steps for gel x nails

HOW TO APPLY GEL POLISH PERFECTLY: A SIMPLE DIY GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS

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!

HOW TO GET THE PERFECT ROSE QUARTZ NAILS

Have you ever been mesmerized by the delicate beauty of rose quartz? This blush pink crystal with wispy white veins has become a popular inspiration for all sorts of things, and nail art is no exception. Rose quartz nails capture the ethereal quality of the stone, with soft pinks and subtle veining that create a truly stunning look. If you’re ready to embrace this trend and give your fingertips a touch of elegance, then dive into the world of rose quartz nails! We’ll guide you through the steps to achieve this gorgeous look, from prepping your nails to creating those delicate details.

WHAT INGREDIENTS DO YOU NEED TO PREPARE TO CREATE ROSE QUARTZ NAIL ART?

  • Urban Graffiti Base Coat
  • Urban Graffiti Top Coat 
  • Urban Graffiti Pink Fairy Wings Gel Polish
  • Blooming Gel
  • Urban Graffiti Snow White Gel Polish
  • Urban Graffiti Interlude Gel Polish OR Nude Gel Polish 
  • Fine detailer brush
  • Flat edge nail art brush

SEQUENCE OF STEPS TO CREATE ROSE QUARTZ NAILS

STEP 1: APPLY TWO THIN LAYERS OF PINK GEL POLISH

To prepare, begin by removing the surface shine from your nails, cleaning them with our Gel Residue Wipe Off Solution, and applying a base coat.

To start your rose quartz nails, apply a thin layer of transparent pink gel polish. Cure this under your lamp (30 seconds with LED/120 seconds with UV). Then, apply a second thin coat of the same color without curing it. Ensure the application is even and not too thick to maintain the transparent, crystal-like effect.

STEP 2: ADD YOUR ROSE QUARTZ NAIL ART

Now, proceed to apply your white gel polish to create the rose quartz effect. Use a flat-edged nail art brush to sweep the white gel diagonally from the top corner down to the side of your nail. Repeat this sweeping motion across your nail to create approximately three slightly wavy lines. The lines should have a natural, non-uniform appearance.

Ensure the white gel polish on your brush is not too thick; it should be almost translucent. If necessary, you can mix a small amount of Blooming Gel with the white polish. Once done, cure your nails again under the lamp.

STEP 3: ADD ANOTHER TWO PINK COATS

Next, apply another layer of your pink gel polish. If you’re using Blooming Gel, apply a bit more beforehand to enhance its translucency. This layer will blend with the white, giving it a pink tint and creating depth in your design. Cure this layer under the lamp.

Once cured, apply a second thin coat of pink gel polish, but do not cure it yet; leave it wet.

STEP 4: ADD MORE ROSE QUARTZ NAIL ART

Now, repeat the previous steps with your white gel polish, starting the lines from the opposite side this time. Using your flat-edged nail art brush, sweep the white gel diagonally down the nail a few times. Ensure the application is light and translucent to maintain the desired effect. Cure this under your lamp once finished.

STEP 5: ADD ANOTHER TWO PINK COATS

Next, repeat the process by applying another layer of pink gel polish and curing it under the lamp. Once cured, apply a second thin coat of pink gel polish and leave it uncured. These layers enhance the depth required for a crystal-like appearance and contribute to achieving our beautiful rose quartz effect.

STEP 6: USE A FINER BRUSH TO ADD DETAIL

Next, use a fine detailer brush to finalize your rose quartz nails. Using a small amount of white gel polish, delicately create several slightly wavy lines diagonally across the nail. Cure the nails once you’ve completed this step.

STEP 7: ADD ANOTHER PINK LAYER AND SEAL WITH A TOP COAT

Once you’re satisfied with your design, apply a final thin layer of pink gel polish and cure it under your lamp. To seal and add a glossy finish, apply a top coat and cure again. At this stage, you can either leave your rose quartz nails as they are or proceed to the final step to add a touch of extra sparkle.

STEP 8: ADD A GLITTERY BORDER AND TOP COAT

For an added touch of glamour to your final look, consider adding a sparkly border. Using a clean fine detailer brush, delicately line the outer edge of your nails with our shimmering Pink Fairy Wings gel polish, complementing your rose quartz design. Apply another layer of top coat to secure the embellishment and cure it one last time.

And there you have it! This exquisite rose quartz nail art is ideal for special occasions yet versatile enough for everyday wear.

CONCLUSION

With a little patience and these simple steps, you can create stunning rose quartz nails that showcase the delicate beauty of the crystal. Pink nails from rose gold chrome nails or rose quat nails are very delicate and elegant. So, grab your favorite nail polish and get creative! Whether you prefer a subtle bit of ribbing or a more dramatic effect, there’s a way to customize this look to suit your style. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun recreating the magic of rose quartz at your fingertips!