Sophia Delgado
Gelish hard gel nails are a great option for those seeking a natural look with the strength of acrylics. The process of applying Gelish hard gel involves several steps, including sanitising the hands and nails, shaping the nails, applying a base coat, curing the nails under a lamp, and sealing the colour with a top coat. The Gelish brand offers a range of products to achieve this look, including their Foundation Base Gel, Top It Sealer Gel, and Cleanser. With the right tools and techniques, you can achieve a professional-looking manicure at home. However, it's important to note that gel nail polish can be challenging to remove, and seeking professional removal services may be advisable to prevent nail damage.
Applying Gelish Hard Gel to Nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Products | Gelish Foundation Base Gel, Gelish Top It Sealer, Gelish Cleanser, Gelish Soak-off Polish, Gelish LED Lamp, Gelish Remover, Gelish phBond, Gelish Structure Gel, Nail Harmony Nourish Cuticle Oil |
| Preparation | Trim or file nails, push back cuticle, clean nail plate, apply cuticle oil, remove shine, cleanse nails |
| Application | Apply thin coats of PH BOND, FOUNDATION Base Gel, Soak-off Polish, and Top It Off Sealer, curing each layer under an LED or UV lamp |
| Removal | Soak cotton pads in acetone, cover nails, and wrap with foil, or go to a professional for removal |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing your nails
Sanitize your hands and nails. Start by cleaning your hands and nails to ensure they are free from any dirt, oil, or bacteria. This step is crucial as it helps create a clean base for the gel application and prevents any infections.
Shape your nails. Decide on the nail shape you desire—round, square, pointy, almond, or oval—and trim or file your nails to the desired length and shape. Use a nail file to gently shape the edges and create a smooth surface.
Push back your cuticles. Using a cuticle stick, gently push back the cuticles on each nail. This step is important as it creates a clean nail plate for the gel application and ensures the gel adheres properly. Clean any excess cuticle from the nail plate.
Buff your nails. Gently buff the surface of your nails to remove any shine. Use a 100/180 grit buffer or a 200/280 buffer for this step. Buffing helps create a rough surface for the gel to adhere to and ensures a longer-lasting manicure.
Cleanse your nails. After buffing, cleanse your nails with a nail cleanser and a lint-free wipe. This step removes any dust or debris created during the buffing process and ensures your nail plate is ready for the gel application.
Apply a nail prep product. Sparingly apply a thin coat of a nail prep product, such as pH Bond, to the nail plate. This step will help the gel polish adhere better and promote longer-lasting results.
By following these steps, you will have properly prepared your nails for a Gelish hard gel application. Remember to take your time and work carefully to create a clean and smooth base for the gel polish.
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Applying the base coat
Prepare the Nails:
Before applying any products, it is essential to start with clean and prepped nails. Sanitize your hands and nails, and then proceed to push back the cuticles gently using a cuticle stick. Clean the nail plate by removing any excess cuticle and shine. You can use a 100/180 buffer to gently buff the nails and create a smooth surface.
Apply Cuticle Oil:
Apply a small amount of cuticle oil to the skin surrounding the nail plate. Cuticle oil helps to nourish and protect the skin, ensuring that it stays healthy during and after the manicure process.
Apply PH Bond:
The next step is to apply a thin coat of PH Bond to the nail plate. PH Bond acts as a primer, creating a sticky surface for the base coat to adhere to. This step is crucial in ensuring that your Gelish hard gel manicure lasts longer.
Apply the Base Coat:
Now it's time to apply the base coat! Choose a high-quality Gelish Foundation Base Gel and apply a thin, even coat to each nail, making sure to cap the free edges of the nails. Be careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid flooding your cuticles.
Cure the Base Coat:
After applying the base coat, you will need to cure your nails under a light. Place your hand in a Gelish LED Light for 10 seconds, or use a regular 36-watt UV lamp for 1 minute. Curing the base coat will harden and set it, creating a strong foundation for the rest of your manicure.
Optional Enhancements:
If your nails are prone to thinning and peeling, you can add an additional enhancement step at this point. Apply a thin layer of Gelish Structure Gel, designed specifically for weak and peeling nails. Cure this layer under the LED or UV lamp according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Remember, the key to a successful Gelish hard gel manicure is taking your time with each step, following the instructions carefully, and using high-quality products. With these tips, you'll be well on your way to achieving beautiful and long-lasting Gelish hard gel nails!
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Curing the gel under a lamp
If you are using an LED lamp, such as the Gelish LED Light or the 18G LED Light, the curing time for each layer of polish will typically be around 30 seconds. For example, after applying a thin coat of the Gelish Base Coat, you would cure it under the lamp for 30 seconds. The same curing time applies if you are using the Touch LED Light for flash curing soft gel tips.
On the other hand, if you opt for a UV lamp, such as a regular 36-watt UV lamp, the curing time for each layer will be longer, usually around 2 minutes. For instance, when using a UV lamp with the Gelish Soak-Off Polish, you would cure each layer for 2 minutes.
It is important to follow the curing instructions provided with your chosen gel nail polish to ensure optimal results. Curing the gel under a lamp helps to prevent the polish from drying unevenly and ensures a long-lasting, professional-looking manicure.
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Applying the top coat
Preparation
Before applying the top coat, ensure that your nails are thoroughly prepared. This includes trimming, filing, and shaping your nails to the desired length and shape. Push back the cuticles and clean the surrounding nail plate using a cuticle stick and a cleanser. Gently remove the shine on the nail using a buffer, and cleanse the nails with a lint-free wipe.
- Shake the top coat bottle vigorously to ensure the gel is well mixed and easy to apply.
- Apply a thin coat of the top sealer gel, such as the Gelish TOP IT OFF Sealer Gel, to the entire nail. Make sure to cap the free edge of the nail.
- Cure the top coat under an LED or UV lamp. For LED lamps, cure for approximately 30 seconds. For UV lamps, cure for approximately 2 minutes.
- Remove the inhibition layer by cleansing the nails with a lint-free wipe saturated with nail cleanser.
- Massage cuticle oil into the skin surrounding the nail plate. This will nourish and moisturise the cuticles, leaving them soft and healthy.
- If desired, gently rough the surface of the top coat with a buffer to create a matte finish or to reduce the shine.
Removal
When you are ready to remove the gel manicure, it is important to do so carefully to avoid damaging your natural nails. Here are the recommended steps:
- Soak cotton pads in acetone and place them on your nails.
- Wrap each nail with tin foil to hold the cotton pad in place.
- Leave the acetone on your nails for approximately 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and cotton pads, and gently scrape off any remaining gel polish with a steel cuticle remover or wooden stick.
- If necessary, soak your nails in acetone for a few more minutes to soften any remaining gel.
- Gently buff and file your nails to restore their natural shine and smoothness.
By following these detailed steps for applying the top coat and removing your Gelish manicure, you can achieve long-lasting, elegant nails and maintain the health of your natural nails.
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Removing the gel
Firstly, it is important to identify the type of gel on your nails. There are three types: soft gel, soak-off hard gel, and hard gel. Soft gel removal is the most common and is similar to removing regular polish. It involves filing, soaking, and then lifting off the product. Soak-off hard gel is removed in the same way but with more filing and longer soaking. Hard gel can only be removed by filing.
If you are unsure of the type of gel on your nails, try the removal process on your pinkie nail first, as it is the smallest and therefore the quickest. If the gel doesn't budge, move on to the hard gel removal process.
To remove soft gel nails at home, start by filing your nails gently with a buffer to break the seal of the top coat. Then, soak your nails in acetone for 10-15 minutes. You can use acetone nail polish remover or pure acetone. After soaking, the gel should come off easily. If not, soak your nails for a few more minutes. Finally, apply cuticle oil or lotion to your nails and cuticles to rehydrate them, as the removal process can be drying.
For soak-off hard gel nails, follow the same process as for soft gel nails but file your nails more aggressively and soak them for a longer time.
Removing hard gel nails at home can be challenging and may require an electric nail file or drill. If you do not have access to these tools, you can try filing the gel off manually, but it will take a long time and a lot of effort. Start by filing the top coat of the gel to break the seal. Then, use a cuticle pusher or orange stick to gently lift and scrape off the gel. Be careful not to scrape your natural nail bed, as this can cause damage and weaken your nails. Once the gel is removed, rehydrate your nails and cuticles with cuticle oil or lotion.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a Gelish Foundation Base Gel, a Gelish Top Sealer, a Gelish Cleanser, a Gelish LED Lamp or a regular 36-watt UV lamp, a Gelish Remover, Gelish Structure Gel (if your nails are weak and peeling), and Nail Harmony Nourish cuticle oil.
First, trim and file your nails to the length and shape of your choice. Push back the cuticle and clean the nail plate. Remove the shine on the nail using a 100/180 grit buffer, then wipe the nail with a Gelish cleanser. Apply a thin coat of Gelish PH Bond to the nail plate, followed by a thin coat of the Foundation Base Gel. Place your hand in the Gelish LED Light for 10 seconds or a 36-watt UV Light for 1 minute. Then, apply a thin coat of Gelish Soak-Off Polish and cure for 30 seconds under an LED lamp or 2 minutes under a UV lamp. Finish with a thin coat of the Top Sealer Gel and cure for 30 seconds under an LED lamp or 2 minutes under a UV lamp.
To remove Gelish Hard Gel, start by filing off the top layer with a 180-grit nail file. Soak cotton pads in acetone and wrap them around each nail, or soak cotton balls in acetone and wrap them with tin foil. Then, use a cuticle remover and scraper to scrape off the gel polish.
To prolong the shelf life of your Gelish Hard Gel, invest in a nail polish thinner. If your polish becomes thicker than normal, add a few drops of the thinner and shake it rigorously.
