Applying Harmony Gel Nail Polish: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to apply harmony gel nail polish

Harmony Gelish offers a wide range of soak-off gel polishes, top and base coats, nail treatments, and gel removal essentials. To apply Harmony Gelish nail polish, start by applying a thin coat of the soak-off polish of your choice to the entire nail, making sure to cap the free edge. Cure the polish using an LED or UV light, and repeat for full coverage. Finish with a thin coat of top sealer gel, curing it the same way. Remove the inhibition layer with nail cleanser and wipes, and massage cuticle oil into the skin surrounding your nails.

Applying Harmony Gel Nail Polish

Characteristics Values
Application Process Apply a thin coat of Harmony Gelish Soak-Off Polish to the entire nail, capping the free edge. Cure for 30 seconds under an LED light or 2 minutes under a UV light. Repeat for full coverage.
Sealing Apply a thin coat of TOP IT OFF Sealer Gel, again capping the free edge. Cure under the same lights for the same duration.
Finishing Touches Remove the inhibition layer with Nail Surface Cleanse and a Wipe It Off lint-free wipe. Massage NOURISH Cuticle Oil into the skin surrounding the nail plate.
Removal Use a 100/180 Grit Buffer to gently break the top seal and remove shine. Saturate a Gelish Wrap with Artificial Nail Remover and wrap the nail and finger. Soak for 10-15 minutes, then gently remove any remaining gel with an orangewood stick.
Aftercare Lightly buff the nail surface with a 220/280 Harmony Buffer and reapply cuticle oil.

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Sanitise hands and remove the shine with a buffer

Sanitising your hands before applying gel nail polish is important to ensure your nails are free from dirt, dust, and oil. This step will help you achieve a good nail polish-to-nail plate bond and prevent issues like lifting and chipping.

To sanitise your hands effectively, you can use products like rubbing alcohol or pure acetone. Ensure that the cleanser you use does not contain any moisturising ingredients, such as oils or glycerine, as these can create a film on the nail plate that interferes with the polish adhesion.

After sanitising, you can use a 100/180 grit buffer to gently rough the surface of your nails and remove the shine. This process helps break the top seal of the manicure, creating a suitable surface for the gel nail polish application.

It is important to note that you should avoid soaking your nails in water for an extended period before applying nail polish. Nails need adequate drying time, typically about one hour, if exposed to water for more than a minute.

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Soak Gelish Wraps in Artificial Nail Remover

To soak Gelish wraps in artificial nail remover, start by breaking the top seal of the manicure by gently removing the shine with a 100/180 grit buffer. Then, saturate a cotton pad or the cotton section of the WRAP IT OFF foil wrap with artificial nail remover. Next, wrap your nail completely with foil and soak for 10–15 minutes.

After this, gently remove the foil and any remaining gel with an orangewood stick. Be careful not to press into the nail. Finally, lightly buff the nail surface with a 220/280 buffer and massage Nourish Cuticle Oil into the skin surrounding the nail plate.

Gelled nails can be a pain to remove, but the Gelish wraps make the process simpler and more convenient. The foil wrap conforms to the fingertips, keeping the acetone concentrated on the nail bed. This allows for easy removal of gel polish without damaging the rest of your fingers.

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Cure with UV light

Curing your gel nail polish with UV light is an essential step in the manicure process. UV light is used to seal and harden the gel nail polish on your nails, creating a solid layer of colour that won't chip or wear off easily. This process is known as polymerisation, which causes the molecules in the gel polish to bond together.

To cure your gel nail polish with UV light, you will need a UV lamp. There are many different types of UV lamps available on the market, such as the SunUV lamp, which has over 20 different UV LED lamp options. If you are a beginner, the Sun9C model is a good option as it has timer abilities of 30 and 60 seconds and motion sensors to save energy. More advanced models include the Sun2C and Sun5, which offer different set timers, and the Sun1, which is ideal for first-timers with features such as a five-second timer option and a removable mirrored base for pedicures.

When curing your gel nail polish with a UV lamp, it is important to follow the correct technique. First, apply a thin coat of gel nail polish to your entire nail, making sure to cap the free edge. Then, place your hand under the UV lamp and cure for 2 minutes. Repeat this process for full coverage. For the longest-lasting nails, avoid getting polish on your cuticles and skin.

It is important to note that UV lamps can be damaging to your skin, so it is recommended to wear protective gloves or apply SPF 30+ to your hands before placing them under the lamp. Additionally, LED lamps are another option for curing gel nail polish, which dry the polish in half the time and are beneficial for people with sensitive skin or nails due to producing less heat.

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Massage cuticle oil into the skin

To massage cuticle oil into the skin after applying Harmony Gelish nail polish, follow these steps:

Begin by sanitising your hands. Using a 100/180 grit buffer, gently rough the surface of your nails to break the top seal and remove any shine. Next, you will need to apply the cuticle oil. Take a small amount of cuticle oil, such as Gelish Nourish Cuticle Oil, and apply it to the skin surrounding your nails.

Gently massage the oil into the skin, focusing on the area around the nail plate. Cuticle oil is important as it helps to moisturise and nourish the skin, promoting healthy cuticles and nails. Massage in a circular motion, ensuring the oil is fully absorbed into the skin. Take your time with this step, as it will help to improve the overall health and appearance of your nails.

You can use cuticle oil as part of your regular hand and nail care routine, not just after applying nail polish. It is particularly beneficial after washing your hands or when your cuticles feel dry. Regular use of cuticle oil can help to prevent hangnails and improve the overall condition of your nails, keeping them strong and healthy.

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Remove the inhibition layer with Nail Surface Cleanse

Removing the inhibition layer is an important step in the gel nail polish process. Also known as the "oxygen inhibition layer", it is a thin layer of uncured gel that has been prevented from curing due to the presence of oxygen in the air. This layer can cause adverse skin reactions and allergies if it comes into contact with the skin, so it is crucial to remove it properly.

To remove the inhibition layer, use a lint-free wipe, such as the Wipe It Off wipes from Gelish. Avoid using a standard nail wipe with cleanser, as this can cause you to scrub the uncured gel into your skin, increasing the risk of irritation. Instead, opt for a plastic-backed cotton pad or wear disposable nitrile or vinyl gloves to protect your skin from contact with the uncured gel.

It is recommended to use caution when removing this layer, as it can easily be scrubbed into the skin, potentially causing allergies or skin reactions. Be gentle and avoid applying pressure or scrubbing vigorously.

Additionally, avoid using alcohol-soaked pads, as the alcohol can also cause skin irritation or allergies. Instead, opt for a gentle cleanser designed for nail care, being careful to follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure proper and safe application.

Frequently asked questions

First, apply Gelish Nourish Cuticle Oil to the skin surrounding the nail.

Sanitize your hands and break the top seal by gently roughing the surface with a 100/180 Grit Buffer to remove shine.

Apply a thin coat of your chosen GELISH SOAK-OFF POLISH to the entire nail, making sure to cap the free edge. Cure for 30 seconds in the 18G LED Light or 2 minutes in UV Light.

Apply a thin coat of TOP IT OFF Sealer Gel to the entire nail, again making sure to cap the free edge. Cure for 30 seconds in the 18G LED Light or 2 minutes in UV Light.

First, break the top seal of the manicure by gently removing the shine with a 100/180 Grit Buffer. Saturate a Gelish Wrap with Gelish Artificial Nail Remover and wrap your nail and finger. Soak for 10 minutes, then remove any remaining gel with an orangewood stick.

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