Liam Carter
Gel nail polish is a popular choice for those who want a natural-looking manicure with the strength of acrylic nails. Applying gel nail polish can be tricky, but with practice, you can achieve a professional-looking finish at home. The process involves several steps, including preparing the nails by cutting, filing, and shaping them, applying a base coat, curing the nails under a UV or LED lamp, and then applying thin layers of gel polish, sealing the edges, and curing again between each layer. The final step is to apply a top coat and cure for the last time. It is important to use high-quality tools and products to achieve the best results and avoid damaging your nails.
Characteristics of how professionals apply gel nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail preparation | Cut, file, and shape nails to the desired length and shape. Use a cuticle stick to push back cuticles and clean up with acetone. |
| Base coat application | Apply a thin layer of base coat to the entire nail surface, avoiding the skin and cuticles. Cure the base coat under a UV or LED lamp. |
| Gel polish application | Apply a thin layer of gel polish to each nail, capping the edges to prevent chipping. Cure under a UV or LED lamp for the recommended time. Repeat until desired opacity is achieved. |
| Top coat application | Apply a thin layer of top coat to each nail, capping the edges. Avoid getting the top coat on the skin. Cure under a UV or LED lamp for the recommended time. |
| Nail cleansing | If using a wipe-top coat, cleanse nails with a lint-free wipe and alcohol to remove the tacky layer. |
| Cuticle care | Apply cuticle oil to moisturize and nourish the nails and cuticles, promoting nail strength and flexibility. |
| Removal | Use a gel polish remover or file off the top layer with a nail file. Do not use acetone as it can damage the nails and skin. |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the nails
Preparing your nails is an important step in the gel nail polish application process. It ensures that the polish adheres properly and lasts as long as possible. If you apply gel nail polish to dirty or oily nails, the polish won't stick properly and may start to peel or chip within a few days.
First, cut your nails to your desired length and file them into your chosen shape. You can create round, square, pointy, almond, or oval nails, depending on your preference. Next, gently remove the shine from the surface with an e-file and a medium-grit arbor band. It is important to use a feathering motion over the nail without digging at the nail surface. Then, use a buffer to gently buff the surface of your nails. Use a cuticle stick to push back any dead skin off of your nail plate and clean up your cuticles with a cuticle stick and acetone. The acetone will also dehydrate your nails, which will make it easier for your gel nail polish to adhere.
Before applying the gel nail polish, make sure your nails are clean and dry. Use a nail polish remover to get rid of any old polish and then wash your hands with water (no soap). Rinse and remove all of the dead skin, and dry your hands thoroughly. Paint on a PH or protein bond to help dry out your nails.
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Applying the base coat
Prepare Your Nails
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 water (no soap). Push back your cuticles using a cuticle stick or pusher, and trim your nails to your desired length and shape. You can create round, square, pointy, almond, or oval nails. Unlike acrylic nails, the shape of gel nails cannot be adjusted after application, so take your time with this step.
Apply a Thin Base Coat
Grab your chosen base coat and slowly apply a super-thin layer to your nails. Work in smooth, vertical strips, and be careful to avoid skin contact. Wipe off any base coat that gets on your surrounding skin with a small brush or cotton swab dipped in acetone. The acetone will also help dehydrate your nails, making it easier for the gel polish to adhere.
Cure the Base Coat
After applying the base coat, cure your nails under a UV or LED lamp. You can cure the base coat for 1-2 minutes under an LED lamp or let your nails air dry for about 10 minutes. Some gel nail polishes come with a specific primer to use instead of a base coat. If your gel polish has a primer, use that instead and follow the manufacturer's instructions for curing.
Prepare for Colour
Once the base coat is cured, your nails are ready for colour! If you accidentally get any polish on your skin, use acetone to wipe it away before curing your nails under the lamp again. Remember to apply thin coats of colour, capping the edges of your nails to prevent chipping and extend the life of your manicure.
By following these steps for applying the base coat, you'll be well on your way to achieving a professional-looking gel manicure that is long-lasting and chip-resistant.
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Applying the gel colour
Firstly, it is important to prepare your nails. 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. You can also use a cuticle stick to push back any dead skin off your nail plate. Next, trim your nails to the desired length and shape. You can create round, square, pointy, almond, or oval nails, depending on your preference.
Now, you are ready to apply the gel colour. Start by capping the free edge of the nail to seal, and then apply the colour to the surface of the nail, leaving a small free margin around the perimeter. Remember to apply a thin coat of colour. If you get the polish on your skin, use a small brush or cotton swab dipped in acetone to clean up the excess polish before curing it under the UV lamp. You can also use a toothpick to wipe away small amounts of polish from your cuticles.
After applying the first coat of colour, cure your nails under a UV lamp for 30 seconds. Then, apply a second thin coat of colour, again capping the free edge of the nail. Cure your nails for another 30 seconds.
Finally, apply a thin coat of topcoat, sealing the free edge of the nail and applying it to the surface, leaving a small margin around the perimeter. Cure your nails for a final 30 seconds.
Your gel colour application is now complete! Remember to work from pinky to thumb and avoid patting or swirling the gel, as this can cause bubbles. Instead, use a floating, circular motion to apply the gel for a smooth finish.
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Adding a top coat
Start by capping the free edge of the nail with the top coat. This involves applying a small amount of top coat to the tip of each nail and wrapping it around the edge. Be sure to leave a small free margin around the perimeter of the nail. Then, apply the top coat to the surface of the nail, using smooth, floating, circular motions to prevent the formation of bubbles.
Cure the top coat under a UV or LED lamp for 30 seconds to one minute. The length of time will depend on the specific product you are using and your nail lamp. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.
After curing, your nails may feel tacky. This is normal, and you can simply wipe the surface of your nails with a small amount of alcohol to remove the tackiness.
Finally, finish off your gel manicure by applying cuticle oil to the skin around the base of each nail. This will help to nourish and protect the skin, leaving you with a professional-looking and long-lasting gel manicure.
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Removing the gel nails
Removing gel nails can be challenging, and it is recommended to go to a professional to avoid damaging your nails. However, if you want to remove them at home, there are a few methods you can try.
The first method involves using a nail file, acetone, cotton balls or pads, aluminium foil, a cuticle pusher, and a nail buffer. Start by filing the top layer of the gel nails with a coarse nail file until the surface is no longer shiny and smooth. Be careful not to file down to the natural nail to avoid damage. Then, soak cotton balls or pads in acetone and place them on top of your nails. Wrap each nail with aluminium foil to hold the cotton in place, ensuring a tight seal. Leave this on for at least 15 minutes. Remove the foil and cotton, and use a metal cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick to gently push off the gel polish. If the polish is not coming off easily, soak the nail with acetone for another 5 minutes. Finally, gently buff your nails to smooth out ridges and remove any remaining gel polish.
Another method is to use a gel nail polish remover instead of acetone. Apply a thick layer of the gel polish remover to your gel nails, being careful not to get it on your skin. Let it soak for about 5 minutes, and then use a cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick to gently remove the gel polish. Clean your nails with a nail buffer to finish.
Additionally, you can try a double boiler method by heating acetone to speed up the removal process. You can also protect your nails by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to your cuticles and the surrounding skin before starting the removal process.
Remember, it is important to work on one hand at a time and choose a well-ventilated area due to the strong smell of acetone. Always be gentle during the removal process to avoid damaging your nails and skin.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to cut and shape your nails. You can create round, square, pointy, almond, or oval nails, depending on your preference.
Apply a super-thin base coat to your dry nails. You can dry the base coat under an LED lamp for 1-2 minutes or let your nails air dry for 10 minutes.
Apply a thin layer of gel polish, starting by capping the free edge of the nail to seal and apply to the surface of the nail, leaving a small free margin around the perimeter of the nail. Cure for 30 seconds.
Finish off your gel manicure by applying a thin coat of Super Gloss Top Coat to nails, capping the free edge of the nail to seal, and applying to the surface, leaving a small free margin around the perimeter of the nail. Cure for 30 seconds.
