Caleb Foster
Nail charms are a fun way to dress up your manicure and can be made at home or purchased pre-made. There are several ways to fasten nail charms, including using nail glue, a coat of topcoat, or gel polish. If you are looking for a more permanent option, using a thick layer of gel polish and curing it with a UV/LED lamp will help keep your nail charms in place for longer. This method is typically used by professionals and involves using a gel top coat over the entire nail, making sure to get the gel around and on top of the embellishments.
How to fasten nail charms with LED gel
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Adhesive | Nail glue, super glue, gel glue |
| Application method | Apply a coat of topcoat, place the charms, let dry, then apply another coat of topcoat |
| Application tools | Brush, tweezers |
| Curing method | UV/LED lamp, handheld light |
| Curing time | 5 minutes |
| Pros | Ensures embellishments stay put for any length of time, works well for larger charms and chains |
| Cons | Difficult to switch pieces after curing |
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What You'll Learn
Using nail glue
Firstly, apply a top coat to your nail and let it dry for a few minutes. Then, apply a small amount of nail glue directly to the charm and the nail. Place the charm onto the nail with tweezers and hold it in place for a few seconds to ensure proper adhesion. Allow the glue to dry completely before continuing with any further steps in your manicure.
You can also use super glue, which will provide a similarly strong hold. However, be aware that super glue is not designed specifically for nail art and may not be as kind to your nails.
If you are using larger charms, you may wish to use a thicker gel or polygel, which can provide more support. You can then use a top coat to seal the charm in place.
Nail glue is a simple and effective way to attach nail charms, ensuring your manicure is beautiful and long-lasting.
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Applying a top coat
Before applying the top coat, it is important to prepare your nails by cleaning and drying them. Wash your hands to remove any dirt or oil, and gently push back your cuticles using a cuticle pusher. This will create a clean surface for the nail charms to adhere to.
Now, you can begin applying the top coat. Work on one nail at a time for the best results. Start by applying a thin layer of clear top coat gel polish to the entire nail. Use a nail brush to carefully spread the gel evenly across the nail bed. Make sure to cover the entire surface, including the edges, for a smooth finish. Allow this first layer to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
The next step is to apply the nail charms. Using tweezers, carefully place the desired charms onto the wet top coat. Gently press them down to ensure good adhesion. It is important to work quickly during this step as the top coat will begin to dry, and you want the charms to stick effectively.
Once the charms are in place, it's time to seal them in. Apply a second layer of the clear top coat gel polish over the entire nail, including the charms. Be generous with the amount of gel you use, ensuring that the charms are fully coated. Use your brush to carefully spread the gel around and over the charms, encapsulating them within the gel.
Finally, cure your nails under a nail lamp. The gel polish will need to be cured with a UV or LED lamp to harden and secure the charms in place. Follow the lamp's instructions for timing, as curing times may vary. If you are using a portable nail lamp, you may have different timer settings to choose from. A more powerful lamp will cure the polish faster.
After curing, your nail charms should be securely fastened to your nails. Enjoy your stylish and unique manicure! Remember that the top coat plays a crucial role in ensuring the longevity and durability of your nail art. With proper care, your nail charms can last for several days or even weeks.
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Using a nail lamp
Prepare Your Nails:
Before you begin the manicure process, ensure your nails are strong and healthy. If your nails are weak or flaky, consider using nourishing products such as cuticle oil and moisturiser to improve their strength. It is crucial to start with a solid nail base to prevent bending or lifting of the gel polish. Additionally, clean your hands and nails thoroughly before starting the manicure.
Apply the Base Coat:
Start by applying a thin, even base coat to your nails, leaving a slight gap between the polish and your cuticles. This gap will prevent the gel polish from lifting. After applying the base coat, it's time to cure it under the nail lamp. Place your hand under the lamp, ensuring your fingers are relatively flat, and cure for the recommended time, typically around 45 seconds.
Apply the Colour Coat:
Once the base coat is cured, it's time to add some colour! Apply two thin, even coats of your chosen gel nail polish colour, allowing each coat to dry for a few minutes before curing. Remember to cure each coat separately under the nail lamp for the recommended time, usually around 45 seconds. If you're using a nail lamp with preset buttons, you can choose the appropriate time setting for each coat.
Apply the Top Coat:
After the colour coats are cured, apply a thin layer of top coat to seal in the colour. Again, make sure to cure the top coat under the nail lamp for the suggested time. If you're using nail charms, now is the time to carefully place them on the wet top coat. Hold them in place for a few seconds, and then apply another thin layer of top coat over the charms to secure them.
Final Steps:
To finish up, wipe your nails with a cotton ball soaked in 99% isopropyl alcohol to remove any residue. Your nails should now be rock hard and ready to show off! Remember, it is essential to use a compatible gel polish and nail lamp to ensure effective curing and avoid under-curing, which can cause damage to your nails.
Nail Lamp Tips:
When using a nail lamp, always follow the recommended curing times and avoid over-curing. Newer LED lamps are safer than traditional UV lamps, as they deliver a smaller dose of UV light more swiftly. Additionally, consider using a lamp with a smart timer, which automatically starts when you place your hand inside, or low heat mode if you have sensitive nails.
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Curing gel under opaque gems
To address this, it is recommended to use clear tips when working with gel products. Clear tips allow the curing energy to penetrate and ensure proper curing. Additionally, a double-cure approach can be employed, curing both before and after attaching the tip, to ensure the curing process is not obstructed.
When applying nail gems, it is important to start with the right embellishments. Glass or synthetic crystals are more sparkly and durable but come at a higher cost. Acrylic gems are less expensive but may not work well with gel. For extra-large gems, look for a slight curve on the bottom to prevent snagging.
The application process involves using a thick, stiff gel to set the gem in place. Ask your client to pivot their hand from side to side while it’s curing under the lamp. This allows the light to cure the gel in between the crystals. Next, carefully secure the crystal using a medium-thin viscosity gel to cap the edges.
To ensure proper curing, it is recommended to use a powerful lamp and test the curing time. Results will depend on the lamp's power. Test one charm by curing it for around 5 minutes and see how it turns out. It should sound solid when tapped with a nail.
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Removing nail charms
Using Acetone:
Soaking your nails in acetone is a good idea if you plan to remove the entire manicure, including the nail polish. This method is particularly useful if you want to switch up your nail design completely. However, if you only intend to remove the charms and keep your gel or acrylic nails intact, acetone may not be the best option.
Using Cuticle Nippers:
Cuticle nippers are a handy tool for removing nail charms. They are stronger than tweezers and can effectively pop the charms right out of the glue. When using cuticle nippers, gently slide the tip under a corner of the charm and apply a bit of force to clip it off. This method may require a bit of elbow grease, but it increases the chances of reusing the charms.
Using a Nail Drill:
A nail drill is ideal for intricate designs or when you need to remove small charms and stones. Use a narrow-tip bit to carefully pry the charms from the glue. Afterward, switch to a sanding band or fine grit bit to buff off any glue residue gently.
Post-Removal Care:
After removing the nail charms, there may be residual glue on your nails. Use a lint-free wipe or wash your hands to get rid of the dust and inspect your manicure. You may need to apply a new coat of polish or a top coat to touch up your nails. Don't forget to moisturize your hands and nails with cuticle oil to keep them healthy.
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Frequently asked questions
Apply two coats of nail polish and let them dry. Then, apply a thick layer of top coat and attach the charms to the nails. Follow with another layer of top coat.
Apply a second coat of gel polish and cure it with a UV/LED lamp. Attach the charm to the nail and apply a gel top coat over the entire nail, making sure to get the gel in and around the charm. Cure the nail and repeat with another coat.
You will need a nail lamp, a silicone mold, and gel polish. Choose a mold and a colour of polish, blend the polish in the mold, and cure it for 5 minutes. You can test if it is cured by tapping it with your nail — if it is cured, it should click.
If you have used nail glue, you can use a brush dipped in polish remover to clean the charms off. If you have used gel polish, you can expose the nail to acetone to remove the charms.
