Nail gel, often referred to as gel polish or gel nail polish, is a type of nail product that is cured under a UV or LED lamp to harden and set. It provides a glossy, long-lasting finish and is popular for its durability and chip-resistant properties compared to traditional nail polish.

Here's how the gel nail process typically works:

1. Preparation: Just like with regular nail polish, the nails are cleaned, shaped, and the cuticles are pushed back.

2. Base Coat: A thin layer of clear gel base coat is applied to the nails. This helps the gel polish adhere better to the nail plate and protects the natural nail.

3. Color Application: After the base coat is cured under the UV or LED lamp, one or more coats of colored gel polish are applied, curing each layer under the lamp before applying the next.

4. Top Coat: Once the desired color intensity is achieved, a clear gel top coat is applied and cured under the lamp. This adds shine and helps protect the color layer from chipping and fading.

5. Curing: Each layer of gel polish (base coat, color, and top coat) is "cured" or dried under a UV or LED lamp. Curing times vary depending on the type of lamp and the brand of gel polish being used.

6. Finishing: After curing the final layer, any tacky residue on the nails, called the "inhibition layer," is removed using a special solution or wipe to reveal the glossy finish underneath.

Gel nails are loved for their long-lasting wear, typically lasting up to two or three weeks without chipping, depending on factors such as nail care habits and the brand of gel polish used. However, proper removal is crucial to prevent damage to the natural nails. This usually involves soaking the nails in acetone or using gel polish remover wraps to dissolve the gel layers without scraping or damaging the nails.