Liam Carter
Gel nail polish is a long-lasting, chip-resistant alternative to traditional nail polish. It is a gel-like formula that hardens when exposed to ultraviolet light, and it requires a bit more preparation than regular nail polish. To layer gel nail polish, you need to start with a thin base coat, followed by at least two layers of colour, curing each coat under a UV or LED lamp as you go. You can then finish with a top coat, curing it under the lamp once more.
How to Layer Gel Nail Polish
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Buff and clean the nail surface to make it smooth and shiny. |
| Base coat | Apply a thin base coat to the entire nail, sealing the edges. Cure under a UV/LED lamp for at least 45 seconds. |
| First layer of colour | Apply a thin coat of gel nail polish. Cure under a UV/LED lamp for 45-60 seconds. |
| Second layer of colour | Apply a second thin coat of gel nail polish. Cure under a UV/LED lamp for 45-60 seconds. |
| Top coat | Apply a thin layer of top coat. Cure under a UV lamp for 2 minutes or an LED lamp for 30 seconds. |
| Removal of sticky layer | Use isopropyl alcohol or a lint-free wipe with nail polish remover to remove the sticky layer. |
| Nail art | Apply nail art stickers, decals, or rhinestones. Seal with a top coat and cure under a UV/LED lamp for 60 seconds. |
| Cuticle oil | Apply cuticle oil to the skin around the nails to nourish and moisturise. |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare your nails
Preparing your nails is an important step in the gel manicure process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare your nails for a gel manicure:
Step 1: File and Shape Your Nails
Start by filing your nails to the desired shape and length. You can use a nail file or an emery board for thinner nails and a metal file for thicker nails. File the nail tip in a single direction first to prevent chipping and tearing, and then file the sides of the nails in a circular motion.
Step 2: Buff Your Nails
Use a nail buffer to lightly buff your nails and make the surface smooth and shiny. Be careful not to over-buff, as this can weaken your nails. Buffing prepares your nail's surface by gently filing away any imperfections, making it even and ready for the gel polish application.
Step 3: Clean Your Nails
Thoroughly clean your nails with rubbing alcohol to remove any remaining cuticle oil, dust particles, or other impurities. Any residue on the nail can cause the gel polish to lift prematurely.
Step 4: Adjust the Cuticles (Optional)
If needed, use a cuticle pusher to gently push back your cuticles and expose more of your nail bed. This step is optional but will give you more space to apply the gel polish and make your manicure last longer.
Step 5: Apply a Base Coat
Choose a gel base coat or a specific primer that may come with your gel polish. Apply a thin coat over each nail, making sure to seal the open edges or "cap the free edge." This step ensures that the gel polish adheres properly and lasts longer.
Remember, always follow the instructions provided with your chosen gel nail polish for the best results.
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Apply a base coat
Applying gel nail polish is an art and a science. It requires more preparation than regular nail polish, but with practice, it can be mastered in no time. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to apply the base coat for gel nail polish.
Firstly, it is important to prepare your nails. Use a nail buffer to lightly buff your nails and make the surface smooth and shiny. Be careful not to over-buff, as this can lead to thinner and weaker nails. Clean your nails thoroughly with rubbing alcohol to ensure 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.
Now, you are ready to apply the base coat. Choose your favourite base coat and apply a super-thin layer to your dry, prepared nails. Work in smooth, vertical strips and be careful to wipe off any base coat that gets on your surrounding skin. Seal the open edges with the base coat, a process called "capping the free edge." Capping the free edge involves painting over the edge of your nail, giving your nail a chip-resistant finish.
Once you have applied the base coat to all your nails, it is time to cure them. Place your hands under a UV lamp or LED light for at least 45 seconds to a minute. The light activates a chemical reaction that quickly dries your nails, making them chip and smudge-resistant.
After curing, it is normal for your nails to feel sticky. Avoid touching your nails at this stage, as it will spoil the application process. You can now move on to applying the gel polish colour.
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Apply gel colour coats
Applying gel nail polish is an art and a science. Here are some tips on how to apply gel colour coats:
Firstly, it is important to prepare your nails. File and shape your nails to the desired size and shape. You can use an emery board for thinner nails and a metal file for thicker nails. Buff your nails lightly to make the surface of your natural nail smooth and shiny. Be careful not to over-buff as this will lead to thinner and weaker nails. Clean your nails thoroughly with rubbing alcohol to allow the polish to adhere directly to your natural nail.
Now you are ready to start applying your gel colour coats. Apply each layer in a thin coat all the way to the edges of the nail, being careful not to stray onto the skin. You want to apply the gel polish as close to the cuticle as possible. It is normal for the nail to remain sticky after curing the gel base coat, but avoid touching the nail during this stage as it will spoil the application process.
Apply at least two coats of colour. The more coats you apply, the more opaque your application will be. Don't worry if the first coat looks streaky—thin layers will do a better job than thick, uneven ones. Cure the gel polish under a UV/LED lamp in between each coat for at least 45 to 60 seconds each, following the instructions that came with your gel nail polish.
If you are unhappy with the result, moisten a lint-free wipe with gel nail polish remover, wipe your nails, and reapply. Once you are happy with the result, cure for 60 seconds with a UV/LED gel nail lamp.
Finally, finish off your gel manicure by rubbing a cuticle oil into the skin around the base of each nail. This will help to keep your nails and the surrounding skin moisturised, as the gel curing process can be drying.
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Add nail art
Creating nail art with gel polish can be simple and easy. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Flowers
After applying and curing a base coat, paint your nails with a pale nude pink as your base colour. Once you have your base colour down, it's time to get creative! Add a dab of the gel polish of your choice to the palette and use the dotting tool from the nail art kit to dip into the colours and create dots in the shape of flowers – start with a centre dot, then create a surrounding circle of dots with a different colour. If you're feeling adventurous, you can use the nail art brush to paint some extra details. Finish off your nail art with a layer of builder gel and cure under an LED lamp.
Gold Leaf
Use a pale pink gel polish to cover your middle and ring fingernails. With the dotting tool from the nail art kit, pick up the gold leaf and apply it to your nail, pressing down with your fingertip to make sure it sticks. Encapsulate your design with a layer of builder gel and cure under an LED lamp for 30-60 seconds. You can finish with a matte or shiny top coat to make your gold leaf pop!
Blue Blush Mani
Apply a dot of gel polish to the centre of your nails on an uncured base coat. Use a sponge to create a blush effect, then cure under an LED lamp for 30-60 seconds. Add some nail gems using a small dot of clear builder gel to secure them to the nail, then cure again. Finish with a layer of builder gel and cure for a further 30-60 seconds.
3D Designs
Try out 3D nail designs using a nail art kit with a nail art brush and accessories like gems and jewels. Draw your design onto your nails and place your nail over the glitter catcher. Sprinkle over the 3D powder, gently wiping off the excess. Cure under an LED lamp for 30-60 seconds.
General Tips
Remember to always wipe off any tacky residue before creating your nail art to avoid a messy look. Also, make sure to cure your nail art designs well before applying a top coat. This will ensure that your design is fully dried and will help it last longer.
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Finish with a top coat
Once you've applied your gel colour, it's time to finish with a top coat. This is an important step as it will seal in your nail colour, protecting it from daily wear and tear. It will also add a glossy or matte finish, depending on your preference.
Before applying the top coat, it's important to wipe off the tacky surface of the previous layer of colour. You should also buff the top layer of colour to ensure it is smooth and clean. Then, apply a thin, even layer of the top coat, avoiding thick coats that can trap air. Keep the brush parallel to the nail to prevent bubbles and use a steady, gentle stroke for the best results.
The top coat must then be cured under a UV or LED lamp for two minutes. This will ensure the curing agents in the gel are activated, hardening the top coat and ensuring a durable, glossy finish. Once cured, gently wipe the topcoat with a lint-free wipe. You can then use a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol to gently clean up any smears or drips, being careful not to rub too hard as this can remove the colour. Finally, use a lint-free wipe to remove any remaining residue.
Your gel nail polish should now be hard and smooth, with a long-lasting, chip-free, high-shine finish.
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Frequently asked questions
First, buff and clean your nails to make the surface smooth and shiny. Then, apply a thin base coat and cure it under a UV or LED lamp for at least 30 seconds. Next, apply two or more thin layers of gel nail polish, curing each layer under the lamp. Finish with a top coat, curing it under the lamp for 2 minutes if it's a UV lamp or 30 seconds if it's an LED lamp.
Gel nail polish is tougher and more durable than regular nail polish, so it won't chip or smudge easily. It also lasts longer, typically staying on your nails for weeks without chipping. Unlike regular nail polish, gel nail polish requires curing under a UV or LED lamp to harden and dry.
It is recommended to go to a professional for the safest gel polish removal as it is harder and sturdier than regular nail polish and can damage your nails if not removed properly.
Look at a colour wheel and choose colours that are touching, rather than opposite, as these are likely to complement each other. It is also a good idea to do a rough draft on a piece of paper before applying the polish to your nails.
