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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!

Longer does not always imply better. While the thought of artificial nails may conjure up images of longer-than-long tips, strength does not always have to be manifested in length. Acrylic nails’ supposedly indestructible resilience is equally available in short and sporty nails. Because length is relative, “short” may signify different things to different people. So we collected our favorite acrylic nail designs in a variety of accessible lengths that won’t require you to sacrifice dexterity for beauty. Continue reading for nail art ideas for short acrylic nails.

French Tips

French tips work well with both long and short nails. The design gives off a classic but cute vibe for girls of every age. You can use the same colors on each hand, or you can get your manicurist to mix it up with different acrylic colors on each digit if you’re feeling fancy.

Ombre

This pattern incorporates a gradient effect from the tip to the base of the nail, creating a calm, beachy atmosphere. What’s the best part? It looks great in both bright colors and subtle pastels.

Two-toned

This basic manicure is classy but playful. Furthermore, it can help make your nails stay longer without any acrylics required. This manicure also looks basic and fashionable enough for those who want to be stylish and stand out of the crowd.

Hot Pink

Though the era of Barbie has come to an end, hot pink is still a good color to go for when it comes to nail designs. A hot pink nail design can take the whole appearance to another level. Having a hot pink manicure can slay all the manicures out there.

Baby Blue And Silver

On short round acrylic nails, the delicate combination of baby blue and silver provides a dreamy and exquisite effect. This nail design is easy to do, cute yet cool enough to style with a bold outfit. It can be suitable for an edgy attire or formal outfit.

Glitter

If you are a fan of something glamorous and make you stand out of the crowd, you may want to try this out. The manicure can express your personality thanks to the glitter, and it is ideal for prom or date night.

White And Silver

White and silver nail designs are always the go-to manicures. If you want your nails to seem sparkly, choose a silver glitter nail color with small glittering particles. These short white acrylic nails seem fun and cool enough.

Rose Gold Ombre Glitter

Rose gold ombre glitter nails might add a touch of bling to your look, no matter if it is for a night out or everyday use. This rose gold glitter design looks best on short to medium-length nails, but you are free to use it on any length of nails you choose. These rose gold glitter nail ideas are ideal if you want a simple or understated manicure.

Chrome

By putting a sparkling finish on top with chrome powder, you may keep the original design’s distinctive look while still being fashionable. This white chrome nails has been viral for few months and they are still the go-to manicure for many girls.

Light Pink

Light pink is a great color for your future manicure. The gentle, romantic hue is associated with softness and playfulness. If you are not a fan of pink, try other colors which you find suitable for you most.

Pink And White French Tips

Pink and white French tip nails can be a pleasant summer look while yet maintaining a classic design. I highly recommend it to be a new year eve nails thanks to its gentle and cute colors.

Red And Pink

This heart-shaped nail art is perfect for Valentine’s Day. Choose a soft pink for your nails and a crimson accent nail with a negative space heart. Make a small red heart on the tip of your pink nails. This is exactly what your Valentine would enjoy!

Watercolor Splash

For the painters out there, watercolor nails provide the impression of a mini-masterpiece on each nail. For a delicate, dreamy appearance, start with a light base color then overlay various translucent colors.

Nude

If you want a nude manicure but can’t stand the idea of overly squared tips, ask your manicurist to round out your acrylics. A nude manicure set suits those who prefer nails that are minimal.

Red

Let’s get one thing straight: Red nails are always a good choice because they are both classic and current. A timeless red is a year-round favorite that is perfect for the holidays (or any other occasion).

Swirl

Looking to add a whimsical touch to your short acrylic manicure? Acrylic swirl nails are the way to go! Swirl nails give off a cute and naughty vibe as well as look mature and formal enough for those who are working.

Floral

Adding floral accents to a traditional nude manicure is another way to make it stand out. While professional acrylics will provide a gorgeous pattern that will endure for days, you can easily DIY at home with normal polish and a pushpin.

Strawberry

Drawing tiny and cute strawberries on your nails is a good idea to take your manicure to the next level. These strawberry nails are a go-to nail in the summer as it goes well with every type of swimsuit, making you look naughty and cute when standing under the sunlight.

Dark

Burgundy, dark green, and black are popular possibilities, but have you considered dark navy? It’s game-changing! Dark nails look bold and mature enough, suitable for those who want to express their individuality and go well with clothes that also have the same dark tone.

White Glitter

Nothing says “winter” quite like a white manicure on short nails. Do you want to add some glitz? Choose a white glitter nail polish, such as this one from PI Colors. Do you know that I’m cold makeup trend? This manicure can definitely go well with that!

Metallic Design

A metallic stripe or dot may make a big difference, instantly elevating your nails. It’s basic yet effective, whether it’s a gold line down the middle or a silver dot at the bottom. Though the metallic design makes the nails look bold and cool, the white color can change the whole look, making it more elegant.

White Lines

Single white lines are a minimalist’s dream, so look no further for a delicate nail design. Layer the lines over bare nails, as shown above, or go stronger with a lime green or red base. This manicure looks really elegant, so if you are thinking about go to big events, you may want to try this.

Matte Neutral

We love a neutral nail, but a matte topcoat elevates the look to the next level. If this style is too plain for you, consider adding some fun with single-patterned nail art. Peachy color is the color of this year, so why don’t you try it out ?

Rose Quartz

Gemstone-inspired manicures are all the rage, and this pink and white combination looks exactly like actual rose quartz on your nails. Rose quartz nails look different and unique, I bet that you would be the first one in your school to try this manicure.

Cherry Pattern

These acrylic nails are all American and avant-garde, and they are the cherry on top of a flawless mani. If you don’t like the summertime treat, try substituting berries, coconuts, or your favorite citrus fruit. Just like the strawberry design. it would be better if you want to wear your swimsuit as it may flatter your clothing.

Conclusion

One important thing to remember is to constantly prioritize nail health. Acrylics are entertaining, but if not properly cared for, they can be damaging to your natural nails. Make sure to give your nails a break now and then and to keep them hydrated. It’s also worth noting that not all nail art has to be expensive; DIY choices including press-on nails can create salon-like results for a fraction of the price. Overall, your nails are a blank canvas for self-expression, so go ahead and experiment, and most importantly, have fun! Every manicure is an opportunity to fall in love with a new look, and I can’t wait for you to find the next design that makes you feel fabulous. Go on and nail it!