Isla Bennett
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many nail salons to close, and while some are slowly reopening, others are having to shut down for a second time. This has led many people to try out at-home gel nail extensions. There are many gel nail extension kits available on the market, which come with everything you need to get started, including base and top coats, nail extensions, glue, and a UV lamp. The process involves removing any old polish, clipping and filing your nails to the desired shape, and then applying the extensions using a gel brush and UV light. While there is a learning curve, many people have successfully learned how to do their own gel nail extensions at home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Remove any old polish or gel from your nails. Cut your nails down and apply oil to your cuticles. Push back your cuticles and remove any hangnails and dead skin. |
| Filing | File your nails to your desired shape. An e-file or a regular nail file can be used to buff out the inside of each nail extension. |
| Application | Apply a thin layer of nail glue to the inside of the nail extension. Place the extension against your cuticle and expose it to UV light to cure the nail. |
| Curing | Place your hand under a UV light lamp for about a minute to secure the nail. |
| Top Coat | Apply a gel top coat and place your hand under the UV light for another 90 seconds. |
| Aftercare | Rehydrate your nails with cuticle oil. |
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What You'll Learn
Nail preparation
Firstly, ensure your natural nails are clean and free of any old polish or gel. You can use an e-file or a regular nail file to gently remove any polish or gel residue. Pay particular attention to the areas near the cuticles, and be sure to remove any hangnails or dead skin. If you don't have an e-file, a small tip on a regular nail file can be used to gently file down the areas near the cuticles. This will help create a smooth surface for the gel extensions to adhere to.
Next, you'll want to shape your nails to your desired shape. Use a nail clipper and file to achieve your desired shape, whether it's square, oval, or almond. Filing the sides and edges of your nails will help create a seamless transition between the nail and the cuticle area, giving your nails a more natural look. This step is optional, but it can enhance the overall appearance of your gel nail extensions.
Once your nails are shaped, it's time to buff them. Buffing your nails will create a slightly rough texture, which will help the gel extensions adhere better. Use a nail buffer to gently buff the surface of your nails, removing any shine. Be sure to buff all your nails before moving on to the next step.
After buffing, it's important to remove any dust or excess oil from your nails. You can use a cotton pad or ball soaked in rubbing alcohol to wipe down your nail beds. This will ensure that your nails are clean and ready for the next steps.
Now, you can apply a nail dehydrator to your nails. This product will help remove any remaining moisture from your nails, creating an optimal surface for the gel extensions. Apply a thin coat of the nail dehydrator to each nail, and allow it to dry completely.
Finally, you'll want to apply a primer to your nails. The primer will help the gel extensions adhere better and promote longer-lasting results. Apply a thin coat of an acid-free primer to each nail, covering the entire nail surface. Allow the primer to dry before moving on to the next step, which is applying the gel extensions.
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Applying the extensions
Firstly, ensure your natural nails are prepared. This includes removing any old polish or gel residue and clipping and filing your nails to your desired shape. It is recommended to also apply cuticle oil and push back your cuticles. You can then use a nail file to buff your nail beds gently.
Next, you will need to size the nail extensions to find the ones that fit your natural nails best. You may need to file the sides of the extensions for a better fit. It is important to ensure there are no gaps on the sides of the extensions to avoid lifting. The extensions should not touch any skin on either side of your natural nail.
Now, you are ready to apply the extensions. Take a square gel brush and apply a generous amount of gel to both your natural nail and the underside of the extension. Place the extension snugly against your cuticle, ensuring it is positioned correctly as it will be stuck in place once cured.
To secure the extension, place your hand into a UV light lamp for about a minute. You can use a finger on the same hand to hold the extension in place while it cures for a more secure fit.
Once cured, gently buff the extension, and cleanse it with alcohol to prepare for polish application. You can then begin with a base coat, followed by your chosen gel nail polish colour.
Remember, applying gel nail extensions at home may take some practice, but it is a great way to achieve long-lasting and beautiful nails in the comfort of your own home.
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Curing the extensions
Preparing for Curing
Before curing, it is essential to properly prepare the nail extensions to ensure a seamless and long-lasting application. Start by sizing your nails and selecting the appropriate extension size for each nail. File and shape your natural nails to your desired shape, ensuring they fit well with the extensions. Buff the extensions to create a smooth surface and remove any excess glue from the sides and face of the nails. You can use an e-file or a regular nail file for this step.
Applying the Gel
Take a square gel brush and apply a healthy amount of gel to both your natural nail and the underside of the gel extension. Place the extension snugly against your cuticle, ensuring it is positioned exactly where you want it. This step is crucial as the extension will be stuck in place once cured.
Curing Process
Now it's time to cure the extensions. Place your hand inside a UV light lamp and expose the nails to the light for approximately one minute to secure the extensions. You can use a finger on the same hand to hold the extension down while curing, helping to secure it in place.
Additional Coats and Curing
After curing the initial application, you can continue with your standard gel nail polish application. Apply a base coat, followed by your chosen colour, curing each coat in between applications. Cure for 30 seconds between coats. Finally, apply a top coat and cure for a longer duration, approximately 2 minutes.
Post-Curing Care
Once the curing process is complete, remove your hand from the UV lamp. Finish with a final swipe of alcohol to cleanse the nails and remove any tacky residue. You can now shape and file your nails to achieve your desired look.
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Buffing and shaping
- Start by clipping and filing your natural nails to your desired shape and length. You can use a nail clip and file to achieve your preferred nail shape, such as an oval or almond shape. This step ensures that your natural nails are ready for the extensions.
- Once you have achieved the desired shape and length, gently buff the surface of your natural nails. Use a nail file, preferably with a small tip, to buff the nail beds. This process helps create a smooth base and removes any shine from your natural nails.
- Pay extra attention to the areas near the cuticles. Gently file down the edges of each nail close to the cuticles using an e-file with a small tip. This step helps create a seamless transition between the nail and the cuticle area, making the gel nail extensions look more natural.
- Now, you can start buffing and shaping the nail extensions themselves. Take your time with this step to ensure a seamless finish. Use an e-file or a regular nail file to buff out the inside of each nail extension. This process creates a textured surface, allowing the nail glue to adhere better.
- When buffing the nail extensions, focus only on the area that will be applied to your natural nail. Buff until the surface looks dull or matte. This ensures that the nail extensions will blend seamlessly with your natural nails.
- After buffing, wipe down your nail beds with rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad. This step helps remove any excess oil or residue, creating a clean slate for the next steps.
- Once you have finished buffing and shaping, it's time to apply the nail glue. Follow the instructions on your gel nail extensions kit for the application process.
Remember, proper nail preparation, including buffing and shaping, is crucial for achieving long-lasting and flawless-looking gel nail extensions. Take your time with each step and ensure that your natural nails and the extensions are properly filed and buffed before moving on to the next steps.
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Finishing with polish
When it comes to finishing with polish, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, ensure your nails are well-prepared by removing any excess dust or oil with a cotton pad soaked in rubbing alcohol. This will help the polish adhere better and prevent lifting or chipping.
Next, you can begin applying your polish. Start with a base coat, also known as a gel basecoat, and cure your nails under a UV lamp for 30 seconds. If you're using a coloured polish, apply two thin coats, curing for 30 seconds between each coat. This will ensure a more opaque and even finish.
After your colour is set, finish with a gel top coat to add shine and protect your manicure. Cure your nails under the UV lamp for 90 seconds to two minutes to seal the deal.
Finally, give your nails a swipe of alcohol once more to remove any residue and rehydrate your cuticles with cuticle oil. This will leave your nails looking and feeling healthy and polished. The whole process, from start to finish, should take around two to two-and-a-half hours, but it's worth it for salon-worthy nails at home!
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Frequently asked questions
First, remove any old polish or gel from your nails. Then, clip and file your nails to your desired shape. Next, apply the extensions by taking a square gel brush and applying a healthy amount of gel to both the natural nail and the underbelly of the gel extension. Place the extension snugly against the cuticle and cure your nails under a UV light.
DIY gel nail extensions can last over two weeks, even while doing regular housework and other normal life activities.
Doing your own gel nail extensions at home is a great way to save money and avoid the risks associated with visiting a salon during the COVID-19 pandemic.
