To do your semi-permanent manicure at home, it's best to have the right equipment! But what exactly? Follow the guide to prepare the perfect manicure kit.

Nothing beats semi-permanent varnish to give yourself a long-lasting and stunning manicure. While it is always perfectly executed in a salon, it is increasingly common to want to practice it at home. But be careful, applying semi-permanent varnish requires a much more specific technique than applying a classic varnish. Make sure you have the right equipment before you start.

What is permanent varnish?

To give you some context, gel polish is a long-lasting alternative to traditional nail polish. It’s a type of nail polish that goes on like regular polish, but is then cured under a UV or LED lamp for (much) longer wear. Gel polish can last up to two weeks on your nails, without chipping or fading. It’s often used as an alternative to gel or acrylic nails because it’s easier to remove and less damaging to your natural nail.

There are many brands of semi-permanent nail polish on the market, each with its own formula and range of colors. If beauty salons have made semi-permanent manicure service their hobby, it is now possible to apply it yourself at home with a semi-permanent nail polish kit!

The equipment you need to make your own semi-permanent varnish at home

The semi-permanent varnish kit consists of different elements, all essential for the proper application of your manicure. Be careful, always make sure to choose quality equipment.

UV or LED lamp

This is probably the most important element (along with the varnish) to achieve a semi-permanent manicure at home. The UV or LED lamp is used to harden the varnish and give it the long-lasting hold so characteristic of semi-permanent varnish. How to choose your UV or LED lamp? Several factors must be taken into account such as: the brand of manufacture, the power of the lamp which determines the hardening time (36 watts is sufficient for home use), the type of lamp (the LED lamp is more expensive but the drying time is faster and it is less harmful to health than UV lamps), the size of the lamp according to your hand and the space available at home, additional features such as a timer or a motion sensor.

The type of semi-permanent varnish

Obviously, the lamp and the varnish do not go one without the other! For the semi-permanent you have to choose a gel varnish. Make sure to choose a brand that you like and that offers colors to your taste. Some brands of lamp work better with certain brands of varnish, do not hesitate to do the necessary research beforehand.

The essential manicure

From nail polish remover (special for semi-permanent varnish), to cuticle pusher, cotton pads, nail clippers, a file or even a buffer. The essential manicure tools are the same as usual for semi-permanent varnish and will help you define the desired shape for your nails!

Base and top coat

Just like choosing the varnish, the base and top coat must be adapted to the semi-permanent varnish, otherwise you can say goodbye to your long-lasting manicure. Why a protective base? Semi-permanent varnish is a bit more aggressive for the nail than classic varnish, so it is essential to preserve the surface of the nail with an adequate base. The top coat will act as a finishing varnish and solidify the gel varnish by creating a nice shiny and protective layer. This is what makes it really durable and allows you to offer a perfect manicure.

What about the removal?

How to remove semi-permanent varnish? Indeed, the question arises, especially since it is a completely different step than for classic varnish. Semi-permanent varnish is not removed like classic varnish! The usual nail polish remover will not take on it, it is better to choose one based on acetone. Note that it is essential to avoid scratching or tearing off the varnish stuck to the nails... Otherwise, you will bitterly regret it. We therefore apply ourselves to practicing the recommended protocol and remove our semi-permanent varnish with the appropriate equipment.

How is semi-permanent varnish removed?

Removing semi-permanent varnish can be scary but don't let that stop you, it's actually a simple process that can be done at home by diligently following these steps:

1. Preparation: Start by removing the top layer of the semi-permanent polish using a soft nail file. This will allow the remover to penetrate the polish more easily. Then, cut pieces of aluminum foil or use nail clips to wrap each nail with a cotton pad soaked in special semi-permanent polish remover.

2. Application time: Leave the cotton pads soaked in nail polish remover on your nails for about 10 to 15 minutes. Application time may vary depending on the type of nail polish you are using and the brand of nail polish remover, so always make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

3. Removal: After the application time, remove the cotton pads by gently rubbing to remove the softened semi-permanent varnish. Use a boxwood stick to help remove the varnish.

4. Finishing: Once all the semi-permanent polish has been removed, rinse your hands with warm water and apply cuticle oil, a moisturizer to protect and nourish the skin and finally a nail serum to boost the growth of your natural nails.