Isla Bennett
Gel nail polish is a great way to get a natural look with more durability than regular nail polish. It is a simple process that can be done at home, saving you time and money. The key to a good gel manicure is preparation: cleaning your nails, pushing back your cuticles, filing and shaping your nails, and buffing the nail plate. Once your nails are prepared, you can apply a thin base coat, followed by 1-2 layers of gel nail polish, curing each layer under a UV or LED lamp. Finally, seal your gel nail polish with a layer of clear top coat to protect the colour. With the right tools and preparation, you can achieve a professional-looking gel manicure at home.
Applying Gel Nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Base coat | Apply a thin layer of base coat gel polish and cure under a light for 120 seconds |
| Gel polish | Apply 1-3 coats of gel polish, curing each layer for 120 seconds |
| Top coat | Apply a professional-grade top coat to avoid exposure to chemicals |
| Nail preparation | Push back cuticles, lightly buff nails, and wipe with rubbing alcohol to remove dust and oils |
| Clean-up | Use a toothpick to remove polish from cuticles; wipe away any gel polish from the skin with a swab dipped in alcohol |
| Removal | File off the top coat, then use cotton balls dipped in acetone or gel polish remover, wrapped in foil or nail clips, and leave for ten minutes |
| Duration | Gel nails should last for 2-4 weeks |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare nails by removing dust and oils with rubbing alcohol
Preparing your nails is an important step in achieving the perfect gel manicure. Clean, oil-free nails are crucial when applying gel nail polish, as any residue can interfere with the adhesion of the gel polish.
Firstly, decide on your desired nail shape and carefully cut and file your nails accordingly. You can create round, square, pointy, almond, or oval nails. This step is particularly important when working with gel nail polish, as, unlike acrylic nails, you cannot shape gel nails once the polish has been applied. Next, use a cuticle stick to push back any dead skin on your nail plate and clean up your cuticles.
Now, it's time to remove any remaining dust and oils from your nails. Take a cotton ball and dip it in rubbing alcohol (also known as isopropyl alcohol or IPA), then firmly wipe each nail. This will ensure your nails are clean and dehydrated, providing the perfect base for your gel manicure. You can also use a swab dipped in alcohol to wipe away any gel polish that gets on your skin during the application process.
If you are experiencing issues with gel adhesion, it may be beneficial to use a cleanser recommended by your chosen nail polish brand. These often contain a mix of acetone and IPA, which work together to remove different types of oils and create an optimal surface for the gel to adhere to.
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Apply thin layers of base coat, curing under a light for 2 minutes
Before applying the base coat, make sure your nails are clean and dry. Push back your cuticles, and buff the nail surface lightly to create a smooth canvas. Then, apply a thin layer of the base coat to each nail, working in smooth vertical strips. Wipe off any base coat that gets on your surrounding skin.
Now, cure the base coat under a UV or LED lamp. The GelBottle products, for example, cure in 45 seconds under an LED lamp or 2 minutes under a UV lamp. Other products may have different curing times, so check the instructions. It's normal for the nail to remain sticky after curing the base coat. Avoid touching the nail during this stage, as this will spoil the application process.
Once the base coat has been cured, you can apply your gel polish colour. Apply each layer in a thin coat all the way to the edges of the nail, being careful not to get any on your skin. Cure the gel polish under your UV/LED lamp in between each coat. Again, cure for at least 45 to 60 seconds each time, depending on the lamp's instructions.
Finally, apply a gel top coat to seal your colour and give it a chip-resistant finish. Cover the entire nail, including the edges, for a perfect seal. Cure your nails under the lamp one last time for at least a minute, so they are perfectly dried and sealed.
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Avoid getting gel on the skin to prevent allergic reactions
Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands. To prevent this, dermatologists recommend applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands before the manicure.
Additionally, it is important to avoid getting gel on the skin to prevent allergic reactions. Here are some tips to avoid getting gel on your skin:
Firstly, be careful and take your time during the application process. You don't need to hurry as gel doesn't dry like regular nail polish. Go slowly, and apply one thin layer at a time, avoiding the skin and cuticles. Take your time to create a neat application, as this will reduce the need for tidying up afterward, which can smudge the gel onto the skin.
Secondly, use the correct technique. Start by applying the gel in the middle of your nail, then work towards the cuticle. This is called "pillowing" or "bulldozing." Stop before you reach the cuticle, then swipe the brush fully down the nail to get coverage by the cuticle.
Thirdly, have rubbing alcohol and a paper towel or lint-free wipe handy to clean up any excess gel that gets on the skin. You can also use a swab dipped in alcohol to wipe away any gel from your skin before curing it under the lamp.
Finally, be proactive with your manicurist. Ask if the tools are sterilized and ensure they are cleaning and disinfecting the tools after each client. Additionally, never let your manicurist push or cut your cuticle, as this can lead to inflammation and infection.
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Use a cuticle pusher to gently push off the gel
To use a cuticle pusher to gently push off the gel, start by applying cuticle remover to your nails and leaving it on for about 2 minutes. This helps to soften your cuticles and makes it easier to compress them. Next, soak your fingertips in a small bowl of warm water for about 3 minutes. Use a small towel to gently pat your fingers dry. Once your nails are soft and dry, hold the rounded part of your cuticle pusher at a 45-degree angle. Gently slide the trimmer under the edge of your cuticle, following the natural edge of your nail. Repeat this process around the sides of your nails as needed.
Cuticle pushers are simple nail tools used to perform manicures and pedicures. They help push the skin from your cuticles back and away from your nails, promoting stronger nail growth. It is important to note that you should always push your cuticles back instead of cutting them. Your cuticle acts as a barrier to protect your nails from bacterial infections.
Cuticle removers can be used to break down stubborn excess nail cuticles, making it easier to push them back. These removers are solvents and should only be left on for a specific amount of time to avoid damaging the healthy tissue around your nails. After using a cuticle remover, you can use a cuticle pusher to gently push back your cuticles. Cuticle pushers can be made of metal, plastic, or wood and usually have a blunt, rounded end.
Before applying gel nails, it is important to clean up your cuticles with a cuticle stick and acetone. This involves pushing back any dead skin off the nail plate and removing any remaining oil or debris with an acetone-dipped cotton ball. Proper cuticle care is essential for achieving salon-quality manicures at home and maintaining nail health.
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Remove with nail clips and acetone-dipped cotton balls
To remove gel nails with nail clips and acetone-dipped cotton balls, start by gently rubbing petroleum jelly or cuticle oil into your cuticles and the skin around your nails. This will help protect your skin from the acetone, reducing irritation and damage.
Next, file off the shiny top layer of your gel polish with a coarse nail file. Be careful not to file away the coloured polish underneath. The goal is to scratch the surface of the gel topcoat, which will help the acetone penetrate and break down the polish.
Then, soak some cotton balls in acetone. Cut the cotton balls to the size of each nail to reduce the risk of getting acetone on your skin. Place each piece of soaked cotton on top of the corresponding nail and secure it with nail clips. Make sure the clips are tight enough to create a seal without cutting off your circulation.
After 10-20 minutes, remove the clips and cotton balls one nail at a time. Wipe off as much of the polish as you can, and then use a nail file or buffer to gently scrape off any remaining polish.
Finally, wash your hands and apply a nourishing hand cream or cuticle oil to restore moisture to your nails and skin.
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Frequently asked questions
Start by deciding on your desired nail shape and length, then file, buff and cut your nails accordingly. Push back your cuticles with a cuticle stick and clean your nails with acetone to remove any remaining oil or debris.
Apply a thin layer of base coat to your nails, ensuring you cover the entire surface of each nail. Avoid getting the base coat on your skin as this can cause lifting and peeling. If this happens, use a brush or cotton swab dipped in nail cleanser or nail polish remover to clean it up before curing.
Cure the base coat under a UV or LED lamp according to the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, curing time is between 30 and 120 seconds, depending on the brand of polish, lamp strength and thickness of the gel layer.
Once the base coat has cured, apply a thin layer of gel nail polish, again ensuring you cover the entire nail. Cure this first layer under the UV or LED lamp for the recommended time, usually 30 seconds, and repeat this step until you achieve your desired opacity.
Seal your gel nail polish with a layer of clear top coat to protect the colour and add gloss. Cure this final layer under the lamp for around 2 minutes.
