Sophia Delgado
Nail embellishments are a fun way to express yourself and can be used with gel. From rhinestones to glitter, studs to pearls, there are endless options to personalize your manicure. You can apply nail embellishments at home or get them done at a salon or spa. The process involves applying a base coat, attaching the embellishments, and sealing them with a top coat. Using gel polish can make the embellishments last longer, but it may be more damaging to your nails. With the right techniques and products, you can achieve long-lasting and stylish nail art.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you use nail embellishments with gel? | Yes |
| How to apply nail embellishments with gel? | Apply a small dot of glue to your polished nail and adhere your embellishment. Hold it in place with an orangewood stick or tweezers so it doesn’t slip around on the nail while you wait for the glue to dry. Try a quick-dry glue. Apply a gel top coat over the entire nail for extra stick. Cure the nail and then apply one more layer of gel top coat for added measure. |
| How to apply nail embellishments with UV gel? | Apply them on top of the enhancement or encapsulate them in it. To apply them on top of the enhancement, follow the same rules as with UV gel polish. Use a bead of UV builder gel to hold bigger embellishments. To encapsulate embellishments, start with a thin layer of clear UV gel that you will cure before adding any embellishments. |
| Types of nail embellishments | Solid decorations such as small metal pieces, pearls, resin charms, sequins, studs, polymer clay slices, crystals, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Using nail glue or gel polish to attach embellishments
Using Nail Glue:
- Apply two coats of nail polish and let them dry completely.
- Apply a fairly thick layer of a top coat and attach the embellishments to the nails.
- Follow with another layer of the top coat.
- Alternatively, apply a small dot of nail glue to your polished nail and adhere the embellishment.
- Hold it in place with an orangewood stick or tweezers to prevent slipping while the glue dries.
- Apply a top coat over the entire nail for extra adhesion.
Using Gel Polish:
- Apply gel polish to the entire nail, including the area where the embellishments will go.
- Cure the gel polish under a UV/LED lamp.
- Attach the embellishments to the nails.
- Apply another coat of gel polish over the entire nail, ensuring the polish gets around and on top of the embellishments.
- Cure the nail under the lamp again and repeat with another coat if needed.
It is important to note that when using gel polish, it is difficult to switch pieces once cured, so ensure they are perfectly placed before curing. Additionally, when working with nail glue, quick-dry glue is recommended to speed up drying time and prevent slipping.
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Applying a top coat to seal the edges of embellishments
Applying a top coat to seal the edges of your nail embellishments is a crucial step in ensuring their longevity and creating a polished look. Here is a detailed guide to achieving this:
Prepare Your Nails
Start by removing any old nail polish and shaping your nails to your desired shape. Next, apply a special cream or lotion to your cuticles, and then soak your hands in warm water to soften the cuticles and loosen any grime under the nails. After a few minutes, remove your hands from the water, tend to your cuticles, and use a tool to clean underneath the nail tips. Dry your hands and massage your hands and forearms with oil or lotion.
Apply the Base Coat
With your nails cleaned and prepped, apply a base coat, followed by two coats of your chosen nail polish colour. If you plan to add artwork or intricate designs, your nail technician will incorporate the appropriate polish colours and use special tools to create the design.
Adhere the Embellishments
Now, it's time to apply your chosen nail embellishments. Flat, flexible embellishments can be pressed onto a wet top coat, and then sealed with another layer of the top coat for added protection. If you're using 3D embellishments, press them gently onto the wet top coat. For tiny crystals or rhinestones, use a small brush to apply a fine "spider's web" of UV gel to help secure them without covering their facets.
Seal the Edges
To ensure your embellishments are securely attached, use a striping brush and your chosen top coat to seal the edges of the embellishments. Think of how a jewel is secured in a ring setting. This technique provides an even better hold than simply applying the embellishments to the surface of the top coat.
Final Steps
Once your embellishments are in place and the edges are sealed, apply a final top coat to lock in the polish and embellishments. Place your hands under a UV nail dryer to cure the polish and further secure the embellishments.
Remember to be mindful of the thickness and placement of your embellishments. You don't want to accidentally file them when shaping your nails or filing your enhancements.
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Using a striping brush to secure the edges of embellishments
Using a striping brush to secure the edges of nail embellishments is a great way to ensure your nail art stays put. This technique is especially useful when working with UV gel and embellishments, as it provides a better hold than simply applying them to the surface of the nail polish.
To start, you'll need to prepare your nails by buffing and shaping them to your desired shape. Next, apply a base coat, followed by two coats of your chosen nail polish colour. If you're creating intricate designs or artwork, your nail technician will incorporate the appropriate polish colours and use special tools to etch out the design and create lines.
Once your nail polish is dry, it's time to add the embellishments. If you're using small 3D embellishments, you can press them onto the still wet top coat. For an even better hold, use a striping brush and your top coat to carefully seal the edges of the embellishments. Think of it like securing a jewel on a ring! The striping brush allows you to apply the top coat with precision, ensuring that the edges of the embellishments are fully encapsulated and secured.
Additionally, if you're working with tiny crystals or embellishments, you can use a small brush to apply a fine "spider's web" of UV gel. This will help secure the crystals without covering their facets, ensuring they stay in place while still sparkling brightly.
Finally, finish off your manicure with another layer of the top coat for added protection. With this technique, you can create show-stopping nail art that's both secure and long-lasting!
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Applying embellishments to wet nail polish
Applying nail embellishments to wet nail polish is a fun and creative way to elevate your manicure. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving this look:
Choose Your Embellishments:
Select the type of embellishments you want to use. This could include rhinestones, crystals, glitter, studs, or even small charms. Consider the size and thickness of your chosen embellishments, as this will impact their placement and adhesion to the nail.
Prepare Your Workspace:
Before you begin, lay out your chosen embellishments right-side-up on your workspace. This will make it easier to pick them up and place them on your nails without making a mess.
Apply Nail Polish:
Start by applying a base coat to your nails, followed by two thin layers of your chosen nail polish colour. Allow the polish to dry slightly so that it becomes tacky. You want it to be sticky enough for the embellishments to adhere properly.
Attach Embellishments:
Using a small piece of Blu-Tak or an appropriate tool, carefully pick up each embellishment and place it on the desired spot on your nail. Gently press the embellishment into the wet top coat. If you are using multiple small crystals or glitter, you can use a fine "spider's web" of UV gel applied with a small brush to help secure them in place without covering their facets.
Seal and Protect:
Once you have placed all your embellishments, apply a layer of clear top coat over the entire nail. This will help secure the embellishments in place and provide added protection. If you are using gel polish, cure your nails and then apply another layer of gel top coat for added measure.
Final Touches:
If you are using larger embellishments, you can use a striping brush and your top coat to seal the edges, similar to how a jewel is secured in a ring setting. This will ensure that your embellishments stay put for longer.
Remember, when applying embellishments to wet nail polish, it is essential to work quickly but carefully to ensure proper adhesion. Enjoy experimenting with different looks and showing off your creative nail art!
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Using a bead of UV builder gel to hold bigger embellishments
When using nail embellishments with UV gel, you have two options: applying them on top of the enhancement or encapsulating them within it. To apply them on top of the enhancement, follow the same rules as with UV gel polish, using the UV gel top coat of your preferred system.
To encapsulate bigger embellishments within the enhancement, you can use a bead of UV builder gel. This method is similar to the process of applying builder gel to your nails. First, ensure your nails are thoroughly cleaned and prepped. Start with a thin layer of clear UV builder gel that you will cure before adding any embellishments. Then, apply the embellishments towards the center of the enhancement, where you will have the thickest layer of UV gel covering them. Be mindful of the thickness of your embellishments and their placement. You don't want to file them by mistake when you finish filing your enhancement!
Use the most crystal clear UV builder gel possible to encapsulate your art. It would be a shame to hide it in a cloudy enhancement! When pressing your embellishments into the gel, ensure the L&P base layer is uncured, or it will not grab them. You can use a small brush to ensure the widest part of the embellishment is held in place by the coating.
Finally, seal the enhancement with a UV top coat. If you are using a lot of tiny crystals to embellish a nail, use a fine 'spider's web' of UV gel applied by a small brush to help secure them without covering their facets. There are specially designed tools for picking up and placing embellishments, but an easy option is to use a small piece of 'Blu-Tak' shaped into a point.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to apply nail embellishments, including using nail glue, gel polish, or clear nail polish. Using gel polish is the most long-lasting method, but it can be damaging to your nails. To use the gel polish method, apply your embellishments to the second coat of gel polish and then quickly follow up with a gel top coat. Cure the nail and then apply another layer of gel top coat.
There are many types of nail embellishments, including rhinestones, crystals, glitter, nail charms, nail chains, and studs.
3D nail embellishments can be pressed onto a wet nail polish top coat. Then, cover the embellishment with another layer of top coat for protection.
