Sophia Delgado
Gel nails are a stylish and sturdy option for those who want something more natural-looking than acrylic nails. Creating the perfect gel manicure at home can save you time and money, but it requires patience and the right tools. From removing old nail polish and shaping your nails to curing and buffing, there are many steps to achieving the perfect pointed gel manicure.
How to do pointed gel nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Required tools | Gel nail kit, nail cutter, nail file, cuticle pusher, cuticle trimmer, cotton pads, acetone, UV or LED nail lamp, cuticle oil, nail buffer, nail polish |
| Nail preparation | Remove old nail polish, trim and shape nails, push back cuticles |
| Gel application | Apply gel nail polish, cure under UV or LED lamp, repeat for second layer |
| Finishing touches | Buff nails, clean up mistakes, apply cuticle oil |
| Removal | File off top layer, soak nails in acetone, scrape off gel polish, push off remaining gel with cuticle pusher |
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Prepping your nails
Clean your nails
Start with clean, polish-free nails. Remove any old nail polish, gel nails, or tips with acetone. Soak a cotton pad in acetone and gently wipe off any nail polish. For gel nails, wrap your nails in acetone-soaked cotton pads before scraping the gel off. Get rid of any leftover nail glue by soaking it in acetone. Wash your hands afterward to ensure you have a blank canvas for your new manicure.
Shape your nails
Use a nail cutter to cut off any extra-long nails for a uniform length. Then, use a nail file to shape your nails into your desired shape, such as round, pointed, square, almond, or oval. File your nails gently in one direction to avoid splitting or lifting, which can be caused by filing back and forth. Be careful not to dig your file into your nails, as this can damage the connection between the nail and the nail plate.
Push back your cuticles
Use a cuticle pusher, a small orange wooden stick, or a metal cuticle pusher to gently push back your cuticles. This step will help expose your nail bed, allowing more space for the gel polish application. If you want to soften your cuticles first, soak your hands in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes. After pushing back your cuticles, remove any debris on your nails, as this can cause your gel nails to lift later.
Buff your nails
Buffing your nails before gel application is optional. Some people choose not to buff their nails and still achieve good results. However, if you decide to buff, use a nail buffer to smooth out the top layer of your nails gently. Be careful not to over-buff, as this can thin out your nails and cause pain. Buffing will help create a smooth base for the gel polish and remove any imperfections or excess buildup.
Prepare your workspace
Before you begin your gel nail application, ensure your workspace is ready. Close your curtains to avoid indirect sunlight, as it can cure the gel on your brush, making it difficult to apply. Also, check that your UV or LED lamp is set up correctly and is of sufficient wattage (36 watts is recommended) to cure the gel properly.
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Applying the gel
Prepare Your Nails:
Start by ensuring your nails are clean and polish-free. Remove any old nail polish, gel nails, or tips with acetone and a cotton pad. Push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher, and trim off any hangnails with a cuticle trimmer. You can soak your hands in warm water for 5-10 minutes to soften your cuticles before pushing them back. Exposing as much of your natural nail as possible will help the gel nails last longer.
Shape Your Nails:
Use a nail cutter to trim your nails to the desired length, especially if you have extra-long extensions. Then, use a nail file to shape your nails into a pointed shape. You can also use a board file or an emery board file to achieve the pointed shape. File gently in one direction to avoid splitting or lifting, as filing back and forth can cause permanent damage to the nail.
Apply the Gel:
Now, you can start applying the gel polish. First, apply a thin layer of gel polish to each nail, being careful not to get any on your skin as it can cause allergic reactions. Cure this first layer under a UV or LED lamp according to the instructions that came with your gel nail polish. Typically, you'll cure under an LED lamp for 30 seconds or a UV lamp for 2 minutes. Curing allows the polish to harden uniformly, and gel nail polish remains wet until cured under the appropriate light.
Apply a Second Layer:
After curing the first layer, apply a second layer of gel polish. This layer will add opacity and enhance the colour. Paint your nails in vertical strips, extending all the way to the tip of each nail. Again, cure your nails under the LED or UV lamp following the same timing as the first layer.
Final Touches:
Once you've cured the second layer, use a nail buffer to smooth out the top layer of the gel polish. Gently rub the softest side of the buffer back and forth to remove any imperfections or excess gel buildup. Finish by wiping away any gel polish on your cuticles with an acetone-soaked cotton ball. Avoid applying cuticle oil until after your gel nails are complete, as oil can prevent the polish from adhering properly.
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Curing the gel
Step 1: Understanding Gel Polish
Gel polish is a unique type of nail polish that requires curing with a special lamp. It remains wet until cured under the appropriate light, and without it, the gel will not harden correctly.
Step 2: Prepare Your Nails
Before curing, ensure your nails are clean and free of any old nail polish, gel, or tips. Use acetone to remove any traces of previous manicures, and push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher. You may also soak your hands in warm water for 5-10 minutes to soften your cuticles before pushing them back.
Step 3: Curing Process
Apply the first layer of gel nail polish. Then, cure it under a UV or LED lamp according to the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, curing times range from 30 seconds under an LED lamp to 2 minutes under a UV lamp for each layer. Remember to cure each layer completely before applying the next one, and use thin layers of gel polish for better results.
Step 4: Multiple Coats
After curing the first layer, apply additional coats, including the base and top coats. Cure each coat under the lamp for proper sealing. It is recommended to paint and cure one hand at a time, and to paint and cure each finger separately, starting with the index finger. This prevents smudging and ensures optimal light exposure for faster drying.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once you've completed the final layer of the top coat, use an acetone-soaked cotton pad to remove any tacky residue from the cured gel manicure. You can also use a cotton pad soaked in alcohol or a specialised gel cleanser to eliminate stickiness and achieve flawless results.
Safety Considerations:
- Avoid over-curing as it can lead to yellowing of the top coat and decreased adhesion.
- Be cautious when working with acetone as it can be harsh and drying to your nails.
- Uncured gel can cause irritation and allergies, so ensure your gel is properly cured.
- If you frequently use a UV lamp, replace the bulb every 2-4 months to maintain its effectiveness.
- LED lamps generally cure faster and produce less heat, making them a good option for sensitive skin or nails.
With these steps and considerations in mind, you'll be well on your way to mastering the art of curing gel nails!
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Shaping the nails
Shaping your nails requires nothing but a nail file. You can use a 150-grit or 180-grit nail file to shape your nails into your desired shape, be it round, pointed, square, almond, or oval. It is entirely up to your preference.
First, use a nail cutter to cut off any extra-long extensions of your nails for a uniform look. Then, grab your nail file and place it straight against the sloping side of the nail. File in one direction to avoid splitting or lifting caused by filing back and forth. This is a crucial step, as filing back and forth can permanently damage the connection between the nail and the nail plate.
If you are reshaping your nails, align the middle point of the cuticle area to the center of the free edge and draw a straight line down, following your finger's bone. It is also important to visualise an imaginary rectangle on the nail and marry all of that together.
If you are shaping your nails from a square shape to an almond or oval shape, you may want to clip the corners first. However, clipping your nails is not recommended as it can cause some sort of lifting at the free edge.
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Removing the gel
Removing gel nail polish can be challenging, and it is recommended to go to a professional for removal. However, if you would like to remove gel nail polish at home, there are a few methods you can try.
The first method is the traditional acetone method. First, cut your cotton pads/balls into 10 pieces, and soak them in 100% acetone. You can also use your fingers to soak the acetone, but be cautious as acetone can irritate and damage your skin. Next, you will want to file your nails to break the "seal" of the top coat. Be careful not to file down to your natural nail, as this can cause damage. You just want to get rid of the shine. Then, place the acetone-soaked cotton on top of each nail and wrap it with plastic food wrap or aluminium foil. Leave this on for 10 to 15 minutes. When you remove the wrap, the gel nail polish should be lifting and can be gently scraped off with a steel cuticle remover.
Another method is the double boiler method. Heat acetone in a double boiler, and then follow the same steps as the traditional method. This helps speed up the process.
You can also try a gel nail polish remover, which is faster and requires fewer tools. Put a thick layer of gel polish remover on your gel nails and wait 5 minutes. Then, use a metal cuticle pusher or orangewood stick to gently push off the gel polish.
Finally, the slowest method is to simply let your nails grow out. Clipping your nails once a week will help remove the gel nail polish over time.
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Frequently asked questions
Start with clean, polish-free nails. Remove any old nail polish, gel nails, or tips with acetone. Wash your hands to create a blank canvas for your new manicure. Push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher. Trim off any hangnails with a cuticle trimmer if necessary.
You can shape your nails into a point using a nail file. File your nails into your desired shape, whether it's pointed, square, round, almond, or oval.
First, buff your nails to smoothen them out and remove any imperfections. Then, apply the first layer of gel nail polish and cure it under a UV or LED lamp. Follow the curing instructions that came with your gel nail polish. Typically, you'll cure them under an LED lamp for 30 seconds or a UV lamp for 2 minutes. Repeat this process for a second layer of gel nail polish.
To remove gel nail polish, start by filing off the top layer with a nail file. Then, soak cotton balls in 100% acetone and place them on your nails. Wrap your nails in foil or use nail clips to hold the cotton balls in place. Leave them on your nails for about 10 minutes. Finally, use a cuticle pusher to gently push off the gel.
