The Japanese Gel Manicure Is the New Nail Trend to Watch

It's a game-changer if you love nail art.

Few options are better than a gel mani for long-lasting, chip-proof wear and ample shine. But the Japanese gel manicure is a new riff that challenges the original technique, offering a new gel nail polish that can be even better for certain designs.

It's especially helpful if you're a fan of nail art, since it can offer three-dimensional effects and bold, eye-popping color. With that in mind, here's what to know about the Japanese gel manicure.

Related: The 7 Best Summer Nail Trends to Inspire Your Next Manicure

Japanese gel manicures are nail treatments that use a specific, Japanese-made gel nail polish. This type of formula "usually comes in a pot or bottle and is made with high-quality ingredients," says San Sung Kim, nail artist at Nailing Hollywood. "The colors are very pigmented and easy to use for art or for a full-coverage nail."

As a result, you can expect a thicker nail polish that is made with 100-percent gel. While it has a softer feel than the gel polishes stateside, it's still very durable, making the Japanese gel manicure ideal for out-of-the-box designs and bold nail colors.

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Japanese gel nail polishes can also last longer than regular gel manicures, clocking in at about six weeks. Another advantage: Because they're softer than traditional gel-polish formulas, they can be more easily filed down without damaging the nail when you remove it. Otherwise, however, there isn't much of a difference between Japanese gel and traditional gel manicures; in fact, the application and removal process are largely the same.

During a nail appointment, Kim says, expect the basic nail and cuticle prep. Your nail technician will cleanse and file the nail before applying the base gel. Then, they'll apply your Japanese gel shade of choice before curing with a UV light. Whether you're just doing one shade or an intricate nail-art look will ultimately determine how many times you'll have to cure your nails. As the final step, your technician will seal it with a top coat.

Once you're ready for a change (or your nails have grown out), your Japanese gel manicure can be filed or soaked off like other types of gel — but always ask your technician for best practices so you don't damage your nail. If you're looking for some inspiration, Kim recommends using Japanese gel polishes for more intricate looks. "Some of the designs you can achieve with Japanese gel polishes are nuanced or abstract," she says. Portrait art, 3-D art, or even the summer-worthy sunshine-dipped nail trend: With a Japanese gel mani, the options are endless.

Related: The Italian Manicure Will Give You Longer-Looking Nails Without Acrylics

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