Ava Monroe
Gel nail polish is a long-lasting and chip-resistant alternative to traditional nail polish. The gel formula hardens when exposed to ultraviolet light, resulting in a manicure that can last for weeks. Applying gel nail polish requires more preparation and a greater number of supplies than regular nail polish, but with practice, it can be mastered at home. This introduction will cover the steps and tips for applying gel nail polish, as well as the benefits of choosing gel over traditional nail polish.
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What You'll Learn
Prepare your nails
Preparing your nails is an important step in achieving the perfect gel manicure. It is recommended that you invest in an at-home gel manicure kit, which will provide you with the necessary tools for both the application and removal of gel polish. Before you begin, ensure you have the following items: a nail buffer or nail file, lint-free wipes, cotton swabs, rubbing alcohol, cuticle oil, and a cuticle pusher.
Firstly, you should clean your nails thoroughly to remove any oils or residue. You can do this by applying a dehydrator to your nails, which can be made using a mix of 2/3 rubbing alcohol and 1/3 acetone. This will ensure your nails are completely dry. Next, use a cuticle pusher to push back the cuticles and clean the surrounding nail plate. This step will expose as much of your nail bed as possible, ensuring your manicure lasts longer.
Now, it's time to shape your nails. Use a nail file to shape them, smoothing the edges and grinding down the surface to achieve your desired nail shape. Be sure to file in a single direction to prevent chipping and tearing. For thinner nails, use an emery board, and for thicker nails, a metal file is recommended. After shaping, use a buffer to smooth the surface of your nails, gently filing away any imperfections to ensure they are even and ready for polish application.
Finally, apply a small amount of cuticle oil to your nails and the surrounding skin. This will help to keep your nails and cuticles hydrated, as the gel curing process can be drying.
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Apply a base coat
Applying a base coat is an important step in achieving a perfect gel manicure. A base coat helps to protect your nails and ensures that your gel polish lasts longer. Here is a step-by-step guide to applying a base coat:
Start by preparing your nails. Use a nail clipper to shape your nails to the desired length and style. It is important to do this before applying the gel polish because cutting your nails after can ruin your manicure. Next, use a nail file to smooth the edges and shape the nails further. You can use a medium-grit file for gel manicures, and remember to file in a single direction to prevent chipping and tearing.
Once your nails are shaped, it's time to push back your cuticles. Use a cuticle pusher to gently push back the cuticles and clean the surrounding nail plate. This will help expose more of your nail bed, giving the gel polish a larger surface to adhere to. After this, you can use a nail buffer to gently buff your nails, creating a smooth and even surface for the gel polish.
Now, you are ready to apply the base coat. Choose a base coat that is specifically designed for gel manicures, as this will help the gel polish adhere better and last longer. Apply a thin, even layer of the base coat to each nail, being careful not to get it on your skin. If you do get some on your skin, use a Q-tip or a clean-up brush dipped in acetone to remove it.
Finally, cure the base coat under a UV or LED lamp. The curing process hardens the gel polish, making it durable and chip-resistant. Place your hands under the lamp and follow the specific instructions for your lamp type and gel polish brand. Typically, gel polish cures in about 30 seconds under an LED lamp and 2 minutes under a UV lamp.
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Apply gel polish
Applying gel nail polish is an art and a science. It requires more preparation than regular nail polish, but with practice, it can be mastered in no time. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply gel nail polish:
Firstly, prepare your nails. Clean your nails thoroughly to remove any oils or residue. You can use a scrubby nylon brush and a mix of 2/3 rubbing alcohol and 1/3 acetone to ensure your nails are completely dry. Push back the cuticles and clean the surrounding nail plate. Shape your nails with a nail file. If you are applying gel nail polish for the first time, use nail clippers to shape your nails before the gel application.
Secondly, apply the base coat. Apply one thin coat of the base coat of your choice, making sure it is even on each nail. Cure the base coat under a UV or LED lamp for 2 minutes.
Thirdly, apply the colour. Apply two thin coats of your chosen gel nail polish colour, allowing each coat to set for a minute in between applications. The first coat may appear transparent or with a slight pulling away from the cuticle area, but this is normal and will be covered by the second coat. If you see wrinkling on the nail after curing, the gel polish was applied too thick, so remember to apply a thinner coat for the second coat. Cure each coat under a UV lamp (4x9watt) for 3 minutes or an LED lamp for 30 seconds.
Finally, apply the top coat. Apply one thin coat of the topcoat of your choice, and cure for 2 minutes under a UV lamp (4x9watt) or 30 seconds under an LED lamp. Once cured, gently wipe the tacky layer from your nails using a lint-free wipe soaked with cleanser.
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Cure the gel polish
Curing gel polish is a process that requires some training to master. It involves using a UV or LED lamp to seal and harden the gel polish, making it chip-resistant and long-lasting. This process is known as polymerisation, where the light causes the molecules in the gel polish to bond together, forming a solid layer of colour.
To cure gel polish, start by applying a thin coat of the gel polish to your nails. Remember to cure each coat under the lamp, including the base and top coats, for adequate sealing. The curing time will depend on the type of lamp and nail, but it typically ranges from a few seconds to several minutes. LED lamps generally cure faster and produce less heat, beneficial for those with sensitive skin, while UV lamps offer more power and a wider working area.
When using a UV lamp, curing times may be longer, and you might need a more powerful lamp to ensure proper curing. For example, a UV lamp with 4 x 9-watt bulbs will take about 2 minutes to cure a gel polish base/top gel coat. On the other hand, an LED lamp will typically cure the same coat in 30 seconds.
It is important to note that applying too thick a coat of gel polish can lead to curing issues. The light may not be able to penetrate and cure the gel properly, resulting in wrinkling or a gummy texture. Therefore, it is recommended to apply thin coats and ensure that your lamp is positioned correctly so that all parts of the nail are exposed to the light.
Additionally, some gel polish brands may not require a UV or LED light to cure. However, using a lamp is still recommended to ensure a durable and chip-resistant manicure.
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Remove any residue
Removing residue from gel nail polish can be done in several ways. One way is to use acetone, which is the most common method. To do this, start by gently filing your nails from the cuticle to the edge, moving left to right. Avoid using a back-and-forth motion and do not focus on just one spot. This will help expose the gel polish. Next, tear off pieces of cotton balls or pads that are about 1.5 x 1.5 cm. Soak the cotton in acetone, and make sure it is damp but not dripping wet. Usually, 5 to 10 drops of acetone will be enough. Place the cotton on your nail and wrap it with aluminium foil or plastic food wrap. The latter creates a tighter seal, preventing drips. Leave the wrap on for about 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, the gel polish should be soft and may appear bubbly or curled. Remove the foil and cotton, and use a metal cuticle pusher or orangewood stick to gently push off the gel polish. If the polish is not coming off easily, soak your nail with the acetone for another 5 minutes. You can then use a nail buffer to gently buff your nails and remove any remaining gel polish. Be careful not to over-buff, as this can weaken your nails and make it difficult for future gel polish applications.
An alternative method to remove gel nail polish residue is to simply let your nails grow out. Clip them once a week to help remove the gel polish. This is a slow process, taking about 6 months for fingernails and 12 to 18 months for toenails. It is important to resist the urge to pick or peel off the gel polish, as this can damage your nails and strip your delicate nail layers.
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