Noah Sinclair
The COVID-19 pandemic has led many people to try out at-home beauty treatments, including gel nail extensions. While it may be a tedious process, doing your own gel nail extensions can be a form of relaxation and self-care. It can also save you money in the long run. To get started, you'll need to prep your nails by removing any old polish, pushing back your cuticles, and filing and buffing your nails to create a textured surface for the extensions to adhere to. You'll also need a gel nail kit, which typically includes nail extensions, glue, and a UV lamp. Once you have your kit, you can begin sizing and applying the extensions before curing them under a UV light.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Remove any old polish or gel from your nails. |
| Remove cuticles, dirt, and debris to give the gel a clean surface to adhere to. | |
| Clip and file your nails to the desired shape. | |
| Buff your nails to create a textured surface for the gel to adhere to better. | |
| Application | Apply a thin coat of primer to the inside of the nail tips. |
| Apply a nail glue or gel to the extension and the natural nail. | |
| Place the extension onto the nail, holding it in place under a UV lamp for 20-30 seconds. | |
| Cure the nails under the UV lamp for 30 seconds to two minutes, depending on the product. | |
| Apply a thin coat of color gel polish, curing for 60 seconds after each coat. Repeat three to four times, depending on the desired pigmentation. | |
| Apply a gel top coat, curing for 90 seconds to two minutes. |
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What You'll Learn
- Prepare your nails by removing any old polish or gel
- File and buff your nails to create a textured surface for the gel to adhere to
- Apply a thin coat of primer to the inside of the nail tips
- Use a gel nail extension kit with glue and a UV lamp
- Finish with a gel top coat and cure under a UV light for 90 seconds
Prepare your nails by removing any old polish or gel
Preparing your nails is the first step in achieving a great gel extension set. Start by sanitising your hands and pushing back your cuticles. Next, use a fine drill bit or a buffer/file to remove any old polish or gel by filing down any excess length on your natural nails. Be sure to file your nails to your desired shape—round, square, or something in between—but keep in mind that your nails should have a little length for the extensions to stick to.
After shaping, you'll want to buff out your nails to smoothen any ridges and remove any remaining polish or gel. Generally, there will be a little excess glue that gets on the sides and face of the nail, so buffing them will create a smooth surface for your polish and topcoat. If you notice any dust on your nails and skin after buffing, wipe your nails clean with alcohol.
Now that your nails are shaped and buffed, it's time to apply a nail dehydrator to remove any remaining oils or debris. This step is crucial as it helps the extensions adhere better to your natural nails. Once your nails are fully dry, apply a thin coat of a non-acidic gel primer to help the gel stick to your nails. With your natural nails properly prepared, you're now ready to apply your gel nail extensions!
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File and buff your nails to create a textured surface for the gel to adhere to
To prepare your nails for gel nail extensions, you will need to file and buff them to create a textured surface for the gel to adhere to. This is an essential step in the process of applying gel nail extensions, as it ensures that the gel will properly bond to the nail plate.
Firstly, you will need to file your nails to your desired nail shape. You can use the most coarse side of a nail buffer block or a separate nail file for this step. Remember to only file in one direction, as filing back and forth can damage the nail.
Next, you will buff your nails to smooth out any ridges and create a slightly rough surface. Hold the buffing side of the nail buffer block parallel to your nail and stroke it across each nail in an X shape. Do not buff side-to-side, as this can dry out and damage your nails.
If you are using a nail buffer block, it will likely have four sides: file, buff, polish and shine. These are typically numbered, so you know which side to use at each step. If they are not numbered, start with the most coarse side first and finish with the smooth one.
Buffing your nails will leave them feeling super smooth and looking shiny. However, if you are applying polish or gel, do not buff your nails to a shine, as this will prevent the polish or gel from properly adhering to your nails.
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Apply a thin coat of primer to the inside of the nail tips
When applying a thin coat of primer to the inside of the nail tips, it is important to remember that this step helps to create a more textured surface for the nail glue to adhere to. You only want to apply primer to the part of the nail extension that will be attached to your natural nail. The primer should be acid-free to chemically etch the inside of your extension and prep your nail bed.
Before applying the primer, ensure that your natural nails are properly filed and buffed. You can use an e-file with a small tip to gently file the edges of each nail near the cuticles. This will help create a more flush look as your nails grow out, and prevent a thick edge on the nail extension. Once your nails are filed, use a non-acidic gel primer to dehydrate the nail and remove any oils or debris that could interfere with the adhesion of the extensions.
After applying a thin coat of primer to the inside of the nail tips, you can move on to applying a thin layer of glue to both the extension and your natural nail for extra hold. Remember to only work on one nail at a time, as you will need to cure the glue under a UV lamp after each application. Place the extension onto your natural nail, using your other hand to hold it in place under the lamp.
It is important to note that while you can purchase a gel extension kit that includes a UV lamp, some reviews suggest that it may be preferable to buy the bottles separately along with a separate UV lamp that is easier to work with for flash curing.
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Use a gel nail extension kit with glue and a UV lamp
To begin your DIY gel nail extensions, you will need a gel nail extension kit with glue and a UV lamp. The kit should include nail files, extensions, primer, base coat, colour, top coat, and isopropyl alcohol wipes.
Before starting, file and buff your natural nails to the desired shape. You can then apply a nail primer and a non-acidic gel base coat to dehydrate the nail of any oils or debris. Once your nails are extension-ready, apply a thin coat of glue to the inside of the nail tips and press the tip to the nail at an angle, starting at the base and slowly pushing downwards.
Next, place your hand into a UV light lamp for about a minute to secure the nail. You can use a finger on the same hand to hold the extension in place while curing to ensure it is secure. Repeat these steps for each nail, then sit your hand under the UV light for another 90 seconds to make sure everything is in place.
After curing and securing the nails, you can file and shape the tips as desired. Finish with your chosen colour of gel polish and a top coat. Place your hand under the UV light for another 60-90 seconds, and you're done!
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Finish with a gel top coat and cure under a UV light for 90 seconds
After applying your chosen nail colour, it's time to finish with a gel top coat. This will give your manicure a glossy finish and help to protect your nails from chipping and scratching. Choose a top coat designed specifically for gel nails, as this will be more durable and long-lasting. Apply a thin, even layer to each nail, ensuring you cover the entire surface of the nail.
Once you have applied the top coat, it's time to cure your nails under a UV light. Curing hardens the gel polish, creating a durable finish that will keep your manicure looking fresh for longer. Place your hand under the UV lamp, making sure that all your nails are exposed to the light. Leave your hand under the lamp for 90 seconds.
The exact curing time may vary depending on the brand of gel polish you are using, so be sure to check the instructions on your product. It is important to follow the recommended curing time, as curing for too long can cause overheating and potential damage to your nails.
During the curing process, you may feel a slight warming sensation, but this is normal and should not cause any discomfort. If you are using a lower-quality UV lamp, you may need to cure your nails for a little longer to ensure they are fully hardened.
Once the curing process is complete, your gel nail extensions should be fully set and ready to go! Enjoy your fresh manicure and show off those fabulous nails!
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a gel nail extensions kit, which includes nail extensions, glue, a UV lamp, and gel nail polish. You can also buy these items separately.
Start by removing any old polish or gel from your nails. Then, clip and file your nails to your desired shape. Next, use a nail file to buff your nails, creating a textured surface for the glue to adhere to. Finally, apply a nail dehydrator to remove any excess oil.
First, size your nails to find the best-fitting extensions and set them aside. Apply a thin layer of nail glue to the inside of the extension and your natural nail. Place the extension onto your natural nail, holding it in place under a UV lamp for 20 seconds. Repeat this process for each nail.
Once the glue has cured, file and shape the extensions to your liking. You can then paint your nails with gel nail polish, curing each coat under a UV lamp for 60 seconds. Finish with a gel top coat and cure for 90 seconds.
