Ava Monroe
Doing your own UV gel nails at home can save you a lot of money and time. With just a few simple tools and a bit of practice, you can achieve salon-quality results in the comfort of your own home. In this article, we will guide you through the entire process, from prepping your natural nails to applying the UV gel polish and finishing with a beautiful top coat. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, creating UV gel nails is an easy process that will leave you with stunning nails that will turn heads wherever you go.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prep natural nails | Push back cuticles, file and buff nails, remove shine, clean surface of nails |
| Apply nail tips | Apply glue, press nail tips against natural nails, hold for a few seconds, cut to desired length |
| Prep nail tips | Remove excess glue, use E-file to prep nail tip for gel application, remove shine, fade nail tip into natural nail, file sides and underneath the nail |
| Apply gel | Apply builder gel to stress point, brush gel evenly onto nail surface, cure nail, apply one-step gel, cure again, file nail, finish shaping with nail file and buffer, clean nail surface |
| Apply crystals | Apply V Diamond Gel, place crystals, cure nails under LED lamp |
| Apply top coat | Apply finishing gel, cure under UV or LED lamp, add nail polish or nail art |
| Remove gel | File off top coat, soak cotton balls in acetone, wrap nails in foil, leave for 10 minutes, scrape off polish with cuticle pusher |
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What You'll Learn
Prep nails by pushing back cuticles and removing shine with a buffer
To prep nails, you need to start with clean, polish-free nails. Remove any old nail polish, gel nails, or tips with acetone. Wash your hands to ensure you have a blank canvas to work on. Next, sanitise your hands and gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher. You can then use a fine drill bit, buffer, or file to remove the shine from your nails. You should use the weight of the buffing block to take off the shine and lightly roughen the surface of your nails. Wipe your nails with rubbing alcohol to remove any remaining dust and oils.
The next step is to file down any excess length of your natural nails. You can also file the top of the nail until you see a white, chalky colour, which indicates that you have filed through the topcoat. This step is important if you are looking to remove the gel manicure later. Soak cotton balls in acetone and wrap them around your nails using foil. Let the acetone sit for 10-15 minutes to soften the gel. You can then gently scrape off any remaining polish with a cuticle pusher.
Once your nails are prepped, you can move on to applying the nail tips and gel.
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Apply nail tips, trim and file to desired length and shape
To apply nail tips, trim and file your nails to the desired length and shape, you will need to follow a few steps. Firstly, it is important to prepare your natural nails by filing, buffing, and pushing back your cuticles. You should also ensure your nails are clean and free of any polish or gel residue. This preparation step is crucial, as it ensures the gel will adhere properly and creates a blank canvas for your manicure.
Next, select nail tips that fit your natural nails from sidewall to sidewall without applying pressure. If you are between sizes, opt for the larger size, as you can always file the sides later. Once you have chosen the appropriate size, apply a small amount of nail glue to the nail tip and press it against your natural nail, holding it straight and firm for a few seconds.
Now, you can trim the nail tips to your desired length using a nail nipper. It is recommended to start by cutting less rather than more, as you can always file them down further if needed. After trimming, remove any excess glue with a lint-free cloth and use an e-file to prep the nail tip for gel application. Apply gentle, soft motions with the file, being careful not to apply too much pressure. The filing should roughen the surface, creating the perfect canvas for gel application and helping the gel adhere properly.
Finally, use the e-file to fade the nail tip into your natural nail, ensuring the line where they meet disappears. Shape the sides of the nail by filing the edges and slightly underneath to create a smooth and seamless finish. Brush away any dust from the nails, and you will be left with a perfectly shaped nail ready for the next steps of your gel manicure!
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Apply primer gel and cure under a UV or LED lamp
To apply primer gel and cure your nails under a UV or LED lamp, start by sanitising your hands and pushing back your cuticles. You can use a fine drill bit, buffer or file to remove the shine from your nails. File down any excess length of your natural nails. You should also file the sides if you are in between sizes. Remember to wipe your nails with isopropyl alcohol to remove any dust and oils.
Next, apply a thin layer of primer gel to each nail. Start by placing the brush at your cuticle and pulling the product across your natural nail and the tip until you reach the free edge. You can start with one stroke in the centre of your nail and then work outwards in parallel strokes.
Cure the primer gel under a UV or LED lamp for the manufacturer's recommended time. This could be for 60 seconds under an LED lamp or 2 minutes under a UV lamp.
Once the primer gel has been cured, you can apply a thin coat of gel polish or lacquer to the inside of the nail tips. Press the tip to the nail at an angle, starting at the base of the nail and slowly pushing downwards, allowing the gel to spread to the free edge. Cure your nails again under the lamp.
After curing, you can finish shaping the nails with a nail file and buffer if needed. Make sure the shape looks symmetrical from every angle. The sidewalls should be straight and even, and the nail's surface should be smooth.
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Apply a thin layer of gel, cure, and repeat
To apply a thin layer of gel, cure, and repeat, start by applying a thin base coat of primer gel from your cuticle to the free edge of the nail. Use a flat, narrow brush to apply the gel. Start with a stroke in the center of your nail and then work on parallel strokes on either side. Allow the primer gel to cure under a UV or LED nail lamp for the manufacturer's recommended time.
After the first layer has cured, you will be left with a sticky top layer. Remove this by gently wiping a cotton pad saturated with gel cleanser across the surface of the gel nail. Keep wiping your nails until you remove all of the tackiness. You should be left with a smooth gel surface.
Now, apply a second thin layer of gel and cure again. You can use a gel polish that doesn't require curing if you want to limit your UV exposure. If you are using a UV lamp, allow the second coat to cure for about 2 minutes, or 30 seconds under an LED lamp.
Once the second coat has cured, repeat the process of removing the sticky dispersion layer with a gel cleanser. File and dust off the gel nail to smooth out any imperfections. Finish shaping the nail with a nail file and buffer if needed. Make sure the shape looks symmetrical from every angle. The sidewalls should be straight and even, and the nail's surface should be smooth.
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Finish with a top coat of gel and cure
Finish by applying a top coat of gel. Use a brush to sweep a thin coat of finishing gel from your cuticle to the free edge, starting in the centre and then moving to either side of your nail. After applying the top coat to each nail, cure your nails under a UV or LED drying lamp for the manufacturer's recommended time. If you are using a UV lamp, cure for about 2 minutes, or for an LED lamp, cure for about 30 seconds.
Once the top coat has cured, you can add a coat of standard nail polish or nail art elements if you wish. You can also add crystals to your nails. Apply a small amount of gel to the area where you want to place the crystals, then place the crystals on the gel and press them in gently. Cure the nails for 60 seconds under an LED lamp.
If you notice any bumps or flaws along the edges of the gel where it covers the nail tip, use a nail file to smooth out the imperfections. Rub a nail file across the sides and free edge of the nail. Use the file with gentle pressure to gradually soften and buff away any imperfections. Then, wipe away the dust with a gel cleanser-soaked cotton pad and a manicure brush.
Gel nails can last for up to two to four weeks. However, they can cause your nails to become brittle and may increase your risk of skin cancer. Therefore, it is important to take proper precautions when applying and removing gel nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Start with clean, polish-free nails. Remove any old nail polish, gel nails, or tips with acetone. Push back your cuticles and lightly roughen the surface of your nails with a buffer. Wipe your nails with isopropyl or rubbing alcohol to remove any dust and oils.
After prepping your nails, apply a thin layer of gel primer or base coat to each nail. Cure the nails under a UV or LED lamp. Apply a bead of builder gel to the stress point, where the nail tip meets the natural nail. Brush the gel evenly onto the entire nail surface. Cure the nail again. Apply a second coat of gel and cure once more. Finish shaping the nail with a nail file and buffer, if needed.
Paint on a thin coat of finishing gel. Cure your nails under a UV or LED lamp for the manufacturer's recommended time. You can then add a coat of standard nail polish or nail art.
