Caleb Foster
Applying liquid gel nails at home is a great way to save money and achieve a professional-looking manicure. The process is easy and involves cleaning, shaping, and buffing your nails, applying a base coat, curing it under a UV or LED lamp, and then applying your gel polish. You can also add nail extensions for extra length and strength. Builder gel is a popular choice for its flexibility and natural-looking finish. The application technique involves small, horizontal strokes to ensure the entire nail is coated. With the right tools and practice, you can master liquid gel nails and enjoy beautiful, long-lasting manicures at a fraction of the salon cost.
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What You'll Learn
Preparing your nails
Next, you'll want to clean your cuticles. Use a cuticle remover and a cuticle stick to push back any dead skin off your nail plate. You can then cut your nails to the desired length and use a nail file to shape them. If you're using builder gel, your nail shouldn't be flat, especially if you're going for a longer nail. A small hump, or 'apex', near the cuticle area will help to maintain strength.
Finally, buff the tops of your nails to create a smooth canvas for your gel polish. You can use a nail buff, a nail clipper, and a nail file to prep your nails. Once you're happy with the shape, rinse your hands with water and ensure your nails are completely clean. You can then apply a thin layer of cuticle oil to help your nails retain moisture and make it easier for your gel polish to adhere.
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Applying the base coat
Applying a base coat is the first step in achieving the perfect gel manicure. Before you begin, ensure your hands and nails are completely clean and dry. You can use cuticle oil to prep your nails and keep them from drying out, and a cuticle pusher to give yourself more space to work with. You can also use a nail buff, a nail clipper, and a nail file to prep the nail and achieve a smooth canvas.
Once your nails are prepped, grab your base coat. For gel nail polish, you only need a thin base coat layer. Apply the base coat using the applicator on the cap, working in smooth vertical strips. Wipe off any base coat that gets on your surrounding skin. You can use a toothpick to wipe away small amounts from your cuticles.
Let the base coat dry. You can cure the base coat under a UV or LED lamp for 30 seconds to two minutes, depending on the product. Alternatively, you can let your nails air-dry for about 10 minutes. Some gel nail polishes will come with a specific primer to use instead of a base coat. If your gel polish has a primer, use that instead.
Once your base coat has dried, you can apply your gel polish. Be sure to shake the bottle thoroughly so that the product is properly mixed.
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Applying the gel polish
Now you are ready to apply the base coat. This should be a super-thin layer, applied in smooth vertical strips. Wipe off any base coat that gets on your skin. You can then dry your nails under an LED lamp for 1-2 minutes, or leave them to air dry for 10 minutes. Some gel polishes will have a specific primer to use instead of a base coat, so use that if provided.
Next, apply a thin layer of your chosen gel polish colour. This first layer will probably look streaky, but that is normal. Use the applicator to spread the colour over each nail, all the way to the tip. You can use a brush to apply the gel polish, pulling the brush gently and letting the tip fan out to spread the polish. You can also use small, horizontal strokes to ensure the whole nail is covered. If you make a mistake, you can wipe off the edges before curing.
Finally, apply your top coat, capping the end of the nail. Cure for at least one minute under your UV or LED lamp to ensure the polish is completely cured. You may feel a sticky residue, but this is normal, and you can wipe it off with a cotton ball if you prefer.
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Curing the gel polish
For your base coat, you can cure it under a UV or LED lamp for 30 seconds to a minute. If you don't have access to a lamp, you can also let your nails air dry for about 10 minutes. However, it's important to note that gel nail polish will remain wet until it's cured under a light, so this option may not be suitable for everyone.
After applying your gel polish, you'll need to cure it under a UV or LED lamp. The curing time will depend on the type of lamp and polish you're using. Typically, you'll cure gel polish under an LED lamp for about 30 seconds or under a UV lamp for 2 minutes. Be sure to follow the specific instructions provided with your chosen gel polish.
For your final round of curing, apply your top coat and cure for at least one minute to ensure the polish is completely cured. Some products may leave a sticky residue, which you can wipe off with a cotton ball if desired. Remember to protect your hands from UV rays by applying SPF 30 or higher before your manicure.
With the right tools and practice, you can achieve salon-quality gel manicures at home. However, if you're new to gel nails, it's recommended to seek professional services to ensure proper application and removal, minimising potential damage to your natural nails.
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Finishing touches
Once you have applied your final layer of gel nail polish, it's time to finish up. Cure your nails under a UV or LED lamp. Typically, you cure them under an LED lamp for 30 seconds, or a UV lamp for 2 minutes. Curing allows the polish to harden in a uniform way. If you don’t cure your nails under the lamp, the gel polish may dry unevenly.
After curing, you can wipe off any sticky residue with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol. You can also use a cotton pad for this step. You don't need to wait for it to dry, and you can touch anything without ruining your manicure.
If you are using builder gel, a bead of gel is applied gently to the nail to build up and strengthen the apex of your nail (the highest point on your nail bed). Builder gel is applied with small, horizontal strokes to ensure the polish goes across the entire nail.
If you are using hard gel in a pot, then a separate brush is used to apply the gel to your nails. You can also use a nail form, which is a sticker that goes under the free edge (the tip) of the nail to extend the length.
Finally, remember to clean your cuticles with a cuticle stick and acetone, and push back any dead skin off the nail plate.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a UV or LED light, cuticle oil, a nail buff, a nail clipper, a nail file, rubbing alcohol, a top and base coat, and your chosen colour of gel polish.
First, ensure your hands and nails are completely clean. Then, cut, file, and shape your nails to your desired style. Clean up your cuticles with a cuticle stick and acetone.
Apply a thin base coat to your nails and cure under a UV or LED lamp for 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Then, apply a thin layer of gel polish and cure again. Finish with a top coat and cure for at least 1 minute.
Soak cotton pads in acetone and place them on your nails, securing with foil. After 15 minutes, the gel polish should be easy to scrape off.
Liquid gel nails can last up to four or five weeks.
