Isla Bennett
Gel nail polish is a popular choice for those who want long-lasting nail polish applied directly to their natural nails. The process of sealing gel nails involves multiple steps, including the application of a base coat, gel nail polish, and a top coat. The base coat helps the gel polish adhere to the natural nail, while the top coat seals and protects the colour, providing a glossy finish and preventing chipping and peeling. Each layer is cured under a UV or LED lamp to ensure proper drying. It is important to clean and prepare the nails before application and to seal the edges of each nail to prevent moisture penetration.
How to seal gel nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To seal in the colour and provide a glossy finish that protects the nails from chipping and peeling |
| Application | Apply a thin layer of gel top coat to seal the colour and give it shine |
| Protection | Protects the nails from chipping and peeling |
| Finish | Provides a glossy finish |
| Removal | Soak cotton balls in acetone and wrap them around each nail with tin foil |
| Nails | Nails need access to water and air |
| Back-to-back gel manicures | Can lead to nail bed damage and breakage |
| Time between gel applications | Take time between gel applications to avoid damage to the nail bed |
| Gel manicure duration | A gel manicure should last a maximum of two to three weeks |
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What You'll Learn
Buff and clean nails
Buffing and cleaning your nails are essential steps in achieving a long-lasting manicure. Here is a detailed guide on how to properly buff and clean your nails:
Buffing Nails:
Buffing your nails creates a smooth surface for the gel polish to adhere to and helps the manicure last longer. Start by filing your nails to the desired shape. It is recommended to trim your nails first if they extend past your fingertips, as this will make the filing process easier. Once your nails are filed, use a multi-sided buffer to begin buffing. Hold the buffer parallel to your nail and use unidirectional strokes to buff your nail gently in an X shape. Remember to use only six to eight strokes per nail to avoid over-buffing, which can damage your nails. The large grit side of the buffer is ideal for smoothing out any ridges or rough patches. After buffing, use the finer grit side of the buffer to polish your nails, giving them a smooth and shiny finish.
Cleaning Nails:
Before applying any nail polish, it is crucial to start with clean, dry nails. Remove any old nail polish using a cotton swab or ball dipped in nail polish remover. Ensure you remove all traces of polish, including around your nails and on your skin. Clean your cuticles by pushing back any dead skin with a cuticle stick. You can then use acetone on a cotton ball to remove any remaining oil, debris, or cuticle residue from your nails and fingers. Additionally, clean your nails with rubbing alcohol or Isopropyl alcohol to ensure any impurities are eliminated, as these can cause the polish to lift prematurely.
Maintaining Gel Nails:
To maintain the appearance of your gel nails, it is essential to keep them clean. If you notice any marks or stains, you can use a similar process as the one mentioned above for cleaning your nails before polishing. Moisten a cotton swab or ball with nail polish remover or Isopropyl alcohol, and gently dab the affected area until the blemish fades away. Be careful not to scrub too hard, and use this method as soon as you notice the discolouration for the best results. For more stubborn stains, lay a towel on a flat surface, place your hand on top, and spray hairspray generously over the stained nail. Quickly use a cotton swab to clean off the hairspray, removing the stain residue. Finally, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to remove any leftover hairspray.
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Apply a gel base coat
Applying a gel base coat is a crucial step in achieving a professional-looking gel manicure. This process, when done correctly, ensures that your gel polish adheres properly and lasts longer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply a gel base coat:
Nail Preparation
Begin with clean, dry nails. Use a nail file to shape your nails to your desired shape, and gently buff the surface of the nail to create a slightly rough texture. It is important to only remove the shine and not file too much. This step helps create a smooth canvas for the gel polish to adhere to and ensures a more polished and professional look.
Apply a Thin Layer of the Base Coat
Once your nails are prepared, it's time to apply the gel base coat. Apply a thin layer of the base coat to each nail, ensuring that it is distributed evenly. The base coat serves as a protective layer that shields your nails from potential staining and provides a surface for the gel polish to adhere to properly.
Cure the Base Coat
After applying the base coat, cure your nails under a UV or LED nail lamp. The curing process hardens the base coat and prepares it for the next step. For most products, curing under an LED lamp should take around 45 seconds, while a UV lamp will take approximately 2 minutes.
Prepare for the Gel Colour
Once the base coat is cured, you are ready to apply the gel colour. If you are using gel extensions, you can apply the gel polish directly on top of the extensions without adding another layer of the base coat. However, if you are not using extensions, ensure that the base coat is fully cured before moving on to the next step.
Remember, the gel base coat plays a vital role in the overall success of your gel manicure. It enhances the adhesion between the nail and the polish, prevents staining, and ensures the longevity and integrity of your gel nails. By following these steps and understanding the importance of each layer, you can achieve flawless and long-lasting gel nails.
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Cure under UV/LED lamp
Curing your gel nail polish under a UV/LED lamp is an essential step in achieving the perfect gel manicure. This process involves hardening or 'curing' the gel polish using the UV light emitted by the lamp. The number of coats you apply will depend on the opacity you desire, but it's important to remember that thin layers work better than thick, uneven ones.
Before curing, ensure that you have pushed back your cuticles, buffed the surface of your nails, and wiped them clean. Apply your gel nail polish in thin, even coats, leaving a slight gap between the polish and your cuticle to prevent lifting. Remove any gel polish that gets on your skin to prevent reactions or allergies.
Now you are ready to cure your gel polish under the UV/LED lamp. Cure each layer for at least 45 to 60 seconds, following the instructions that came with your specific gel nail polish. The lamp will emit UV light, which will cause the gel polish to harden. It is normal for the nail to remain sticky after curing, and you should avoid touching the nail during this stage.
Once your final layer of gel polish has been cured, you can apply a gel top coat to seal in the colour and add shine and protection. Cure your nails under the UV/LED lamp one last time for at least a minute to ensure they are perfectly dried and sealed.
It is important to note that not all gel polishes are compatible with LED lamps, so always check the brand you are using. Additionally, LED lamps can cure gel polish faster than UV lamps, saving time. However, if the intensity of the UV wavelengths is too high, it can cause excessive heat and even burns to the nail bed. Therefore, it is crucial to use the correct type of lamp and follow the curing instructions for your specific gel nail polish.
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Seal gel colour with a top coat
Sealing your gel nail colour with a top coat is an essential step in the gel manicure process. This is because the top coat seals in the colour, protecting your nails from chipping and peeling. It also gives your nails a glossy finish, adding shine and a hard, diamond-like finish.
To seal your gel colour with a top coat, start by wiping off any excess polish or tacky residue from the gel colour with a lint-free wipe. You can also use a cuticle stick or nail art brush to remove any excess polish from the cuticle or skin. Make sure your nails are completely dry before applying the top coat.
Next, apply a thin coat of your chosen gel top coat. It is important to cover the entire nail, including the edges, to create a perfect seal and prevent moisture from penetrating the finished product.
Once you have applied the top coat, cure your nails under a UV or LED lamp for at least a minute. This will ensure that your nails are perfectly dried and sealed.
Finally, cleanse your nails with at least 70% isopropyl alcohol or a specialised cleanse product. This will remove any remaining tacky residue and help you achieve the desired finish.
It is important to note that you should not trim your cuticles before applying a top coat, as this can open up the root of your nails to potential infections. Instead, gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle stick and clean your nails with acetone to remove any excess oil or debris.
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Rehydrate nails post-treatment
Gel manicures can damage your nails, especially if they are not removed properly. Nails can become dry and brittle post-treatment, and lose moisture faster than the rest of the skin. To rehydrate nails, you can use cuticle oil and hand cream. Cuticle oils deliver vitamins and nourishment, while the cream locks in moisture.
Manicurist Rita Remark suggests applying cuticle oil, followed by a hand cream. She recommends spending a full minute massaging the oil into the cuticle. After applying cuticle oil, do not wash your hands for 20 minutes to allow for absorption. You can also soak your nails in olive oil for 10 to 15 minutes daily.
Nail serums are another option, as they are conditioning treatments that contain hydrating ingredients, strengtheners like collagen and keratin, and exfoliating acids to remove surface damage.
You can also try a keratin treatment to help strengthen the nail and prevent it from peeling, splitting, or breaking. Using a nail strengthener, a protein-enriched base, and a top coat designed to strengthen nails will encourage healthy nail growth.
To prevent damage, ensure your manicurist is not using an electric file, and do not peel your nails. If you must remove them, use acetone and nourish with an oil afterward.
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Frequently asked questions
To seal gel nails, you need to apply a gel top coat. This seals in the colour and provides a glossy finish that protects the nails from chipping and peeling.
First, make sure your nails are completely dry from curing under the lamp. Then, apply a thin coat of the gel top coat, sealing the edges of your nails to keep moisture from penetrating the finished product. Cure your nails under a UV or LED lamp for at least a minute.
Before applying gel nail polish, clean your nails thoroughly with rubbing alcohol to allow the polish to adhere. Push back your cuticles with a cuticle stick and remove any excess oil or debris. Lightly buff your nails to make the surface smooth and shiny, but avoid overbuffing as this will lead to thinner, weaker nails.
