Isla Bennett
DND gel nails are a popular choice for those who want to achieve salon-quality nails at home. DND offers over 500 colours of gel polish that are renowned for their exceptional durability, with some reporting that the polish can last up to 21 days. The process of applying DND gel nails involves several steps, including proper nail preparation, applying thin layers of base coat, colour, and top coat, and curing each layer under a UV or LED lamp. The result is long-lasting, chip-free nails that look flawless and professional.
How to do DND gel nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Remove old polish, trim nails, file edges, wash hands, push back cuticles, use a buffer, remove dust with a lint-free wipe |
| Base coat | Apply a thin layer of Base coat 500 to each nail, avoiding skin and cuticles |
| Curing | Cure under a UV/LED lamp for 30-60 seconds |
| Colour | Shake the bottle, apply a thin, even layer to each nail, start in the middle and work towards each side, leave a gap between the polish and skin |
| Second colour layer | Apply another thin layer of colour, avoid touching skin or cuticles, use a small cleanup brush dipped in alcohol to fix mistakes |
| Curing | Cure under the lamp for another 30-60 seconds |
| Third colour layer | For darker colours, a third layer may be needed, followed by another curing session |
| Top coat | Apply the DND top coat for extra shine |
| Final curing | Cure for 30-60 seconds and wipe away sticky residue with a lint-free wipe soaked in alcohol |
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What You'll Learn
Preparation
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary products and tools. These include a base coat, a top coat, your chosen DND gel nail polish colour, a UV or LED lamp, a small clean-up brush, cuticle oil, and a wooden stick. Additionally, you will need tools for nail preparation, such as a nail clipper, nail file, and nail buffer.
Start by preparing your nails. Ensure your nails are clean and dry. Use a nail clipper to shape and trim your nails to your desired length and shape. Then, use a nail file to gently file your nails in one direction, creating a smooth surface. Avoid sawing back and forth, as this can weaken the nails. Next, use a nail buffer to buff your nails gently. Buffing helps create a smooth base for the gel polish to adhere to and can assist in removing any ridges or imperfections on the nail surface.
It is important to note that you should not apply cuticle oil or hand cream before applying the gel polish, as this can prevent the polish from adhering properly. Ensure your hands and nails are free of any oils or creams.
Now, you are ready to begin the DND gel nail polish application process.
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Painting
Now, you are ready to start painting! Start by applying a thin layer of base coat to each nail, being careful not to get any on your skin or cuticles. Cure your nails under a UV/LED lamp for 30-60 seconds, following the instructions for your specific lamp.
Next, it's time to apply the colour. Choose your favourite DND gel nail polish colour and gently shake the bottle to mix. Apply a thin, even layer to each nail, starting in the middle and working towards each side. Leave a tiny gap between the polish and your skin to prevent lifting. Don't worry if the first coat looks streaky, as this is normal. Place your hand in the UV/LED lamp and cure for another 30-60 seconds.
If you're using a lighter colour, two coats of polish should be sufficient. However, for darker colours, you might need to add a third coat, followed by another curing session. Each coat should be thin and smooth, covering the entire nail without pooling at the edges. Remember to cap the free edge by running the brush along the tip of your nail with each coat to seal the gel and prevent chipping.
After the final colour coat, apply the DND top coat for extra shine and cure for 30-60 seconds one last time. Finish by wiping away any sticky residue with a lint-free wipe soaked in alcohol.
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Curing
Before beginning the curing process, it is important to prepare your nails properly. Start by removing any old polish with a non-acetone remover. Trim your nails to the desired length and file them into your preferred shape. Wash your hands thoroughly to remove any oils or residue, and gently push back your cuticles with a wooden stick after soaking them in warm water. Use a nail buffer to create a slightly textured surface on your nails, which will help the gel polish adhere better. Finally, wipe away any dust with a lint-free cloth or wipe.
Once your nails are prepared, it's time to start the curing process. Apply a thin layer of DND Base Coat 500 to each nail, being careful not to get any on your skin or cuticles. Place your hand in the UV/LED lamp and cure the base coat for 30-60 seconds, following the specific instructions for your lamp. The base coat will provide a strong foundation for your gel manicure.
After curing the base coat, it's time to apply the DND gel nail polish color of your choice. Shake the color bottle gently and apply a thin, even layer to each nail, starting in the middle and working towards the sides. Leave a tiny gap between the polish and your skin to prevent lifting. Place your hand back in the UV/LED lamp and cure the first coat of color for 30-60 seconds.
If you are using a lighter color, two coats of color are usually sufficient. However, for darker colors, you might need to apply a third coat for full opacity. Each coat of color should be cured under the lamp for 30-60 seconds. Remember to cap the free edge of your nails with each coat of polish to seal the gel and prevent chipping and lifting.
Finally, apply the DND top coat for extra shine and protection. Cure the top coat for 30-60 seconds under the UV/LED lamp. After the final curing session, wipe away any sticky residue with a lint-free wipe soaked in alcohol.
By following these detailed curing instructions, you will achieve a salon-quality DND gel manicure that can last up to 21 days! Remember to take your time and enjoy creating flawless and long-lasting nail art at home.
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Top coat
After applying the base coat and the colour of your choice, it's time to apply the top coat. The top coat is an essential step in the DND gel nail process, as it provides an extra layer of shine and durability to your manicure or pedicure.
The DND Top Coat is a chip-resistant formula that cures in 30 seconds under an LED lamp or 2 minutes under a UV lamp. It is manufactured in the USA and provides an unmatched shine. It is designed to be used with any DND, DC, or DIVA Base and Top Gel.
To apply the top coat, start with clean and prepped nails. Use a small amount of product on the brush and spread it evenly across the nail. Aim for a smooth, even layer that covers the entire nail without pooling at the edges. Capping the free edge will help seal the gel at the edge of the nail, a common area for chipping and lifting.
After applying the top coat, cure your nails under the lamp for the recommended time. The polish will remain slightly tacky after curing, which is normal. Wipe away any sticky residue with a lint-free wipe soaked in alcohol.
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Removal
Removing DND gel nail polish can take around 15-20 minutes. To start the removal process, use a wooden stick to gently push the softened gel off your nails. If the gel is not coming off easily, soak your nails for another 5 minutes. It is important to never force or scrape the polish off, as this can damage your natural nails. After removing the gel polish, apply nourishing cuticle oil to restore moisture to your nails.
It is recommended to use a non-acetone remover to remove any old polish before applying DND gel nail polish. This will ensure that your nails are clean and prepped, which is key to making your gel manicure last. In addition, trimming, filing, and buffering your nails before applying the gel polish will help create a smooth surface for the polish to adhere to.
If you are using a darker colour, you may need to apply a third coat of polish, followed by another curing session. After the final colour coat, apply the DND top coat for extra shine and cure for 30-60 seconds. Wipe away any sticky residue with a lint-free wipe soaked in alcohol.
To extend the life of your DND gel manicure, follow these simple tips: invest in a good-quality gel nail kit, apply thin coats of gel polish, and cap the free edge of your nails with each coat of polish. By taking your time and following these steps, you can achieve salon-quality nails at home that will last for weeks.
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Frequently asked questions
Before applying the gel polish, you should remove any old polish with a non-acetone remover, trim and file your nails, and wash your hands thoroughly. Then, gently push back your cuticles with a wooden stick after soaking them in warm water. Lightly buff your nails to create a slightly textured surface that will help the gel polish stick better, and remove any dust with a lint-free wipe.
First, apply a thin layer of base coat to each nail, being careful not to get any on your skin or cuticles. Cure under a UV/LED lamp for 30-60 seconds. Then, gently shake the DND colour bottle and apply a thin, even layer to each nail, starting in the middle and working towards each side. Leave a tiny gap between the polish and your skin to prevent lifting. Cure for 30-60 seconds—the polish will remain slightly tacky, which is normal! Apply another thin layer of gel polish and cure for another 30-60 seconds. For darker colours, you may need a third coat. After the final colour coat, apply the DND top coat for extra shine, and cure for 30-60 seconds.
Use a wooden stick to gently push the softened gel off your nails. If it doesn't come off easily, soak for 5 more minutes. Never force or scrape, as this can damage your natural nails. Follow with nourishing cuticle oil to restore moisture.
