Noah Sinclair
Applying UV gel nails can be done at home and will give you a long-lasting, highly-pigmented, chip-free manicure. You will need a UV/LED lamp, a nail surface cleanser, and gel top and base coats. First, prep your nails by wiping them with a cotton pad soaked in nail cleanser to remove any excess oils or residue. Then, apply a thin layer of base coat to each nail, followed by a thin layer of gel colour, making sure to cap the tips and avoid the cuticles. Cure each hand under the UV/LED lamp for 30-60 seconds, then repeat with another thin layer of gel polish. Finally, apply a thin layer of top coat to each nail for a high-shine, glossy finish, and cure under the lamp again.
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Prepare nails
Preparing your nails is the first step in achieving a long-lasting, flawless UV gel manicure. Start by shaping your nails with a nail file, gently pushing back your cuticles with a cuticle stick, and ensuring the entire nail surface is smooth and even. Pay particular attention to the sides of your nails and the area around the cuticle, as improper buffing can lead to lifting.
Cleanse your nails with a nail cleanser or alcohol prep pad to remove any excess oils, residue, or products. This step is crucial, as it ensures the gel polish adheres properly and doesn't peel or chip. Avoid getting any lotion, oil, or water on your nails for about an hour before and after the application. You may also want to apply sunscreen to your hands 15-30 minutes prior, being careful to wipe off any sunscreen that gets on your nails.
If you have any nail tears, apply a thin coat of UV/LED Fibre Nail Repair Glue and cure it under the UV/LED lamp for 60 seconds. Repeat this step if necessary, depending on the size of the tear. Now, you're ready to move on to the base coat!
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Apply base coat
Applying a base coat is an important step in achieving a flawless UV gel manicure. It creates an adhesive bond to your nail, ensuring that your gel nail colour does not damage or stain your natural nail. Here is a step-by-step guide to applying the base coat:
Firstly, prepare your nails by gently pushing back your cuticles with a cuticle stick or the curved side of a nail file. This provides a clean surface for the gel polish to adhere to and creates a longer, more even-looking nail bed. You should also shape your nails with a nail file, ensuring that the edges are smooth.
Next, clean your nails with a nail cleanser or alcohol prep pad to remove any excess oils or residue. You can use a cotton pad or a lint-free wipe soaked in cleanser and ensure you wipe each nail thoroughly. It is crucial to avoid getting any cleanser on your cuticles or skin as this can affect the adhesion of the gel polish.
Now you are ready to apply the base coat. Apply a thin layer of the base coat to each nail, capping the free edge. Be careful to leave a small gap between the base coat and your cuticle; this gap should be around 1mm or less. You can use an orangewood cuticle stick to gently push back your cuticles if needed.
If you accidentally get any base coat on your skin or cuticle, remove it immediately with a nail polish remover pen or an orangewood cuticle stick. Ensure you do this before curing your nails under the UV/LED lamp.
Finally, cure your nails under the UV/LED lamp for 60 seconds. Your base coat should still feel slightly sticky after curing, which is normal as it will help the next layer of polish adhere properly.
Once your base coat is cured, you can move on to the next step of your UV gel manicure, such as applying the colour coat or builder gel.
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Apply colour coat
Applying the colour coat is the fun part of the process, as this is where you get to see your chosen shade come to life! It's important to note that all gel polishes require curing under a UV/LED lamp, and curing times can vary depending on the brand. So, be sure to read the instructions on your chosen product.
Start by applying a very thin layer of gel colour to each nail, avoiding the cuticles and skin. You can use the fine brush that comes with your gel nail polish to carefully paint the colour onto your nails. Make sure you cap the tips of your nails. The thin layer of colour should be cured under the lamp for 30-60 seconds. Repeat this step with another thin layer of gel polish once your nails are fully dry. You can apply 2-3 thin coats of colour in total, curing each layer for the recommended time.
If you're using a magnetic colour coat, you can hover the magnet above your nails to create different effects. If you're not happy with the result, simply wipe your nails with a lint-free wipe moistened with nail polish remover, and start again.
For a more creative look, try using a nail art brush to draw a design into a layer of uncured blooming gel. Allow some time for your design to bloom, then cure for 60 seconds once you're happy with the result.
Remember, it's always best to use products from the same brand for a gel manicure, and you can finish your colour coat with a high-shine top coat!
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Apply top coat
Applying a top coat is the final step in achieving a high-shine, glossy, and chip-free finish to your UV gel manicure. After applying your colour coat and curing your nails under a UV/LED lamp, you're ready for the top coat.
Start by applying a thin layer of top coat to each nail, capping the free edge. The top coat will protect your manicure and ensure your nail colour doesn't chip or peel off. It also gives your nails an extra glossy finish. Once you've applied the top coat, it's time to cure your nails one last time. Place your hands under the UV/LED lamp and cure for 30 to 60 seconds. The curing time may vary depending on the brand of products you are using.
After curing, your manicure is almost complete. To finish, wipe each nail with a cotton pad soaked in cleanser to remove any residue or tackiness. This step ensures your nails are left with a smooth, high-shine finish. Finally, wait at least a minute and apply a small drop of cuticle oil to each nail. This step will hydrate and nourish your nails, completing your at-home gel manicure.
With gel nail polish, you can achieve long-lasting, highly pigmented, and flawless nails. Your manicure should last up to three weeks, and you can easily remove the gel polish at home without damaging your nails or using harsh chemicals.
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Remove gel nails
Removing gel nails can be done in several ways. One way is to let your nails grow out and then clip them once a week. This method helps to prevent your nails from catching on clothing and other objects. However, it is important to resist the urge to pick at your gel nail polish during the process, as picking and scraping off the polish can damage your nails.
Another way to remove gel nails is by using acetone, which offers an effective way to remove gel nail polish at home. To do this, you can follow these steps:
- Protect your work area by lining it with plastic wrap, then place a thick towel on top. Acetone can damage sinks, countertops, and furniture.
- Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to each cuticle and the surrounding skin.
- Soak a cotton pad in acetone and place it on your nail, then wrap your nail in plastic food wrap. This creates a tighter seal than foil, so the acetone is less likely to drip.
- Leave the plastic wrap on for about 10 minutes.
- Remove the plastic wrap. Most or all of the gel nail polish should come off with it.
- Gently rub your nails with a wet and warm washcloth to remove any remaining polish. Be careful to only rub the nail and avoid the surrounding skin.
- Wash your hands with gentle soap and water to remove the acetone.
- Apply petroleum jelly to your cuticles and the skin around your nails for the next seven days to reduce any irritation caused by the acetone.
Alternatively, you can use an e-file or hand files to remove gel nails. However, these methods can potentially damage your nails, so they should be done with caution and proper research. When using files, it is important to only file the surface of the nail so that it is textured and the acetone can penetrate the gel.
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Frequently asked questions
Start with bare, clean nails. Push back your cuticles with a cuticle stick and shape your nails with a nail file. Avoid water, lotions, and oils for about an hour before and after application.
Apply a thin layer of base coat to each nail, leaving a small gap between the gel nail polish and your cuticle. Cure each hand under your UV lamp for 30-60 seconds. Apply 2-3 thin coats of colour coat and cap the free edge. Cure each hand under the UV lamp for 30-60 seconds after each coat.
Apply a thin coat of top coat to each nail to give a high shine, glossy, and chip-free finish. Cure each hand under your UV lamp for 30-60 seconds. Once your manicure is complete and fully dry, wipe a cotton pad soaked in cleanser over each nail to remove any residue or tackiness.
Apply cuticle oil to a floss stick and shimmy the floss stick underneath the wrap until the wrap lifts from the nail.
