Noah Sinclair
There are many ways to finish gel nails, and the method you choose will depend on the type of gel nails you have and the look you want to achieve. Some common ways to finish gel nails include using a top coat, such as a high-gloss or ultra-shine finish, or a dip powder to provide protection and long-lasting colour. You can also use a finish gel to give your nails an incredible shine and toughness. If you're looking for a chrome finish, you can use a no-wipe top coat with chrome powder.
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What You'll Learn
Using a finish gel top coat
A gel top coat is an essential final step in the gel nail process. It seals in the colour, adds shine, and protects your nails from chipping and peeling. The gel top coat is the final layer in a process that should involve multiple thin, even coats, cured between each application.
The gel top coat itself will need to be cured under a UV/LED light. It should be cured for at least a minute, but some products may require two minutes under a UV light or 45 seconds under an LED light. This will ensure the gel is perfectly dried and sealed.
It is normal for a sticky residue to remain after curing the gel polish. This can be easily removed with a lint-free wipe or cotton ball dipped in alcohol or cleanser. This will reveal a high-shine, smooth finish.
Gel top coats can add an extra layer of gloss or a matte finish to your nail wrap, allowing you to change the sheen. They are a great way to finish off nail wraps as they are easy to apply and provide a long-lasting finish. However, be aware that some gel top coats may contain harmful chemicals, so always check the ingredients and opt for a '14-free' product if possible.
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Dipping powder
Finishing Gel Nails with Dipping Powder
Firstly, prepare your nails by ensuring they are clean and dry. You can use a gel method, applying a thin coat of gel base to the nails, curing under a UV/LED light for 45-60 seconds. Repeat this process for a second layer. Then, dip your nails at a 45-degree angle into the colour powder of your choice. Tap off the excess powder and cure under the light again. Use a fluffy brush to remove any remaining excess powder.
Alternatively, you can try the pour-over method. Apply a thin layer of gel polish to about a third of your nail. Then, hold your nail over the powder container and pour the powder over until covered. Brush off any excess powder and cure under a light for 30 seconds. Repeat this process until your whole nail is covered.
Finally, seal your manicure with a top coat. You can use a clear, liquid formula, or a gel top coat, curing under a UV/LED light for 60 seconds. Finish by filing and buffing your nails to achieve your desired shape and smoothness.
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No UV finish gel
If you want to finish gel nails without a UV light, you can use a non-UV gel nail polish. These polishes are formulated to air-dry without needing to be cured under a nail lamp. They deliver a similar look and durability to traditional gel manicures.
To achieve the best results, it is important to prepare your nails properly. Start by cleaning your nails with a gentle nail polish remover to eliminate any residual polish, oils or debris. This provides a smooth surface for the gel polish to adhere to, and facilitates quicker drying. Next, focus on shaping and trimming your nails to your desired length and style. Ensure your nails are even and free from jagged edges, as this will enhance the aesthetic appeal of your manicure and aid in the uniform adhesion of the gel polish.
After preparing your nails, you can begin applying the non-UV gel nail polish. It is recommended to apply thin, even coats to speed up the drying process. Wait a few minutes between coats to allow each layer to set. You can also try waving your hands in the air to promote natural drying and avoid dust or moisture from settling on the polish.
To further accelerate the drying process, you can use additional tools and products. Quick-drying nail polish sprays can be applied to freshly painted nails. Alternatively, you can submerge your nails in ice water for about three minutes. While these methods may not cure the gel polish like UV light, they can significantly reduce the drying time.
Additionally, you can opt for a gel alternative instead of a non-UV gel polish. For example, Dazzle Dry offers a four-step manicure kit that air-dries in five minutes without the need for a UV lamp.
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Using a soak-off clear UV-LED gel
Soak-off clear UV-LED gel is a popular choice for those who want long-lasting, durable manicures. The process of applying and removing this type of gel polish is meticulous and requires patience and the right techniques to ensure a clean and damage-free finish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to finish gel nails using a soak-off clear UV-LED gel:
Prepare Your Nails
Start with clean, bare nails. Use a cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick to gently push back or remove any excess skin on the nail plate to create a smooth surface. Then, wipe each nail with a cotton pad soaked in nail cleanser to remove any excess oils or residue.
Apply the Base Coat
Apply a thin layer of the soak-off clear UV-LED gel as a base coat to each nail, making sure to avoid the cuticles. This will act as an adhesive bond to your nail and protect your natural nail from any staining or damage. Cure each hand under a UV/LED lamp for 30-60 seconds.
Apply the Colour Coat
Apply a very thin layer of gel colour to each nail, again avoiding the cuticles. Make sure to cap the tips. Cure each hand under the UV/LED lamp for 30-60 seconds. Repeat this step with another thin layer of gel colour if a full-colour application is desired. Remember, the thinner the layers, the longer your manicure will last.
Apply the Top Coat
Once the colour coat is dry, apply a thin layer of the soak-off clear UV-LED gel as a top coat to each nail. This will give your manicure a high shine, glossy, and chip-free finish. Cure each hand under the UV/LED lamp for 30-60 seconds.
Finalise Your Manicure
After curing the top coat, wipe each nail with a cotton pad soaked in cleanser to remove any residue or tackiness. Wait at least a minute and then apply a small drop of cuticle oil to each nail to hydrate, nourish, and replenish your nails. Your gel manicure is now complete!
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Using a non-wipe top coat
Preparation
Before you begin, prep your nails by cleaning them thoroughly. Push back the cuticles and buff the nail surface lightly to create a smooth canvas.
Base Coat
Apply a thin layer of gel base coat. This will act as a protective layer, preventing potential staining and promoting better adhesion of the gel polish to the nail. Make sure to cap the free edge, or seal the open edges with the base coat, to give your nail a chip-resistant finish.
Curing the Base Coat
Place your nails under a UV or LED lamp to cure the base coat. Curing times vary depending on the product used. Some products may require 45 seconds under an LED lamp or 2 minutes under a UV lamp. Others may only need 1 minute under a UV lamp or 2 minutes in a UV/LED lamp.
Gel Colour
After the base coat has been cured, apply a thin layer of gel colour polish. For vibrant colours or more opaque coverage, you may need to apply two coats. Remember to apply each layer thinly and evenly, all the way to the edges of the nail, being careful not to get any on your skin.
Curing the Gel Colour
After each coat of gel colour, cure your nails under a UV or LED lamp. Ensure that you are curing for the recommended time, as per the product instructions, to avoid issues.
Top Coat
Once you are satisfied with the colour and opacity, apply a thin layer of a non-wipe top coat. This will seal in the colour and provide a glossy finish that protects your nails from chipping and peeling.
Final Cure
Cure the top coat under a UV/LED lamp for at least one minute. Your nails are now finished and ready to go!
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Frequently asked questions
There are many gels available for finishing gel nails, including Pro Finish Gel, Revel Nail Finish Gel, and Mia Secret UV Finish Gel.
To finish gel nails, you should first apply the finish gel after the nail is prepped, dipped, and activated. Then, expose the nails to a UV or LED lamp to cure the gel.
No, finish gel is specifically designed to be used over gel nails or enhancements.
A UV finish gel requires a UV or LED lamp to cure the gel, while a non-UV finish gel does not.
Depending on the brand and type of finish gel, drying time can vary from 2-3 minutes to 15 seconds.
