Ava Monroe
Almond-shaped gel nails are a fashionable, elegant, and surprisingly easy manicure to create. The process involves using nail extensions and adhesive, a nail lamp, and polish. First, cut the form so that it adheres to the natural tunnel of the nail, ensuring the gel does not flow under the nail plate. Then, place the form so that the end of the built nail is level with the cuticles, and clamp it to help achieve the almond shape. Next, spread the gel from the cuticles to the free edge, and smooth the surface with the tip of the brush. Finally, cure the nail under a lamp to tighten the tunnel, and gently tap the nail to check that the gel has cured.
How to make almond-shaped gel nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Supplies | Natural nails: nail file or nail drill, nail extensions, nail lamp, polish, nail tips or press-on nails, adhesive, cuticle pusher, cuticle oil |
| Preparation | Cut the form so it adheres to the natural tunnel of the nail. Place the form so the end of the nail is at the same height as the cuticles. |
| Shaping | File from underneath, working diagonally from the edges toward the centre. Make the rounded point of the tip mirror the cuticle. Use curved-edge nail clippers to save time. |
| Smoothing | Smooth the surface with the tip of the brush. Use a buffer to remove scratches. |
| Curing | Put your hand into a lamp for 12-15 seconds, then pull out the nail to tighten the tunnel. Tap the nail gently to check if it has cured enough. |
| Finishing | Wash hands to get rid of nail dust or cuticle residue. Apply Tip Top. |
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What You'll Learn
File from underneath, working diagonally from edges to centre
When shaping your nails into an almond shape, it is important to file from underneath, working diagonally from the edges to the centre. This technique is used to create the tapered sides of the almond shape. Filing in this way will help you achieve the desired result without disturbing the rest of your manicure.
To begin filing the sides, find the middle point of your cuticle and match it to the centre point of the free edge. This will be your guide as you file the sides towards that point. It is important to be gentle and file in one direction. Remember, you are only reshaping, so avoid applying too much pressure or filing off the top coat.
When filing your nails, it is recommended to use a nail file rather than placing it on top of the nail. Instead, try putting it under the nail and bringing it in slightly. This way, you can avoid filing off the top coat and maintain the integrity of your gel manicure. Additionally, ensure that you are filing in one direction to prevent damage to the nail.
The type of nail file you use is also important. For natural nails, an emery board is suitable, while gel overlays may require a sturdier option like a board file. The grit of the nail file is another factor to consider. A medium grit file, such as 180 or 150 grit, is typically recommended for shaping almond nails.
By following these steps and techniques for filing from underneath and working diagonally from the edges to the centre, you can effectively shape your gel nails into the desired almond shape while maintaining the health and strength of your nails.
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Cut the form to adhere to the natural tunnel of the nail
When creating almond-shaped gel nails, it is important to cut the form to adhere to the natural tunnel of the nail. This process involves several steps to ensure a perfect almond shape.
Firstly, you need to check how the nail grows. Place the form so that the end of the built nail is level with the cuticles. This is crucial to ensure the gel does not flow under the nail plate. The form should be cut to perfectly fit the natural tunnel of the nail.
Next, you will need to stick the form, ensuring that the wings are joined evenly. Clamping the form is the following step, and the number you clamp it to depends on the planned nail length. For example, if you are building a nail up to a length of 3, you would clamp the form at 5 or 6. Clamping the form fully helps to achieve the desired almond shape.
At this stage, you are building the construction base. Using a gel product, brush the entire nail plate, and then spread the gel on the free edge line, stretching it sideways with the tip of the brush. As you apply the base, keep in mind the shape you want to achieve.
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Smooth the surface with a buffer to remove scratches
Buffing your nails is an important step in achieving a smooth and scratch-free surface, but it's crucial to do it gently and not overdo it to avoid causing damage. Here's a detailed guide on how to smooth the surface of your almond-shaped gel nails with a buffer to remove scratches:
First, ensure you have the right tools. Nail buffers typically have four sides: file, buff, polish, and shine. They are usually numbered, so you know which side to use at each step. If they are not numbered, start with the most coarse side first and finish with the smooth one.
Before you begin buffing, cut and file your nails to your desired shape and length. Use a nail file to shape your nails and create a straight free edge. If you are working with natural nails, an emery board is a good option. For gel nails, you'll need something sturdier, like a board file.
Now, it's time to start buffing. Hold the buffer parallel to your nail with the large grit side facing down. Use light pressure and gentle, unidirectional strokes to buff your nail in an X shape. Make sure each stroke goes either downward or upward to avoid creating heat and drying out your nails. Over-buffing can damage your nails, so limit each nail to 6-8 strokes.
After buffing with the large grit side, repeat the process with the finer-grit side to polish your nails. Each nail only needs 4-6 strokes for this step. The polishing step will help to brighten your nails and remove any missed imperfections.
Finally, it's time to shine your nails. Use the smooth side of your nail buffer block and apply little circular motions over your nails to give them a healthy-looking, glossy finish. Again, use light pressure and make sure not to overdo it.
Once you've finished buffing, washing your hands is essential to remove any nail dust or residue. Apply a small amount of cuticle oil to nourish and moisturize your nails and fingertips.
Remember, when it comes to buffing, less is more. Stick to buffing your nails once a month to avoid causing damage or making your nails brittle.
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Use a nail lamp to cure the gel
To cure gel nails, you will need a UV or LED lamp. This is because gel polish is cured with a special type of light that seals and hardens the gel nail polish, causing the molecules in the gel polish to bond together. This process is known as polymerisation. Without a lamp, the molecules in the gel won't be able to bond together correctly, and your manicure will remain soft and susceptible to damage.
Using a lamp is essential to achieving a long-lasting, chip-resistant manicure. There are two types of lamps you can use: UV and LED. LED lamps cure faster than UV lamps and don't produce as much heat, which can be beneficial for people with sensitive skin or nails. On the other hand, UV lamps offer more power and often provide a wider working area. The curing time will depend on the type of lamp and nail you are using, and the product quantity. Generally, curing times can vary from a few seconds to several minutes.
When curing your gel nails, make sure to cure each coat under the lamp, including the base and top coats, for long-lasting results. For the best results, brush the gel polish in thin layers until you reach an opaque colour, which is usually achieved with 2-4 coats. You can also cure thicker coats, such as rubber base coats or builder gels, by holding down the power button for 120 seconds.
To prevent smearing, paint and cure one hand at a time, and each finger separately, starting with the index finger. This way, you can avoid messing up your other nails when using your less dominant hand.
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Apply gel polish, acrylics, or dip powder
To apply gel polish, acrylics, or dip powder, you will need to follow the steps outlined below. Firstly, ensure your natural nails are prepared by cleaning and shaping them. This includes pushing back cuticles and smoothing out the nail plate with a buffer. You can also use a cuticle remover to get rid of any excess skin. If you are using nail tips, apply them now and cut them to the desired length.
Next, you will need to apply the gel polish, acrylics, or dip powder. If using gel polish, start by applying a gel base coat to the entire nail, including the free edge. Cure the gel under a UV lamp according to the manufacturer's instructions. Then, apply your chosen colour gel polish in thin coats, curing each layer before applying the next. Finish with a top coat and cure once more.
If using acrylics, apply a bead of acrylic powder to the nail, shaping it with a brush dipped in acrylic liquid. Smooth and shape the acrylic to the desired length and shape, then air dry or use a fan to speed up the process.
For dip powder nails, start by applying a base coat to the entire nail. Dip each nail into the powder at a 45-degree angle, then dust off the excess with a brush. Apply another coat of base and dip into the powder once more. Finish with a sealant and allow to dry.
Once your chosen polish, acrylics, or dip powder is applied, you can further shape the nails using a nail file. For almond-shaped nails, file diagonally from the edges towards the centre, moving in a single direction only. Make the rounded point of the tip mirror your cuticle. You can also use curved-edge nail clippers to get the desired shape. Finally, smooth the surface with a buffer to remove any scratches and create a natural shine.
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Frequently asked questions
If you’re using your natural nails, you’ll need a nail file or nail drill to shape the nails and create the distinctive almond shape. You’ll also need a buffing block for a natural shine or to prep the nail for polish, a cuticle pusher and cuticle oil for a beautiful finish. If you’re using nail extensions, you’ll also need adhesive, a nail lamp, and polish.
First, cut your nails with straight-edged clippers so that the free edge is shaped like a triangle. Then, file your nails into an almond shape, working diagonally from the edges toward the centre. Move the file in a single direction only, not back and forth. Make the rounded point of the tip mirror your cuticle.
After applying the adhesive, cure each nail for 10 seconds to secure the tip. Then, brush the whole nail plate with a gel base coat and spread the gel on the free edge line, stretching it sideways with the tip of the brush. Smooth the surface with the tip of the brush, working along and across. Once the gel has been applied, cure the whole hand for 30 to 60 seconds.
