Sophia Delgado
Gel nail polish is a long-lasting alternative to traditional nail polish. It is made up of acrylic monomers and oligomers that bond together under UV light, creating a hard coating that protects against chipping and cracking. The process of applying gel nail polish involves several steps, including nail preparation, base coat application, colour application, and top coat sealing. It is important to use thin coats and cure the nails under a UV or LED lamp between each layer to ensure optimal durability and appearance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Long-lasting manicure |
| Nail preparation | Wash hands, file nails, push back cuticles, buff nails, prime nails |
| Base coat | Thin layer, seals edges, cures under UV or LED light |
| Gel polish | Thin layers, multiple coats, cured under UV or LED light |
| Top coat | Seals edges, cures under UV or LED light, provides shine or matte finish |
| Removal | Regular nail polish remover or 100% acetone |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing your nails
Firstly, wash your hands to ensure that your nails are clean and free of any dirt or debris. This is an essential step as any impurities can cause the gel polish to lift prematurely.
Next, use a nail file to shape your nails. Gently file in one direction to achieve the desired nail shape. Be careful not to over-file as this can damage your natural nails. If you are applying a gel manicure after removing gel nails, use a medium grit file to smooth the edges and grind down the surface.
After filing, push back your cuticles and trim them. This step ensures that your cuticles are neat and tidy and will not interfere with the gel application. You can use a cuticle stick to push back any dead skin off your nail plate.
Once your cuticles are pushed back, buff your nails to create a smooth surface for the gel polish to adhere to. This step also helps to remove any remaining oil or debris from your nail plate. You can use a nail buffer or a fine-grit buffer to gently buff your nails.
Finally, apply a base coat to your nails. The base coat serves as a protective layer between your nail and the gel polish, helping to prevent staining and early chipping or peeling. Apply a thin, even layer to each nail, making sure to seal the open edges or cap the free edge. This will give your nails a chip-resistant finish.
Your nails are now prepared and ready for the gel polish application! Remember to cure your nails under a UV or LED lamp after applying the base coat to ensure it sets properly.
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Applying the base coat
Clean Your Nails
Before applying the base coat, it is important to clean your nails thoroughly with rubbing alcohol. This step ensures that the polish adheres directly to your natural nail. Any impurities, such as remaining cuticle oil or dust particles, can cause the polish to lift prematurely.
Apply a Thin Base Coat
Grab your chosen base coat and slowly apply a thin, even layer to each nail. Work in smooth, vertical strips, being careful not to stray onto the surrounding skin. Make sure to seal the open edges or "cap the free edge" by painting over the edge of your nail. This process gives your nail a chip-resistant finish.
Cure the Base Coat
After applying the base coat, it is time to cure your nails under a UV lamp or LED light. Place your nails under the lamp for at least 45 seconds to a minute, or until the base coat has thoroughly cured. It is normal for the nail to remain slightly sticky after curing.
Repeat for a Second Layer (Optional)
If you feel you need an extra layer of protection, you can apply a second thin layer of the base coat and cure it under the lamp again. This step is optional but can provide added durability to your manicure.
Prepare for Colour
With your base coat cured, you are now ready to move on to the fun part – choosing your gel polish colour! Remember to apply thin coats of colour, and always cure between each layer to ensure optimal durability and appearance.
Seal and Protect
Finally, after you have applied and cured your gel polish colour, finish with a top coat. The top coat acts as the final seal, protecting your manicure from external elements and giving it that long-lasting shine or matte look. Cure your top coat under the lamp, and your gel manicure is complete!
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Adding the gel colour
To add the gel colour, start by selecting your desired gel polish colour. It is recommended to keep the coats thin, as this will help with the overall neatness and longevity of the manicure. To achieve thin coats, wipe the brush against the rim of the bottle to remove any excess polish.
Begin painting your nails with the colour gel polish. Take your time and try to stay within the nail bed, avoiding the surrounding skin. It is important to note that you should avoid getting gel polish on your skin, as this can affect the longevity and neatness of your manicure. If you do get gel polish on your skin, gently remove it with a cuticle stick or orangewood stick before curing under the UV lamp.
Once you have painted all your nails with the colour gel polish, it is time to cure them under the UV lamp. Place your nails under the lamp for 30-60 seconds, following the manufacturer's instructions for the specific gel polish you are using. After curing, you can add another layer of colour if desired or move on to the top coat. Remember to cure each layer separately to ensure proper drying and adhesion.
If you make a mistake or want to change the colour, you can carefully file the nails and add another layer of colour. However, keep in mind that gel nail polish is not easy to remove, and you will need a gel nail polish remover to soak off the polish.
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Sealing with a top coat
To seal with a top coat, apply a thin layer of the product over your gel colour. Seal the free edge of your nail with the top coat to prevent the gel polish from chipping. Cure your nails under a UV or LED lamp. You can cure your nails under a UV lamp for 45 seconds to 2 minutes or under an LED lamp for 30 seconds to 1 minute. It is normal for your nails to remain sticky after curing the top coat.
If you have applied your top coat too thickly, use a fine-grit buffer to lightly buff the surface of your nails. Thickness issues can occur even with experienced nail technicians, but they can be avoided by applying multiple thin coats instead of one thick coat.
Some top coats, like The GelBottle Inc non-wipe Extreme Shine, provide a long-lasting finish without the need for wiping off any sticky residue. You can also use regular nail polish as a top coat to protect your gel nails, although there are special gel top coats available. Dior Gel Top Coat is a popular option for extending the life of your manicure.
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Removing gel nails
Removing gel nail polish can be challenging, but there are several methods you can try at home to get the job done without damaging your nails. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to remove gel nail polish:
Prepare Your Nails:
Before you begin, gather your supplies: acetone, cotton balls or pads, plastic food wrap or aluminium foil, a cuticle pusher, and a nail file. Cuticle oil, petroleum jelly, and a nail buffer are optional but recommended for maintaining nail health. Work in a well-ventilated area, as acetone has a strong odour, and cover your work surface with a cloth to prevent stains.
File Down the Gel Top Coat:
Use a coarse nail file to gently buff and file down the gel top coat. Continue filing until the top coat loses its shine and smoothness. Be careful not to over-file and damage your nails. The goal is to create a textured surface that will allow the acetone to penetrate the gel more effectively.
Soak in Acetone:
Soak cotton balls or pads in acetone. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to your cuticles to protect them from the acetone. Then, place the soaked cotton on top of each nail, ensuring it covers the nail bed. Wrap each nail tightly with plastic food wrap or aluminium foil to seal in the acetone. Leave the wrap on for at least 10 minutes, and up to 20 minutes if needed.
Remove the Gel Polish:
After removing the wraps, most of the gel polish should have loosened or come off. Gently rub your nails with a warm, wet washcloth to remove any remaining polish. Be careful to only rub the nail and avoid the surrounding skin. Wash your hands with gentle soap and water to remove any residual acetone.
Care for Your Nails:
Apply cuticle oil or a generous amount of moisturiser to your nails and cuticles to maintain nail health and hydration. You can also use a nail buffer to smooth out any ridges and remove any remaining small bits of gel polish. However, be cautious not to over-buff, as this can weaken your nails.
An alternative method to the above process is to use a gel nail polish remover. These removers are simple to use, require fewer tools, and are less damaging to your nails. Simply apply a thick layer of the gel remover to your nails, wait for it to soak in and for the gel polish to start peeling or cracking, and then gently remove the polish with a cuticle pusher or orangewood stick.
Additionally, you can opt for a slower, gentler approach by letting your nails grow out and clipping them once a week. This method helps prevent damage to your nails caused by picking or scraping off the gel polish.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel nail polish is a long-lasting alternative to traditional nail polish. It is made up of acrylic monomers and oligomers that bond together under UV light.
First, clean your nails with rubbing alcohol to allow the polish to adhere to your natural nail. Next, use a nail file to shape your nails and remove any old gel polish. Then, push back your cuticles and trim them. Finally, buff and clean your nails.
First, apply a thin base coat to your nails and cure it under a UV or LED lamp. Next, apply two thin layers of gel nail polish, curing each layer under a lamp. Finally, apply a thin top coat and cure it under a lamp.
You can use regular nail polish remover or 100% acetone to remove gel nail polish. You can also use a nail file to remove gel nail polish by filing down the surface of the nail.
