Noah Sinclair
Gel nails are a popular choice for those who want a long-lasting manicure. While gel manicures can be expensive, it is possible to do them at home with the right tools and techniques. Doing your own gel nails can save you time and money, and with practice, you can achieve professional-looking results. This involves prepping your nails, applying the gel polish, and using a nail lamp to cure the polish. You can also do infills on your gel nails to extend their lifespan, which involves filing and shaping the nails and applying new gel. It's important to use high-quality products and follow instructions carefully to avoid damaging your nails.
Can I fill my own gel nails?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | A gel manicure kit costs $79 and can be used repeatedly. |
| Time | It takes time to do your own gel nails, but it saves time spent driving to and waiting at the salon. |
| Quality | The quality of the gel manicure depends on the products used. High-quality products are recommended to prevent damage to the nails. |
| Technique | It is important to follow the correct technique, including prepping the nails, applying the gel, and using a nail lamp to cure the gel. |
| Removal | Gel nail polish can be removed with acetone or a gel nail polish remover. |
| Health | Cuticle oil can be used to nourish the skin and cuticles, and hot water should be avoided as it lifts the gel polish. |
| Tools | Nail lamp, acetone, nail file, cuticle pusher, and dehydrator are some of the tools needed for gel nails. |
| Benefits | Doing your own gel nails can save money and time, and allows for customization of nail shape and color. |
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What You'll Learn
The importance of using a builder gel
Filling your own gel nails at home is a great way to save money and time spent at the salon. However, it is important to invest in the right supplies and products to ensure the success of your gel nails. One of the most important products to use when filling gel nails is a builder gel.
Builder gel is a type of gel that is used to add length, thickness, and strength to nails. It has a thicker consistency than regular gel polish, allowing you to create a built-up nail shape while still being able to self-level. The thickness of the builder gel also provides additional strength and protection to your natural nails, especially when using an e-file, as it prevents filing on your natural nail. This is important because over-prepping your natural nail by peeling, ripping, filing, or buffing your nails too much can cause them to feel weak, hurt, and become flimsy.
Builder gels come in both soft and hard varieties, which can be chosen based on the length of your nails. Soft gels have some flexibility, making them suitable for shorter nails that need to bend. Hard gels, on the other hand, are ideal for longer nails as they do not flex. It is important to choose the right type of builder gel for your nails to prevent lifting or cracking. Additionally, the application process for builder gels is different from regular gel polishes and requires more skill and experience.
Builder gels can be applied directly to your natural nails or used with nail tips to create extensions. They provide a non-chip overlay and help keep your nails looking perfect for 2 to 3 weeks or more, depending on the brand and application. When the builder gel grows out, you can infill it or remove it and apply a new set. Overall, builder gels are an excellent choice for those who want to add strength and length to their natural nails while maintaining a natural look.
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Removing gel nail polish at home
Removing gel nail polish can be a tricky process, and it is important to do it carefully to avoid damaging your nails. While there are several methods for removing gel nail polish at home, acetone is the most effective way to do so, according to board-certified dermatologist Shari Lipner, MD, PhD, FAAD.
Firstly, it is important to note that you should avoid picking, filing, or scraping off the gel nail polish, as this can cause significant damage to your nails. Instead, you can try the following method recommended by Dr. Lipner: start by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to each cuticle and the surrounding skin. This will help protect the skin from the acetone. Then, line your work area with plastic wrap, as acetone can damage countertops and furniture. Place a thick towel on top of the plastic wrap. Work on one hand at a time, or have someone help you with the removal. Wrap your nails in plastic food wrap instead of foil, as it creates a tighter seal and prevents the acetone from dripping. Leave the plastic wrap on for about 10 minutes, then remove it. Most or all of the gel nail polish should come off with the plastic wrap. Use a washcloth soaked in warm water to gently remove any remaining polish, being careful to only rub the nail and not the surrounding skin. Finally, wash your hands with gentle, fragrance-free soap and water to remove the acetone.
Another method for removing gel nail polish is the double-bowl hot water and acetone technique. For this, you will need a special bowl with a removable bottom. Place hot water in the bottom of the bowl and acetone on top. Soak your nails in the acetone for at least 15 minutes, and then use a triangle-shaped "scraper" to remove the gel nail polish. Make sure to use 100% acetone, not nail polish remover, as it is different.
If you are patient, you can also remove gel nail polish by simply letting your nails grow out and clipping them once a week. This method can take about six months for fingernails and 12 to 18 months for toenails.
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Prepping your nails
Preparing your nails is an important step in the process of gel manicures. It ensures that your manicure looks better and lasts longer, and it also keeps your nails healthy and reduces the risk of damage. Here is a step-by-step guide to prepping your nails for a gel manicure:
Cleanse Your Nails:
Use cleanser wipes to ensure your nails are grease-free and free of any residual dirt or dead skin cells. This step is crucial as gel polish may not adhere well to greasy or dirty nails.
Push Back Your Cuticles:
Using a cuticle pusher or the Prep & Remove Pusher, gently push back your cuticles. This will provide more surface area to paint your nails and allow the polish to stay on more firmly. It will also give you better access to your entire nail bed.
Remove Dead Skin Cells:
With the pointed side of the pusher, gently go under the cuticle to remove any dead skin cells. Make sure to thoroughly push back the dead skin and cuticle, leaving no bits behind.
Shape Your Nails:
Choose the nail shape that suits you, whether it's rounded or square, and file your nails into that shape. When filing, always file from the side of your nail towards the center. This will help your nail maintain its strength.
Avoid Soaking Your Nails:
Skip soaking your nails in water, as this can make them more prone to peeling. Instead, cleanse your nails with 99% rubbing alcohol.
Apply a Gel Base:
Use a gel base that is meant to be worn for extended periods. Make sure to remove 80-90% of the colour when it's time to re-do your nails to check on your natural nails and ensure there are no issues.
Protect Your Nails:
When using an e-file, consider using a builder gel to add an extra layer of protection and prevent filing on your natural nail.
By following these steps, you will ensure that your nails are properly prepped for a gel manicure, resulting in a longer-lasting and better-looking manicure while also maintaining the health of your natural nails.
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Using a nail lamp
When using a nail lamp, it is important to follow the specific instructions provided with your chosen lamp and gel polish. Here is a general guide on how to use a nail lamp for gel nails:
- Prepare your workspace: Lay down a towel and have a paper towel and acetone readily available for cleanup.
- Clean and prep your nails: Ensure your nails are clean, filed, dried, and free of any residue, lotion, or oils. Buff and shape your nails as desired.
- Apply the gel polish: Follow the instructions for your chosen gel polish. Typically, you will apply a bonder or PH bond to dehydrate and prep the nail, followed by a base coat.
- Cure the gel polish: Place your hand under the nail lamp. Refer to the gel polish instructions for curing time, as it can vary from 5 to 60 seconds or more, depending on the product. LED lamps generally provide faster curing times than traditional UV bulbs.
- Repeat as needed: Apply additional coats of gel polish and cure each layer as instructed.
- Finalize the manicure: Apply a top coat and cure it under the lamp. Clean up any excess polish or residue around the cuticles and edges of your nails using a small brush dipped in acetone.
It is worth noting that nail lamps come in various types and designs. Some lamps feature multiple timer modes, motion sensors, and detachable plates for convenience and ease of use. When choosing a nail lamp, consider selecting one that is designed to work with the specific gel polish you intend to use, as recommended by nail artists. Additionally, while LED lamps cure gel polishes faster, it is important to be cautious of repeated and frequent exposure to UV rays, regardless of the lamp type.
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The cost of doing your own gel nails
The cost of getting gel nails done at a salon varies depending on the type of service, the location, and the prestige of the salon. Basic manicures can range from $20 to $50, with an average of around $45. Specialized services like gel polish can add $5 to $15 to the base price, and French tips can increase the cost by $10 to $20. The average cost of a gel manicure with removal is around $77, ranging from $55 to $120 or more. With regular salon visits every two weeks, this can add up to over $2000 a year.
Doing your own gel nails at home can be a more cost-effective alternative to salon visits. Starter kits like the Gelous Gel Nail Kit, which includes a base coat, top coat, colour coat, UV/LED gel nail lamp, nail file, orangewood cuticle sticks, cuticle oil, lint-free wipes, and manicure removal clips, can be purchased for $167. Each polish can last for 40 gel manicures on average, resulting in a cost of around $4.18 per manicure.
Additional costs to consider when doing your own gel nails include the purchase of gel nail polish remover, which can be around $25. It is also important to invest in high-quality products and tools to ensure the best results and maintain nail health.
Overall, while there may be a higher initial investment for at-home gel nail kits, the long-term savings can be significant, especially when compared to the cost of regular salon visits.
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