Sophia Delgado
Doing gel nails at home is a great way to save money and time, but it can be challenging. With the right tools and some practice, you can achieve salon-quality results. The process requires patience and a steady hand, but it's not impossible for beginners. You'll need a gel nail kit with essential items like a UV or LED lamp, nail file, cuticle oil, nail buff, base and top coats, and gel nail polish. Proper nail preparation is crucial, including cutting, filing, and buffing your nails to ensure the gel adheres well and doesn't peel off. It's also important to work slowly and carefully to avoid mistakes. While doing gel nails at home may take some time and effort, it can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience that allows you to express your creativity and achieve long-lasting manicures.
Characteristics of doing gel nails at home
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Requires practice, a steady hand, and patience |
| Cost | Significantly cheaper than going to a salon |
| Time | Time-saving as it doesn't require travel to a salon |
| Creativity | Allows for experimentation with color and design ideas |
| Resourcefulness | A gel nail polish bottle can last for 20-30 manicures |
| Health | It's healthier as you can take the time to soak off the gel polish |
| Equipment | Requires an at-home gel nail kit with a UV or LED lamp, cuticle oil, nail buff, top coat, base coat, and gel nail polish |
| Process | Involves multiple steps including nail prep, painting, curing, and removal |
| Learning Curve | Takes practice to get a professional finish |
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What You'll Learn
The right equipment
- Nail Lamp: A nail curing lamp that emits UV light or LED light is necessary to cure and harden the gel polish. LED lamps are recommended as they emit less UV light and dry the polish quicker.
- Nail File: Nail files are essential for shaping and prepping your nails. There are two main types: emery boards and glass files. Glass or crystal files are recommended as they provide a smoother finish and last longer due to the file pattern etched into the surface.
- Nail Buffers: Buffing is crucial for smoothing and evening out the nail surface, removing any natural oils that can cause the gel to lift or peel.
- Cuticle Oil: Cuticle oil is important for softening and hydrating the cuticles. It should be applied before pushing back the cuticles and after the manicure for nourishment.
- Base Coat and Top Coat: A gel base coat and top coat are crucial for ensuring the gel polish adheres to the nail and is properly sealed. Look for formulas specifically designed for gel nail polishes.
- Gel Nail Polish: Choose a gel nail polish in your desired colour. Opt for formulas with thicker viscosity to prevent them from running onto the sidewalls or cuticles. Vegan, cruelty-free, and five-free polishes are recommended.
- Cotton Balls and Rubbing Alcohol: These are useful for cleaning your nails after the manicure and removing any gel polish from the skin.
- Nail Art Brushes: You may need nail art brushes for applying the gel polish and creating intricate designs. Some gel polishes come with brushes included.
- Other Tools: Depending on your desired nail style, you may need additional tools such as chrome powders, glitter, sequins, or sticker nail forms for extensions.
By investing in quality equipment and taking the time to learn the process, you can achieve salon-worthy gel nails in the comfort of your own home.
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Prepping your nails
Start by trimming your nails to your desired length using a nail clipper. Then, use a nail file to shape your nails. Common nail shapes include square, round, and almond. It is recommended to file in one direction, from the side of the nail towards the centre, to prevent the nail from splitting. Glass or crystal files are preferable as they last longer, but emery boards also work.
Next, you'll want to push back your cuticles gently with a cuticle pusher. You can use a cuticle remover to soften any dead skin, making it easier to remove and providing a smoother surface for the gel polish application. Make sure to remove all dead skin because if any is left on the nail, the gel won't adhere well and may lift prematurely.
After prepping your cuticles, clean your nails with a cleanser or acetone to ensure they are grease- and oil-free. You can use lint-free pads to help with this step. It is important to clean your nails after pushing back your cuticles to avoid getting them dirty again.
Once your nails are clean and dry, you can apply a prepper or a base coat, or both, depending on the products you are using. These products will provide extra adhesion and a smooth foundation for the gel polish to attach to. Allow any prepper you use to air dry completely, and then apply your base coat in thin layers.
With these steps, your nails will be prepped and ready for your gel manicure!
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Applying the gel
Applying the Base Coat
Start by applying a thin layer of the gel base coat to your nails. This step is crucial as it ensures that the gel polish adheres properly to your nails. Allow the base coat to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Now, you can apply the gel colour of your choice. It is recommended to opt for a gel polish with a thicker viscosity to avoid any messiness around your sidewalls or cuticles. Take your time with this step, as you want to avoid flooding your cuticles with paint, which can cause the gel to lift later. You can use a nail art brush for more precise application, and don't forget to wipe off any gel that gets on your skin with a cuticle pusher before curing.
Curing the Nails
Place your nails under a UV or LED lamp to cure the gel. The lamp will help harden the gel polish, and an LED lamp is preferable as it emits less UV light. The curing time may vary depending on the product you are using, so refer to the manufacturer's instructions.
Applying the Top Coat
Once the gel colour is cured, apply a layer of the gel top coat. The top coat protects your gel manicure by forming a hard, protective coating, shielding your nails from chips and scratches. It also adds a radiant and glossy finish to your nails.
Final Curing
After applying the top coat, place your nails under the lamp for the final curing process. Ensure that your nails are completely dry before removing them from the lamp.
Additional Tips
- Use a nail file to shape your nails and smooth out any rough edges before applying the gel. Glass nail files are recommended for a smoother finish.
- Push back your cuticles gently and remove any excess oil from your nails with acetone or hand sanitizer. This step is important to ensure the gel adheres properly.
- You can add nail art or chrome powders for a more creative look.
- Always read the instructions provided with your gel nail kit and follow any specific directions for the products you are using.
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Drying the gel
Drying gel nail polish at home requires a few key steps and some special equipment. Firstly, it is important to ensure that your nails are clean and dry before you begin painting. Any residue of oil or moisture on the nail bed will prevent the gel from adhering properly.
Next, you will need to decide on the type of gel polish you wish to use. Non-UV gel polishes are convenient and simplify the application and drying process, but they can take a long time to dry, just like regular nail polish. If you are short on time, it is best to opt for a UV gel polish, which dries much faster and is easier to work with.
If you choose to use a non-UV gel polish, you can speed up the drying process by using a quick-dry nail polish spray. This spray assists the solvents in the polish to evaporate more quickly, reducing the overall drying time. To apply, hold the can about six inches away from your nails and spray while they are still wet. Repeat for the other hand, and then allow both hands to dry completely.
If you opt for a UV gel polish, you will need to use a curing lamp that emits UV light. LED curing lamps are recommended as they emit less UV light and dry the gel polish the quickest. Be sure to dry each coat of polish in the lamp before moving on to the next, and pay special attention to your thumbs to ensure they are completely dry.
Finally, whether you use a UV or non-UV gel polish, it is important to finish with a gel top coat. This will protect your gel polish layer by forming a hard, protective coating that helps prevent chips and scratches.
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Removing the gel
Removing gel nail polish can be challenging, and there are several methods to consider. The traditional method involves using acetone, which is the most effective way to remove gel nail polish at home. However, this can be harsh on the nails and skin, causing dryness and a rough texture. It is also important to note that acetone can damage sinks, countertops, and furniture, so it should be handled carefully. To protect your work area, it is recommended to line it with plastic wrap and then place a thick towel on top.
When using the acetone method, it is advisable to work on one hand at a time. Start by filing down the gel top coat with a coarse nail file until it is no longer shiny and smooth. Then, soak cotton balls or pads in acetone and place them on your nails, wrapping each fingertip with aluminium foil or plastic food wrap to create a tight seal. Leave this on for 10 to 15 minutes. Most of the gel polish should come off with the cotton and foil/plastic wrap. Remove any remaining gel polish with a washcloth soaked in warm water, gently rubbing it off while avoiding the surrounding skin. Finally, wash your hands with gentle soap and water to remove any residual acetone.
As an alternative to the traditional method, you can use a gel nail polish remover. This option is faster, taking only 5 minutes, and it requires fewer tools. Simply apply a thick layer of the gel polish remover to your nails, being careful not to get it on your skin. After a few minutes, the gel polish will start to peel, crack, bubble, or burst. Use a metal cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick to gently remove the gel from each nail, and then clean your nails with a nail buffer.
For those who want to avoid the use of acetone or other removers, there are gentler methods available. One option is to let your nails grow out and clip them once a week, gradually removing the gel polish. This process can take several months for fingernails and up to 18 months for toenails. It is important to resist the urge to pick or scrape off the polish, as this can damage your nails. Another gentle method involves buffing your nails to smooth out ridges and remove any small bits of gel polish. However, excessive buffing can weaken your nails, making it difficult for gel polish to adhere properly in the future. Therefore, it is important to be cautious and not overdo it.
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