Isla Bennett
Glossy gel nails can be achieved at home without the need for a salon. The process is easy and cost-effective, requiring a few simple tools and steps. The result is a long-lasting, durable manicure with a high-gloss finish that protects the nails from chipping and peeling. The key to success is in the preparation and application, ensuring a smooth and even finish that will not damage the natural nail. With the right tools and practice, anyone can master the art of the glossy gel manicure.
How to gloss my gel nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Required tools | LED or UV lamp, gel polish, cuticle stick, nail file, remover wraps, nail buffer, rubbing alcohol, PH bonder, base and top coat |
| Preparation | Nails must be clean and dry, use nail polish remover, wash hands with soap and water, use a cuticle pusher to push back cuticles, trim nails to desired length and shape, buff the surface of nails |
| Application | Apply a thin layer of base coat, cure under the light for 120 seconds, apply one coat of gel polish, wipe away any polish on the skin with acetone, cure under the lamp for 120 seconds, apply another layer and cure for another 120 seconds, apply a third layer if necessary and cure for another 120 seconds |
| Removal | File off the topcoat, soak off the rest with acetone on a cotton pad, use remover wraps |
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What You'll Learn
Prepping your nails
Start by removing any old nail polish using a nail polish remover. Then, wash your hands with soap and water to ensure your nails are clean. If you have any cuticle residue, use a cuticle pusher to gently push back your cuticles. Be careful not to cut or remove your cuticles, as this can lead to infection.
Next, trim your nails to your desired length and shape. You can use a nail clipper or nail scissors to trim them, and a nail file to shape them. Filing your nails will create a smooth surface and help the gel polish adhere better. It is important to be gentle during this process to avoid damaging your nails.
Once your nails are trimmed and shaped, use a nail buffer to gently buff the surface of your nails. Buffing will create an even canvas for the gel polish to adhere to and help it last longer. Again, be careful not to buff too hard, as this can damage your nails.
After buffing, clean your nails with a lint-free wipe or cotton pad soaked in rubbing alcohol to remove any oils or residue. This step is crucial, as it ensures that the gel polish adheres properly and prevents chipping.
Finally, you may want to use a pH bonder to dehydrate your nails and a primer to create a tackier surface for the nail polish to adhere to. This step is optional but can help the gel polish last longer.
By following these steps, you will have properly prepped your nails for a gel manicure, ensuring a smooth application and long-lasting results.
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Applying the base coat
Before applying the base coat, it is important to ensure your nails are clean and dry. Use a nail polish remover to get rid of any old polish and then wash your hands with soap and water. If necessary, use a cuticle pusher to push back your cuticles and trim your nails to your desired length and shape. Next, use a nail buffer to gently buff the surface of your nails. This will create an even canvas for the gel nail polish to adhere to and help the polish last longer. Be careful not to buff too hard, as this can damage your nails. Finally, clean your nails with a lint-free wipe or cotton pad and rubbing alcohol to remove any oils or residue. This step is important as it helps the gel polish adhere properly and prevents chipping.
Once your nails are prepared, it's time to apply the base coat. Apply an extremely thin layer of the base coat gel polish to your nails. Remember, the layer should be as thin as possible! If you apply a thick layer, it may start to build up and become messy. After applying the base coat, cure your nails under a UV or LED lamp for 120 seconds. The curing process hardens the polish and ensures it adheres properly to the nail.
If you're using a weaker lamp, you may need to cure the polish for longer, and if you're using a stronger lamp, you may be able to cure it for a shorter period. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific lamp you are using. It's also a good idea to keep track of the curing time using a timer or stopwatch.
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Using a nail lamp
When choosing between a UV or LED lamp, it is important to note that LED lamps typically cost more than UV lamps but tend to last longer, while UV lamps may require bulb replacements. LED lamps can cure gel polish faster than UV lamps, with LED lamps taking 30 seconds to cure a layer of gel polish compared to 2 minutes for a 36w UV lamp. Additionally, not all gel polishes can be cured by an LED lamp, so it is important to check the compatibility of your gel polish and nail lamp. Combination UV/LED nail lamps are also available, allowing you to switch between different types of gel polish.
Before curing your gel polish, ensure your nails are clean, filed, dried, and free of any residue, lotion, or oils. You can use a cuticle oil to remove any excess skin on the nail plate, or push the skin back with an orangewood stick to create a smooth surface. Buff and shape your nails, and wipe them clean with rubbing alcohol or acetone. You can also use a dehydrator solution to remove your nails' natural oils and improve gel adhesion.
After applying your gel polish, place your hand or foot inside the nail lamp, ensuring your thumb and fingers are relatively flat. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for curing time, as this may vary depending on the type of lamp and gel polish used. For example, the Gelous UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp offers preset buttons for 10, 30, and 60 seconds of curing time. Some nail lamps, like the Gelous UV/LED Travel Gel Nail Lamp, also feature a low heat mode for curing sensitive nails or addressing heat spikes.
Remember to cure each coat of gel polish under the lamp, including the base and top coats, for a flawless, glossy manicure. It is recommended to paint and cure one hand at a time, brushing the gel polish in thin layers until you achieve an opaque colour, which typically requires 2-4 coats. To prevent smudging, paint and cure each finger separately, starting with the index finger.
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Adding the gel polish
Before you start applying the gel nail polish, make sure your nails are clean and dry. Use a nail polish remover to get rid of any old polish and then wash your hands with soap and water. If necessary, use a cuticle pusher to push back your cuticles and trim your nails to your desired length and shape. Next, use a nail buffer to gently buff the surface of your nails. This will create an even canvas for the gel nail polish to adhere to and help the polish last longer. Be careful not to buff too hard, as this can damage your nails. Finally, clean your nails with a lint-free wipe or cotton pad and alcohol to remove any oils or residue. This will help the gel polish adhere properly and prevent chipping.
It is important to apply an extremely thin layer of the base coat gel polish onto your nails and then cure it under a UV or LED lamp for 120 seconds. Remember, make the layer as thin as possible! If you get the polish on your skin, use some acetone to wipe it away before putting your hand under the lamp again. You can use toothpicks to wipe away small amounts from your cuticles. The key is to avoid getting any polish on your cuticles, or they will start to peel much faster.
Now, it's time to apply the gel nail polish. Again, remember to apply the polish in thin layers. Let the polish cure under the lamp for 120 seconds, then do another layer and cure for another 120 seconds. Some lighter polishes need a third layer, and if so, do a third layer of polish and cure for another 120 seconds. If you are using a weaker lamp, you may need to cure the polish for a longer period, and if you're using a stronger lamp, you may be able to cure the polish for a shorter period. It's essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using a UV lamp to cure gel nail polish.
Finally, apply a gel top coat to seal in the colour and provide a glossy finish that protects the nails from chipping and peeling.
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Finishing with a top coat
A gel top coat is essential when doing your gel nails. It seals in the colour and provides a glossy finish that protects the nails from chipping and peeling.
Firstly, it is important to ensure your nails are clean and dry. Use a nail polish remover to get rid of any old polish and then wash your hands with soap and water. If necessary, use a cuticle pusher to push back your cuticles and trim your nails to your desired length and shape. Next, use a buffer to gently buff the surface of your nails. This will create an even canvas for the gel nail polish to adhere to and help the polish to last longer. Be careful not to buff too hard, as this can damage your nails. Finally, clean your nails with a lint-free wipe or cotton pad and alcohol to remove any oils or residue. This will help the gel polish to adhere properly and prevent chipping.
Once the base coat is cured, it's time to apply the gel nail polish. Apply an extremely thin layer of the base coat gel polish onto your nails, then cure under the light for 120 seconds. Remember, make the layer as thin as possible! This will prevent it from becoming a big mess. After applying the base coat, apply one coat of gel polish, again ensuring it is as thin as possible. If you get the polish on your skin, use some acetone to wipe it away before putting your hand under the lamp again. You can use a toothpick to wipe away small amounts from your cuticles.
The final step is to apply the top coat. This will seal your polish in place. If you reapply the top coat after one week, your manicure may even last up to two weeks. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using a UV lamp to cure gel nail polish. If you don't cure the polish for the recommended amount of time, the polish may not fully harden, leading to a less durable finish. Conversely, if you cure the polish for too long, it may become brittle and prone to chipping. To ensure the best results, invest in a high-quality UV lamp that's designed specifically for curing gel nail polish. It's also a good idea to keep track of the curing time for each coat of polish, either by using a timer or a stopwatch, to ensure that you're curing the polish for the right amount of time.
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Frequently asked questions
To gloss your gel nails, you will need a UV or LED lamp, gel polish, a cuticle stick, a nail file, and remover wraps. You will also need a nail buffer, rubbing alcohol, a base coat, and a top coat.
First, make sure your nails are clean and dry. Use a nail polish remover to get rid of any old polish, then wash your hands with soap and water. Use a buffer to gently buff the surface of your nails to create an even canvas for the gel nail polish to adhere to. Clean your nails with a lint-free wipe or cotton pad and alcohol to remove any oils or residue. Apply a thin layer of the base coat gel polish onto your nails, then cure under the light for 120 seconds. Apply one coat of gel polish and let it cure under the lamp for another 120 seconds. Finally, apply a gel top coat to seal in the colour and provide a glossy finish.
A gel gloss manicure typically lasts between two and four weeks. However, it is recommended to soak off your gel nails after two weeks to preserve the health and strength of your nails.
