Ava Monroe
IBD gel nails are a popular choice for those seeking long, natural-looking nails without the mess and expense of a salon manicure. IBD offers a range of gel nail products, including the IBD Soft Dual Builder Gel and Soft Gel Tips, which can be used together to create a full set of manicured nails in just 30 minutes. The IBD Soft Gel Tips are pre-shaped and pre-etched, providing the perfect base for fake nails, nail art, or custom designs. When used with the IBD Builder Gels, these tips create durable and long-lasting nails that can be conveniently removed with soak-off technology. In this discussion, we will explore the steps and techniques for achieving professional-looking IBD gel nails with tips, covering preparation, application, curing, and finishing processes.
Characteristics and Values Table for IBD Gel Nails with Tips
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gel type | Soft or hard |
| Application | Brush |
| Ease of application | Easy and clean |
| Removal | Soak off or file off |
| Results | Long-lasting, strong, lightweight, natural-looking |
| Time | 30 minutes |
| Lamp | LED or UV |
| Cure time | 10, 15, 30, or 45 seconds; 1, 2, or 3 minutes |
| Nail preparation | Push back and remove cuticles, remove shine with a file or buffer block |
| Tip application | Apply gel to natural nail, place and press down on tip, remove excess gel |
| Tip type | Almond, coffin, stiletto, or square |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the nail
Firstly, ensure your nails are clean and dry. Using a cuticle pusher, gently push back your cuticles and remove any excess with a cuticle nipper if needed. This step helps create a clean slate for the gel application and prevents any cuticle interference with the gel.
Next, you'll want to remove any shine from your natural nails. Use a fine nail file or buffer block, preferably with a 180-grit surface, to gently buff the surface of your nails. Filing your nails will create a slightly rough texture, which will help the gel adhere better and ensure a longer-lasting manicure. Be careful not to over-file, as this can weaken your nails.
After filing, it's important to remove any dust or residue from the nails. Use a dry nail wipe or a soft brush to gently sweep away any remaining particles. This step ensures that the gel will apply smoothly and evenly.
Now it's time to apply a nail dehydrator. IBD offers a specific nail dehydrator product, but any nail dehydrator will help remove any remaining moisture from the nail plate, ensuring better adhesion of the gel.
The next step is to apply a bonder or primer to the nail plate. This step is crucial, as it helps the gel adhere to the nail and creates a long-lasting bond. Be careful to avoid contact with the surrounding skin, as the primer is specifically meant for the nail plate.
Finally, you can begin sculpting and extending your nails with IBD's Building Gel or Dual Builder Gel. Apply a thin layer of gel to the entire nail surface, making sure to cover from the cuticle to the free edge. Use a gel brush for precise application, and ensure you do not cure this layer.
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Applying the gel
Before starting the gel application, it is important to prepare your nails. Begin by gently pushing back the proximal nail fold and cuticles using a cuticle pusher. If there is any excess cuticle, carefully trim it off using cuticle nippers. Then, use a fine nail file or buffer block to gently remove the shine from your natural nails. This step helps the gel adhere better to your nails.
Now, you are ready to apply the gel. Follow these steps:
- Apply a thin coat of IBD Dual Builder Gel or IBD Building Gel to your natural nails, starting close to the cuticle but not on it. Be sure to cap the end of the nail at the free edge.
- Cure your nails under an LED lamp for 30 seconds or 1 minute under a UV lamp.
- On the inside of the soft gel tip, apply another thin layer of the IBD gel. Apply it only to the length of your natural nail.
- Place the soft gel tip onto your natural nail, aligning it from the cuticle to the free edge. Gently press down to push out any air bubbles and ensure a seamless fit.
- Flash cure your nails under an LED lamp for 15 seconds or 45 seconds under a UV lamp.
- Repeat steps 3 to 5 for each nail.
- Once all your nails are done, cure them again for a full 30 seconds under an LED lamp or 2 minutes under a UV lamp.
- Remove any excess gel from the soft gel tips with a nail file, shaping them to your desired look.
- Finish by buffing the entire nail with a fine file or buffing block to smooth out any imperfections.
Remember to work in a neat and disinfected space, and always follow the specific product instructions for the best results. With these steps, you'll be able to achieve long-lasting and beautiful IBD gel nails with tips!
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Curing the gel
IBD gel nails typically use either an LED or UV lamp for curing. The curing time may vary depending on the type of lamp used and the specific IBD gel product. Always refer to the product instructions for precise curing times.
When applying the IBD Dual Builder Gel, you will need to cure the gel in two stages. First, after applying a thin coat of gel to the natural nail, cure for 30 seconds under an LED lamp or 1 minute under a UV lamp. This initial curing step ensures the gel sets and provides a base for the nail tips.
Next, after placing the soft gel tips and pressing them down to remove any air bubbles, you will perform a "flash cure." This step involves curing the gel for a shorter duration. Cure under an LED lamp for 15 seconds or 45 seconds under a UV lamp. The flash cure helps to set the gel and secure the tips in place before moving on to the final curing stage.
Once all the nails are complete, proceed with the final cure. Place the nails under an LED lamp for a full 30 seconds or 2 minutes under a UV lamp. This final curing stage ensures that the gel is completely hardened and sets the shape of the nails.
It is important to note that IBD gels are considered hard gels, and they typically require filing for removal. Unlike soft gels, which can be soaked off, the hard gel structure of IBD gels means they need to be filed off. This is an important distinction to consider when choosing your gel type and curing process.
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Filing and shaping
Before you begin, ensure you have the right tools, including a 180-grit file or buffer block. It is also important to note that IBD gel nails are considered a hard gel, so they will need to be filed off instead of soaked off.
Firstly, prepare your natural nails. Use a fine nail file or buffer block to gently remove the shine from your natural nails. This step is crucial as it creates a rough surface for the gel to adhere to. Be sure to file in one direction only to achieve the best results.
Next, you will need to push back your cuticles. Use a cuticle pusher to gently push back the proximal nail fold and any overgrown cuticles. If there is excess cuticle, carefully trim it off using cuticle nippers.
After applying the IBD gel and curing your nails under an LED or UV lamp, it's time to shape and refine. Use a nail file to remove any excess gel on the soft gel tips. You can use a 180-grit emerald file for this step. Be careful not to over-file, as this can affect the shape and structure of your nails.
Once you are happy with the length and shape, buff the entire nail using a fine file or buffing block. This step will smooth out any ridges and create a flawless finish.
Finally, dust off your nails to remove any filing residue. You can use a clean, dry nail wipe for this step.
Remember, filing and shaping are crucial steps in achieving the perfect IBD gel nails. Take your time, and be gentle and precise to ensure a long-lasting and stylish manicure.
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Finishing the nails
Once you have applied the gel and cured your nails, you can finish the nails by removing any excess gel on the soft gel tip with a file. Be sure to buff the entire nail using a fine file or buffing block, and then dust off the nail.
To finish the look, you can apply cuticle oil to the skin around the nail. This will help to moisturize the skin and give your manicure a neat and tidy appearance.
If you are creating a French manicure, you can paint the tips of your nails white. Alternatively, you can paint your nails with your desired colour or design. You can also add nail art or choose to leave your nails clear.
IBD Soft Gel Tips are known for their durability and can last up to four weeks. When it's time for a new set of nails, the soak-off formula allows for easy removal.
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Frequently asked questions
First, push back overgrown cuticles and remove them with a cuticle pusher. If needed, use cuticle nippers to trim off excess cuticles. Then, gently remove the shine from your natural nail using a fine nail file or buffer block.
First, apply a thin coat of IBD Dual Builder Gel to your natural nail and cure for 30 seconds under an LED lamp or 1 minute under a UV lamp. Then, apply a thin layer of IBD Dual Builder Gel to the inside of the soft gel tip. Place the soft gel tip on your natural nail, lightly pressing down from the cuticle to the free edge to push out any air bubbles. Keep applying pressure and cure under an LED lamp for 15 seconds or 45 seconds with a UV lamp. Once all your nails are done, cure for a full 30 seconds under an LED lamp or 2 minutes with a UV lamp.
If there is too much product, wipe off the excess before curing under the lamp. Additionally, be sure to use enough gel to get rid of all bubbles, otherwise, they will not properly cure and adhere.
IBD gel nails with tips can be easily removed with soak-off technology, allowing for a hassle-free switch between nail extensions. However, it is important to note that IBD builder gel is a hard gel that cannot be soaked off and must be filed off.
