Ok, let’s be honest—who doesn’t absolutely love a fresh manicure or pedicure? There’s something so glamorous about expressing your mood or style on your nails. And, all is fun and games until one of those suckers chips! That’s why, in recent days, so many nail polish users have been opting for gel manicures which are said to last up to 14 days without damage. Though this is a great option in terms of the longevity of your polish, the gel can be unhealthy and just plain expensive! Luckily, there is a new product that claims to give you the gel nail polish look, without the drawbacks.

Hydracol is a product that says that it can transform any ordinary nail polish into a gel polish. Juli over at cutepolish says that Hydracol is especially great for old polishes that have gotten too thick to use. This product can actually loosen their consistency and bring them back to life! Now, are you thinking about all of those half-empty bottles of polish that you threw away but could have saved? I know I am!

Perhaps some of you nailistas out there are well-informed about the common harmful chemicals that are found in most gel polishes, like formaldehyde. Luckily, this product claims to have NO harmful chemicals at all. Users even say that it makes the nails stronger, which is an incredible feat. You gel polish wearers know that the product usually tends to weaken the nail bed.

For this review, Juli decides to put Hydracol to the test with one of her own polishes. She tells the viewers, “The polish that I’m going to be turning gel today used to be my all-time favorite baby pink polish until it became too goopy to use.” Though this certainly is a great perk of the product, she also notes that if you are using an older polish, then it is better to only make enough for one coat at a time as the mixture hardens quickly.

Here are the steps that Juli takes to achieve the gel nail look with Hydracol:

 

1. Apply a gel or regular base coat to the nails.
2. Cure the base coat under an LED lamp for 30 seconds.
3. Use a plastic palette to mix equal amounts your chosen polish with Hydracol.
4. Apply the mixture to the nails.
5. Cure for an additional 30 seconds under an LED lamp.

 

The end result looks gorgeous! She even posts an update to show how her nails are doing four days later.

So, is Hydracol worth it? Certainly seems so! The product retails for around $30, which is the average price for just one gel manicure at a salon. Watch the video below and see is you’re convinced.

Have you used a product like Hydracol before? What is your nail routine? Do you prefer to do your own nails, or do you like to get pampered at a salon? Share your opinions and experiences with us in the comments section below!