Isla Bennett
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those wanting long-lasting, chip-free nails with a glossy shine. However, improper application or removal, or prolonged use, can cause damage, such as dehydrated, brittle, and fragile nails. To make gel nails harder and more durable, it is important to start with the correct preparation and application techniques. This includes pushing back cuticles, buffing the nail surface, and cleansing the nail bed to ensure the gel polish adheres well. Applying thin layers of gel polish and capping the free edge of the nail after each layer can also help strengthen the manicure. Additionally, using a nail strengthener as a base coat or opting for a hard gel polish can add extra reinforcement.
How to Make Gel Nails Harder
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gel nail strengthener | Hard Gel |
| Hard Gel type | Slightly thicker than normal gel polish |
| Hard Gel function | Adds additional strength to the nail |
| Hard Gel application | Applied with a brush, just like gel polish |
| Hard Gel colours | White, Natural, and four other colours |
| Hard Gel application process | Apply Base Coat, 1-2 coats of Hard Gel, gel polish colour coats, and finish with Top Coat |
| Hard Gel removal | Can be soaked off using an Acetone Remover |
| Hard Gel removal tools | Remover Wraps, Acetone and Foils, or Nail Polish Soak Off Clips |
| Hard Gel infilling | File off the Top Coat and colour until you reach the Hard Gel, then use the same colour of Hard Gel for your infill |
| Builder Gel | Used for gel nail extensions and can be used with nail forms to sculpt medium to long nail extensions |
| Gel manicure duration | 2 weeks or longer |
| Gel manicure preparation | Push cuticles back, buff the surface of nails, clean the nail bed with alcohol and a lint-free wipe |
| Gel manicure application | Paint thin layers of gel nail polish, cap the free edge of the nail after each layer |
| Gel manicure maintenance | Apply cuticle oil daily, avoid using nails as tools, wear rubber gloves when submerging hands in water |
| Gel manicure removal | Do not pick off gel, soak nails in acetone, or use cotton balls soaked in acetone wrapped in aluminium foil |
| Gel manicure aftercare | Take a nail polish holiday, apply a moisturising product, wear sunscreen before the manicure |
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What You'll Learn
Use a nail strengthener
Using a nail strengthener is a great way to make gel nails harder and stronger. There are many different products available, so it's important to choose one that suits your needs and preferences. Some popular options include Hard Gel, which can be used as a base coat under gel polish or on its own for a natural look, and Builder Gel, which is perfect for creating gel nail extensions. These gels not only add strength and protection to your nails but also help them grow longer.
When choosing a nail strengthener, look for products with ingredients like keratin, collagen, or wheat protein. Keratin is a key protein that helps form the tissues of the skin, hair, and nails, so a keratin-replenishing formula can be particularly effective in strengthening your nails. You can also find nail strengtheners with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, sweet almond oil, or jojoba oil, which can nourish your nails and cuticles, making them less prone to dryness and brittleness.
It's important to follow the application instructions for your chosen product. Some nail strengtheners are designed for daily application, while others may only need to be applied once or twice a week. For example, the ORLY Nailtrition Nail Growth Treatment is recommended for weekly use and provides a high-shine finish. On the other hand, ISDIN's Si-Nails serum is meant to be applied twice daily and has a gel-like consistency that absorbs quickly, making it easy to incorporate into your routine.
In addition to using nail strengtheners, it's also beneficial to take care of your nails through other means. Manicurists and experts recommend keeping your nails natural and polish-free for a few days after removing gel nail polish to give them a break. You can also try taking supplements, such as collagen and biotin, to strengthen your nails from the inside out. Lastly, don't forget the importance of proper nail care and hydration. Cuticle oils and jojoba oil can provide deep hydration to your nails and cuticles, promoting healthy nail growth.
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Push back cuticles
Pushing back your cuticles is an important step in achieving healthy and beautiful nails. Cuticles act as a protective barrier for your nails, preventing infections. However, neglecting cuticle care can lead to overgrown cuticles, making your nails appear shorter and potentially impeding their growth. Therefore, it is crucial to incorporate proper cuticle maintenance into your nail care routine.
Firstly, prepare your nails by removing any existing nail polish with a non-acetone polish remover. This step ensures there is no oily residue left on your nails, which can make the process of pushing back cuticles more challenging. Then, soak your nails in warm soapy water for about 5 to 10 minutes. You can add a few drops of moisturising soap or oil, such as jojoba, coconut, or avocado oil, to enhance the softening effect. After soaking, gently pat your hands dry with a clean, soft towel.
Once your nails are softened, it's time to push back your cuticles. Choose the right tool for this step to avoid damaging your cuticles and nails. The most commonly used tools are orange sticks, also known as cuticle sticks, and cuticle pushers. Orange sticks are made of soft wood and allow you to gently push back the cuticle without scratching the nail. Cuticle pushers, on the other hand, are available in metal or wood and offer a more precise push with a curved end that fits the natural shape of your nail. If you opt for a metal cuticle pusher, be extra gentle to avoid damaging your nail bed. You can also wrap the tip of the orange stick or cuticle pusher in cotton for a softer touch, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Gently push back your cuticles using circular motions. Avoid sharp or forceful movements, as the skin around your nails is delicate and prone to injury. After pushing back your cuticles, it is vital to rehydrate and nourish your nails and cuticles. Apply a generous amount of cuticle oil, such as coconut oil, or a special cuticle oil or remover. You can also use a high-quality hand cream or lotion. Massage the moisturiser into your cuticles and the surrounding skin to maintain suppleness and prevent cracking.
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Buff nails
Buffing your nails is an important step in the gel manicure process. It helps to create a rough surface for the gel to adhere to, ensuring a long-lasting manicure. Here is a step-by-step guide to buffing your nails before a gel manicure:
Step 1: Prepare Your Nails
Start by removing any old nail polish. Clean, polish-free nails are essential before you begin buffing. Use a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover to wipe each nail until all traces of polish are gone.
Step 2: Choose the Right Tools
For effective buffing, you will need a nail buffer with the correct grit. A 180-grit file or a buffer block with a grit of 100-120 is ideal. The buffer block has a different surface texture than an emery file, so it won't damage your nails as much. If you're unsure if your buffer is rough enough, feel its surface with your fingers. If it feels smooth, it may not create the desired roughness on your nails.
Step 3: Buffing Technique
Hold the buffer parallel to your nail. Use the large grit side of the buffer to buff your nails in an X shape. Make sure to buff gently and use only six to eight strokes per nail. Be sure to buff all around the edges of your nail to prevent the gel polish from lifting.
Step 4: Polish and Shine
After buffing, use the finer grit side of the buffer to polish your nails, again using unidirectional strokes in an X shape. This step helps to smooth and brighten your nails.
Step 5: Moisturise and Cleanse
Apply cuticle oil to the skin around each nail and massage it into your cuticles. This adds shine and moisture to your manicure. If you plan to apply nail polish, remove excess oil by rubbing your nails with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
Buffing your nails is a simple yet crucial step in achieving a long-lasting gel manicure. By following these steps, you can ensure your gel polish adheres properly and lasts longer.
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Cleanse nails
Before applying gel nail polish, it is important to properly cleanse your nails to ensure that the gel polish adheres well and lasts longer. Start by rinsing your hands with water (no soap) and removing any dead skin. Then, use a nail buffer to buff the surface of your nails and the edges of your nails to create a rough surface for the gel. You can find a nail buffer at your local beauty supply store or order one online.
Next, clean the nail bed with alcohol and a lint-free wipe. You can use rubbing alcohol, which can be easily dispensed with a quick-dispensing tool. This step helps to dehydrate your nails, ensuring that the gel polish adheres better. After cleansing, you can apply a PH Bond to further dry out your nails and help the gel polish stick.
It is important to note that while gel manicures can be long-lasting and convenient, they can also dehydrate your nails, making them dry, brittle, and fragile. Therefore, it is recommended to give your nails a break from polish and focus on rehydrating them with cuticle oil or petroleum jelly between gel manicures. This will help nourish and strengthen your nails, promoting healthy nail growth.
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Apply thin layers of gel polish
Applying thin layers of gel polish is an important step in achieving long-lasting gel nails. Thin coats of gel polish help to prevent the build-up of polish, which can be messy and difficult to remove. It is recommended to start by applying a thin layer of base coat gel polish, curing it under a nail lamp for about two minutes, and then proceeding with thin coats of your chosen gel nail colour.
It is important to remember that less is more when it comes to gel polish. Each layer should be as thin as possible, and you can always add another thin layer if needed. If you get gel polish on your skin, use a small amount of acetone to wipe it away before curing the polish under the lamp. Toothpicks can also be useful for removing small amounts of polish from the cuticles.
Curing each layer of polish for the appropriate amount of time is crucial to ensuring the gel nails harden properly. The curing process involves placing your nails under a nail lamp, which uses ultraviolet radiation to seal the gel polish to the nail. This typically takes about two minutes per layer, but it is important to follow the specific instructions for your chosen brand of gel polish.
Additionally, proper preparation of the nails before applying the gel polish is essential for ensuring the polish adheres well and lasts longer. This includes pushing back the cuticles, buffing the surface of the nails, and cleansing the nail bed with alcohol and a lint-free wipe. Taking these steps will help create a rough surface for the gel polish to adhere to and will contribute to the overall durability of your gel nails.
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Frequently asked questions
To make gel nails harder, you can use a nail strengthener as a base coat. Hard Gel is a popular product for this purpose and can be used under gel polish or on its own for a natural look.
To remove gel nail polish, you should only soak your fingertips in acetone. You can also use cotton balls soaked in acetone and wrap small pieces of aluminium foil around your fingertips. It is recommended to have your gels removed by a professional to prevent any damage.
To care for your nails in between gel manicures, it is recommended to take a break from nail polish for one to two weeks or longer. You can also apply a moisturising product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times daily to minimise brittleness and prevent chipping.
