Ava Monroe
Getting gel nails at a salon can be costly and time-consuming. Doing gel nails at home is a great way to save money and time, and it can be just as effective as going to a salon, provided you have the right equipment and know-how. With the right at-home gel nail kit, you can achieve salon-quality nails without having to leave the comfort of your home. In this discussion, we will explore the steps and techniques for doing gel nails at home, including nail preparation, gel application, and aftercare, to help you achieve long-lasting and stylish gel nails.
How to do gel nails:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | $50-$70 per visit at a nail salon, $600-$840 a year for monthly visits. At-home kits cost $79 and can be used repeatedly. |
| Time | Saves time spent on commuting to the salon. |
| Creativity | Allows experimentation with colours and designs. |
| Resourcefulness | A gel nail polish bottle can last for 20-30 manicures. |
| Health | Gel nail polish requires a curing lamp that emits UV light. LED curing lamps are recommended as they emit less UV light. |
| Nail files | Emery boards and glass files are both suitable for gel manicures. |
| Nail buffing | Important to smooth and even out the nail surface. Fine grit nail buffers are ideal. |
| Rubbing alcohol | Helps to remove oils and debris from nails, and dehydrate the nail surface so the gel polish sticks better. |
| Removal | Soak cotton pads in acetone, buff nails, cover nails with cotton pads, and apply nail polish soak-off clips for 15 minutes. |
| Base coat | Apply a thin layer of base coat gel polish and cure under the light for 120 seconds. |
| Gel polish | Apply thin coats of gel polish, curing for 30 seconds each time. Use toothpicks to wipe away small amounts of polish from cuticles. |
| Top coat | Cover nails with top coat, curing for 2 minutes. |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare your nails
Preparing your nails is a crucial step in achieving a salon-like gel manicure at home. Here is a detailed guide to help you prepare your nails for a gel manicure:
Cut and Shape Your Nails:
Use a nail cutter to trim your nails to your desired length, ensuring they are all uniform. Then, use a nail file to shape your nails into your preferred style, such as round, pointed, square, almond, or oval. Be gentle when filing, and opt for a fine file to achieve a smooth finish. Avoid clipping your nails, as it can cause tiny cracks and lead to splits.
Push Back Your Cuticles:
Use a cuticle pusher to gently push back your cuticles. This step will expose more of your nail bed, providing a better surface for the gel polish. Be careful not to push too aggressively, as it can cause damage. Remove any debris or leftover gel polish from your previous manicure after pushing back your cuticles.
Buff Your Nails:
Buffing your nails is an essential step to ensure better adhesion of the gel polish. Use a buffer block to gently buff the nail plate, removing any shine. If it's your first gel manicure, buff the entire nail surface. However, if you're removing an old gel manicure, focus only on the new nail growth.
Moisturize Your Cuticles (Optional):
Apply a small amount of cuticle remover to your cuticles. Follow the instructions on the product, and leave it on for the recommended duration. This step helps prepare your cuticles for the gel application.
Clean Your Nails:
Avoid washing your hands with soap before your manicure, as soaps often contain moisturisers that can affect adhesion. Instead, use a brush or cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover to clean your nails and remove any excess oils or debris. Ensure your nails are completely dry before starting the gel application.
Remember, prepping your nails is a crucial step that cannot be undone once the gel polish is applied. Take your time with each step to ensure your nails are ready for the gel application process.
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Use a curing lamp
Using a curing lamp is an essential step in the gel nail process. Without a curing lamp that emits UV light, your gel nails will not set. You can choose between a UV lamp or an LED curing lamp, but LED is recommended as it emits less UV light and dries the gel polish faster.
When using a curing lamp, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Different gel polishes require different curing times and light wavelengths, so be sure to check the manufacturer's guidelines. The curing time can vary depending on the type of gel polish you are using and the desired effect. For example, if you are curing small nail art designs, such as dots or lines, you may only need to cure for 10 seconds. For larger designs, such as flowers, 30 seconds may be required. A regular coat of gel polish typically requires 60 seconds under the curing lamp.
It is also important to ensure that your nails are positioned correctly under the lamp. Place your hand or foot inside the lamp, making sure your thumb and fingers are relatively flat. If your thumbs do not fit or do not lie flat, cure them separately.
In addition, you should always use a compatible curing lamp and gel polish. Using incompatible products can result in under-curing, which can cause serious damage to your nails and hands. It is also important to note that cheaper curing lamps may not produce the correct wavelength or intensity to cure your gel nails properly, which can also lead to under-curing.
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Apply thin coats
Applying thin coats of nail polish is crucial when doing gel nails. Thin coats ensure that the gel polish dries and cures properly, preventing it from becoming a big mess. It is recommended to apply multiple thin coats of gel polish rather than a single thick coat.
To achieve thin coats, use a small amount of polish on the brush and apply it gently to your nails. Start with an extremely thin layer of base coat gel polish. Make sure to avoid getting the gel polish on your cuticles, as this can cause the polish to lift and peel off sooner. If you do get gel polish on your cuticles or skin, use an orange stick, cuticle pusher, or acetone to remove it before curing.
The number of thin coats you apply will depend on the desired opacity and the specific gel polish you are using. Typically, two to three thin coats are sufficient for most gel polishes. Remember to cure each coat under a UV or LED lamp for the recommended time, usually around 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
Additionally, proper nail preparation is essential for achieving the best results with thin coats. Make sure your nails are clean and free of any residue, such as oil or old polish, as this can affect the adhesion of the gel polish. Buffing your nails gently with a fine-grit nail buffer can help create a textured surface that enhances the adhesion of the thin gel polish coats.
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Avoid the cuticles
When doing gel nails, it is important to avoid getting gel polish on your cuticles. If the gel polish touches your cuticles, it may cause the polish to come off as your nails grow out. It can also cause the polish to peel up faster. Therefore, it is recommended to leave a small gap between the cuticle and the gel polish.
To avoid getting gel polish on your cuticles, start by applying a thin layer of base coat gel polish to your nails, being careful not to get too close to the cuticle area. If you accidentally get any gel polish on your cuticles, use an orange stick, a cuticle pusher, or a brush dipped in acetone or alcohol to gently wipe away the excess polish before curing. You can also use a pointy silicone tip or a nail art brush to clean up the edges and create a smooth line.
It is important to work slowly and carefully when applying gel polish. Unlike regular nail polish, gel polish does not dry quickly, so you have more time to work with it. Apply thin layers of gel polish, starting from the middle of your nail and working towards the cuticle. This will give you more control and help you avoid flooding your cuticles.
Practicing with regular nail polish can also help you improve your technique and avoid getting gel polish on your cuticles. Regular nail polish is easier to remove and less likely to cause allergies, so you can experiment without causing any damage to your nails or skin.
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Finish with cuticle oil
Cuticle oil is an important step in the gel nail process, as it helps to nourish and protect your nails. It is particularly important if you are doing gel nails at home, as it can help to prevent damage and peeling.
Firstly, it is important to note that you should not apply cuticle oil until the very end of your gel nail application. This is because the oil can prevent the gel from adhering to your nails. So, only apply cuticle oil once you have finished curing your final coat of gel polish.
When you are ready to finish with cuticle oil, there are several products on the market that are designed to nourish and protect your nails. Cuticle oil can help to prevent hangnails and the outer layers of the nail from peeling. It can also help to prevent lifting, which allows bacteria to get between the nail and the gel polish. Look for products that contain ingredients such as vitamin E, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, and apricot kernel oil, as these will provide intense moisture to your nails and cuticles.
You can also find cuticle oils that are designed to be used anywhere on the body, such as the Jinsoon Honeysuckle + Primrose Cuticle Oil, which contains a blend of honeysuckle and primrose extracts with jojoba and almond oils. This product also adds a naturally delightful scent that wafts through the air after application.
If you are looking for a more affordable option, the Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil is a great choice. This brush-on oil helps to repair and hydrate cuticles, and a little bit goes a long way. It also has a nongreasy texture, which is convenient if you need to use your hands soon after application.
Finally, it is important to note that you should not overuse cuticle oil, as this can lead to lifting. Once or twice a week is enough to keep your nails and cuticles nourished and protected.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need an at-home gel nail kit, which should include all the supplies you need to apply and remove gel polish. This includes a curing lamp, nail files, nail buffer, rubbing alcohol, and gel nail polish.
First, you need to ensure your nails are clean and dry. Then, you should push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher or orange stick. Next, buff your nails to smooth and even out the nail surface. Finally, clean your nail bed with rubbing alcohol to remove any remaining oils or debris.
Apply a thin layer of base coat gel polish and cure under a UV lamp for 2 minutes. Then, apply thin layers of colour gel polish, curing for 30 seconds after each coat. Finally, apply a top coat and cure for another 2 minutes.
Cut cotton pads into small pieces and soak them in acetone. Buff the top of each nail, then cover your nail with the cotton pad and a nail polish remover clip for 15 minutes. The gel polish should now be easy to scrape off with a steel cuticle remover.
