Caleb Foster
Doing your own gel nails at home can save you time and money. A gel manicure can cost $35 and upwards at a nail salon, whereas a DIY kit can cost anywhere from $30 to $80 and can be used as frequently as you like. To get started, you'll need to make sure you have the right supplies. You can either buy a gel nail kit online or purchase all the pieces separately. A proper kit should provide you with all the supplies to both apply and remove gel polish. Once you have your kit, you'll want to prep your nails by cutting them to your desired length and shape, then gently pushing back your cuticles. You can then start applying your gel polish, curing each nail immediately after painting under an LED or UV lamp.
Characteristics and Values of Applying Your Own Gel Nail Kit
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | Kits range from $30 to $80, with salon manicures costing $35+ |
| Time | 15 minutes to paint, with 30 seconds to cure each layer |
| Quality | Results can be salon-worthy, but require a steady hand and patience |
| Safety | Safe to apply, but the removal process must be done properly to avoid damage |
| Prep | Nails must be cut, filed, and cleaned before application |
| Removal | Use a gel nail polish remover or acetone, which takes 3-5 minutes |
| Longevity | Results can last up to two weeks without chipping |
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What You'll Learn
Prepping your nails
Next, apply cuticle oil to your cuticles and gently push them back with a cuticle pusher or orange stick. Be sure to only push them back far enough to reveal the base of your nails. Wash or soak your hands after this step to remove the oil, and then swipe your nails with acetone to remove any excess oil. You can then buff your nails lightly to help with better adhesion.
After buffing, wipe your nails with an alcohol pad to remove any remaining dust and oils. You can then apply one coat of primer, followed by a gel base coat. The base coat will usually need to be cured for 30 to 60 seconds, depending on the brand, so be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
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Using a nail kit
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary supplies in your nail kit. A proper kit should provide you with all the supplies to both apply and remove gel polish. However, some kits require you to buy extra supplies separately for removal.
First, prep your nails by cutting them to your desired length and shape using a nail cutter and file. Then, gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher. You can use small orange wooden sticks or metal cuticle pushers for this.
Next, you will need to buff your nails from edge to edge to remove any remaining residue and natural oils. You can then apply a coat of primer, followed by the base coat. The base coat will usually need to be cured for 30 to 60 seconds in your UV/LED lamp, depending on the brand.
After curing the base coat, you can start applying your colour. Remember to use gel nail polish, as it will last longer than traditional polish. Apply two coats of colour, curing in between each coat. Finally, finish with one layer of the top coat. If the top coat leaves behind a sticky residue, simply wipe it off with an alcohol pad.
To remove your gel nail polish, you can either use a gel nail polish remover or acetone. Using a gel polish remover is faster and requires fewer supplies, but acetone is also an effective method.
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Applying the gel polish
Firstly, it is important to prep your nails before applying the gel polish. Use a nail cutter to cut your nails to your desired length, ensuring they are all equal lengths. Then, use a nail file to shape your nails to your desired shape. You can file your nails to be round, pointed, square, almond, or oval—it is up to your preference.
Next, gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher. Small wooden sticks or metal pushers can be used for this step. It is important to be gentle and careful during this step, as cuticles are delicate. After this, wash or soak your hands to ensure there is no residue left on your nails.
Now, you are ready to apply the gel polish! Start by buffing your entire nail from edge to edge with a nail buffer. This step helps remove any remaining dust and natural oils on your nails. Then, apply a thin layer of primer, followed by a base coat. The base coat will usually need to be cured for 30 to 60 seconds, depending on the brand. Be sure to read the instructions for the specific products you are using.
After your base coat has cured, it is time to apply your chosen colour! Apply two thin coats of colour, curing your nails in between each coat. Remember to cure your nails immediately after painting each coat to reduce the amount of time the gel is in contact with the air. Finish with one layer of topcoat. If the topcoat leaves behind a sticky residue, simply wipe it off with an alcohol pad.
And that's it! You now have a beautiful gel manicure. Remember that practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if your first few attempts don't turn out exactly as you hoped. With patience and practice, you'll be a pro at applying gel polish in no time!
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Curing the gel polish
Choosing the Right Lamp
The first step is to choose the right curing lamp. You can use either a UV lamp or an LED lamp for curing gel polish. LED lamps are recommended as they emit less UV light and dry the polish quicker. When choosing a lamp, consider getting one that can fit your entire hand, as this will save time by curing all your nails at once. Additionally, look for a lamp with a timer to easily time the curing process.
Curing the Base Coat
Once you have your lamp, it's time to start curing. Begin by applying a thin layer of the base coat to your nails, making sure to cover the nail edges and avoid the cuticles. Then, place your hand under the lamp and cure the base coat. The curing time can vary depending on the lamp, but it typically ranges from 30 to 60 seconds. Some polishes may require up to 120 seconds. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended curing time.
After curing the base coat, it's time to apply the gel polish. Again, apply a thin layer of polish carefully, ensuring it doesn't touch your cuticles. Then, cure the gel polish under the lamp. The curing time for each layer of gel polish is usually 30 seconds, but follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results. Repeat this process for as many layers as needed, usually two or three layers.
Curing the Top Coat
Finally, apply a thin layer of the top coat, carefully sealing the tips of your nails to prevent chipping. Cure the top coat under the lamp for 30 to 60 seconds, or 120 seconds if you want extra protection. After curing the top coat, your manicure is complete and ready to go!
Remember, curing times may vary depending on the brand of gel polish and the type of lamp you are using. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and take your time to ensure a perfect gel manicure.
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Removing the gel polish
Removing gel polish can be a tedious and sometimes damaging process. There are a few methods to consider when removing gel nail polish at home.
The first method is the traditional way of using acetone. Acetone is the most effective way to remove gel nail polish at home, according to board-certified dermatologist Shari Lipner, MD, PhD, FAAD. Acetone can be tough on your nails and skin, so it is important to be cautious when using this method. It is recommended to use a plastic food wrap rather than foil when removing gel nail polish with acetone, as the plastic creates a tighter seal so the acetone is less likely to drip. Line your work area with a cloth to avoid acetone stains and protect your work area from damage. Then place a thick towel on top. Work on one hand at a time, as this is easier. Cut your cotton pads into small pieces, and soak each of them with acetone. Buff the top of each nail gently, then cover your nail with the cotton pad and then apply a nail polish soak-off clip to hold it in place. Keep it there for 15 minutes. Remove the clips and begin scraping off the gel polish with a steel cuticle remover and scraper. The polish should be lifting up and it shouldn’t be too difficult to remove. If it is, apply another cotton pad with acetone for a bit longer.
The second method is to use a gel nail polish remover. This method is faster and requires fewer tools. It is also gentler on the nails and does not contain acetone. Simply buff off the top coat, apply the gel polish remover, and wait 3-5 minutes for the gel colour to lift. Use a metal cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick to gently remove the gel polish from each nail. Then clean your nails with a nail buffer.
The third method is to let your nails grow out. Clipping your nails once a week will help remove the gel nail polish and prevent your nails from catching on clothing and other objects. It is important to resist the urge to pick at your gel nail polish, as this can damage your nails.
It is important to note that you should always follow the manufacturer's instructions when removing gel nail polish, as each brand may have its own set of instructions. Additionally, some at-home gel nail kits may include specific removal instructions or tools.
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Frequently asked questions
Start by cutting your nails to your desired length, then file them into your desired shape. Next, use a nail cleanser pad to wipe away any dust and oils. Push your cuticles back gently with a cuticle pusher to reveal the base of your nails.
Apply a thin layer of gel polish and cure it in a UV or LED lamp for 30 seconds. Then, apply a second layer of gel polish and cure again.
You can use a gel nail polish remover or acetone. With acetone, cut cotton pads into four pieces, soak them with acetone, and buff the top of each nail. Then, cover your nail with the cotton pad and apply a nail polish soak-off clip to hold it in place for 15 minutes.
