Ava Monroe
Jewels, rhinestones, and other accessories can be added to gel nails to create a glamorous look. The process is simple and stylish, adding sparkle to any manicure. Before beginning, it is important to choose the right embellishments and place them right-side-up on your workspace. There are several methods to attach jewels to gel nails, including using gel polish, nail glue, or a combination of both. One method involves applying a thin layer of gel polish, curing it under a UV or LED lamp, and then using a gel top coat or rhinestone adhesive to attach the jewels. Another method is to use nail glue, which is a strong adhesive that sets quickly, but it must be used carefully as it can corrode some gems. The key to successful jewel application is proper placement and ensuring the jewels are securely attached to the nail's surface.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of jewels | Rhinestones, diamonds, crystals, studs, charms, gems |
| Adhesive | Nail glue, gel top coat, resin, nail polish |
| Application tools | Orangewood stick, toothpick, wax pencil, tweezers, cuticle stick, wax-tipped tool, rhinestone applicator |
| Application process | Apply a base coat, apply jewels with adhesive, apply a top coat |
| Pros | Long-lasting, easy to apply, no need for artistic skills, re-usable jewels, sparkly |
| Cons | Time-consuming, glue may damage jewels, glue may dry too fast, jewels may fall off |
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What You'll Learn
Using nail glue
If you are gluing jewels over regular nail polish, make sure the top coat is 100% dry first. If using glue over gel polish, cure the nails and then lightly buff the shine from the design area for better adhesion. Choose a quick-set glue and apply it only to the nail, not the jewel. Place the jewel on the nail using a moistened cuticle stick or a wax-tipped tool for maximum control. You can also add extra glue at the base of each jewel for more strength.
If you are using nail glue with gel polish, apply the glue to the bottom of the jewels and stick them onto the gel polish. Once the nail glue has dried, apply a few coats of the top coat to make sure the jewels stick to your nails.
When using nail glue, make sure to let it dry completely before washing your hands. If wet nail glue comes into contact with water, it can cloud up, leaving a foggy, white outline around your jewels. To avoid this, you can buy a slower-drying nail glue and avoid "instant" glues.
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Using gel polish
To add jewels to gel nails using gel polish, you will need to follow a few steps. Firstly, prepare your nails by pushing back the cuticles, shaping them, and buffing the surface to dull the shine. You can then apply a base coat and cure it under a UV or LED lamp.
Next, apply a thin layer of your chosen gel nail polish, carefully around the cuticles, and cure it under the lamp. You can then use a gel top coat or rhinestone adhesive to act as an adhesive for the jewels. Apply a small dot of the top coat or adhesive to the desired location on the nail and place the jewel on top, pressing gently to secure it.
To finish, apply a thin layer of gel top coat around the jewels (not over them, to maintain their sparkle) to seal them in place. Finally, cure the nails under the UV/LED lamp to set the jewels.
It is important to note that attaching jewels with nail polish is only advisable for short-term use, as nail polish does not provide the same level of adhesion as nail glue. If you want the jewels to last longer, consider using nail glue or a gel adhesive. Additionally, practice placing the jewels on spare nail tips before applying them to your actual nails to ensure the best results.
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Using resin
Prepare Your Nails
Start by preparing your nails as you would for a regular manicure. Push back your cuticles and shape your nails to your desired length and shape. It's important to spend time on this step to ensure your gel nails last longer. Buff the surface of your nails gently to create a dull finish, being careful not to over-buff. This process helps the gel adhere properly and provides a good base for the jewels.
Apply the Base Coat
Apply a thin layer of your chosen gel nail polish around your cuticles. Cure the polish under a UV or LED lamp for the recommended time. Make sure the gel is completely dry before moving on to the next step.
Apply Resin and Jewels
Now it's time to apply the resin and jewels. Use a dot picker pen, wax pencil, or an orangewood stick to apply a small dot of resin to the desired location on your nail. Carefully pick up the jewel with the wax end of the pencil or a pair of tweezers and place it on the dot of resin. Press gently to secure the jewel in place. If you're using larger jewels, you can follow the technique suggested by nail artist Yvett Garcia, who recommends adhering larger stones with a thick hard gel and then using resin to fill in the gaps.
Cure and Seal
Once you're happy with the placement of your jewels, it's time to cure them. Cure your nails under a UV or LED lamp to set the resin and jewels in place. After curing, you can make your nail art more secure by dabbing a tiny amount of resin around the base of each jewel and curing again. Be careful not to apply resin on top of the jewels, as it may affect their sparkle.
Finish with a Top Coat
Complete your look by applying a thin layer of a gel top coat around the jewels to seal them in place. Remember not to apply the top coat directly on the jewels, as it can reduce their sparkle and make them look cloudy. With proper application, your jewels can stay secure on your gel nails for weeks!
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Choosing the right gems
Gem Type
The type of gem you choose will depend on various factors, including your budget, desired look, and durability. Acrylic gems are the most affordable option, offering a wide range of colours and shapes. However, they may not be as durable and may lack the lustre of other options. Glass or synthetic crystals are typically more expensive, but they are known for their sparkle and durability.
Gem Size
When selecting the size of your gems, it's important to consider the size of your nails and the overall look you want to achieve. For larger gems, opt for those with a slight curve on the bottom, as large and flat gems can snag easily. Veteran nail artist Gina Silvestro recommends limiting the size of flat-backed stones to 8mm or less to prevent snagging.
Gem Placement
Think about the placement of your gems carefully. Closer to the cuticle is generally considered a more stable surface for gems, as the nail doesn't flex in this area. However, it's important not to place gems too close to the cuticle, as this can make sealing the gaps challenging. If you're placing gems on natural nails, stick to smaller stones, as they are easier to secure and less likely to snag.
Gem Adhesive
The type of adhesive you use will depend on the gems you choose and the desired longevity of your manicure. If you're using rhinestones, a rhinestone adhesive or gel top coat can be effective. For larger gems, a thick hard gel or nail glue may be required. Always follow the instructions provided with your chosen products.
Practice and Experimentation
Before committing to a final design, it's a good idea to practice placing your gems on spare nail tips or even on your nails before applying the final coat of polish. Experiment with different types of gems, adhesives, and placements to find what works best for you.
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Rhinestone application tools
Rhinestones can be applied to gel nails using a variety of tools and techniques. The most common tools used for this purpose include:
Rhinestone Applicators:
These are specialised tools designed for placing rhinestones on nails. They come in various forms, such as wax pencils, cuticle sticks, or wax-tipped tools, which allow for maximum control and precision during application.
Tweezers:
When a dedicated rhinestone applicator is not available, tweezers can be used as an alternative. Tweezers help pick up and place the rhinestones with accuracy.
Toothpicks:
Toothpicks or orangewood sticks are useful for applying a small amount of glue or resin to the nail and then positioning the rhinestones. They can also be used to hold the rhinestones in place while the glue dries.
Pick-up Pencils:
Tools like Pick-N-Sticks or precision tweezers ensure perfect placement of rhinestones. They can be used to pick up and place the crystals, providing control and simplifying the application process.
Adhesives:
While not exactly a tool, adhesives are essential for applying rhinestones to gel nails. Rhinestone adhesives, nail gel glues, or quick-set glues are commonly used to secure the rhinestones. Some popular options include V Beauty Pure's Diamond Gel and Gotti Nails LED Super Glue.
Other Tools:
Other tools that can be useful for rhinestone application include hotfix applicators, sorting and storage trays, and syringes with tips for dispensing the right amount of glue.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to add jewels to gel nails. You can use nail glue, gel polish, or a combination of gel and resin. If you are using nail glue, apply a small dot of glue to your nail and place the jewel on top. If you are using gel polish, apply a layer of gel top coat or rhinestone adhesive where you want to place the jewels, then pick up the jewels with a wax pencil or tweezers and place them onto the glue.
Acrylic gems are the least expensive and come in a range of colours and shapes, but they are not very durable and may not work well with gel. Glass or synthetic crystals are more sparkly and durable but come with added cost. For extra-large gems, look for a slight curve on the bottom to prevent snagging.
Before applying jewels, ensure your nails are clean and smooth. After applying jewels, cure your nails under a UV or LED lamp. You can also apply a thin layer of gel top coat around the jewels to seal them in place and cure the nails again under the lamp.
