two coats of gel polish, curing every coat below an LED lamp as per the producer’s directions,” Kandalec says.
• Apply prime coat: To seal your structured manicure and pump up the shine, Kandalec recommends ending with a prime coat.
• Hydrate your cuticles and palms: Lastly, to make your manicure look as skilled as potential, it is necessary to hydrate your cuticles and palms deeply. To take action, we advocate reaching for a cuticle oil, cream, or serum to moisturize palms and stop untimely growing old on an oft-overlooked pores and skin space.

When getting a structured manicure, be ready for it to take a little bit of time. “The longer your nails are, the extra construction gel will probably be wanted to create a robust nail, and thus the longer your appointment might take,” Malarkey says. “Should you’re seeking to additionally do nail artwork on prime, be ready in your appointment to take a couple of hours.” 

The Price

As at all times, the price of a structured manicure is dependent upon location, the manicurist’s experience, and the design itself. That mentioned, Kandalec says that structured manis will value you roughly 40 to 50 p.c additional in comparison with a daily gel polish manicure. “Nonetheless, structured manicures have twice the longevity, so they’re inexpensive in the long term,” she factors out.

The Removing Course of

One of the simplest ways to take away a structured manicure is dependent upon the kind of gel. Since delicate gels are porous, they need to come off with acetone, Malarkey says. In the meantime, hybrid and exhausting gels must be filed off. This, in fact, can probably harm nails, so it is important to do it with the utmost care. Due to this, it is undoubtedly a good suggestion to have a trusted nail tech take away your exhausting gels at any time when potential.

The Closing Takeaway

Structured manicures are characterised by a thick base that smooths and evens the nail floor. “Construction gel will be topped with any gel or lacquer polish or nail artwork,” Malarkey says. “It normally is available in clear, pink, white, or nude colours, although some firms have taken it a step additional and supply all kinds of colours to select from so that you could be not even [feel the need] to place some other coloration on prime.”

Whereas not all nail studios supply structured manicures, Malarkey says it’s solely a matter of time. “I personally supply structured gel manicures as my commonplace manicure service, as I consider that is the most effective and healthiest approach to offer a long-lasting and flawless manicure that additionally advantages my shoppers’ nails,” she shares. Should you’re searching for a long-lasting mani that makes your nails look longer and smoother, a structured manicure is price contemplating in your subsequent appointment.