Ever dream of achieving salon-quality nails at home? Gel polish can be your secret weapon! It offers long-lasting shine, vibrant colors, and chip-resistant wear – all without the hefty price tag of a professional manicure. But achieving that perfect gel polish application can seem daunting at first. Fear not, aspiring nail artist! This guide will break down the process into simple steps, making you a gel polish pro in no time. Get ready to ditch the chipped nails and embrace stunning, long-lasting manicures you can create yourself!
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO APPLY GEL NAIL POLISH AT HOME?
CUTICLE OIL
Gel curing and especially gel polish removal can dry out your nails, cuticles, and surrounding skin. To maintain moisture in your skin and nail plate, it’s beneficial to invest in cuticle oil.
UV/LED LAMP
A UV/LED curing lamp is essential for gel nails, as it hardens the gel polish layers, making the nails more durable and chip-resistant. “Curing” refers to drying gel nails under a UV/LED lamp, where the light activates a chemical reaction that quickly dries the nails, preventing chipping or smudging immediately after application. This process is why gel manicures last longer than most other types of manicures.
CUTICLE PUSHER
A cuticle pusher is used to expose more of your nail bed, helping your manicure last longer by delaying the visible growth of your nails under the polish.
NAIL BUFF
A nail buffer is an essential part of your nail kit. It gently prepares your nail’s surface by smoothing and evening out imperfections, ensuring an easy and flawless application of gel polish.
NAIL FILE
A nail file shapes your nails and removes gel polish by smoothing the edges and grinding down the surface. This helps maintain the desired nail shape and prepares the nails for new polish.
To remove gel nails, use a medium grit file. For soak-off gel polish, use a 180 grit nail file to remove the hardened top coat before removing the polish.
Tip: you want to avoid damaging the natural nail underneath by using too coarse a nail file.
ACETONE
Acetone is used to clean your nails before applying gel polish and to remove the polish afterward. Any acetone with a content of 60 percent or more will work effectively.
Before application, acetone removes oils and residues to create a clean surface for the gel polish. During removal, it breaks down the gel polish for easy removal. Use cotton balls or lint-free nail wipes to apply the acetone, ensuring no fuzz is left on your nails.
UV GEL MANICURE GLOVES
Wearing UV gel manicure gloves protects your skin from the UV light used to cure gel polish. This is important because long-term exposure to UV light can damage your skin. The gloves shield your skin from unnecessary UV ray exposure.
NAIL CLIPPERS
Nail clippers are used to shape your nails before a gel manicure. Avoid clipping your nails after applying gel polish, as it can break the seal at the tip and cause the polish to peel off.
GEL TOP COAT
A gel top coat is crucial when applying gel polish as it seals in the color, delivering a glossy finish that safeguards nails from chipping and peeling.
GEL BASE COAT
A gel base coat is essential as it ensures the gel polish adheres securely to the natural nail, creating a smooth surface that enhances the durability of gel nails. This is why gel manicures have a longer lifespan compared to regular nail polish.
GEL POLISH
Now comes the enjoyable part—choose your favorite gel colors or try something new!
APPLY GEL NAIL POLISH: STEP BY STEP
CUT AND FILE NAILS
To achieve a stunning gel manicure, begin by shaping your nails. Trim them to your desired size and shape using a nail clipper, then use a nail file to smooth out the edges for flawless application.
PUSH YOUR CUTICLES DOWN
Utilize a cuticle pusher to gently push back your cuticles, creating a cleaner and more visible nail surface. This tool also helps remove dead skin from the nail plate and promotes even cuticle maintenance. Avoid trimming your cuticles, as this can increase the risk of nail infections by exposing the nail bed.
BUFF YOUR NAILS
Gently buff your nails to smooth the surface and enhance their natural shine, preparing them to bond effectively with gel polish. Avoid excessive buffing, which can weaken and thin your nails.
CLEAN NAILS
Thoroughly cleanse your nails with rubbing alcohol to ensure the polish adheres directly to your natural nail. Any residues like cuticle oil or dust particles can cause premature lifting of the polish.
APPLY GEL BASE COAT
Start with a strong foundation! Apply a thin layer of gel base coat to each nail, ensuring it reaches all the way to the tips (capping the free edge) for extra chip resistance. Once all your nails are coated, cure them under a UV lamp or LED light according to the manufacturer’s instructions (typically 45 seconds to 1 minute).
Don’t worry about the tacky feeling – this is normal for uncured gel polish. Just resist the urge to touch your nails, as that can mess up the application.
APPLY GEL POLISH
Now, for the fun part – color! Use thin coats to paint each nail, reaching close to the cuticle but avoiding your skin (a clean-up brush can be handy for minor mistakes). Two thin coats are ideal for most colors, but feel free to add more for extra vibrancy. Remember, thin is better than thick for a smooth, even finish. After each coat, cure your nails under the UV/LED lamp according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually 45-60 seconds). That sticky feeling is normal, so resist touching your nails until you’re done!
APPLY GEL TOP COAT
Shine on! Finish your masterpiece with a thin layer of gel top coat, ensuring you cover the entire nail and cap the free edge for ultimate protection. Cure your nails under the UV/LED lamp for at least a minute (as per instructions) to completely dry and seal the polish. Some gels might leave a slightly tacky residue – no worries, a gentle wipe with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol will take care of that, revealing your perfectly polished nails!
HOW TO APPLY GEL POLISH ON ACRYLICS
When combining gel polish with acrylic nails, your nail art can remain intact for up to 6 weeks with minimal touch-ups. Before proceeding, familiarize yourself with the differences between gel and acrylic nails.
Here are the recommended steps to follow:
Begin by removing old polish using a non-acetone nail polish remover. This step is crucial to ensure thorough removal of any residual polish from the nail.
Clean and dry the nail completely to eliminate any residue that could affect the application. It’s important to avoid harsh chemicals that might react with the acrylic. Opt for gentle options like baby wipes or thorough hand washing.
Apply an acrylic-friendly base coat, followed by colored polish and a top coat. Treat acrylic nails similarly to natural nails when applying gel polish, using the steps outlined above. Ensure the base coat is compatible with acrylic to prevent staining.
HOW TO APPLY NAIL TIPS WITH GEL OVERLAY
You can apply gel polish to store-bought nail tips that are glued over your natural nails. The process resembles regular gel polish application but with a few key differences.
Start by pushing back your cuticles, gently buffing the nail surface, and ensuring they are clean. Apply a thin coat of nail glue to each nail and carefully place the nail tips, rocking them to eliminate any trapped air bubbles.
Adjust the size and shape of the nail tips as necessary. Afterward, buff and clean the nail surface before proceeding to apply gel polish. Begin with a base coat followed by at least two layers of color, curing each coat as you apply it.
Before applying the top coat, remove any tacky residue, lightly buff the top color layer, and clean it. Finally, apply and cure the top coat to seal and ensure long-lasting results.
HOW TO APPLY NAIL DECALS OVER GEL POLISH
Ready to level up? Explore Nail Art! Gel polish is perfect for nail art because it allows your designs to shine (literally!) for longer. Here’s a beginner-friendly option using nail decals:
Pick your base: Apply your desired gel polish color as the foundation for your artwork.
Decal magic: Choose your decal design and carefully cut out the section you want to use.
Water decals? Easy! Simply dip a water decal in water to separate it from the backing, then place it on your nail.
Smooth operator: Gently use a wooden stick or your finger to flatten the decal onto your nail. You can even add details or pops of color with extra polish.
Seal the deal: Once your design is perfect, cure it under the lamp for at least 30 seconds. Finish with a layer of gel top coat, cure again, and voila! Show off your artistic masterpiece!
HOW TO MAINTENANCE GEL NAIL POLISH AT HOME?
Prolong your Gel Mani Magic:
Hydration is key: Regularly apply cuticle oil to keep your nails and surrounding skin nourished. This helps prevent chipping and peeling.
Give it time to set: Avoid direct contact with water for at least an hour after your manicure. This allows the gel polish to fully cure and harden.
Gloves are your friend: Protect your nails when doing chores! Wear gloves for washing dishes, cleaning, or anything that involves harsh chemicals.
Shine it on: Apply a top coat every few days to add an extra layer of protection and boost the shine and longevity of your gel polish.
HOW TO REMOVE GEL NAIL POLISH AT HOME?
Removing gel nail polish is akin to removing acrylic nails, providing comfort and relief for your fingers. Ready for a Refresh? Here’s how to remove your gel polish safely:
Soften it Up: Soak cotton balls in 100% acetone and place them on each nail.
Seal the Deal: Wrap each fingertip snugly with aluminum foil to create a little pocket. This helps trap the acetone and speeds up the removal process.
Patience is Key: Relax and let the magic happen! Soak your nails for at least 10 minutes. The gel polish should be lifting or dissolving easily.
Buff and Moisturize: Once the polish is gone, gently buff your nails to remove any residue. Finish by pampering your nails and cuticles with a nourishing moisturizer or cuticle oil.
FAQ
1. Do I need to prep my nails before applying gel polish?
Absolutely! Gently push back your cuticles, buff your nails to remove shine, and clean them with alcohol wipes to remove any oils.
2. How thin should the gel polish layers be?
Thin coats are key! Multiple thin layers will create a smooth, opaque finish that’s less prone to chipping.
3. What if I accidentally get gel polish on my skin?
Don’t panic! Before curing, use a cotton swab dipped in acetone or alcohol to gently wipe away the mistake.
CONCLUSION
So there you have it! With a little practice and these handy tips, you’ll be well on your way to achieving salon-quality gel manicures from the comfort of your own home. Remember, start with prepping your nails properly, apply thin coats of gel polish, and cure them according to the instructions. Don’t forget to moisturize your nails and avoid harsh chemicals to extend the life of your manicure. Now get creative and have fun with different colors and even try some beginner-friendly nail art! With gel polish, your stunning nails are just a few steps away!
