Noah Sinclair
Applying gel nail polish can be a tricky process to master, but with practice, it can be done at home like a pro. Gel nails are a popular choice as they are durable and long-lasting, with a highly radiant and glossy finish. The process involves multiple steps, from preparing the nails by pushing back cuticles and buffing the nail surface, to applying thin layers of base coat, colour coat, and top coat, with each layer cured under a UV or LED lamp. The correct tools and techniques are essential to achieving the desired results and avoiding common issues like peeling and chipping.
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What You'll Learn
Nail preparation
Clean and Shape Your Nails: Start by removing any old nail polish using a nail polish remover. Wash your hands with soap and water to ensure your nails are clean and free from oils and debris. If you have existing gel polish, you can remove it by soaking your nails in acetone, either by holding your hands in a bowl of acetone or using cotton balls wrapped in foil or nail clips. After removal, trim your nails to your desired length and shape. It is important to do this before applying the gel polish because, unlike acrylic nails, gel nails cannot be shaped after application.
Push Back Your Cuticles: Use a cuticle pusher or stick to gently push back your cuticles and remove any dead skin from the nail plate. This step ensures that the gel polish has a clean and smooth surface to adhere to.
Buff Your Nails: Gently buff the surface of your nails with a nail buffer to create an even and smooth nail bed. Be careful not to over-buff, as this can thin and weaken your nails. The purpose of buffing is to create a slightly rough surface for better gel polish adhesion and to remove any shine.
Cleanse Your Nails: After buffing, cleanse your nails with rubbing alcohol to remove any remaining dust, oils, or debris. You can use a cotton pad or ball soaked in rubbing alcohol (with an alcohol content of 91% for best results) and gently wipe each fingernail. Ensure no cotton strands remain on your nails, as they can lift the gel polish.
Apply a Base Coat: Once your nails are clean, dry, and prepared, you can apply a thin layer of a gel base coat to each nail. Make sure to cover the entire surface of each nail, but avoid getting the base coat on your skin, as this can cause lifting and peeling. Allow the base coat to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
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Base coat application
Applying a base coat is an essential step in any gel manicure. It helps the gel polish adhere to your nails and prevents it from chipping or peeling off. It also sets the foundation for the gel nail application process, allowing the gel polish to stick better to your nail plate.
Before applying the base coat, ensure your nails are clean and dry. Use a nail polish remover to get rid of any old polish, and then wash your hands with soap and water. If necessary, use a cuticle pusher to push back your cuticles and trim your nails to your desired length and shape. You can also use a cuticle stick to push back any dead skin off your nail plate. Remove any remaining oil or debris from your nail and clean your fingers using an acetone-dipped cotton ball. The acetone will also dehydrate your nails, making it easier for your gel nail polish to adhere.
Now, you can apply a thin layer of the base coat gel polish to your nails. Make sure to cover the entire surface of each nail, capping the edges to prevent chipping. Be careful not to get the base coat on your skin, as this can cause lifting and peeling. If you do get it on your skin, use a brush or cotton swab dipped in nail cleanser or nail polish remover to clean it up before curing.
Finally, cure the base coat under a UV or LED lamp according to the manufacturer's instructions. Curing allows the polish to harden in a uniform way. The curing time will depend on the brand of gel polish and the type of lamp you are using. Typically, you'll cure the base coat under an LED lamp for 30 seconds or a UV lamp for 2 minutes. However, follow the specific instructions that came with your gel nail polish.
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Gel polish application
Preparation:
Firstly, ensure your nails are clean and dry. Use a nail polish remover to get rid of any old polish, and then wash your hands with soap and water. Pay attention to your cuticles—use a cuticle pusher to push them back, and a cuticle stick to remove any dead skin from your nail plate. You can also trim your nails to your desired length and shape, but remember that gel nails cannot be shaped after application.
Base Coat:
The base coat is crucial as it helps the gel polish adhere to your nails and prevents chipping or peeling. Apply a super-thin layer of base coat gel polish to your nails, being careful to avoid getting it on your skin. If you do, use acetone or nail polish remover to wipe it away before curing. Cure the base coat under a UV or LED lamp according to the manufacturer's instructions; typically, this takes 30 seconds with an LED lamp or 2 minutes with a UV lamp.
Gel Polish:
Once the base coat is cured, apply a thin layer of gel polish to each nail, capping the edges to prevent chipping. Again, avoid getting the polish on your skin or cuticles. Cure this first layer under the lamp for the recommended time, following the specific instructions for your chosen gel polish. Repeat this process until you achieve your desired opacity—usually, two to three layers are required.
Top Coat:
After achieving your desired colour opacity, apply a thin layer of the top coat to each nail, capping the edges. Cure this final layer under the lamp for 2 minutes.
Finishing Touches:
To finish, soak a cotton pad in rubbing alcohol and wipe each nail to remove any residue and ensure a smooth finish. Your gel manicure is now complete! You don't need to wait for it to dry, and you can enjoy long-lasting, chip-resistant nails.
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Top coat application
The top coat is the last layer of your gel manicure. It forms a hard, protective coating over the gel polish, creating a shield that helps prevent chips and scratches. This keeps your nails looking freshly done for longer. Without a top coat, your gel manicure is susceptible to everyday elements that could quickly degrade your nails, like sunlight and water.
You can use any brand of top coat, as long as it is specifically designed for gel nail polishes. However, some sources recommend using a specific brand, like S&L, for the best results. The top coat should be applied thinly and slowly, using the applicator on the bottle's cap. Work in smooth vertical strips and wipe off any top coat that gets on the surrounding skin.
After applying the top coat, you will need to cure your nails under a UV or LED lamp. Curing allows the polish to harden uniformly. If you don't cure your nails under the lamp, the gel polish may dry unevenly. Typically, you'll cure them under an LED lamp for 30 seconds or a UV lamp for 2 minutes, but always refer to the curing instructions that came with your gel nail polish.
You can use regular nail polish over gel polish, but remember to use an acetone-free remover to remove the polish.
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Removal
Gel nail polish is more challenging to remove than regular nail polish. Firstly, file off the top coat of the manicure to break the seal. Then, soak a cotton ball in 100% acetone or gel polish remover and place it directly on your nails, wrapping them in foil or using nail clips. Leave the remover on for around ten minutes. If the gel is loose and fluffing, gently scrape it away. If not, soak your nails for a little longer. Repeat this process for each hand.
After removing the gel polish, wash your hands and apply cuticle oil to your skin and nails. Acetone is harsh on the skin, so cuticle oil will help to restore your cuticles. Massage the oil into the skin around the base of your nails and let them air dry. If your nails look rough, apply cuticle oil to the surface of your nail and buff them using a nail buffer.
If you want to remove the sticky inhibition layer, moisten a lint-free wipe with gel Nail Polish Remover and wipe your nails.
It's important to note that over-zealously removing gel polish can damage your natural nails. Take your time and be gentle throughout the removal process.
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