Ava Monroe
Doing gel nails at home is a great way to save money and time. With the right tools and a bit of practice, you can achieve professional-looking results without having to visit a salon. The process is not too different from applying standard nail polish, but there are some key steps to follow for the perfect gel manicure. First, you'll need to prep your nails by cutting, shaping, and pushing back your cuticles. Then, you'll apply a thin base coat, followed by one or two layers of gel polish, curing each layer under a UV or LED lamp. Finally, seal your polish with a top coat and enjoy your long-lasting, chip-free manicure!
How to do gel nails on your own nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | The cost of an at-home gel manicure kit is $79, which is significantly cheaper than the $600-$840 a year that monthly salon visits would cost. |
| Tools | Nail clippers, file, buffer, cuticle tools, gel curing nail lamp, gel polishes. |
| Preparation | Cut and shape your nails, push back your cuticles, clean your nails, buff your nails. |
| Base coat | Apply a thin layer of base coat, dry under an LED lamp for 1-2 minutes or air dry for 10 minutes. |
| Gel polish | Apply 1-2 layers of gel nail polish, cure each layer under a UV or LED lamp. |
| Top coat | Apply a layer of clear top coat to protect the colour, remove with acetone when ready. |
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What You'll Learn
Prepping your nails
Cutting and Shaping:
First, use a nail cutter to trim your nails to a uniform length. Then, use a nail file to shape your nails into your desired shape, such as round, pointed, square, almond, or oval. It is important not to over-file your nails as this can damage them and make them more susceptible to infection.
Cuticle Care:
Use a cuticle pusher to gently push back your cuticles, revealing the base of your nails. Only trim your cuticles if necessary. You can also use a cuticle stick and acetone to clean up your cuticles and remove any remaining oil or debris from your nail plate.
Buffing:
Lightly buff your nails to create a slightly rough surface, which will help the gel nail polish adhere better. Remember to use a gentle touch when buffing and avoid over-buffing your nails.
Cleaning:
Ensure your nails are clean and free of any "nail dust" and moisturiser. This step is important as it ensures a smooth base for the gel polish application.
Priming:
Some gel nail polishes come with a specific primer to use instead of a base coat. If your gel polish includes a primer, apply it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Drying:
Before applying the base coat, make sure your nails are completely dry. You can use a nail dryer, or let your nails air dry.
Remember, prepping your nails is a crucial step that should not be rushed. Take your time with each step to ensure your nails are ready for the gel application.
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Choosing a gel polish
When choosing a gel polish, opt for a reputable brand that is known for its quality and safety. Cheap or low-quality polishes may contain harmful chemicals and are more prone to chipping and peeling. Read reviews and opt for brands that are common in salons, such as OPI GelColor, which is available on Amazon and offers over 250 colours to choose from. Funny Bunny and Bubble Bath are two of the brand's most popular shades.
Another highly-rated option is the Madame Glam Soak-Off Gel Polish, which offers 438 colours to choose from and has a thick jelly-like consistency that users describe as "a dream". Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish is a great no-light option, while the Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro is a good choice if ease of application is important to you. For a sheer finish, try the Orly GelFX Gel Nail Color, or for long-lasting results, the Dazzle Dry Nail Lacquers System Kit is a good option.
If you are unsure which colour to choose, try purchasing a mini flight set first to test out different hues before committing to a full-size bottle.
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Using a base coat
A gel base coat is a crucial step in achieving a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing manicure. It acts as a bonding agent between the natural nail and the gel polish, enhancing the adhesion of the gel polish to the nail and creating a smooth surface. This not only prolongs the lifespan of your manicure by preventing chipping and peeling but also ensures a flawless and professional-looking finish.
Before applying the base coat, it is important to prepare your nails. Start by cutting and shaping your nails to your desired length and shape using a nail clipper and nail file. Gently buff the surface of your nails to create a slightly rough texture, being careful not to over-file as this can damage your nails. Push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher and wipe your nails clean with rubbing alcohol to remove any impurities that may cause the polish to lift prematurely.
Once your nails are prepared, it's time to apply the base coat. Apply a thin, even layer of the base coat to each nail, making sure to seal the open edges or "cap the free edge" to create a chip-resistant finish. After applying the base coat to all your nails, cure them under a UV lamp or LED light for at least 45 seconds to a minute to ensure the base coat has thoroughly dried. It is normal for the nail to remain slightly sticky after curing.
After curing the base coat, you can move on to the next step of your gel manicure, such as applying the gel polish or chrome powders. Remember that each brand of gel polish may have its own set of instructions, so always read and follow the manufacturer's directions carefully to achieve the best results.
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Applying the gel polish
Once your base layer is completely dry, you can apply your first layer of gel nail polish. This will probably look streaky, but that is normal for the first layer. Apply 1-2 layers of gel nail polish, curing each layer under a UV or LED lamp. Remember, you cannot apply gel nail polish without a lamp. You can add a third coat if you want, but this is usually unnecessary.
After curing your final layer of colour, apply your top coat to protect the gel nail polish. Coat your nails completely, as if you are adding a third layer of gel nail polish. You can then cure your nails under the lamp, as before.
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Removing the gel polish
Removing gel nail polish at home is a simple process, but it is important to be cautious to avoid damaging your nails. There are two main methods for removing gel nail polish: using a gel nail polish remover or using acetone.
Using a Gel Polish Remover
This method is significantly faster and requires fewer supplies. First, buff off the top coat of the gel polish. Then, apply the gel polish remover and wait 3-5 minutes for the gel colour to lift.
Using Acetone
Acetone is the most effective way to remove gel nail polish, according to board-certified dermatologist Shari Lipner, MD, PhD, FAAD. This method requires the following supplies: acetone, cotton balls or pads, plastic food wrap, a washcloth, and soap. First, file off the top coat of the gel polish. This step is crucial, as the acetone will not dissolve the gel polish otherwise. Then, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to each cuticle and the surrounding skin to protect it from the acetone. Soak the cotton balls or pads in acetone and place them on top of your nails. Wrap your nails with plastic food wrap to create a tight seal, and leave it on for about 10 minutes. When you remove the plastic wrap, most or all of the gel nail polish should be gone. Remove any remaining gel nail polish with a washcloth that has been run under warm water. Gently rub off any remaining polish, being careful to only rub the nail and not the surrounding skin. Finally, wash your hands with gentle soap and water to remove the acetone.
Additional Tips
- To save time and effort, you can use nail polish remover clips or wraps, which are faster and easier than using foil.
- To maintain the health of your nail beds, wash your nails, pat them dry, and use a moisturiser and nail/cuticle oil after removing the gel polish.
- To prevent damage to your nails, avoid picking, filing, or scraping off the gel polish. Instead, let your nails grow out and clip them once a week to remove the gel polish.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a UV or LED lamp, cuticle oil, a nail buff, a top coat, a base coat, and gel nail polish. You can buy a gel nail kit online, or you can buy all the pieces separately.
Cut your nails to your desired length and shape, and then file to smooth out any rough edges. Push your cuticles back gently with a cuticle pusher and then buff your entire nail from edge to edge.
Apply a thin layer of base coat and cure it under your lamp. Then apply a thin layer of colour gel polish and cure for 30 seconds. Repeat for two or three coats. Finally, apply a thin top coat and cure for 2 minutes.
You can use a gel nail polish remover, or acetone. Soak a cotton pad with acetone and secure it to your nail with foil or a special clip. Leave for a few minutes and then the gel colour should lift.
Gel nails usually last for around two weeks before they start to peel or chip.
