Semi-Cured Gel Nails 101: How to Apply, Cure, and Remove Like a Pro!

New to Semi-Cured Gel Nails? Start Here!

Like a Gel Polish Manicure, But Better!

A semi-cured gel manicure gives you the perfect painted look every time with minimal effort. Unlike traditional gel polish that requires precise application, semi-cured gel strips already have the colour and design built in. The best part? They’re easy to remove—no acetone, no soaking, and no scraping! With semi-cured gel strips, you can achieve a salon-quality manicure at home while saving money. These durable, flexible strips are long-lasting and perfect for everyday wear.

Hanny & Chuck is a proudly Canadian brand that brings you high-quality semi-cured gel nail strips. As a Canadian company, we focus on providing premium beauty products that are convenient, durable, and safe for your nails.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Are Semi-Cured Gel Strips Different from Other Nail Wraps?

Traditional nail wraps are typically made of regular nail polish that is pressed onto the nail surface.  Semi-cured gel (SCG) strips, on the other hand, are made from real gel nail polish that has been partially cured. This makes them thicker, stronger, and more durable. Unlike traditional gel nail polish and acrylic enhancements, SCG strips do not require soaking or scraping for removal—they come off in one piece like press-on nails. Their flexibility also allows them to contour to different nail shapes for a better, more comfortable fit.

How Are Semi-Cured Gel Strips Made?

SCG strips consist of three layers, each serving a unique purpose:

• Adhesive layer: This is the bottom layer that allows the strip to stick to the nail. The adhesive is similar to what you’d find on a bandage or medical tape, ensuring a secure but non-damaging attachment.

• Colour layer: The middle layer consists of gel polish and is what gives the strip its design, colour, and overall look.

• Clear top layer: The final layer is a protective, clear gel coating that provides shine and durability, mimicking the glossy finish of a professional gel manicure.

Gel Nail Polish vs. Semi-Cured Gel Strips

One of the biggest differences between semi-cured gel strips and traditional gel polish is how they adhere to the nail. Gel polish bonds chemically with the nail plate, which requires extensive soaking and scraping for removal. SCG strips, however, adhere via an adhesive, making them much gentler on the natural nail. Because they are only partially cured when applied, they remain flexible enough to contour to the nail shape but become fully hardened once cured under a UV lamp. This process provides the strength and durability of gel polish without the mess or difficulty of application.

Pro Tip: You can customize your SCG manicure by adding UV gel topcoats, glitter, decals, or sequins over the strips. The best part? No matter how many layers you add, the removal process remains the same!

Do SCG Strips Require Curing with a Lamp?

Yes! Semi-cured gel strips are only 60% cured when packaged. This means they remain slightly flexible to allow for easy application. However, to fully harden and achieve maximum durability, they must be cured under a UV/LED nail lamp after application. Once cured properly, they can last for up to 2 weeks without chipping.

What Do I Need to Get Started?

In addition to your Hanny & Chuck Semi-Cured Gel Strips, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure the best results:

• Nail lamp: Any UV or LED nail lamp will work. If you already own one, there’s no need to buy a new one.

• UV gel topcoat (optional): Also known as a "soak-off" topcoat, this helps seal and protect the strips. Any brand will work.

• Gel strip remover: Coconut Oil or Nail Polish remover makes removal simple and damage-free.

• Nail file and buffer: These tools help prep your nails and shape the strips after application.

• Alcohol wipes: Used to remove oil and debris from the nail surface before application.

• Cuticle pusher: Helps create a clean nail surface for better adhesion.

🔹Application Guide for Beginners🔹

How to Apply Semi-Cured Gel (SCG) Nail Strips: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re new to semi-cured gel nails, follow these steps to achieve a flawless, long-lasting manicure:

Step 1: Prep Your Nails

1. Push back your cuticles – Use a cuticle pusher or orangewood stick to gently push back your cuticles. This ensures your nail wraps adhere to your nails and not the cuticle and ensures a smooth, even application.
2. Buff the nail surface – Lightly buff the surface of each nail with a fine-grit nail buffer. This removes shine and creates a slightly rough texture for better adhesion. Avoid over-buffing, as it can weaken your nails.
3. Wash your hands with dish soap – Dish soap helps remove natural oils from your hands and nails better than regular hand soap, preventing adhesion issues. Dry your hands completely afterward.
4. Wipe nails with an alcohol pad – Use an alcohol wipe (or a cotton pad soaked in isopropyl alcohol) to remove any remaining dust and oil. Let your nails air dry fully before proceeding.

Step 2: Select and Apply the Gel Strips

5. Choose the correct size strip for each nail – Compare the strips to your nails and select the closest match. If a strip is slightly too wide, opt for a smaller size to prevent overlapping onto your skin or cuticle area.
6. Apply the SCG strip – Peel the strip from its backing and carefully place it onto your nail, starting at the cuticle and smoothing it forward toward the tip. Press down firmly, ensuring there are no bubbles or wrinkles.
7. Trim excess length – If the strip extends past your natural nail, use nail clippers or scissors to trim off the excess.

Step 3: Secure and Cure the Gel Strips

8. Smooth the edges – Use a rubber cuticle pusher to press down along the edges and sides of the strip. This helps blend the strip seamlessly into your nail for a natural look and stronger adhesion.
9. Cure under a UV/LED nail lamp – Place your nails under a UV or LED lamp and cure for 2 to 3 cycles of 60 seconds each (adjust time based on your lamp’s wattage and the curing recommendations). The strips will harden and fully bond to your nails.

Step 4: Shape and Finish

10. File the strips to match your nail shape – Use a nail file to refine the edges and shape the cured strips to your preference. File in a downwards direction to prevent lifting.
11. Re-wash your hands – This removes any remaining dust or debris from filing.

Step 5: Optional – Apply a Gel Topcoat

12. Seal with a uv gel topcoat (optional) – Apply a thin layer of gel topcoat over each nail and cure again for 1-2 cycles of 60 seconds under your UV/LED lamp. This adds extra strength and prolongs the wear time of your manicure.

Congratulations! You now have a salon-quality manicure from the comfort of your home. 🎉

Important Tips for Semi-Cured Gel Strips

Avoid sunlight during application. UV rays can prematurely cure your strips, making them too hard to apply. Keep unused strips away from windows, outdoor light, and nail lamps until you’re ready to use them.

Avoid prolonged water exposure for at least 6 hours after application. This allows the adhesive to fully set. Try to do your manicure before bed or before a period when you won’t be showering or washing dishes.

How to Remove Semi-Cured Gel Strips

One of the best features of SCG strips is how easily they can be removed without damage. Unlike traditional gel polish, these strips come off in one piece, much like press-on nails.

Removal Steps:

1. Soak your hands in hot, soapy water for 10-20 minutes. This loosens the adhesive for easier removal.

2. Apply cuticle oil or nail polish remover along the edges of the strip. Let it sit for a few minutes.

3. Use a cuticle pusher or orange wood stick to lift the strip starting from the tip of the nail. Avoid peeling from the cuticle area.

4. Apply more remover under the lifted edge and let it sit. Work slowly toward the cuticle to avoid damaging the natural nail.

5. Repeat on all nails. If needed, repeat the soaking process to fully remove any remaining adhesive.

Important: Never remove the strips without a remover solution like cuticle oil or nail polish remover, even if they seem loose. Peeling them off forcefully can damage your nails.

🎉 You’re Ready to Start!

Now that you have all the knowledge, you’re set to achieve salon-quality nails at home with ease. Enjoy your perfect manicure, experiment with designs, and share your results with the community! 💅✨

 

For more advanced application techniques, check out this blog:

Advanced Application Tips for Semi-Cured Gel Nail Wraps

This guide shares expert tips to help you perfect your semi-cured gel nail wraps for a smooth, long-lasting, and flawless finish! 💅✨