Ava Monroe
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those who want long-lasting, chip-free nails. Doing gel nails at home is easy and convenient, and Gelish is one of the most well-known brands for gel nail polishes. To do a Gelish manicure, you will need a Gelish Basix Kit, which includes most of the products you need to get started, such as a base coat, top coat, cleanser, cuticle oil, and nail file. In addition to the kit, you will also need a Gelish LED lamp or a UV lamp to cure the polish. The steps for a Gelish manicure include sanitizing your hands and nails, pushing back the cuticles, filing and shaping your nails, applying the Gelish base coat, gel colour, and top coat, and finally, cleansing and massaging cuticle oil into the skin surrounding the nail plate.
How to do gel nails Gelish
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Sanitize your hands and nails. Trim or file the nails to the length of your choice. Push back the cuticle and clean the nail plate of excess cuticle. |
| Application | Apply a thin coat of Gelish PH Bond to the nail plate. Apply Gelish Foundation Gel and seal the edges of the nail. Place your hand in the Gelish LED Light for 10 seconds or a 36-watt UV Light for 1 minute. Apply Gelish Soak-Off Gel Polish of your choice and seal the edges of the nail. Place your hand in the Gelish LED Light for 30 seconds or a UV Light for 1 minute. Apply Gelish Top It Off Gel Sealer and cure for 30 seconds in the Gelish LED Light or 2 minutes in a UV Light. |
| Removal | Saturate Gelish Wraps with Gelish Artificial Nail Remover. Place the wrap around the nail and finger and soak for 10-15 minutes. Remove the wraps and gently remove any remaining gel with an orangewood stick. Lightly buff the nail surface and massage Nourish Cuticle Oil into the skin surrounding the nail plate. |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing your nails
Sanitize your hands and nails. It is important to start with clean hands to prevent any bacteria or dirt from getting trapped under the gel polish. Remove any old nail polish and shorten your nails to your desired length.
Push back your cuticles. Using a cuticle stick, gently push back the cuticles on each nail. This step is crucial as it creates a clean slate for the gel polish application and ensures that the gel polish does not come into contact with your skin. Clean the nail plate of any excess cuticle and debris. You can use a gentle nail brush or a lint-free wipe to remove any remaining dust or residue.
Shape your nails. Use a nail file to shape and smooth the edges of your nails. For gel manicures, it is recommended to file nails into a square or squoval (square with rounded edges) shape to prevent breakage. Avoid over-filing, which can weaken the nails.
Buff your nails. Gently buff the surface of your nails using a nail buffer, such as a 100/180 grit buffer. This process helps create a slightly rough surface for better gel adhesion. Be careful not to over-buff, as this can thin and damage your nails.
Cleanse your nails. After buffing, cleanse your nails with a nail cleanser and a lint-free wipe to remove any remaining dust or oil. This step ensures that your nails are completely clean and ready for the next steps.
Apply a nail prep product. Sparingly apply a thin coat of pH Bond Nail Prep or a similar product to the nail plate. This step will help the gel polish adhere better to your nails and promote longer-lasting results.
By following these steps, you will have properly prepared your nails for a Gelish manicure. Remember to take your time and be gentle throughout the process to achieve the best results.
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Applying the base coat
Firstly, sanitise your hands and nails. This is an important step to ensure that your nails are clean and free of any dirt or oil, which can affect the adhesion of the gel polish. Use a sanitising solution or wipe to clean your nails thoroughly.
Next, you will need to push back your cuticles. Use a cuticle stick or an orangewood stick to gently push back the cuticles and clean the nail plate of any excess cuticle or dead skin. This step is crucial as it creates a neat and tidy nail bed for the gel polish to be applied.
After cuticle care, it is time to shape your nails. Using a nail file, gently shape and smooth the surface of your nails to your desired length and shape. A 240/240 thin wooden file is recommended for natural nails. If you have weak or peeling nails, you may want to apply a structure gel to strengthen them before proceeding.
Now, you will need to remove the shine from your nails. Use a 100/180 grit buffer to gently buff the surface of your nails, removing any shine. This step will create a rough surface for the gel polish to adhere to, ensuring a longer-lasting manicure.
Once your nails are prepared, it is time to apply the base coat. Start by applying a thin coat of pH Bond Nail Prep to the nail plate. This step will help the gel polish adhere better and promote longer-wear. Ensure that you apply the pH Bond sparingly and in a very thin layer.
Finally, apply the Gelish Foundation Base Gel. Again, apply this in a thin layer, making sure to cap the free edges of your nails. Seal the edges of the nail to prevent peeling or chipping. Place your hand in an LED lamp or UV light to cure the base coat. The curing time may vary depending on the lamp you are using. Typically, it is recommended to cure for 5-10 seconds in an 18G LED lamp or for 1 minute in a 36-watt UV lamp.
By following these steps carefully, you will achieve a strong and durable base for your Gelish gel manicure. Remember to work in a well-ventilated area and always read the instructions on the product labels before beginning your manicure.
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Curing with an LED or UV lamp
Firstly, you will need to cure the base coat. Place your hand under an 18G LED lamp for 5 seconds, or a 36-watt UV lamp for 1 minute.
Next, you will need to cure the colour coat. Place your hand under an 18G LED lamp for 30 seconds, or a 36-watt UV lamp for 2 minutes. Repeat this process for full coverage.
Finally, you will need to cure the top coat. Place your hand under an 18G LED lamp for 30 seconds, or a 36-watt UV lamp for 2 minutes.
If you are using a Gelish LED lamp, but are unsure of the wattage, you can follow the same timings as the 18G lamp.
It is important to note that the curing times may vary slightly depending on the brand of lamp you are using. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the most accurate curing times.
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Removing the sticky layer
After curing the top coat under the LED or UV lamp, you will notice a sticky layer on the nail surface. This is normal and is known as the inhibition layer. To remove this sticky layer, you will need lint-free wipes. Ensure the wipes are lint-free as any loose fibres can stick to the nail and create an uneven texture. You can use regular lint-free wipes or specifically look for Wipe It Off wipes.
There are different options for the solution to dampen the wipes with. One option is to use 99.9% alcohol. Another option is to use a product such as Gelish Nail Surface Cleanse. This is a product designed to remove the sticky layer and it is recommended by the Gelish brand. Dampen the wipe with the solution of your choice.
Gently sweep the dampened wipe across the nail surface. Do not rub or apply pressure as this can affect the manicure. The sticky layer should easily come off with a gentle swipe. Repeat this process for each nail.
After removing the sticky layer, you can proceed with the final steps of your manicure. This includes applying cuticle oil to the surrounding skin and gently breaking the top seal with a buffer to remove shine, if desired.
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Finishing with cuticle oil
To finish with cuticle oil, start by applying a small amount of the oil to the skin surrounding your nail plate. You can use a specialised cuticle oil, such as the Gelish Nourish Cuticle Oil, or opt for other popular options like Sally Hansen's brush-on oil or celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann's blend of 10 essential oils. Gently massage the oil into your cuticles and the surrounding skin. This will help to nourish and hydrate the area, preventing dryness and flakiness.
The type of cuticle oil you choose is important. Look for oils that contain moisturising ingredients such as vitamin E, honeysuckle, jojoba, almond oil, apricot kernel, or aloe. These ingredients will help to condition and protect your cuticles, keeping them soft and supple. Cuticle oils come in various applicator styles, including droppers and brushes, so choose one that suits your preference and budget.
After massaging the cuticle oil into your skin, take a moment to relax and let the oil absorb fully. The nourishing properties of the oil will not only benefit the health of your nails but also provide a soothing and sensory experience. Enjoy the natural scent of the oil and the feeling of pampering yourself as you finish your Gelish manicure with this essential step.
By incorporating cuticle oil into your Gelish manicure routine, you are not only enhancing the appearance of your nails but also promoting their overall health and longevity. Cuticle oil helps to prevent hangnails, reduce breakage, and protect your nails from the harsh effects of acetone and other chemicals during manicures. So, take your time with this final step, and your nails will thank you!
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