Caleb Foster
Doing your own gel acrylic nails at home can save you money and a trip to the salon. It may seem daunting at first, but with some practice, you can achieve great results. Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary supplies, including a nail lamp, acetone, cuticle pusher, nail file, buffer block, nail prep/dehydrator, acid-free nail primer, dappen dish, acrylic nail brush, lint-free wipes, acrylic powder and liquid, and a top coat. You will also need nail tips and glue if you plan on doing extensions. Once you have your supplies, the process involves prepping the nail by pushing back the cuticles, trimming and filing the nails, buffing the surface, and then applying the acrylic and shaping it to your desired look.
How to do your own gel acrylic nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Removal of old polish | Use an acetone-based, oil-free nail polish remover to take off old polish. If you have gels, take the time to really soak them off. Do not peel them off. |
| Trimming nails | Trim nails to just beyond the smile line. Keep nails short as the acrylic tips will be attached to them. |
| Buffing nails | File nails so they are even and smooth. Buff each nail so that the acrylic tips have something to grip on to. |
| Cuticles | Soak nails in warm water to soften the area and then gently push cuticles back using your thumbnails. |
| Nail kits | Consider buying a nail kit that contains everything you need to get started. Make sure the monomer does not contain MMA (Methyl methacrylate). |
| Practice | Practice on a training hand or fingers before attempting to do your own nails. |
| Nail lamp | Use a UV LED nail lamp to cure the glue. |
| Nail art | Use chrome powders, glitter gels, and other embellishments to decorate your nails. |
| Nail shape | File the nail tip to the desired shape (e.g. almond, square, coffin). |
| Nail prep | Apply acid-free nail primer to the entire nail bed. |
| Acrylic application | Apply the ball of acrylic near the cuticle and bring it down to the tip. Sculpt the acrylic by pressing the brush flat to your nail and gently moving the acrylic to smooth out bumps. |
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What You'll Learn
Prepping your nails: trim, file, and buff
Before you begin the process of applying gel acrylic nails, it is important to prep your nails. Start by removing any old nail polish with an acetone-based, oil-free nail polish remover. If you have gels or acrylics on, soak them in pure acetone until they can be pushed off easily. Peeling them off can damage your nails. Next, trim your nails to a short, manageable length. Use nail clippers or nail scissors to cut your nails just beyond the smile line (the end of your nail). This is important because if you attach the acrylics to long nails, your natural nail could snap off.
After clipping, file your nails to ensure they are even and don't have any snags. Then, buff each nail so that your acrylic tips have something to grip onto. Use a soft nail file to make the surface of your nails slightly rougher and less shiny. This provides a better surface for the acrylic to stick to.
Finally, push back your cuticles. You want the acrylic to adhere to your natural nails, not your skin. Soak your nails in warm water to soften the area, and then gently push your cuticles back using your thumbnails. Avoid cutting your cuticles, as you may accidentally clip your skin and cause an infection.
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Using a kit: buying and using an at-home gel manicure kit
If this is your first time doing your own gel acrylic nails, you may want to start with a kit. Kits contain everything you need to get started and come with detailed instructions to help you achieve the look you want.
When buying a kit, make sure you read the ingredients so the monomer does not contain MMA (Methyl methacrylate). MMA is a dental acrylic and is too hard for natural nails. Look for EMA (Ethyl Methacrylate) instead. You can also look for brands used by professionals or search for recommendations online.
In addition to the kit, you may want to buy the necessary products for extensions: full-coverage tips (any brand will do), nail glue, and a primer. You can also buy full-size products instead of the minis that usually come in kits so that you can touch up your nails at the two-week mark.
Before you start, make sure to master prepping the nail. Remove any old polish with an acetone-based, oil-free nail polish remover. Then, trim your nails to just beyond the smile line (the end of your nail). You want your nails to be short since your acrylic tips will be attached to them. Buff nails with a soft nail file to make the surface of your nails slightly rougher and less shiny, so your acrylic tips will have something to grip on to. Then, gently push your cuticles back using your thumbnails or a cuticle pusher.
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Removing old polish: using acetone or gel nail polish remover
Removing old nail polish is the first step in achieving the perfect gel or acrylic manicure at home. This process is crucial as it ensures your nails are clean and prepped for the new polish to be applied.
To begin, you will need to gather the necessary supplies, which include acetone or gel nail polish remover. Acetone is a powerful solvent that can effectively break down and remove nail polish. It is important to note that acetone can be drying to the nails and skin, so it is recommended to use pure acetone only on the nails and avoid peeling or forcefully removing the product as this can cause unnecessary damage to your natural nails, making them thinner and weaker.
If you are removing regular nail polish, an acetone-based nail polish remover will do the trick. Ensure the remover is oil-free to prevent leaving an oily residue on your nails, which can interfere with the adhesion of the new polish. Use a lint-free pad or cotton ball soaked in the remover and gently wipe your nails clean.
After removing the old polish, you will need to trim, shape, and buff your nails. This process will create a smooth base and help the new acrylics or gels adhere better to your natural nails.
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Applying the gel: using a UV/LED lamp to cure the gel
When applying gel nail polish, it's important to use a UV/LED lamp to cure the gel and ensure it hardens properly. This process involves using a lamp that emits UV light to cure the gel polish, which contains photoinitiators, a chemical that requires direct UV wavelengths to harden. The UV light from the lamp bonds with the photoinitiators in the gel, activating them and causing the gel to cure into a hard plastic.
To cure your gel nails using a UV/LED lamp, start by gently buffing the surface of each nail. You want to create a dull, slightly rough surface, so buff in one direction, focusing on the sides of the nails and the area around the cuticles. This process will help the gel adhere better to your nails and prevent lifting. After buffing, clean your nails thoroughly with nail polish remover to remove any residual dust, oil, or other contaminants that may affect the adhesion of the gel.
Once your nails are prepped, apply your gel nail polish, making sure to do this away from direct sunlight to avoid premature curing. After each coat of gel polish, place your hand under the UV/LED lamp. Depending on the type of lamp and gel polish you are using, the curing time can vary. LED lamps typically cure gel polish faster than UV lamps, with LED lamps taking around 30 seconds per layer, while UV lamps can take up to 2 minutes.
It's important to note that not all gel polishes are compatible with LED lamps, so always check the instructions and compatibility before use. Additionally, be mindful that UV/LED lamps emit ultraviolet light, which can be a risk factor for aging and skin cancer. To minimize potential risks, apply sunscreen or use a lamp with sensitive/low heat settings.
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Maintaining your nails: keeping nails strong and healthy
While gel and acrylic nails are a great way to make your nails look fantastic, they can take a significant toll on your nails. To keep your nails strong and healthy, there are several steps you can take before, during, and after the application process.
Firstly, it is important to care for your natural nails. Ensure your nails are strong and healthy before applying gel or acrylics. You can do this by including collagen-rich foods in your diet, such as leafy greens, salmon, nuts, and seeds. You can also take collagen and vitamin Biotin supplements, but be sure to consult your doctor first.
When applying gel or acrylic nails, it is important to follow the correct process. Start by removing any old nail polish and pushing back your cuticles. Then, trim and file your nails to the desired length and shape. Before applying the gel or acrylic, buff your nails to help the product adhere better and last longer. If you are using gel nail polish, wipe down your nails with alcohol first.
After your gel or acrylic nails have been applied, proper maintenance is key to keeping your nails strong and healthy. To prevent breaks, cracks, and chips, avoid any improper removal techniques, such as peeling or improperly soaking off the product. Give your nails a break from gel or acrylics every now and then, and always allow them to fully grow out before reapplication. After removing gel or acrylics, deeply hydrate your nails with moisturizer or oil to replenish any lost moisture.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a nail lamp, acetone, a cuticle pusher, a nail file, a buffing block, a nail prep/dehydrator, an acid-free nail primer, a dappen dish, an acrylic nail brush, lint-free wipes, acrylic powder, acrylic liquid, a top coat, nail tips, and nail glue. You can also purchase a kit that contains everything you need to get started.
First, remove any old nail polish. Then, trim your nails to a short, even, and manageable length. File your nails so that they are even and don't have any snags, and buff each nail so that the acrylic tips will have something to grip onto. Next, gently push your cuticles back using your thumbnails.
Apply the ball of acrylic to the top of the nail (near the cuticle) and bring the bead down to the very tip. Tilt the nail down to prevent the acrylic from flooding the cuticles. Sculpt the acrylic by pressing the brush flat to your nail and gently moving the acrylic to smooth out bumps and spread it out evenly. If you need more acrylic to cover the entire nail, repeat these steps until you're happy with the coverage.
