Sophia Delgado
Gel nails are a great way to achieve a natural-looking, lightweight, and flexible finish that lasts. With the right tools and a little practice, you can easily do a full set of gel nails at home, saving you time and money. This introduction will walk you through the basics of gel nail application and removal, as well as some tips and tricks to get you started on your DIY gel nail journey.
How to do a full set of gel nails:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail preparation | File, clean, and buff nails |
| Cuticle preparation | Push back cuticles and remove dead skin with a cuticle stick |
| Nail cleaning | Remove any remaining oil or debris with an acetone-dipped cotton ball |
| Dehydration | Use a dehydrator to reduce oil and moisture |
| Base coat | Apply a super-thin base coat to dry nails |
| Gel application | Apply 1-2 layers of gel nail polish, curing each layer under a UV or LED lamp |
| Top coat | Seal with a clear top coat to protect the color |
| Curing | Cure the full set for a minute |
| Removal | Soak cotton balls in acetone, wrap nails with tin foil, and gently push off the product |
| Tools | UV or LED lamp, nail file, cuticle stick, cotton balls, acetone, tin foil, nail cleanser or rubbing alcohol, nail drill, lint-free pads, nail art brush, glass dish, and nail stamp |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing your nails
Step 1: Nail Length and Shape
Start by ensuring your nails have a little length. For gel nail extensions, your nails need a bit of length for the extensions to adhere properly. Use a nail clipper to achieve your desired nail length. Next, file your nails to create your preferred nail shape. You can use a nail file or a nail drill to shape your nails and remove any excess product.
Step 2: Cuticle Care
Use a cuticle stick to gently push back your cuticles and remove any dead skin from the nail plate. Pushing back the cuticles will create a clean slate for the gel application and help prevent lifting.
Step 3: Remove Shine and Debris
Use an e-file with a medium grit arbor band to gently remove the shine from the surface of your nails. Work in a feathering motion without digging into the nail surface. Removing the shine will create a slightly rough surface for better gel adhesion. After removing the shine, ensure you cleanse your nails to get rid of any debris or oil residue. You can use swipe liquid or acetone-dipped cotton balls for this step.
Step 4: Dehydrate and Prime
To further enhance gel adhesion, you can apply a dehydrator to your nails. This will help reduce any remaining oil or moisture on the nail surface. Follow this by applying a protein bond and a primer to your nails. These products will help the gel polish adhere better and prolong the wear of your manicure.
Step 5: Apply a Base Coat
Once your nails are prepared, you can apply a super-thin base coat to your dry nails. The base coat will act as a foundation for the gel polish, ensuring better colour adhesion and a longer-lasting manicure.
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Applying the base coat
Before applying any product to your nails, it is essential to prepare your nails properly. Start by filing and buffing your nails to create your desired nail shape. Gently remove the shine from the nail surface using an e-file with a medium grit arbor band. Be careful not to over-file, as a smooth surface can hinder the gel's adhesion. Use a cuticle stick to push back your cuticles and remove any dead skin from the nail plate. Ensure your nails are clean and free of any oil or debris. You can use swipe liquid or acetone to cleanse your nails and remove any remaining oil or debris. This step also helps dehydrate your nails, which will enhance the adhesion of the gel polish.
Once your nails are properly prepared, it's time to apply the base coat. Select a high-quality base coat designed specifically for gel nails. The base coat helps the gel polish adhere to your nails and provides a smooth foundation for the colour to be applied. Apply a thin, even layer of the base coat to each nail, ensuring complete coverage. Allow the base coat to dry thoroughly according to the manufacturer's instructions. Some base coats may require curing under a UV or LED lamp, so refer to the product specifications.
It is important to note that the application of the base coat sets the tone for the rest of your gel manicure. Take your time and ensure that your nails are thoroughly prepared and that the base coat is applied carefully and evenly. A well-applied base coat will not only enhance the adhesion of the gel polish but also contribute to a longer-lasting manicure.
Additionally, if you are working with nail extensions, you may need to apply a gel primer before the base coat to ensure better adhesion and longevity. Always refer to the instructions provided with your chosen products to achieve optimal results.
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Adding nail extensions
If you are adding extensions, you will need a form or mould to shape them. You can use sticker nail forms to help you get the right shape and length. There are pre-shaped gel nail extensions available, which come in different sizes and shapes, like stiletto, round, coffin, and square. These are even quicker than building your own extensions as they don't need filling.
To apply your own extensions, you will need to prepare your nails by filing, cleaning and buffing them. Then, apply a form underneath your natural nail to create the length one by one with a gel builder, a gel primer, and a gel top coat. Let each nail dry under a UV or LED lamp before moving on to the next.
If you are using a builder gel, you can use a floating motion to build length onto the form, keeping in contact with the gel as you shape. Add another bead if necessary to achieve the desired length. Cure for 30 seconds. Then, build the body of the nail, focusing on the cuticle area first and then building a perimeter. Cure the nail and repeat for all ten nails. Fill in the centre hollow of the nail and any remaining areas of unevenness. Do not wipe between layers! Cure for a full minute and repeat for all ten nails.
To remove gel extensions, a nail technician will file down most of the extension and then soak off the remaining gel in acetone wrapped in foil. They will then gently push off the product and buff the natural nail.
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Curing the gel
Before curing, it is important to prepare the nails properly. This includes shaping the nails, pushing back the cuticles, and removing any shine or debris from the nail surface. Proper preparation ensures that the gel adheres well to the nails and prevents lifting or peeling.
To cure the gel, start by applying a thin base coat to the prepared nails. Then, place your hand under the lamp, making sure that the nails are positioned correctly. The lamp should be turned on and set to the appropriate timer.
For a full set of gel nails, you will need to cure each layer of gel. After curing the base coat, apply a thin layer of coloured gel polish and cure it under the lamp. Repeat this process for each additional layer of colour, making sure to cure each layer separately.
Finally, seal the gel nail polish with a clear top coat to protect the colour and add shine. Cure the top coat under the lamp, and then use a nail cleanser or rubbing alcohol to wipe off any sticky residue.
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Removing the gel
Removing gel nail polish can be a tricky process, and there are several methods you can use. One of the most popular ways is to use acetone, but this can be harsh on your nails and skin. If you do opt for this method, it is recommended to use plastic food wrap rather than aluminium foil, as it creates a tighter seal and prevents dripping. Soak a cotton ball in acetone and place it on your nail, then wrap it with the plastic food wrap. Leave this on for around 10 minutes, then remove the wrap and use a wet washcloth to gently rub off any remaining polish. Be sure to wash your hands with gentle soap and water to remove the acetone, and apply cuticle oil or petroleum jelly to keep your cuticles and skin hydrated and healthy.
Another method is to use a gel nail polish remover, which is faster and requires fewer tools. You simply put a thick layer of the remover on your gel nails, wait for it to soak in, and then gently push the polish off with a metal cuticle pusher or orangewood stick. This method is less likely to damage your nails.
If you are using an e-file to remove your gel nails, be cautious as it is easy to damage your nails if you are not trained in how to use one. You can use a nail file to gently file through the top coat and colour, but be careful not to file down to the natural nail.
One of the gentlest ways to remove gel nail polish is to simply let your nails grow out and clip them once a week. This is a slow process, but it helps prevent damage to your nails.
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Frequently asked questions
First, cut and file your nails to the desired length and shape. Next, use a cuticle stick to push back any dead skin on your nail plate. Remove any remaining oil or debris with an acetone-dipped cotton ball.
Start by applying a thin base coat to your dry nails. Then, apply 1-2 layers of gel nail polish, curing each layer under a UV or LED lamp. Finish with a layer of clear top coat to protect the colour.
File down the top layer of the gel and top coat with a nail file. Soak cotton balls in acetone and wrap them around each nail with tin foil. After 15 minutes, gently push off the product and buff your natural nail.
