Isla Bennett
Gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, but they can also be tough on nails, causing brittleness, peeling, and cracking. To keep your nails healthy and damage-free, it's important to take certain precautions and follow specific steps when doing gel nails at home. This includes preparing your nails properly before gel application, using high-quality products, and taking care of your nails between manicures. Additionally, it's recommended to see a dermatologist if you notice any unusual changes to your nails or persistent nail problems. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the benefits of gel nails without causing harm to your natural nails.
How to do gel nails without damage
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Make sure your nails are free of any polish, lacquer, or gel. Cut and file your nails, then gently buff the surface to smooth out any bumps and ridges. |
| Nail Buffing | Use a nail buffer with fine grit to smooth and even out the nail surface. This helps the gel polish adhere better and last longer without chipping or peeling. |
| Cleansing | Use a cleanser like ORLY Gel FX 3-in-1 Cleanser and lint-free wipes to remove oils, debris, and unwanted bits from the nail plate. |
| Cuticle Care | Push back and remove cuticles with a cuticle pusher or remover. Rinse hands in warm water afterward. Apply cuticle oil to nourish and moisturize the cuticles. |
| Nail Filing | Use a gentle touch when filing your nails, and don't over-file. Avoid filing too often to prevent damage and susceptibility to infection. |
| Gel Polish Application | Apply thin coats of gel polish, floating it in smooth, circular motions to prevent bubbling. Cure each layer under an LED or UV lamp for 30 seconds to 3 minutes, depending on the lamp type. |
| Topcoat | Always finish with a topcoat to seal the gel polish and prevent tackiness. |
| Removal | Soak nails in acetone or use cotton balls soaked in acetone to remove gel polish. Avoid picking or using tools to remove polish, as it can damage the nails. |
| Nail Health | Take breaks between gel manicures to allow nails to repair and rehydrate. Moisturize nails and cuticles with petroleum jelly or lotion to minimize brittleness and prevent chipping. |
| Sun Protection | Apply sunscreen to hands before gel manicures to prevent skin cancer and premature aging caused by UV radiation. |
| Professional Care | Consult a dermatologist if you notice any unusual changes to your nails or have persistent nail problems. |
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What You'll Learn
Use a high-quality gel polish
When doing gel nails, it is important to use a high-quality gel polish to ensure the best results and avoid any safety issues. Cheap or low-quality polishes may contain harmful chemicals and are more prone to chipping and peeling, which can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking.
It is recommended to choose a reputable brand of gel polish, such as S&L, that is known for its quality and safety. Their polishes contain more volume than the average gel polish bottle, so they last longer. A good-quality gel polish will also be less likely to cause lifting at the edges, which is often due to improper preparation and dust or debris on the nail plate.
Before applying your gel polish, it is important to prepare your nails properly. Make sure there is no old polish, lacquer, or gel on your nails. Push back your cuticles and be sure to rinse your hands in warm water afterward. File and shape your nails, and then gently buff the surface to smooth out any bumps and ridges. You can use a product like ORLY Gel FX 3-in-1 Cleanser to remove any stubborn product and oils from the nail plate.
After preparing your nails, you can apply your gel polish. It is important to apply thin coats, as thick coats can cause bubbling. Apply one coat of gel polish, and if you get any on your skin, use acetone to wipe it away. Cure your nails under a lamp for 120 seconds, and then apply another layer of polish and cure again. Some lighter polishes may need a third layer.
Finish with a top coat and cure your nails under the lamp for another 120 seconds. You can then use a product like ORLY Gel FX 3-in-1 Cleanser to remove the sticky inhibition layer that may be left on your nails.
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Prepare your nails
Preparing your nails is a crucial step in achieving a long-lasting gel manicure. Here are some detailed steps to ensure your nails are ready for gel polish application:
Firstly, remove any existing nail polish, lacquer, or gel from your nails. It is important to start with clean nails to ensure the gel polish adheres properly. Then, take care of your cuticles by gently pushing them back using an appropriate tool, such as a cuticle pusher or remover. Be sure to rinse your hands with warm water afterward.
Next, file and shape your nails to your desired length and shape. Use a nail file to gently smooth the edges and surfaces of your nails, removing any jaggedness or unevenness. Avoid over-filing your nails as this can cause damage and make them more susceptible to infection. Follow this by gently buffing the surface of your nails to smooth out any bumps and ridges. Nail buffing is crucial as it helps the gel polish adhere better and last longer. Use a fine-grit nail buffer and avoid making the surface too smooth, as this can hinder the gel's adhesion.
Additionally, you can use a swipe liquid or rubbing alcohol to cleanse your nails and remove any remaining oils or debris. This step helps dehydrate the nail surface, allowing the gel polish to stick better and reducing the chances of chipping or peeling.
Before applying the gel polish, it is essential to choose a high-quality, reputable brand. Cheap or low-quality polishes may contain harmful chemicals and are more prone to chipping and peeling. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions, as each brand may have specific recommendations for their products.
By following these steps, you will have properly prepared your nails for a gel manicure, ensuring a smooth and long-lasting finish.
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Apply the gel polish
Before applying the gel polish, it is important to prepare your nails. Make sure there is no old polish, lacquer, or gel on your nails. Push back your cuticles and be sure to rinse your hands in warm water afterward. File and shape your nails, then gently buff the surface of your nails to smooth out any bumps and ridges. You can use a nail buffer made of fine grit to smooth and even out your nail surface. Rubbing alcohol can also be used to clean your nail bed and remove any remaining gel polish.
Now, you can apply the gel polish. Start by applying two coats of colour, working from pinky to thumb. Remember to apply the polish in a floating, circular motion, and avoid patting or swirling the brush, as this will cause bubbles. Ensure your coats are as thin as possible, as a thick layer of polish can cause bubbling. If you get the polish on your skin, use some acetone to wipe it away. Let the polish cure under a UV or LED lamp for 30 seconds to 3 minutes, depending on the type of lamp you are using. You can then apply a third layer of polish if the colour is a light shade, and cure for another 30 seconds to 3 minutes.
Next, apply a top coat and cure it under the lamp for another 30 seconds to 3 minutes. The topcoat is essential, as without it, the gel polish will remain tacky and porous. Finally, soak a cotton pad in rubbing alcohol and rub each nail well.
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Protect your skin
Protecting your skin is an important part of the gel nail process, both during application and removal. Before you begin, apply sunscreen to your hands. This will protect your skin from the ultraviolet radiation used to seal gel nail polish. You can also wear dark, opaque gloves with the fingertips cut off.
If you get gel polish on your skin during application, use some acetone to wipe it away. Be careful not to get any polish on your cuticles, as this will cause them to peel faster.
When removing gel nail polish, only soak your fingertips in acetone, rather than your whole hand, to protect the surrounding skin. Alternatively, you can use cotton balls soaked in acetone to remove the polish.
If you're experiencing dryness or damage to your skin after the gel nail process, you can apply cuticle oil or a moisturiser to your nails and cuticles.
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Remove the gel polish safely
Removing gel polish can be done safely and effectively at home, but it is important to follow the correct steps to avoid damaging your nails.
Firstly, it is crucial to avoid picking at the polish or using other nails or tools to force it off. This can cause damage to your nails, so it is best to soak your nails in acetone, which will help to break down the gel polish. Only soak your fingertips, not your whole hand, to protect the surrounding skin. You can also use acetone-soaked cotton balls, wrapping your fingertips in aluminium foil to secure them, and leaving them for 15-20 minutes.
After the allotted time, remove the aluminium foil and cotton balls, and use an orange stick or cuticle pusher to gently push off the gel polish. If the polish is not coming off easily, re-soak your nails for a few more minutes.
Once the polish is removed, use a nail buffer to smooth out the nail surface and remove any residual polish. Finish by applying cuticle oil or a moisturiser to nourish your nails and cuticles.
It is also beneficial to take a break from nail polish after removing gel polish. Try not to wear any polish for one to two weeks or longer, to give your nails time to repair and rehydrate. Apply a moisturising product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times a day to minimise brittleness and prevent chipping.
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Frequently asked questions
Before applying gel nail polish, it is important to prepare your nails by removing any existing polish, pushing back your cuticles, filing and shaping your nails, and gently buffing the surface of your nails to smooth out any bumps and ridges. You should also avoid over-filing your nails, as this can make them more susceptible to infection.
To prevent damage to your nails, it is important to use a high-quality gel polish from a reputable brand that is known for its quality and safety. Cheap or low-quality polishes may contain harmful chemicals and be more prone to chipping and peeling.
Gel nail polish bubbling can be caused by applying the polish too thickly or by not curing the layers properly. To avoid bubbling, apply the polish in thin layers, and make sure to cure each layer for the recommended amount of time, typically 30 seconds under an LED lamp or up to 3 minutes under a UV lamp.
To remove gel nail polish without damaging your nails, it is important to be gentle and patient. First, gently file the surface of the polish to break the seal. Then, soak a cotton pad in acetone and place it on your nail, securing it with aluminium foil. Leave it on for about 15-20 minutes, then gently push the polish off using an orange stick or a cuticle pusher. Finally, use a nail buffer to smooth out the surface of your nails and apply cuticle oil or moisturiser to nourish your nails and cuticles.
After removing gel nail polish, your nails may be more prone to damage, so it is important to care for them properly. Try to take a break from nail polish for at least one to two weeks to allow your nails to repair. During this time, apply moisturising products such as cuticle oil or petroleum jelly to your nails and cuticles several times a day to minimise brittleness and prevent chipping. You can also use products containing keratin, collagen, or camellia extract to strengthen your nails and prevent peeling and splitting.
