Understanding Magnetic Gel Polish: The Science Behind Cat-Eye Nails

Jul 10 / TGB Academy
Magnetic gel polish combines magnetic pigments and UV-curing chemistry to create dazzling nail art. Learn how it works, what makes it unique, and how to master its mesmerising effects.

Understanding Magnetic Gel Polish: The Science Behind the Cat-Eye Nails

Magnetic gel polish, used to create cat-eye nail designs, offers more than just a beautiful visual effect. This formula offers a clever blend of science and salon creativity. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down exactly how magnetic gel polish works, how it differs from standard gel polish and what makes it shift and shimmer when you use a magnet to create cat-eye nails.  

What is Gel Nail Polish Made Of? 

Standard gel nail polish is made up of a few key components:  
  • Monomers: Small, reactive molecules that form the foundation of gel polish. These are the building blocks that link together during curing.  
  • Oligomers: Slightly larger molecules that give gel nail polish its thick, brushable texture and contribute to flexibility and durability.  
  • Photoinitiators: Light-reactive chemicals that trigger the polymerisation process when exposed to UV or LED light, turning the liquid gel into a solid.  

How Does Magnetic Gel Polish Work?

What makes magnetic gel polish different is the addition of magnetic pigment particles suspended within the formula. These tiny metallic particles are responsive to magnets, allowing you to manipulate how the shimmer appears on the nail.  
  
The process works in three simple steps: 
  • Application: Apply the magnetic gel polish as you would any standard gel polish 
  • Magnetic manipulation: Hold a magnet over the freshly applied gel (before curing) to shift the magnetic particles into your desired pattern for cat-eye nails. 
  • Curing: Once satisfied with the effect, cure the nail under a UV or LED lamp to "freeze" the particles in place, permanently locking in the design 

Popular Cat-Eye Nail Art Effects

Depending on the magnet and technique used, you can create a variety of effects for cat-eye nails and cat-eye nail art:  
  • Classic Cat-Eye Line: A sleek vertical or diagonal line across the nail.  
  • Halo Glow: A glowing ring that adds dimension.  
  • Side Sweep: A dynamic, moving highlight.  
  • Full Nail Shift: By layering and shifting particles multiple times. 

The magic lies in experimenting with magnet shapes and angles to get the desired finish. 

The Science Behind the Shift: Magnetic Nail Polish

 The magnetic particles are embedded in a matrix of gel nail polish made from monomers and oligomers. When you use a magnet, these particles align in the direction of the magnetic field. Photoinitiators in the gel ensure that once you cure the polish, the particles remain in that aligned position. This combination of responsive pigments and polymer chemistry is what allows cat-eye gels to behave like an optical illusion.  

Introducing TGB’s Magnetic Gels Drop

Ready to put the science into practice? TGB has just dropped 14 limited-edition magnetic gels — each one designed to deliver rich colour payoff, multidimensional shimmer and that signature cat-eye shift. 

From deep plum tones to golden-hour glows, this drop isn’t one to miss. Whether you’re creating a classic cat-eye designs or experimenting with halo effects, these shades have been formulated to create standout cat-eye nails while delivering long-lasting wear and a salon-level shine. With a limited run, these shades won’t be around for long — once they’re gone, they’re gone! Explore the full collection today at TGB. Plus, when you shop seven or more individual Magnetic Gels from The Drop, we’ll include a free Dual-Ended Magnetic Tool, bringing you a saving of over 20%! Or, buy over three Magnetic Gels for a free Dual-Ended Magnetic Tool.* 

Master the Art and Science of Cat-Eye Nails

Magnetic gel polish is a brilliant blend of chemistry and creativity. With the help of magnetic pigments, a bit of technique and some light science, you can offer your clients dynamic, light-catching designs with every manicure. Understanding the science behind the product not only makes you a better tech, but also helps you educate your clients and stand out as a true professional in your field.  

Head over to our video library to access a free magnetic polish tutorial.

*Terms and conditions apply.