Sophia Delgado
Doing your gel nails at home can be a fun and cost-effective way to switch up your manicure. However, it is not recommended to do your gel nails outside. Direct sunlight can cause your nails or polish to cure prematurely, ruining your manicure and your gel polish bottles. Extreme temperatures can also affect the application and longevity of your gel polish, and dust, dirt, and bugs can impact the quality of your manicure.
Can you do gel nails outside?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sun exposure | Direct sunlight causes the gel polish to cure prematurely, thicken, and harden. |
| Temperature | Extreme temperatures, hot or cold, affect the application and longevity of gel polish. |
| Dirt and dust | Dirt, dust, and bugs can affect the quality of the manicure. |
| UV light | UV rays from the sun can cause the nails to cure prematurely. |
| Controlled environment | A clean and controlled indoor environment is best for doing gel nails. |
| UV exposure | UV exposure from curing lamps can be reduced by using LED lamps or UV gloves. |
| Skin health | Gel manicures can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands. |
| Nail health | Moderation is key when it comes to gel manicures. Nail polish holidays and hydration can help prevent nail brittleness and chipping. |
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What You'll Learn
Gel nail kits
If you're looking to do your gel nails at home, a gel nail kit is a great option. These kits provide you with everything you need for a professional-grade, long-lasting, salon-quality manicure at home or on the go.
When choosing a gel nail kit, it's important to consider the type of lamp it includes. LED lamps cure gels faster (usually in under a minute) compared to UV lamps, which take around 8 to 10 minutes. LED lamps are also thought to be safer due to reduced UV exposure, and their bulbs last longer. However, it's worth noting that not all polishes are compatible with all lamps, so be sure to check that your chosen kit's polishes are suitable for the included lamp.
Some popular gel nail kits include the Le Mini Macaron kit, which comes in two sizes: Le Mini and Le Maxi. Both kits include an LED lamp, with Le Mini being a portable one-finger lamp and Le Maxi featuring a four-finger lamp. The kits also include gel polish, a nail file, and a cuticle pusher. Another option is the JODSONE Gel Nail Polish Kit, which includes a UV lamp, 32 colours of gel polish, a base coat, a no-wipe top coat, a matte top coat, a glitter top coat, and nail tools.
With a gel nail kit, you can follow these general steps to do your gel nails at home:
- Prep your nails by pushing back and trimming your cuticles.
- Apply a thin layer of the base coat and cure it under the lamp.
- Apply thin layers of your chosen gel polish colour, curing each layer under the lamp. You may need to do multiple layers for lighter colours.
- Apply a thin layer of the top coat and cure it under the lamp.
- Clean up any polish on your skin or cuticles with acetone and a toothpick.
- Soak a cotton pad in rubbing alcohol and wipe each nail to finish.
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Premature curing
Gel nail polish is cured using UV light, which is also emitted by the sun. Therefore, doing your nails outside, especially in summer, can cause the polish to cure prematurely. This can ruin your manicure and your gel polish bottles. The polish will become thicker and harder to work with, and you may not be able to apply it to your nails at all. The bristles of the brush may also stiffen and dry up.
Additionally, extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can affect the application and longevity of gel polish. Exposing gel polish to high temperatures can cause it to separate and become unusable. This can result in a difficult application, and the polish may not adhere to your nails properly.
It is also important to note that gel polish should be applied in thin layers. Thickly applied gel polish can result in premature lifting and bubbling. If you find that your gel polish has become too thick, there are a few things you can try:
- Check the bottle: Ensure the polish bottle is sealed properly.
- Mix the polish: Give the bottle a good shake to mix the polish.
- Thin the polish: Place the bottle in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes to make the polish thinner and easier to apply.
To avoid premature curing and ensure the best results, it is recommended to do your gel nails in a clean and controlled indoor environment, with indirect natural light and a comfortable space for your tools and yourself.
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Dirt, dust, and bugs
Dirt and dust can cause issues with the adhesion of the gel polish to your nails. Even a small amount of dirt or dust can prevent the gel polish from properly adhering to your nail, which can cause it to chip or peel off more easily. This can be frustrating, especially if you have spent time perfecting your manicure.
In addition, dust particles can get trapped in the gel polish as it dries, giving your nails a bumpy or uneven texture. This can ruin the smooth, glossy appearance that you are trying to achieve with a gel manicure. It can also make it more difficult to remove the gel polish when you are ready for a new manicure.
Bugs are another issue that can affect the quality of your gel manicure if you do your nails outside. Insects may be attracted to the sweet scent of nail polish, and they can land on your nails or hands, ruining your manicure. This can be extremely frustrating, especially if you have carefully applied multiple coats of polish and waited for each coat to dry.
To avoid issues with dirt, dust, and bugs, it is best to do your gel nails inside, in a clean and controlled environment. Make sure your workspace is free of dirt and dust before you begin, and consider using a fan to blow away any stray particles during the application process. If you are concerned about bugs, you can try using a bug repellent or doing your nails in an air-conditioned room, as insects are less likely to be present in cooler temperatures.
By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that your gel manicure turns out perfectly and avoid the frustration of dealing with dirt, dust, or bugs ruining your nails.
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UV exposure
UV lamps emit ultraviolet radiation, which can cause premature skin ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer on the hands with repeated use. To protect your hands from UV exposure during gel nail curing, you can take several precautions. One option is to wear UV gloves, which limit the amount of UV rays your hands are exposed to. Reusable UV gloves can be purchased and used specifically for this purpose. Another option is to apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands before the gel nail application. This will help shield your skin from the UV rays emitted during the curing process. Additionally, you can opt for an LED lamp instead of a UV lamp, as LED lamps are thought to be safer due to reduced UV exposure. LED lamps also have the added benefit of curing gels faster and having longer-lasting bulbs.
It is worth noting that direct sunlight or exposure to high temperatures can cause gel nails to cure prematurely, ruining the manicure and the gel polish bottles. Therefore, it is recommended to do gel nails in an indoor space with indirect natural light and a comfortable setup for all your tools.
To summarise, while doing gel nails at home, it is crucial to be mindful of UV exposure and take the necessary precautions to protect your hands. This includes wearing UV gloves, applying sunscreen, or opting for an LED lamp instead of a UV lamp. Additionally, avoid direct sunlight or high temperatures to prevent premature curing of your gel nails.
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Removal
Removing gel nail polish can be challenging, and it is important to be careful not to damage your nails or skin. There are several methods for removing gel nail polish, including the traditional acetone method, using a gel nail polish remover, and simply letting your nails grow out.
Traditional Acetone Method:
This method involves using acetone, cotton balls or pads, aluminium foil, a cuticle pusher, and a nail file. First, use a coarse nail file on the top coat layer to remove the shine. Then, soak cotton balls in acetone and place them on your nails, wrapping them with foil to hold the cotton in place. Let the acetone soak in for several minutes, then use a cuticle pusher to gently push off the gel polish. Finally, gently buff your nails to smooth out any ridges or uneven edges and remove any remaining bits of polish. It is important to work in a well-ventilated area when using acetone, as it has a strong smell, and it can also damage surfaces such as sinks and countertops. To protect your skin from irritation, you can apply petroleum jelly to your cuticles and the surrounding skin before starting.
Gel Nail Polish Remover:
A gel nail polish remover is a simpler option that requires fewer tools and is less damaging to your nails. Apply a thick layer of the remover to your nails and let it soak in for about five minutes. The gel polish should start to peel, crack, or bubble, and you can use a cuticle pusher to gently remove it. Then, clean your nails with a nail buffer.
Letting Nails Grow Out:
According to dermatologist Dr. Lipner, the best way to remove gel nail polish is to simply let your nails grow out. Clipping your nails once a week will help remove the gel polish and prevent your nails from catching on things. This method is slow, as it can take six months for fingernails to grow out and 12 to 18 months for toenails, but it avoids the potential damage caused by other removal methods.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you should not do your gel nails outside. The sun's UV rays can cause the polish to cure prematurely, thicken, and harden before you apply it to your nails. Extreme temperatures can also affect the application and longevity of your gel polish.
The best place to do your gel nails at home is in a clean and controlled indoor environment, with indirect natural light, plenty of space for your tools, and a comfortable place to sit.
You will need a UV or LED lamp, nail clippers, a file, a buffer, cuticle tools, a gel base coat, a gel top coat, and gel nail polish.
First, prep your nails by pushing back and trimming your cuticles, and cutting and filing your nails. Next, apply a thin layer of base coat and cure under the lamp for 120 seconds. Then, apply one coat of gel polish and cure for another 120 seconds. Repeat this process for any additional layers. Finish with a gel top coat and cure under the lamp.
