Isla Bennett
Gel nail polish is a great way to get a long-lasting manicure. Compared to regular nail polish, gel nails can last for weeks without chipping, thanks to the unique application process that makes them chip-resistant. To get started, you'll need a gel nail kit that includes all the supplies for application and removal, as well as a UV/LED curing lamp, which is crucial for hardening the gel polish layers. Before applying gel nail polish, it's important to prepare your nails by pushing back your cuticles, filing your nails to the desired shape, and ensuring your nails are clean and dry. Then, you can follow the steps of applying a base coat, 2-3 thin coats of colour, and a top coat, curing each layer with the lamp. With the right tools and techniques, you can achieve salon-quality gel nails at home.
How to Nail Gel Polish
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail preparation | Nails should be clean, dry, and filed to the desired length and shape. Push back cuticles with a cuticle pusher or orange stick. |
| Nail buffer | Use a coarse buffer or gentle file (150-180 grit) to scuff nails and remove shine. |
| Dehydrator | Apply a mixture of rubbing alcohol and acetone to ensure nails are completely dry. |
| Primer | Apply a thin layer of primer to the nail. |
| Base coat | Apply a thin coat of base gel polish and cure for 60 seconds under a UV/LED lamp. |
| Colour coat | Apply 2-3 thin coats of colour, curing for 60 seconds between each layer. |
| Top coat | Apply a thin coat of top gel polish and cure for 60 seconds. |
| Removal | Use a nail polish remover pen or an orangewood stick to remove any gel polish from the skin or cuticles. Buff the nail surface and wipe with a lint-free cloth. |
| Curing time | Different brands have different cure times, so read the labels carefully. |
| Lamp | Use a UV/LED lamp to cure the gel polish. |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing your nails
Clean and Dry: Start by ensuring your nails are clean and dry. Wash your hands and nails with soap and water to remove any dirt, oil, or residue. It is important that your nails are completely dry before you begin the manicure. You can use a scrubby nylon brush to remove any dust.
Nail Clippers and Files: Before applying gel polish, use nail clippers to shape your nails to the desired length. Then, use a nail file to gently shape and smooth the edges of your nails. You can use a coarse file or a gentle file (about 150-180 grit) to create a smooth surface, removing any shine. Avoid using too coarse a nail file to prevent damaging the natural nail underneath.
Cuticle Care: Gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher or an orange wood stick. Be careful not to cut or damage the cuticles. You can apply cuticle softener and allow it to sit for 10-15 seconds before pushing them back. Remove any stubborn bits of cuticle with cuticle scissors or nippers, being very gentle to avoid any injuries.
Buffing: Use a nail buffer to lightly buff the surface of your nails, creating a smooth and even canvas for the gel polish. Pay attention to the sides of your nails and the area around the cuticles, as proper buffing will prevent lifting or peeling of the gel polish.
Dehydrating and Priming: Apply a dehydrator to your nails to ensure they are completely dry. You can make your own dehydrator by mixing 2/3 rubbing alcohol and 1/3 acetone. After dehydrating, apply a thin layer of primer to each nail, just enough to cover the nail plate.
Nail Cleanser: Use a nail cleanser or isopropyl alcohol to wipe down your nails before polish application. This will help remove any remaining dust or residue and create a clean surface for the gel polish to adhere to.
By following these steps, your nails will be ready for the application of gel polish. Remember to work carefully and gently, taking your time with each step to ensure the best results.
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Using a nail buffer
A nail buffer is an essential part of any nail kit. It helps to lightly prepare your nails by gently filing and buffing away any imperfections, making the nail's surface smooth and even for easy gel polish application.
When using a nail buffer, it is important to use a coarse buffer or a gentle file (about 150-180 grit) to scuff up your nails and take the shine off. You can also use a buffer block, which typically has four sides: file, buff, polish, and shine. If you are using a buffer block, ensure the grit is 100 or 120. You don't want to buff away too much at your natural nails and make them thin, so apply light pressure. You just want to slightly roughen the surface so that the gel has something to adhere to.
Hold the buffer parallel to your nail to smoothen your skin and get any hard-to-reach cuticles out. Don't forget to buff the free edge, which is the top end of your nail. This will also remove any excess gel polish that may be left on the surface of your nails from a previous application.
Finally, use the smooth side of the buffer to shine your nails. Place the smooth side on your nail and, using light pressure, move the nail buffer in tiny circular motions. Move it in these tiny circular motions over the entire surface of your nail until you achieve a glossy look.
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Applying the base coat
Firstly, ensure your nails are dry and clean. It is important to remove any oils or residue from your nails before proceeding. Use a nail cleanser or a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and acetone to thoroughly clean your nails. You can also use a scrubby nylon brush to ensure your nails are free of any dust or impurities.
Next, prepare your cuticles. Using a cuticle pusher or an orange wood stick, gently push back your cuticles. This step provides a clean surface for the gel polish to adhere to and creates a more even look for your manicure. Be careful to be gentle during this process to avoid damaging your nail plate.
Once your cuticles are pushed back, it's time to shape your nails. Use a nail file, preferably 180/240 grit, to shape your nails to your desired length and shape. Make sure to file in one direction only and avoid sawing back and forth, as this can cause damage to your nails.
After shaping your nails, it's important to buff your nails lightly to create a smooth surface. Use a fine-grit nail buffer to gently buff the entire surface of each nail. Pay close attention to the sides of your nails and the area around your cuticles, as proper buffing helps prevent lifting of the gel polish.
Now, your nails are prepared for the base coat application. Apply a thin coat of your chosen base coat to your nails, capping the free edge. Be careful to leave a small gap between the gel nail polish and your cuticle to avoid any polish on your skin. If you do get some on your skin, remove it with a nail polish remover pen or an orangewood cuticle stick before curing.
Finally, cure your base coat using a UV/LED gel nail lamp. Cure for approximately 60 seconds, following the specific instructions for your chosen brand of gel nail polish. Your base coat should remain slightly sticky after curing to ensure proper adhesion for the following layers of polish.
By following these detailed steps for applying the base coat, you'll create a solid foundation for your gel manicure, ensuring long-lasting and chip-resistant results.
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Applying the colour coat
Firstly, ensure your nails are dry and clean. Use a nail cleanser to remove any oils or residue. Push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher or an orange wood stick. You can also use the curved side of your nail file to gently push back the cuticles, creating a clean surface for the gel polish to adhere to.
Next, prepare your nails by gently filing and buffing them with a nail buffer or a fine 180-grit nail file. This will smooth out any imperfections and create an even surface for the gel polish application. Remove any dust with a scrubby nylon brush.
Now, you are ready to apply the colour coat. Apply a thin coat of your chosen colour gel polish to your nails, capping the free edge. Leave a small gap between the gel polish and your cuticle. Aim to avoid getting any gel polish on your skin or cuticle. If you do get gel polish on your skin, remove it with a Q-tip or a clean-up brush dipped in acetone.
After applying the first thin coat of colour, cure your nails under a UV/LED lamp for the recommended time, usually 60 seconds. The gel polish should remain slightly sticky after curing, which will help the next layer adhere better.
Finally, apply a second thin coat of colour and cure your nails again under the UV/LED lamp for another 60 seconds. Remember to avoid getting any gel polish on your skin or cuticle during this second coat application.
By following these steps for applying the colour coat, you will be well on your way to achieving a salon-quality gel manicure at home.
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Removing gel polish
First, it is recommended to file the top layer of the gel polish with a nail file. This will help to break down the top coat, making it easier for the acetone to penetrate and dissolve the polish. Be careful not to file too aggressively, as you don't want to damage your natural nail.
Next, you will need some acetone, cotton balls or pads, and foil squares. Soak the cotton with acetone and place it on your nail. Then, wrap your finger with the foil square, ensuring the cotton stays in place. Leave this for around 15-20 minutes. The acetone will break down the gel polish, making it softer and easier to remove.
After the waiting period, remove the foil and cotton. You should now be able to scrape off the gel polish with a cuticle pusher or a similar tool. Be gentle during this process, as your nails may be softer after the acetone treatment.
Finally, wash your hands to remove any remaining gel polish and acetone residue. Dry your hands and apply a generous amount of cuticle oil or nail moisturiser to nourish your nail beds and the surrounding skin.
It is important to note that gel polish removal can be drying and potentially damaging to your nails, so always take your time and be as gentle as possible. If you are concerned about doing this at home, you can always visit a nail salon, where a professional can safely remove the gel polish for you.
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Frequently asked questions
Start by pushing your cuticles back with a cuticle pusher or orange wood stick, then gently buff and file your nails to create a smooth and even surface for the gel polish to stick to.
First, apply a thin coat of base coat to your nails, leaving a small gap between the gel nail polish and your cuticle. Then, apply 2-3 thin coats of colour, curing each coat for 60 seconds with a UV/LED lamp. Finish with a thin coat of top coat.
You can use a medium grit nail file to remove gel polish, but be careful not to damage the natural nail underneath. You can also use a nail buffer to smooth and grind down the surface of the nail.
