Liam Carter
Gel manicures are a long-lasting, chip-free way to get beautiful nails. However, when done incorrectly, they can cause damage to your natural nails. One of the most important steps in achieving the perfect gel manicure is preparing your nails before gel application. This includes removing any old polish, pushing back and trimming cuticles, filing and shaping your nails, and gently buffing the surface of your nails to smooth out any bumps and ridges. It is also important to cleanse your nails with a product like ORLY Gel FX 3-in-1 Cleanser to remove any remaining oils and grease on the nail plate, which can otherwise lead to your base coat not adhering to the nail. This is also the purpose of nail primer, which can be applied after cleansing to further ensure that your manicure will last.
How to do gel nails without primer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Remove any polish, lacquer, or gel from nails. Push back cuticles with a cuticle pusher and remove with warm water. File and shape nails. |
| Cleansing | Use a cleanser like ORLY Gel FX 3-in-1 Cleanser to remove any remaining oils and grease on the nail plate. |
| Buffing | Gently buff the surface of the nails to smooth out any bumps and ridges. |
| Base coat | Apply a gel base coat, which may have priming ingredients already. |
| Application | Apply thin coats of gel polish, curing under an LED lamp for at least 30 seconds or up to 3 minutes with a UV lamp. |
| Top coat | Finish with a top coat, curing under the lamp for at least 30 seconds. |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare your nails
Preparing your nails is an important step in the process of gel manicures. Proper preparation and dehydration of the nails will ensure your manicure lasts for up to three weeks.
Firstly, make sure your nails are free of any polish, lacquer, or gel. You can use a nail polish remover to get rid of any existing polish. Then, trim your nails to the desired length with curved nail clippers. If you want to shorten them, use a nail file to gently shape and smoothen the edges. You can use a nail file in one direction along the free edge of your nail to give it a rounded or square edge, or you can try something new like an almond or stiletto shape.
Next, you'll want to push back your cuticles. Use a cuticle remover liquid and apply it to your cuticles, rubbing it in and letting it sit for about a minute before wiping it off. Then, use a metal or wooden pusher to gently push back your cuticles, including any skin overgrown on your nail bed. You can also use a cuticle clipper to cut off any excess cuticle from your nail.
After that, buff the tops of your nails to take off a bit of the top layer. This step helps the gel polish adhere better to your nails. Be careful not to buff too harshly, as you don't want to damage your nails. Rinse your hands with water (no soap) and remove all the dead skin. Make sure your nails are completely clean and dry.
Finally, you can apply a PH bond or a nail primer to help the gel polish dry better and last longer. You can skip this step, but if you notice any lifting, you may want to consider using a primer.
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Use a primer-less system
If you want to do gel nails without primer, you can use a primer-less system. Primer-less systems are designed to not need a primer, so you can skip that step. Examples of primer-less systems include Biosculpture and CND Brisa.
When applied, primer acts as a bonding agent for the base coat, helping the gel polish stick to the nail. It also removes excess moisture and oil from the nail plate, which can otherwise cause the base coat not to adhere. This can lead to chipping and lifting.
Acid primer is best used for anyone who has very problematic nail plates or anyone who may suffer from any hormone problems or is on specific medication, which can affect the nails. It’s a stronger substance that can greatly help in these situations.
Acid-free primer is the most commonly used primer, with a gentle formula that helps with adhesion. It is applied with an almost dry brush to each nail and left to dry for around 40-60 seconds. It won't fully evaporate, and it’s okay to work on it if it’s still slightly wet.
If you are serious about nail care, it is important to take the proper steps to ensure a safe and beautiful gel manicure.
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Apply a base coat
Applying a base coat is a crucial step in achieving a professional-looking gel manicure. It is a foundational element that sets the stage for a flawless manicure. Its benefits extend beyond aesthetics, contributing significantly to the health and longevity of the nail art.
Firstly, you need to prepare your nails before applying the base coat. Make sure your nails are clean, dry, and free of any polish, lacquer, or gel. File and shape your nails with a good-quality nail file. Be careful not to over-file. Gently buff the surface of your nails to create a slightly rough texture. This will help the base coat adhere better. Push back your cuticles and trim them. You can use a cuticle pusher and remover, being sure to rinse your nails in warm water afterward.
Once your nails are prepared, you can apply the base coat. Apply one thin, even layer of the base coat to each nail. The base coat will act as a protective membrane and a bonding agent between your natural nail and the gel polish. It will help the gel polish adhere properly to your nails, preventing premature chipping and peeling. It also prevents the natural oils of your nails from interfering with the gel polish, ensuring that the color remains vibrant and intact for longer.
After applying the base coat, cure your nails under an LED or UV lamp. If using an LED lamp, cure for 30 seconds. If using a UV lamp, it can take up to 3 minutes to fully cure.
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Avoid air bubbles
To avoid air bubbles when doing gel nails without primer, you need to ensure your nails are thoroughly cleaned and dried before you start. This means removing any oils or residue that could prevent adhesion. You can use a cotton pad and alcohol to cleanse the nail, and then ensure your nails are completely dry.
It is also important to avoid shaking the nail polish bottle before use, as this introduces air bubbles into the polish. Instead, gently roll the bottle between your hands to mix the contents without creating bubbles.
When applying the polish, use thin, even layers to encourage quicker and more uniform drying, reducing the chances of bubbles. Make sure each layer is completely dry before applying the next, especially the top coat.
If you are using press-on nails, apply the nail starting at the cuticle at a 45-degree angle and press downward until it lays flat on your nail bed. This will help to prevent air bubbles from becoming trapped under the nail.
If you do notice air bubbles, gently remove the nail and start again.
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Cure under an LED lamp
Curing your nails under an LED lamp is an important step in the gel manicure process. LED lamps emit a type of radiation that allows the gel polish to harden and cure. This process is necessary to achieve a long-lasting, chip-free manicure.
When curing your gel nails under an LED lamp, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, make sure you are using a compatible gel polish. Not all gel polishes are designed to be cured by an LED lamp, so always check the brand you are using to ensure compatibility. Using incompatible products can result in under-curing, which can cause damage to your nails. Additionally, it is important to apply your gel polish in thin, even coats before curing. This ensures that the gel polish can cure properly, as thicker coats may prevent the photo-initiators from reaching the bottom layer, causing bubbling.
The curing time will depend on the type of gel polish you are using and the power of your LED lamp. Most LED lamps will cure a layer of gel polish in 30 seconds, but some thicker coats or builder gels may require longer curing times. For example, the Gelous UV/LED Travel Gel Nail Lamp has a low heat mode that cures at 12W for 50 seconds and then 24W for 49 seconds. The ORLY Gel FX base coat and colour coats, on the other hand, only require 30 seconds under the LED lamp.
It is also important to note that LED lamps typically cost more than UV lamps and not all LED nail lamps can cure every type of polish. Some polishes are designed specifically for UV lamps, so an LED lamp will not work in this case. However, LED lamps tend to last longer and can cure gel polish faster than UV lamps, making them a popular choice for those looking to save time.
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Frequently asked questions
Primer is used to remove excess moisture and oil from the nail plate. It also acts as a bonding agent for the base coat to adhere to the nail.
There are two types of primer: acid-free and acid primer. Acid-free primer is the most commonly used as it has a gentle formula that helps with adhesion. Acid primer is a stronger substance that works best for problematic nails and those with hormonal problems.
Before applying gel polish, it is important to prepare your nails by removing any existing polish, pushing back and removing cuticles, filing and shaping your nails, and gently buffing the surface to smooth out any bumps. You can also use a cleanser to remove any remaining product and oils from the nail plate.
After preparing your nails, apply a thin coat of gel polish, ensuring you do not get any on your skin or cuticles. Cure the polish under an LED lamp for 120 seconds, then apply another layer and cure again. Repeat for a third layer if needed. Finish with a top coat and cure under the lamp for 120 seconds.
To avoid lifting and chipping, ensure that your nails are properly prepared and cleansed before applying gel polish. Keep the layers of polish thin to prevent bubbling and always cure each layer under the lamp.
