Sophia Delgado
Gel nails are a popular choice for those who want long-lasting, chip-resistant nails. While gel nails are typically done at salons, it is possible to do them at home. Doing gel nails at home can save time and money, but it may take some practice to get it right. This involves several steps, including preparing the nails, applying the gel, and curing it under a UV or LED lamp.
How to fill gel nails at home:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Benefits | Save time and money |
| Supplies | Nail prep dehydrator, gel, base coat, builder gel, nail lamp, acetone, cuticle pusher, nail file |
| Nail preparation | Dehydrate nail surface, push back cuticles, remove dead skin, file nails to remove shine and gel that is lifting |
| Application | Apply a thin layer of base coat, cure under the lamp for 120 seconds, apply gel polish, cure under the lamp for 120 seconds, repeat for a second layer, add a third layer if necessary |
| Aftercare | Wipe nails with acetone to remove the sticky layer, file any bumps, add a top coat if desired, cure and clean |
| Maintenance | Gel nails can last for 1.5 to 3 weeks, infills can be done when the gel has moved forward and the natural nail is exposed |
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What You'll Learn
- Prepare your nails by removing the top coat and any product that is lifting
- Dehydrate your nail surface to ready it for infilling
- Apply a thin layer of base coat gel, then cure under a UV or LED lamp
- Add a thin layer of builder gel, starting at the cuticle and dragging it to the nail tip
- Cure your nails under a lamp and wipe with acetone to remove the sticky layer
Prepare your nails by removing the top coat and any product that is lifting
To prepare your nails and remove the top coat and any product that is lifting, you will need to begin by gathering your tools. These include a nail file, buffer, acetone or gel remover, cotton, aluminium foil squares, cuticle oil, and an orangewood stick or cuticle pusher.
Protect your surfaces by covering them with an old mat, a towel, and some paper towels. This is because gel remover can strip varnish or coatings from surfaces.
Now, use a coarse nail file to file down the gel top coat layer until the top coat loses its shine and smoothness. You should do this on each nail, starting with your non-dominant hand. Gently file from the cuticle to the edge of your nail, moving left to right. Avoid using a back-and-forth motion and do not focus on just one spot. Filing down the top coat will make it easier to take off the polish with acetone later.
If you notice any lifting, use a softer file to gently go over your natural nail. This will remove the shine and any product that is lifting. Lifting often occurs where the gel meets the new natural nail, right at the bottom of the nail.
Once you have removed the top coat and any lifting product, your nails are ready for the next steps of infilling.
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Dehydrate your nail surface to ready it for infilling
Dehydrating your nail surface is an important step in preparing your nails for infilling. This process helps to remove any dirt, oil, or moisture from the nail bed, ensuring that the gel polish adheres properly and does not chip or peel away at the edges.
There are a few different ways to dehydrate your nail surface. One popular method is to use a nail prep dehydrator, such as the Mylee Nail Prep Dehydrator. To use this product, simply glide the dehydrator onto your nails and leave it to air dry. This will help to remove any excess moisture from your nails, creating a dry surface for the gel polish to adhere to.
Another way to dehydrate your nails is to cleanse and wipe them with a lint-free cloth before applying any polish. This will help to remove any dirt or oil buildup on the nail bed that could interfere with the adhesion of the gel polish. If you're looking for a more natural option, you can also try using cuticle oil to soften and prepare your cuticles. Apply the oil to your nails and wait 60 seconds before pushing back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher stick. Just be cautious not to leave any bits of skin on the edge of the nail bed, as gel polish adheres better to the nail than to the skin.
Regardless of the method you choose, properly dehydrating and preparing your nail surface is key to achieving a long-lasting and durable gel manicure. This step will help to create a smooth and even base for your gel polish, ensuring that your nails look salon-worthy and feel brand new.
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Apply a thin layer of base coat gel, then cure under a UV or LED lamp
When applying the base coat, it is important to remember to apply it as thinly and smoothly as possible. You can use a builder gel base or a magic extender gel base, depending on your gel system. Starting at the apex of the nail, push the brush towards your cuticle, then float the gel over the whole nail plate to polish and create a smooth finish. Take your time with this step and be gentle with your brushstrokes.
After applying the base coat gel, you will need to cure your nails under a UV or LED lamp. The curing time will depend on the instructions for your specific gel product. For example, some products may require 60 seconds under an LED lamp, while others may need 120 seconds under a UV lamp. Be sure to follow the instructions on your gel bottle for the best results.
If you get any gel polish on your skin, use some acetone to wipe it away before placing your hand under the lamp to cure. You can use a toothpick to wipe away small amounts of polish from your cuticles. It is important to avoid getting polish on your cuticles, as this can cause the gel to start peeling much faster.
Once your nails are cured, take them out from under the lamp and wipe them with acetone to remove any sticky residue. Check your nails for any bumps or imperfections that you may want to smooth out with a nail file.
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Add a thin layer of builder gel, starting at the cuticle and dragging it to the nail tip
When applying builder gel to your nails, start at the cuticle and drag the gel to the nail tip. This technique will help you achieve a smooth and flawless finish. It is important to remember to be gentle and take your time with your brushstrokes. By applying thin, careful layers of gel, you can avoid the mess that can come from applying too much product.
Before you begin, ensure your nails are ready for infilling. If you are using a builder gel, you should infill with the same product. Dehydrate your nail surface with a product such as a nail prep dehydrator, and then let your nails air dry.
When applying the gel, start at the cuticle and carefully drag the product up to the tip of your nail. You can then add more gel to the middle of your nail, allowing it to float and create a nice curve. This technique will help to enforce the stress point of your nail. Repeat this process for all your nails, except for your thumb, which may not fit in your LED lamp.
Once you have applied the gel to all your nails, cure them under a UV or LED lamp according to the instructions on your gel product. Typically, this process takes around 60 seconds under an LED lamp.
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Cure your nails under a lamp and wipe with acetone to remove the sticky layer
Curing your nails under a lamp is an essential step in the gel nail process. It involves placing your hand under a UV or LED lamp, which emits UVA wavelengths that activate particles in the gel nail polish, turning it from a liquid into a solid, plastic-like substance. The curing time can vary depending on the lamp and the gel product used, but it typically ranges from 45 seconds to 2 minutes. It is important to follow the specific instructions provided with your gel polish to ensure proper curing. During the curing process, make sure your hand is flat under the lamp, and avoid getting gel on your skin, as this can cause the polish to peel. Additionally, keep the bottle of gel polish closed or covered to minimise the amount of light and air that enters, as gel reacts to both LED light and natural light.
After curing your nails, you may notice a sticky layer on the surface. This can be easily removed by wiping your nails with acetone. Acetone is a powerful solvent that can effectively break down the sticky layer, leaving your nails smooth and shiny. To use acetone, you can soak a cotton ball or lint-free wipe in it and gently wipe each nail. This step will not only remove the stickiness but also help you achieve a neat and professional finish.
It is important to note that acetone is a strong chemical, so it should be used with caution. Always work in a well-ventilated area when using acetone, and avoid direct contact with your skin and eyes. Additionally, make sure to dispose of acetone-soaked materials properly.
If you are removing gel polish, you will need to soak your nails in acetone for a longer period, typically around 10-15 minutes. This will allow the acetone to penetrate and break down the gel, making it easy to remove. After soaking, the gel polish should lift and fall off the nail with minimal pressure. If there are any stubborn areas, a wooden nail stick can be used to gently lift the gel off the nail.
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Frequently asked questions
Filling in your gel nails at home is a great way to save time and money. First, you need to remove the topcoat and some of the gel with a soft file. Then, gently go over your natural nail to remove the shine and any product that is lifting. Next, push back your cuticles and remove any dead skin with a cuticle pusher. Depending on your gel system, you may need to apply a base gel first and then a builder gel. Apply the gel carefully, starting at the cuticle area and dragging it up to the tip of your nail. Once the whole nail is covered, place some gel in the middle of your nail and let it float to give a nice curve. Cure your nails under a UV or LED lamp for as long as the instructions on your gel bottle say. Finally, wipe over them with some acetone to remove the sticky layer and neaten up the shape.
To remove gel nail polish, you need to soak your nails or use an electric file. You can also use acetone to wipe away small amounts of polish from your cuticles.
Lifting occurs when you haven't correctly prepped your nails before applying polish. To prevent this, make sure to dehydrate your nail surface before applying gel. You can do this by using a product like the Mylee Nail Prep Dehydrator.
Yes, you can apply regular nail polish on top of your gel nails. However, keep in mind that gel nails are usually filled in with more gel polish, not regular nail polish.
It is recommended to fill in your gel nails every 2-3 weeks. This will depend on how quickly your nails grow and how long you want your nails to be.
