Gel Nails: Asp Technique For Beginners

how to do asp gel nails

ASP Gel Nails are a long-lasting, chip-resistant nail treatment that promises to keep your nails looking perfect for weeks. The product is available in a wide range of colours, from bold and bright to muted pastels, and can be applied at home or in a salon. In this discussion, we will cover the benefits of ASP Gel Nails, the application process, colour options, and removal. We will also explore some tips and tricks for achieving the best results, as well as cost comparisons between at-home and salon treatments.

Characteristics Values
Cost A self-assembled essentials kit costs around $62 and can be used multiple times, compared to $25-30 for a single salon gel manicure.
Time ASP Gel Polish dries quickly, saving time.
Durability ASP Gel Polish can last up to three weeks with proper application.
Shine The manicure has a high-shine finish.
Chip-resistance ASP Gel Polish is chip-resistant.
Colour options The colour spectrum is extensive, ranging from bold and bright shades to muted, pastel hues.
Application process Wash and dry hands, buff nails, apply a base coat, cure under an LED light, apply the first coat of colour, cure again, apply a second coat, cure again, and finally, apply a top coat and cure under the LED light.
Removal process File the gel coat, apply ASP Soak-Off Gel Remover to a cotton pad, wrap fingertips with foil, and after 10-15 minutes, remove the polish with an orange stick.
Safety Avoid curing gel products onto the skin to prevent contact dermatitis and potential allergies to gel polish.

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Choosing the right kit

When choosing a kit for your ASP gel nails, there are a few things to consider to ensure you have everything you need for a professional-looking manicure. Firstly, decide on the type of kit you require. ASP offers a range of gel nail products, including soak-off gel polish, builder gels, and hard gels. If you're a beginner, a soak-off gel polish kit is a good option as it is easier to apply and remove. For more advanced nail artists, builder gels and hard gels can create stronger, longer-lasting nails but may require more skill and practice to apply.

Once you've decided on the type of kit, consider the following essential items that should be included:

  • Gel nail polish: ASP offers a wide range of colours, from soft pastels to bold brights, so choose a kit with shades that suit your style and preferences.
  • Base coat and topcoat: A base coat is necessary to ensure the gel polish adheres properly to your nails, while a top coat protects your manicure and adds shine.
  • LED or UV lamp: Curing lamps are required to set the gel polish and give it a long-lasting finish. ASP gel polishes can be cured under LED or UV lamps, so choose a kit that includes one of these options.
  • Nail file: A nail file is essential for shaping your nails and filing away the shiny surface of the gel coat during the removal process.
  • Buffing block: A buffing block helps create a smooth base for the gel polish to adhere to and can also be used to remove the gel coat during removal.
  • Cleansing wipes or acetone: These are needed to remove any excess oils or residue from your nails before starting the manicure and for wiping away any sticky residue after curing the polish.

In addition to these essentials, some kits may also include cuticle sticks, cuticle oil, or other nail care products to ensure your nails and cuticles stay healthy. It's also important to consider the value offered by the kit. Compare the cost of the kit to the number of manicures you can achieve with the included products. Some kits may offer better value for money, allowing you to create dozens of gel manicures at a fraction of the cost of salon visits.

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Preparing your nails

Clean and Dry:

Start by washing and drying your hands thoroughly. Remove any old nail polish and ensure your nails are clean and free of any residue or oils. You can use a product like ASP 2-in-1 Dehydrator/Cleansing Wipe or acetone to remove excess oils, especially if you have oily nails. This step is crucial as it helps the gel adhere better to your nails.

Shape and Length:

Before applying gel polish, decide on your desired nail shape and length. Cut or file your nails to the preferred length and shape them using a nail file. A 180-grit nail file can be used to gently buff the surface of your nails, removing the shine and creating a smooth base. This process helps the gel polish bond better to your nails. Remember to remove any dust from the nails with a clean, dry nail or makeup brush after filing.

Cuticles:

Gently push back your cuticles. Cuticle care is essential for a neat and tidy manicure. You can use ASP Cuticle Conditioning Sticks or other cuticle care products to nourish and maintain your cuticles.

Base Coat:

Once your nails are shaped and your cuticles are pushed back, you're ready to apply a base coat. The base coat will help the gel polish adhere better and provide a smooth surface for colour application.

Cure Under LED Light:

After applying the base coat, cure your nails under an LED light for 30-60 seconds. This step will ensure that the base coat dries properly and forms a strong foundation for the gel colour.

Choose Your Colour:

With your nails prepared, you can now select your desired ASP gel polish colour. ASP offers a wide range of colours, from soft pastels to bold brights, so you can choose a shade that matches your style and mood.

In summary, preparing your nails for ASP gel nails involves cleaning, shaping, and creating a smooth base for the gel polish to adhere to. Follow these steps, and you'll be well on your way to achieving a salon-quality manicure at home.

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Applying the base coat

To apply the base coat of your ASP gel nails, start by washing and drying your hands and removing any old nail polish. It's important to begin with clean and freshly manicured nails. You should also gently push your cuticles back and cut or file your nails to the desired length.

Next, use a flexible, sponge-like buffing block to buff the surface of your nails gently. This will create a smooth base for the gel polish to adhere to. Be sure to get down into the corners and sides of your nails. If you have especially oily nails, you can use a small amount of cheap dish soap to help dry them out. After buffing, rinse your nails under running water and dry your hands thoroughly.

Once your nails are prepared, it's time to apply the base coat. Choose an ASP Soak-Off Gel Base Coat and apply a thin, even layer to each nail, starting with your pinky and working your way up to your thumb. Be careful not to get the gel on your skin, as this can cause irritation. Cure the base coat under an LED light for 30-60 seconds.

The base coat is essential, as it helps the gel polish adhere to your nails and creates a smooth surface for the colour to be applied. It also helps to extend the wear of your manicure, ensuring that your nails remain chip-free for longer.

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Applying the gel colour

Start by washing and drying your hands to remove any residue or old nail polish. This step ensures that your nails are clean and ready for the gel application. It is important to note that you should avoid getting your nails wet during the entire process, as moisture can affect the adhesion of the gel.

Next, use a flexible buffing block to gently buff the surface of your nails. This step helps create a smooth base and removes any shine from your natural nails. It is important to be gentle during this process to avoid damaging your nails. Use a clean and dry nail brush or a makeup brush to remove any dust created by the buffing process.

If you have oily nails, you can use a small amount of cheap dish soap to help dry them out. Massage the dish soap onto your nails, rinse with water, and then thoroughly dry your hands. This step will help ensure a stronger bond between the gel and your nails. You can also use a product like ASP 2-in-1 Dehydrator/Cleansing Wipe to remove any excess oils or residue.

Now you are ready to apply the gel colour. Start with a thin, almost translucent layer of your chosen ASP Gel Polish colour. Place the brush a little distance away from your cuticle and work the polish down towards the cuticle with the remaining product on the brush. This technique helps avoid applying too much product to the cuticle area, which can cause discomfort.

After applying the first coat, cure your nails under an LED light for 30-60 seconds. The curing process hardens the gel and ensures it adheres to your nails. Once the first coat is cured, you can apply a second coat of colour. This coat can be a little thicker, but it is still recommended to keep it thin for the best results. Cure your nails again under the LED light for another 30-60 seconds.

Finally, complete your manicure by applying a top coat of ASP Gel Polish. This step adds shine and protection to your nails. Cure your nails under the LED light for a final 30-60 seconds.

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Sealing in the colour

The next step is to apply a base coat of ASP Gel Polish. This will provide a strong foundation for your colour and help it last longer. Cure the base coat under an LED light for 30-60 seconds.

Now it's time to apply your chosen colour! Apply the first coat of ASP Gel Polish in your desired shade and cure for another 30-60 seconds. Remember to use thin coats, as this will help the polish settle and become permanent under the light. You can then repeat with a second coat of colour, curing again for 30-60 seconds.

Finally, seal in the colour with a top coat of ASP Gel Polish. This will protect your manicure and add a high-shine finish. Cure the top coat for a final 30-60 seconds under the LED light. Your nails are now sealed and protected, and you can enjoy your vibrant manicure for weeks to come!

Frequently asked questions

Start with clean and freshly manicured nails. Remove any old nail polish and gently buff the surface of your nails to create a smooth base. If you have oily nails, use cheap dish soap to dry them out. Dryer nails will have a stronger bond with the gel. Push your cuticles back and cut or file your nails to the desired length.

Apply a base coat of ASP Gel Polish and cure under an LED light for 30-60 seconds. Then, apply your desired colour of ASP Gel Polish and cure for another 30-60 seconds. Repeat with a second coat of colour, curing for 30-60 seconds again. Finally, apply a top coat of ASP Gel Polish and cure for a final 30-60 seconds under the LED light.

ASP Gel Polish offers an extensive range of colours, from soft pastels such as 'English Rose', to classic nudes like 'Milk & Honey', and bold brights such as 'Ravishing in Raspberry' and 'Hooked on a Feeling'.

File the shiny surface of the gel coat with a nail buffer. Apply some ASP Soak-Off Gel Remover to a cotton pad and place it over your nails, wrapping your fingertips with foil. After about 10-15 minutes, the gel polish should have loosened and can be removed easily with an orange stick.

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