Gel, explained.
Modern gel systems are designed to deliver strong, natural-looking results while prioritising natural nail health when used correctly.
A premixed acrylic system activated by light.
When placed under a lamp, the gel undergoes a chemical reaction called curing.
During this process, the molecules bond together — polymerise — transforming the gel from a liquid into a hard, chemical-resistant coating within seconds.
Although the term “gel” originally referred to the product’s texture, it is now used as a general category. Chemically, gel is essentially a premixed acrylic system that remains stable until activated by light.
Liquid to solid in seconds.
Before curing, gel is liquid and workable. Light activates the photoinitiators, triggering free-radical polymerisation and creating a hardened structure.
The light activates the photo initiator inside the gel.
The activated photo initiator releases a molecule fragment called a free radical.
The free radical creates instability within the gel.
The free radicals attack the double bonds in the resin.
The bonds break and reconnect, forming long polymer chains.
The chains create a solid structure — polymerisation — resulting in a stable, hardened gel enhancement.
The sticky layer is uncured gel.
After curing, you may notice a sticky layer on the surface. This is uncured gel caused by oxygen exposure.
- Oxygen inhibits the top layer from fully curing
- The layers underneath cure properly because they are not exposed to air
- This is completely normal and is called the inhibition layer
However: if the layer is unusually thick, it may indicate under-curing. This can be caused by incorrect lamp output, incorrect wavelength or an aging lamp.
Your lamp is part of the system.
The key difference between UV and LED gels comes down to photoinitiators — the ingredients inside the gel that react to light and start the curing process.
UV — ultraviolet light
Ultraviolet light sits outside what we can see. It exists on the electromagnetic spectrum between approximately 100–400 nm.
The purple light you see inside the lamp is only the visible edge — the actual UV light curing the gel is invisible.
LED
LED lamps emit a targeted UV-A wavelength.
365–405 nm.
At SOAK, we require the use of a high-quality lamp within the 365–405 nm range to ensure proper curing across all services.
Proper curing is not optional. It directly impacts:
- Service longevity
- Client safety
- Risk of allergies and contact dermatitis
If a gel is under-cured, it may look set on the surface but remain reactive underneath, which can lead to skin irritation and long-term allergies.
Always ensure: you are using the correct lamp, your lamp is functioning properly, and you are curing for the full recommended time.
Your lamp is just as important as your product — never compromise on it.
Same family. Different trigger.
Acrylic — liquid & powder
- Cures through a chemical reaction when liquid and powder combine
- Strong odour due to volatile compounds
Gel — UV/LED systems
- Pre-mixed system
- Cures only when exposed to UV/LED light
- Minimal odour due to low volatile compounds
What's actually inside the system?
Photo Initiators
Ingredients that absorb UV/LED light and convert it into energy, triggering the curing process.
Energy Curable Resins
Semi-solid oligomers containing acrylic functional groups that cure when exposed to light energy.
Inhibitors
Prevent the gel from curing prematurely while in the bottle.
Stabilisers
Prevent discolouration and maintain product integrity over time.
Pigments
Provide colour. Light colours reflect light, dark colours absorb light, and some pigments are harder to cure.