Noah Sinclair
Rhinestones are a fun way to add some extra sparkle and flair to your gel manicure. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing you to get creative with your nail designs. You can use a gel top coat as an adhesive for rhinestones, but if you want them to last longer, it's recommended to use nail glue or gem gel. Before applying the rhinestones, make sure your nails are clean and dry, and then follow these steps: push back cuticles, shape the nails, buff the surface, and apply a base coat. Then, add your chosen gel nail polish and cure it under a UV or LED lamp. Apply a layer of gel top coat or rhinestone adhesive where you want to place the rhinestones, use tweezers or a wax pencil to pick up and place the rhinestones, and arrange them in your desired pattern. Finally, add a thin layer of gel top coat around the rhinestones to seal them in place and cure the nails under the lamp again.
How to add rhinestones to gel nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prepare nails | Push back cuticles, shape the nails, buff the surface to dull the shine, and remove debris |
| Base coat | Apply a base coat and cure for 30-60 seconds |
| Nail colour | Apply one or two coats of nail colour and cure |
| Clean surface | Cleanse the surface with a lint-free wipe |
| Rhinestone application | Apply a small dot of rhinestone glue or gel top coat to the desired location on the nail. Use a rhinestone applicator tool, tweezers, a wax-tipped pen, a dotting tool, or a toothpick to place the rhinestone on the glue or top coat. |
| Seal | Apply a thin layer of gel top coat around the rhinestones to seal them in place and cure the nails under a UV/LED lamp |
| Top coat | Apply two coats of top coat and cure each one for 60 seconds |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing your nails
Next, soak the lint-free wipe in rubbing alcohol and thoroughly wipe your nails. This step is crucial as it removes dust and moisture, ensuring the gel adheres properly. Once your nails are clean and dry, apply the primer, focusing on one hand at a time. Follow this by applying the base coat to your first hand and curing it for 30 to 60 seconds. Ensure that you have an even layer and that you've covered every part of your nail. Depending on your preference, you can experiment with one or two layers of the base coat. If you desire a pop of colour, apply one or two coats of your chosen nail polish and let it dry or cure under a nail lamp.
Before applying the rhinestones, it's essential to prepare the surface of your nails. Push back your cuticles, shape your nails, and buff the surface to dull the shine. You can also use a file or a buffer to smooth out any bumps or ridges. Additionally, consider pushing back your cuticles and trimming any excess skin around your nails. Remember to cleanse the surface with a lint-free wipe, especially if you're using gel polish.
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Choosing the right rhinestones
Shape and Size:
Rhinestones come in various shapes, including round, square, teardrop, and star. Choose shapes that complement your nail shape and the overall design you want to create. Similarly, select rhinestones in different sizes, from tiny to large, to add dimension and create intricate patterns.
Color and Sparkle:
Rhinestones are available in a multitude of colors, such as clear, silver, gold, or rainbow. Opt for colors that match or complement your chosen nail polish. If you want extra sparkle, consider using rhinestones with a high shine or choosing a glittery nail polish as a base for your rhinestones.
Quality and Durability:
Invest in high-quality rhinestones that are known for their durability and color retention. Preciosa's MAXIMA Crystals and Swarovski rhinestones are renowned for their high quality. Using lower-quality rhinestones may result in dulling or discolouration over time.
Adhesive Compatibility:
Consider the type of adhesive you will be using to attach the rhinestones. Some adhesives, like GEMGEL Adhesive, are designed to cure like a gel and provide a strong bond. Others, such as nail glue or gel adhesives, can also be used but may not offer the same level of durability. Choose rhinestones that are compatible with your preferred adhesive for the best results.
Placement and Design:
Think about the placement of the rhinestones on your nails. For longer-lasting wear, position them closer to the centre of your nail bed or near the cuticle, as these areas are less prone to flexing and reduce the risk of the rhinestones being knocked off. Additionally, consider the design or pattern you want to create. You can opt for a single rhinestone, a cluster, a line, or full coverage, allowing you to mix and match different shapes and sizes creatively.
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Using rhinestone glue
To add rhinestones to gel nails using rhinestone glue, start by preparing your nails in the usual manner. Push back your cuticles, shape your nails, and buff the surface to dull the shine. Remove any debris with a lint-free wipe soaked in rubbing alcohol. Apply a base coat and cure it under a UV or LED lamp for 30 to 60 seconds. You can add a thin layer of coloured polish if desired and cure it again.
Next, apply a small dot of rhinestone glue to the desired location on your nail. Carefully pick up a rhinestone with the waxed-tipped end of a picking pen or tweezers and place it onto the glue with the sparkly side facing up. Press gently to secure it, and use a cuticle stick or the thin metal end of your picking pen to adjust its position if needed. Allow the glue to dry completely before proceeding to the next steps.
To finish, apply a thin layer of gel top coat around the rhinestones (not over them) to seal them in place and cure your nails under the lamp again. With proper application, rhinestones can stay secure on gel nails for weeks.
Some tips to keep in mind:
- Avoid using super glue to attach rhinestones, as it can irritate your skin and be harsh on your nails.
- Ensure you use high-quality rhinestones that are durable and have good colour retention.
- Apply only a small amount of glue to prevent flooding the rhinestone and compromising its sparkle.
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Applying a top coat
If you are using a nail lacquer that air-dries, you will need to work quickly. Brush on the top coat and press the rhinestones into place before the top coat dries. Try to avoid sliding the gems or smudging the surface. Once the rhinestones are in place, use a thin nail art brush to carefully dab the top coat around the base of the rhinestones. Do not brush the top coat over the rhinestones as it will make them look dull and cloudy, and reduce their sparkle.
If you are using a gel top coat, apply it around the rhinestones, and then cure your nails under a UV or LED lamp to set the rhinestones. Rock your hand gently and slowly from side to side to make sure the light reaches all the crevices and cures the gel completely.
If you are only going to wear the nails for a day or two, you can use a normal top coat. Put a dab of top coat on the back of the rhinestone, then stick it down. When you are done, top coat the whole nail again. However, the gems will fall off pretty quickly, and covering the gems with top coat makes them look less faceted, sharp, and crisp.
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Curing the nails
Preparing the Nails:
Before curing, ensure that your nails are clean and dry. You can file or buff them to smooth out any bumps or ridges. Push back your cuticles and trim any excess skin around your nails. It is crucial to start with a well-prepared nail surface to ensure the best adhesion for the rhinestones.
Applying the Base Coat:
Apply a base coat to your nails and cure it under a nail lamp. The base coat provides a foundation for the gel polish and helps it adhere better to your nails. Cure the base coat for 30 to 60 seconds, ensuring that it is completely hardened. You may choose to apply two layers of the base coat for longer-lasting results.
Applying Gel Polish:
After the base coat is cured, you can apply your chosen gel nail polish. Apply a thin layer carefully around the cuticles, ensuring an even application. If you desire, you can add a thin coat of colour. However, make sure that the colour complements the rhinestones you have selected. Cure the gel polish under a UV or LED lamp for the recommended time. Refer to the instructions on your gel polish for specific curing times.
Curing the Rhinestones:
Once the gel polish is cured, it's time to apply the rhinestones. Use a gel top coat or rhinestone adhesive where you want to place the rhinestones. A small dot of adhesive is sufficient to secure the rhinestones. Gently press the rhinestones into the adhesive and arrange them in your desired pattern. Avoid sliding the rhinestones around, as this can smudge the surface.
Sealing the Rhinestones:
To seal the rhinestones in place, apply a thin layer of gel top coat around the rhinestones, being careful not to apply it directly on top of them. This step helps maintain the sparkle and shine of the rhinestones. Cure the nails under the UV/LED lamp again to set the rhinestones and ensure they are securely attached. Rock your hand gently from side to side during curing to ensure that the light reaches all areas and cures the gel completely.
Final Touches:
After curing, you can use an aerosol drying spray to speed up the process and ensure complete curing. If needed, use a lint-free wipe soaked in rubbing alcohol to remove any sticky residue left on the top coat. Now, your rhinestone gel nails are ready to be shown off!
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Frequently asked questions
You will need rhinestones, a rhinestone applicator, and rhinestone adhesive. You can use nail glue, gem gel, or a gel top coat as an adhesive. You will also need a nail lamp to cure your nails.
First, make sure your nails are clean and dry. Then, push back your cuticles and shape your nails. Apply a base coat and cure it. You can then add a thin coat of colour if desired and cure it.
Apply a small dot of your chosen adhesive to the desired location on your nail. Use tweezers or a wax pencil to pick up and place the rhinestone onto the glue. Press gently to secure it.
Apply a thin layer of a clear top coat around the rhinestones to seal them in place. Cure your nails under a UV or LED lamp.
