Sophia Delgado
Doing gel nails at home can save you time and money, but it's important to have the right tools and know the correct techniques to achieve a professional-looking manicure. With the right gel nail kit, you can create unique nail art and experiment with colours and designs. The process involves several steps, including nail buffing, applying a base coat, curing under a lamp, and finishing with a top coat. Proper preparation and technique ensure your gel nails last longer and don't damage your natural nails.
How to do fake gel nails at home
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Advantages | Cost-effective, time-saving, creative freedom, resourceful, healthier |
| Disadvantages | Initial investment in supplies, learning curve |
| Supplies | Nail clippers, nail buffer, rubbing alcohol, PH bond, base and top coat, gel nail polish, cuticle oil, nail polish remover with acetone, nail file, Q-tips, builder gel, LED or UV light, press-on nails |
| Steps | 1. File, trim, and buff nails. 2. Etch the back of the press-on nail. 3. Clean natural nail and press-on nail with alcohol or acetone. 4. Apply the builder gel and press-on nail. 5. Apply a thin layer of base coat gel polish and cure under the light for 120 seconds. 6. Apply one coat of gel polish, wipe away any excess, and cure under the light for 120 seconds. Repeat for additional coats. |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare your nails
Preparing your nails is the first step to achieving a professional-looking manicure at home. Start by gathering all the necessary tools, including nail polish remover with acetone, a nail file, an orange stick, and a nail buffer.
The next step is to remove any existing nail polish and wipe your nails with nail polish remover, even if your nails are bare. This step ensures that the natural oils on your nails are removed, allowing the glue to last longer without bubbling up or chipping. After that, clip and file your nails close to the fingertips, shaping them into a smooth shape. Keeping your nails short will prevent interference with the artificial nails you will be applying.
Once your nails are trimmed and shaped, it's time to focus on your cuticles. Using an orange stick, gently push back your cuticles. Be careful and slow during this step, as rushing can cut your cuticles, hindering the application of artificial nails. After your cuticles are pushed back, it's essential to clean your nails and cuticles by washing your hands, ensuring they are thoroughly dried before proceeding.
The final step in preparing your nails is buffing. Nail buffing is crucial as it smooths and evens out your nail surface, creating a better base for the gel polish to adhere to properly and for longer. Use a fine-grit nail buffer for perfect buffing, and consider using rubbing alcohol to clean your nail bed and remove any remaining gel polish.
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Clean your nails
Clean nails are a crucial first step to achieving the perfect at-home gel manicure. Start by washing your hands, paying particular attention to your nails and cuticles. If you have existing nail polish, remove it with nail polish remover. Even if your nails are bare, wiping them with nail polish remover will get rid of any natural oils on the surface of your nails, ensuring that the glue lasts and doesn't bubble up or chip.
It is important to note that the conditioning agents in acetone-free formulas can affect adhesion, so opt for a nail polish remover with acetone. Similarly, rubbing alcohol can be used to clean your nail bed and remove any remaining gel polish from a previous manicure. It is more effective at removing oils and debris from your nails than water and helps to dehydrate the nail surface, allowing the gel polish to stick better and last longer without chipping or peeling. Aim for a rubbing alcohol content of 91% for the best results.
Once your nails are clean and dry, you can begin the next steps of your manicure, such as pushing back your cuticles, filing and shaping your nails, and applying your chosen gel nail polish.
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Apply builder gel
Applying builder gel is a great way to make your fake nails look professionally done. Builder gel is thicker than traditional nail glue and will add length and strength to your fake nails. It can be used as a replacement for nail glue and is perfect for someone who wants long-lasting and durable fake nails.
To apply builder gel, start by coating your nails with a thin layer of primer and a base coat of builder gel after roughing them up with a file. The base coat acts as a protective layer between the gel finish and your nails. Dip your brush into the builder gel and dab it onto the centre of each nail. Lightly float the brush over your nail to spread the base coat in a thin layer over the nail. Once you have finished applying the gel, hold your hand upside down for about 10 seconds to let the gel smooth out.
Next, apply your nail forms or artificial tips to add extensions. You can use nail glue to attach artificial tips, and then file the edges down so they're even with your natural nails. If using nail forms, bend the form to match the curve of your nail and tuck the edge underneath the end of your nail. Stick the bottom flaps of the form together to secure it to your finger.
Now, spread the builder gel in an even layer so it's thickest near the centre of each nail. You can use builder gel to adhere your press-on nails, using tweezers or your fingertips to secure them firmly.
Finally, cure your nails under an LED or UV lamp for 30 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on the product. Curing times may vary for different builder gels, so always follow the directions on the packaging. Finish up by applying a top coat or gel nail polish and curing it for 1-2 minutes.
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Cure your nails
Curing your gel nails at home is a simple process, but it requires some patience and practice to master. Here is a step-by-step guide to curing your gel nails:
Choose the Right Lamp
Select a UV or LED lamp to cure your gel nails. Both types of lamps will effectively cure your gel nail polish, but there are some differences to consider. LED lamps typically cure gel polish faster than UV lamps and emit a more concentrated wavelength, primarily in the UVA spectrum. This makes LED lamps slightly better for your skin as they don't emit UVB rays. Additionally, look for a lamp with a power rating of at least 36 watts for optimal performance.
Prepare Your Nails
Properly preparing your nails is crucial for effective curing and adhesion. Start by removing any nail polish and wiping your nails with nail polish remover to get rid of natural oils or any other residue. You can use an acetone-soaked cotton pad or paper towel for this step. Additionally, ensure your nails are completely dry before applying any gel polish, as moisture can prolong the drying and curing process.
Apply Thin Coats
When applying the gel nail polish, always use thin coats. Thin coats will cure more quickly and evenly. Take your time and apply the gel slowly to ensure a smooth and consistent finish. Remember to cure each coat under the lamp, including the base and top coats, for adequate sealing.
Cure One Hand at a Time
For the best results, cure your nails one hand at a time. This ensures optimal light exposure and helps prevent smudging. Place your hand under the lamp for the recommended time, which can vary depending on the type of lamp and the thickness of the gel polish. LED lamps typically cure gel polish faster than UV lamps, so adjust the timing accordingly.
Remove Residue
After curing your top coat, some gel polishes may leave a sticky residue called the inhibition layer. This can be removed by wiping your nails with rubbing alcohol or a cleanser specifically designed for gel nails. This step will leave your nails feeling smooth and looking glossy.
Avoid Overcuring
While it's important to cure your nails adequately, overcuring can lead to yellowing of the top coat. Additionally, UV exposure from lamps can be a concern, so it's best to avoid unnecessary exposure. Always follow the recommended curing times for your lamp and gel polish, and consider using fingerless UV-protective gloves during the curing process if you're concerned about UV exposure.
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Moisturise your nails
Moisturising your nails is an important step in maintaining nail health and achieving a salon-worthy look. Here are some detailed tips to moisturise your nails effectively:
Firstly, it is important to understand that nails can become dry due to various factors, including environmental factors such as cold, dry weather during winter. Age and gender can also play a role, with decreased cholesterol levels in the nail plate contributing to dry, brittle nails, especially in women over 50.
To moisturise your nails effectively, consider the following steps:
- Exfoliate your nails: Just like exfoliating your skin, it is beneficial to exfoliate your nails to remove dead nail cells. Glycolic acid is an excellent option for this process, as it helps to break down the bonds of keratin in the nail cells and acts as a humectant, aiding in moisture retention. Use a product containing glycolic acid or urea once a week to exfoliate your nails and improve their texture.
- Moisturise regularly: After exfoliating, it is crucial to add moisture back into your nails. Coconut oil is an excellent natural moisturiser that can help hydrate your nails and cuticles. Apply coconut oil once or twice a day to your nails and hands to lock in moisture and promote nail health.
- Protect your nails: Water exposure can weaken the structure of your nails, making them more prone to dryness and peeling. To prevent this, wear gloves when washing dishes or performing other water-related tasks. Additionally, consider applying a base coat or nail polish to create a protective layer that guards against water penetration.
- Choose the right products: There are many products available specifically designed to moisturise and strengthen nails. Look for hand and nail serums that contain hyaluronic acid, keratin, or natural extracts like cactus flower or fruit extracts. These ingredients will help lock in moisture, smooth the nail surface, and promote overall nail health.
By incorporating these steps into your nail care routine, you can effectively moisturise your nails, promoting healthy nail growth and a long-lasting, salon-worthy manicure.
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Frequently asked questions
Doing fake gel nails at home can save you time and money. You also get to be creative and experiment with different colours and designs.
You will need an at-home gel nail kit, which should include all the supplies you need to apply and remove the gel polish. This includes nail clippers, nail buffer, rubbing alcohol, PH bond, base and top coat, and gel nail polish.
First, wash your hands and pay attention to drying your nails and cuticles. Then, clean off any nail polish and wipe over your nails with nail polish remover to get rid of any oils. Clip your nails and file them into a smooth shape, and gently push your cuticles back using an orange stick.
Apply a thin layer of base coat gel polish and cure under a lamp for 120 seconds. Then, apply a thin layer of gel polish and cure for another 120 seconds. Repeat this process for a second layer, and a third if needed.
Soak your nails with acetone and use a steel cuticle remover and scraper to gently remove the gel polish. Never try to pick or pry off your fake nails as this can damage your natural nails.
