Isla Bennett
Gel manicures are a long-lasting, chip-free way to get salon-quality nails without leaving your home. With the right tools and a bit of practice, you can achieve flawless results and save money. This introduction will cover the basics of gel manicures, from preparation to removal, and offer tips for creating the perfect gel manicure at home. We will also discuss the importance of proper nail care and provide suggestions for choosing the best gel nail polishes.
How to do gel nails best
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail preparation | Remove any old polish, push back cuticles, file, and shape your nails. |
| Buffing | Use a nail buffer made of fine grit to gently buff the nail surface to remove any shine and create a textured surface for better gel adhesion. |
| Nail cleansing | Use a nail cleanser like isopropyl alcohol or a mixture of alcohol and acetone to wipe your nails and remove oils and debris. |
| Base coat | Apply a thin, even layer of gel base coat to each nail, avoiding the skin and cuticles. Seal the free edge by brushing the base coat across the nail tip. Cure under an LED or UV lamp according to the manufacturer's instructions (usually 30-60 seconds). |
| Gel nail polish | Apply a thin layer of gel nail polish, avoiding getting it on your skin. Cap the free edge of your nails. Cure under the lamp for 30-60 seconds, then repeat with another layer. |
| Top coat | Apply a gel top coat to protect your gel polish and prevent chips and scratches. Cure under the lamp for 30 seconds. |
| Removal | Avoid peeling off gel polish, as it can damage your nails. Instead, file the surface, soak in acetone, gently remove the softened gel, and then buff and hydrate your nails. |
| Practice | Doing gel nails at home takes practice, and it may not be perfect the first time. |
| Cost-effectiveness | Investing in a gel nail kit can save you money in the long run compared to salon visits. |
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What You'll Learn
Gel nail preparation
Next, shape your nails with a file and gently buff the surface to remove any shine. This step is important because gel adheres better to a textured surface and may peel if the finish is too glossy. Use a nail buffer made of fine grit to achieve perfect buffing. After shaping and buffing, use a cuticle pusher to gently push back your cuticles. This step helps the polish adhere better.
Before applying the base coat, wipe your nails with a lint-free wipe soaked in isopropyl alcohol or a mixture of alcohol and acetone to remove oils and debris. You can also use a gel nail cleanser to remove any stubborn product and oils from the nail plate. Once your nails are clean and dry, you can begin applying the gel base coat, followed by the gel colour and top coat.
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Gel polish application
The next step is to apply a thin, even layer of gel base coat to each nail, being careful to avoid the skin and cuticles. Seal the free edge of your nails by brushing the base coat across the tip, then cure your nails under an LED or UV lamp according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually for 30-60 seconds.
Now it's time to apply the gel nail polish. Choose a brand with a long-lasting formula and many colour options. Apply a thin layer of colour, avoiding getting any product on your skin, then cure under the lamp for 30 seconds. Repeat with another layer of colour and cure again.
Finally, apply a gel top coat to protect your gel polish layer and prevent chips and scratches. Cure your nails under the lamp for 30 seconds. There may be a sticky layer on your nails, but this is normal and can be removed with a cleanser and a lint-free wipe.
To finish, apply cuticle oil to your nails and massage into the cuticles to moisturise and nourish your nails.
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Curing under a lamp
Curing your nails under a lamp is an essential step in the gel manicure process. Gel nail polishes are formulated to cure (polymerize) under UV light, so you will need a UV or LED lamp to dry your nails. The difference between LED and UV lamps lies in the spectrum of light they produce. In theory, UV/LED lamps should cover the entire spectrum covered by UV and LED lamps individually, and therefore be able to cure any type of gel polish. However, some gel polishes may require a specific type of lamp, so it is important to check the manufacturer's instructions.
When curing your nails under a lamp, follow the specific instructions provided with your chosen gel nail polish. Typically, you will cure your nails under the lamp for 30-60 seconds, depending on the brand of polish and type of lamp. It is important to avoid getting any product on your skin and to ensure that your nails are free of dust or debris before curing, as this can affect the finish of your manicure.
After curing your base coat, you will move on to applying and curing your colour. Be sure to cap the free edge of your nails with the colour, and then cure under the lamp according to the manufacturer's instructions. You may need to repeat this step with an additional layer of colour for full coverage.
The final step in your gel manicure will be to apply and cure a top coat. A top coat is essential to protect your gel polish from everyday elements that could cause chipping or degradation, such as sunlight and water. It also helps to create a highly radiant and glossy appearance. Cure your top coat under the lamp for the recommended time, and then finish by removing any sticky residue with a cleanser and lint-free wipe.
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Removing gel polish
Removing gel nail polish can be done in two ways: using a gel nail polish remover or the traditional way of using acetone. The first method is significantly faster and requires fewer supplies. The second method, using acetone, is the most effective way to remove gel nail polish at home, according to board-certified dermatologist Shari Lipner, MD, PhD, FAAD.
To remove gel polish with a nail polish remover, simply buff off the top coat, apply the gel polish remover, and wait 3-5 minutes for the gel colour to lift.
To remove gel polish with acetone, you will need to protect your work area as acetone can damage sinks, countertops, and furniture. Line your work area with plastic wrap and place a thick towel on top. It is easier to work on one hand at a time. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to each cuticle and the surrounding skin to protect them.
When removing gel nail polish, avoid picking or filing off the gel nail polish as this can damage your nails and cause white spots. Instead, use a gel polish remover or acetone to break down the gel polish, making it easier to remove.
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Gel nail aftercare
Moisturise Regularly:
Keep your hands and cuticles hydrated to prevent your nails from becoming brittle and promote overall nail health. Use a few drops of cuticle oil and massage it into your cuticles. This step is especially important after removing your gel manicure, as your nails may feel dry or brittle.
Avoid Hot Water:
Hot water can lift gel polish, causing it to chip or peel. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid prolonged exposure to hot water, such as long baths or dishwashing without gloves.
Wear Gloves:
Protect your gel manicure and nails by wearing gloves when doing household chores or activities involving harsh chemicals. This simple step will help extend the life of your gel manicure and protect your nails from potential damage.
Proper Removal:
When it's time to remove your gel manicure, avoid peeling off the gel polish, as this can damage your nails. Instead, follow these steps: gently file the top layer of the gel polish, soak cotton balls in acetone, wrap your fingertips in foil, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then, use a cuticle pusher to gently scrape off the softened gel polish. Finally, buff your nails and apply cuticle oil to nourish and hydrate them.
Avoid Using Your Nails for Scratching or Prising:
Your gel manicure may make your nails feel stronger, but it's important to avoid using them as tools for scratching or prising objects. This can lead to chipping or peeling and may even damage your natural nails underneath.
By following these aftercare tips, you can maintain the health of your nails and extend the lifespan of your gel manicure. Remember that proper nail care is essential, especially when dealing with gel nail polishes, which require specific removal techniques to avoid damage to your nails.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a gel nail polish remover or acetone. The former is faster and requires fewer supplies. The latter involves soaking cotton balls in acetone, placing them on your nails, wrapping your fingertips in foil, and letting it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then, gently scrape off the softened gel polish.
You will need a nail cleanser (isopropyl alcohol or a mixture of alcohol and acetone), lint-free cloths, a bonding agent, a gel base, colour, and top coat, a lamp (LED or UV), and cuticle oil.
You can prevent chipping by capping the free edge of your nails with your base, colour, and topcoat. Also, ensure you are using a nail cleanser to remove any unwanted bits from the nail.
To make your gel nail polish last longer, you can use cuticle oil to moisturize your nails and the surrounding skin.
