What is the name of the nail enhancement that uses a UV-cured gel?

The nail enhancement that uses a UV-cured gel is a gel manicure. In this treatment, layers of gel polish or gel product are applied to the nails and hardened, or cured, under ultraviolet or LED light.

The curing step is what distinguishes gel systems from ordinary nail polish. Traditional polish dries as solvents evaporate, while gel remains tacky until light activates photoinitiators in the formula and creates a hardened coating. Gel manicures are valued for their glossy finish, durability, and resistance to chipping; many last roughly two to three weeks, depending on the product and wear.

Gel manicures are often confused with acrylic nails. Acrylic systems use a liquid monomer and polymer powder that harden through a chemical reaction, so they do not need UV curing. Dip powder is another separate method: it uses adhesive and powder layers, followed by an activator rather than a curing lamp. Silk wraps use fabric reinforcement rather than a UV-cured gel system.

Removal matters as much as application. Some soft gels can be soaked off with acetone, while harder gels may require careful filing. Picking or aggressive filing can damage the natural nail, and improperly applied products may contribute to irritation or allergic reactions.