Isla Bennett
Achieving the perfect gel manicure at home is not only possible, but it can also save you time and money. Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary supplies, including a UV or LED lamp, cuticle oil, a nail buffer, a top coat, a base coat, and gel nail polish. Start by cutting your nails to your desired length and shape, then gently push back your cuticles and remove any remaining oil or debris from your nails with an acetone-dipped cotton ball. Next, apply a thin base coat to your dry nails and cure it under a UV or LED lamp for 30 seconds. Follow with one to three thin layers of gel nail polish, curing each layer under the lamp. Finish with a clear top coat, curing it under the lamp for two minutes. To remove your gel manicure, it is recommended to go to a professional, but you can also do it at home by soaking cotton balls in acetone and wrapping them around your nails with tin foil.
How to do Gel Nails: A Step-by-Step Guide
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prepare Nails | Remove any old polish, file and shape nails to the desired shape, and gently buff the surface to smooth out any bumps and ridges. |
| Clean Nails | Use a cuticle stick and acetone to clean up cuticles and remove any remaining oil or debris from the nail plate. |
| Apply Base Coat | Apply a thin, super thin, or generous layer of base coat to dry nails, being careful not to get it on the cuticles. Cure under a UV or LED lamp for 30 seconds. |
| Apply Nail Polish | Apply 1-2 thin layers of gel nail polish, capping the free edge of your nails and painting over the tip. Cure each layer under a UV or LED lamp for 30 seconds to 2 minutes. |
| Apply Top Coat | Apply a clear top coat to protect the colour and cure under a UV or LED lamp for 2 minutes. |
| Finish and Care | Remove any excess gel polish or top coat from the cuticles with an acetone-soaked cotton ball. Massage cuticle oil into the skin around the base of each nail to finish and moisturise. |
| Removal | Soak cotton balls in acetone and wrap them around each nail with tin foil. Alternatively, go to a professional for removal to avoid damaging your nails. |
| Notes | Gel nail polish stays wet until cured under light, and you cannot shape gel nails after painting, so preparation is key. Use a high-quality, reputable brand of gel polish to avoid harmful chemicals and chipping. |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing your nails
Cut and Shape Your Nails:
Use a nail cutter to trim your nails to your desired length, ensuring they are uniform. Then, use a nail file to shape them into your preferred style, such as round, pointed, square, almond, or oval. Be gentle when filing, and avoid doing it too often. Finish with a fine file to ensure a smooth surface.
Push Back Your Cuticles:
Use a cuticle pusher or a small orange wooden stick to gently push back your cuticles. This step will expose more of your nail bed, providing a better base for the gel polish. Be careful not to push too aggressively, as this can damage your nails.
Clean Your Nails:
Remove any debris or residue from your nails after pushing back the cuticles. This step is important because any leftover debris can cause your gel manicure to lift or peel prematurely.
Buff Your Nails:
Use a buffer block to gently buff the surface of your nails, removing any shine. This step helps create a textured surface for better gel adhesion. If it is your first gel manicure, buff the entire nail surface. If you are reapplying gel, only buff the new nail growth.
Moisturize:
Apply a small amount of cuticle remover to your cuticles, following the product instructions. This will help prepare the area for gel application. You can also use cuticle oil to moisturize your nails and cuticles, promoting nail health and preventing dryness and brittleness.
Remember, preparing your nails is a crucial step that cannot be undone once the gel polish is applied. Take your time with each step to ensure your nails are ready for the gel application process.
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Applying the base coat
Before applying the base coat, it is important to prepare your nails. Start by cutting your nails to your desired length, ensuring they are all equal. Next, use a nail file to shape your nails; this could be a round, pointed, square, almond, or oval shape—whichever you prefer. Then, gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher to expose the base of your nails. Be sure to remove any debris on your nails after this step, as debris can cause your gel nails to lift later in the process.
The next step is to buff your nails to smooth out any bumps and ridges and remove any shine. This step is important because it helps the gel polish adhere better to the nail surface. Once you have finished buffing, clean your nails with an alcohol wipe to remove any residue and remaining oils.
Now, you are ready to apply the base coat. Apply a thin, super thin layer of base coat to your dry nails, being careful not to get the gel on your cuticles. If you do get gel on your cuticles, clean the excess before curing the gel using an orange stick or cuticle pusher.
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Applying the gel nail polish
Prepare Your Nails:
Before applying gel nail polish, it is crucial to prepare your nails properly. Start by removing any old nail polish, gel, or lacquer. Cut your nails to your desired length, ensuring they are all equal lengths. Next, use a nail file to shape your nails. You can choose any shape you prefer, such as round, pointed, square, almond, or oval. Gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher or a small orange wooden stick. Be careful not to push too aggressively, just enough to reveal the base of your nails. This step is important as it allows your nail bed to be more exposed to the gel polish. Use a cuticle remover if needed and always remember to rinse your hands in warm water afterward.
Buff and Clean Your Nails:
Buff your nails to smooth out any bumps, ridges, or imperfections. This step helps create a uniform surface for the gel polish to adhere to. Use a nail buffer to gently rub the nail surface, going back and forth until it feels smooth. Remove any remaining dust or debris from your nails after buffing. You can use an alcohol wipe or an acetone-soaked cotton ball to clean your nails and ensure they are free of any residue or natural oils.
Apply the Base Coat:
Once your nails are prepared, it's time to apply the base coat. Choose a high-quality, reputable brand of gel base coat. Apply a thin, super-thin layer of the base coat to your dry nails, being careful not to get it on your cuticles. This step is crucial as it provides a smooth surface for the gel colour to adhere to and helps prevent the gel polish from lifting.
Apply the Gel Nail Polish:
Now, it's time for the colour! Again, opt for a high-quality gel nail polish to ensure the best results and avoid safety issues. Apply a thin layer of colour gel polish, carefully painting over the tip of each nail. Cure your nails under a UV or LED lamp according to the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, this involves curing under an LED lamp for 30 seconds or a UV lamp for 2 minutes. Repeat this process for a second layer of gel nail polish. The second layer will look more opaque and vibrant.
Apply the Top Coat:
After curing the colour gel polish, it's time to seal it in with a top coat. Apply a thin layer of clear top coat to protect the colour and add shine. Again, be careful not to get the top coat on your cuticles. Cure your nails under the UV or LED lamp one more time to ensure the manicure is set.
Finish with Cuticle Oil:
After completing your gel manicure, finish by applying cuticle oil to the skin around the base of each nail. Cuticle oil is essential to nourish and moisturize your nails and cuticles, keeping them healthy and strong. It also helps to prevent your cuticles from drying out.
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Applying the top coat
The top coat is an essential step in the gel nail process, as it seals and protects the colour. Without it, your gel polish will remain tacky and porous.
Firstly, ensure your nails are completely clean and free of any debris or dust. You can use an alcohol wipe to clean your nails after buffing, and always ensure your hands are washed after using cuticle oil.
Apply a thin layer of top coat, painting over the tip of the nail, just as you did with the colour gel polish. Be careful not to get the top coat on your cuticles, as this can cause the polish to lift later.
Cure the top coat under a UV or LED lamp. The curing time will depend on the brand of gel polish you are using, so always refer to the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, curing under an LED lamp takes 30 seconds, while a UV lamp will take 2 minutes.
After curing, check your nails. There may be a sticky layer on the surface, but this is normal and is called the inhibition layer. It is easily removed with a cleanser and lint-free wipe.
Finish by gently buffing the surface of your nails to smooth out any imperfections or excess top coat build-up. Wipe away any excess gel polish or top coat from your cuticles with an acetone-soaked cotton ball.
Finally, moisturise your nails and the surrounding skin with cuticle oil. This will help to keep your nails and cuticles healthy, strong and flexible.
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Removing the gel nail polish
Removing gel nail polish can be tricky and potentially damaging to your nails if not done properly. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to safely remove gel nail polish at home:
Firstly, it is important to note that gel nail polish is exceptionally sturdy compared to other nail polishes, and incorrect removal can lead to nail damage. If you are unsure, it is always best to consult a professional.
One of the most common methods for removing gel nail polish is to use acetone. Board-certified dermatologist Shari Lipner recommends using acetone with plastic food wrap instead of foil for a tighter seal. Here are the steps:
- Protect your work area: Acetone can damage surfaces, so cover your work area with a cloth or plastic wrap.
- Prepare your nails: Using a coarse nail file, file down the top coat of the gel polish until it is no longer shiny and smooth.
- Soak cotton balls or pads in acetone and place them on top of each nail.
- Wrap each nail with plastic food wrap, ensuring a tight seal. Avoid wrapping too tightly to maintain proper circulation.
- Leave the plastic wrap on for about 10 minutes.
- Remove the plastic wrap and gently rub off any remaining polish with a washcloth dampened with warm water. Be careful to only rub the nail and avoid the surrounding skin.
- Wash your hands with gentle soap and water to remove any remaining acetone.
Another method recommended by Dr. Lipner is to simply let your nails grow out. Trim your nails once a week to help remove the gel polish and prevent catching on objects. Avoid picking or scraping off the polish, as this can damage your nails.
Additionally, there are gel nail polish remover kits available that are simple to use, require fewer tools, and are less likely to damage your nails. These removers can be applied directly to the nails, and the polish will start to peel, crack, or bubble, which can then be gently pushed off with a cuticle pusher or orangewood stick.
Remember to always take care when removing gel nail polish to avoid damaging your nails and skin.
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