Caleb Foster
Gel nail extensions are a popular way to achieve longer, stronger nails without having to grow them yourself. The process involves painting hard gel over the natural nail and curing it with UV light. A nail form, or a sticker, is placed under the free edge of the nail to extend its length. The manicure is then finished with your choice of lacquer, gel polish, or dip powder. While it is possible to do gel nail extensions at home, it is recommended to seek a professional to ensure the extensions are applied and removed properly to prevent damage to your natural nails.
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What You'll Learn
Prepare your nails by filing and shaping them to your desired style
Preparing your nails is an important step in achieving the perfect gel nail extension. It involves several steps, including filing, shaping, and buffing your nails to create a smooth base for the extensions.
Firstly, you should file your natural nails to the desired shape and length. You can clip them first and then use a nail file to shape them further. This step ensures that your nails are ready for the extension application. The shape you choose is entirely up to your preference and will not affect the adhesion of the gel extensions. Common nail shapes include stiletto, round, coffin, and square.
Once you have achieved your desired nail shape, the next step is to buff your nails. Buffing helps create a smooth surface by removing any ridges or unevenness on the nail plate. It also helps remove any excess glue or gel that may have been applied during the previous steps. A smooth nail surface is essential for achieving a flawless finish and ensuring the extensions adhere properly.
In addition to filing and shaping, you may also want to consider using a nail dehydrator and a non-acidic gel primer. These products help remove any oils or debris from the nail surface, further enhancing the adhesion of the gel extensions.
It is important to note that over-buffing your nails can lead to thinning and damage over time. Therefore, it is recommended to be gentle during the buffing process and avoid overdoing it.
By following these steps, you will have prepared your nails by filing and shaping them to your desired style, creating the perfect base for your gel nail extensions.
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Use a nail dehydrator to remove any dust or oils
Using a nail dehydrator to remove dust, oil, and other debris from your nails is an important step in achieving a long-lasting, professional-looking manicure. It helps create a clean and smooth surface for your nail extensions to adhere to.
Before applying a nail dehydrator, it is crucial to prepare your nails by shaping and cutting them to your desired length and style. You can use a nail clipper to achieve your desired length, and then gently buff your nails with a fine-grit buffer to smoothen out the surface. This step helps remove any excess glue, dust, or dead skin that may interfere with the adhesion of the nail extensions.
Once your nails are shaped and buffed, it's time to wipe them clean with a lint-free wipe or brush dipped in alcohol or acetone. This step ensures that any remaining dust, oil, or debris is removed, providing a clean base for the nail dehydrator. Avoid using cotton pads as they may leave fluff or lint behind, which can interfere with the application process.
Now, you can apply a thin layer of nail dehydrator to your natural nails. Make sure to read the instructions on your specific product, as some nail dehydrators may have unique application methods. Typically, a small amount of the product is applied directly to the natural nail, using the built-in brush of the bottle. The nail dehydrator will quickly evaporate, leaving your nails clean and ready for the next steps.
By following these steps and using a nail dehydrator, you can effectively remove any dust, oils, or debris from your nails, ensuring a smooth and long-lasting base for your nail extension gel application.
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Apply a gel primer to help the extensions adhere
Before applying a gel primer, you must prepare your nails. File, clean, and buff your nails to create a smooth surface for the primer to adhere to. If you are using a pre-shaped kit like Apres Gel X, you can use a bonder to dry your nails before applying the primer.
The purpose of the gel primer is to create a sticky surface on your nails, so the gel extensions can stick to them. You should apply a thin coat of gel primer to your entire nail, making sure to cover the entire surface. Once you have applied the primer, you can move on to applying the gel extensions.
It is important to use a non-acidic gel primer to avoid damaging your nails. The gel primer will help the gel extensions adhere to your natural nails and create a long-lasting manicure.
After applying the gel primer, you may need to cure your nails under an LED or UV light. This will depend on the specific product you are using, so be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Once the primer is dry, you can continue with the next steps of applying your gel nail extensions.
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Place the extensions and cure with UV light
After applying the extensions, it is time to cure them with UV light. Place your hand inside a UV light lamp for about a minute to secure the nails. You can use a finger on the same hand to hold the extension down in place while curing to help secure it. However, be careful not to press down too hard or too lightly, as this can lead to air pockets, flooded cuticles, or wonky placement.
If you are using a Spectra Flash Cure UV/LED Lamp, cure your nails for 15-20 seconds. You can also cure your nails for 30 seconds using the lamp's built-in timer.
Once your nails are cured and secured, file and shape the tips to your liking. Then, proceed with your chosen nail polish or dip powder to finish your manicure. Seal and protect your manicure with a top coat and cure for 90 seconds in a UV/LED lamp.
If you are using a pre-shaped gel nail extension kit like Apres Gel X, you will apply a layer of gel to the nails and let it dry in the light for about 60 seconds. After choosing the correct size for your nails, apply the gel to the inside of the gel extension and place it on your actual nail. Press down and hold, then sit in the UV light for 60 seconds.
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Finish with your chosen colour and topcoat
Once your nail extensions are cured and secured, you can file and shape the tips to your liking. If you opted for pre-coloured extensions, you can skip the step of painting your nails with coloured gel polish. However, if you did not, now is the time to apply your chosen colour. Use a clean gel brush to apply a thin coat of colour onto each nail. Put your nails under the UV lamp for 60 seconds once your first hand is complete, and then continue onto the other hand. Depending on how much pigment you want on your nail, you’ll repeat this step three to four times.
Once your colour is set, apply a gel topcoat. Place your hand under the UV light for another 90 seconds. And that's it! Your gel nail extensions are now complete.
It is important to note that while you can DIY gel nail extensions, it is not recommended. Gel nail extensions are considered a healthier version of acrylics, but if they are not properly applied and removed, they can be detrimental to nail health. It is best to go to a nail technician for your gel nail extensions. If you do decide to DIY, make sure to buy an all-inclusive kit with everything you need, like Aprés Nail's Gel-X Nail Extensions Kit or the KISS Salon X-Tend LED Soft Gel System.
To remove your gel nail extensions, a nail technician will file down about 85% of the extension. Then, they will soak off the remaining gel in an acetone wrap with aluminium foil and wait 15 minutes. Finally, they will gently push off the product and buff the natural nail. Removal should take 30-40 minutes at most.
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