Liam Carter
Crystals and gems are a fun way to spice up a manicure. While it is possible to apply crystals to a top coat, it is recommended that you use glue to ensure a durable finish. If you are using gel polish, it is best to put the crystals on before curing the polish under UV light. If you add a top coat over your crystals, it could dull their sparkle. However, adding a top coat around the sides of your crystals can help lock the design in place for longer.
How to put crystals on gel nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prepping Nails | Push back cuticles, buff the nail, wipe nails with rubbing alcohol, apply primer, and base coat |
| Crystals | Crystal dust, flatback rhinestones, crystal shapes, pearls, pointy back crystals, cabochons |
| Adhesive | GEMGEL Adhesive, nail glue, super glue, top coat |
| Placement | Closer to the center of the nail bed or near the cuticle to avoid being knocked off |
| Rhinestone Picker | Crystal Katana, wax pencil, tweezers, fingers |
| Curing | Under UV/LED light |
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What You'll Learn
Using nail glue
Before you begin, ensure your natural nails are prepped correctly. Push back your cuticles and buff the whole surface of your nail to remove the shine. Soak a lint-free wipe in rubbing alcohol and wipe your nails to get rid of any dust and remaining moisture so the glue can adhere properly.
Now, you can start the application process. If you are applying crystals onto gel nails, cure the nails and then lightly buff the shine from the design area for better adhesion. Choose a quick-set nail glue and apply a small amount to the nail, not the crystal. Use a moistened cuticle stick, wax-tipped tool, or a crystal applicator to pick up the crystal and place it on the nail. You can also use tweezers to pick up the crystal and a toothpick to position it. Place the crystal at an angle, closer to the cuticle, as this is a more stable surface and the gems are less likely to fall off.
If you need to make any adjustments, you can use the tip of your applicator to gently correct the positioning of the crystal. However, keep in mind that nail glue dries fast, so you may need to work quickly. Once the glue has dried, apply a few coats of a non-wipe top coat to seal the crystals and add shine.
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Using a top coat
If you are set on using a top coat as an adhesive, place a small dab of it on the back of each crystal and stick it onto your nail. Once all the crystals are in place, apply a top coat over your entire nail to seal them in. Keep in mind that this method may not provide the strongest hold, and the crystals may fall off more quickly.
To achieve the best results with a top coat, it is recommended to follow these steps:
- Prepare your nails by soaking them in rubbing alcohol to remove any dust or moisture.
- Apply a base coat and cure it under a UV light for 30-60 seconds. You may choose to add a thin coat of colour at this stage.
- Before applying the top coat, ensure that it is compatible with your crystals and will not cause any discolouration or dulling.
- Place a small drop of the top coat on your work surface and use an orangewood stick or a crystal pickup tool to pick up each crystal.
- Carefully apply the crystals to your nails, placing them closer to the centre of your nail bed or near the cuticle for added stability.
- Once all the crystals are in place, cure your nails under a UV light for 60 seconds.
- Finish by applying two coats of the top coat, curing each one for 60 seconds.
Remember, while using a top coat as an adhesive may be more convenient, it might not provide the same durability as a dedicated nail adhesive. Always ensure your top coat is completely dry before applying crystals and consider using a special adhesive for a stronger and longer-lasting hold.
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Prepping your nails
First, push your cuticles back as much as you can. If the gel gets on your cuticles, it will cause the gel to lift faster. Then, buff the whole surface of your nail with a buffer (180-grit is recommended) until the shine is gone. Be careful not to over-buff your nails, as this can damage them.
Next, soak a lint-free wipe or a paper towel in rubbing alcohol and wipe all of your nails to get rid of any dust and remaining moisture. This will help the gel to adhere properly. Apply your primer, then apply the base coat to your first hand and cure for 30-60 seconds under a UV/LED lamp.
If you are using regular polish as a base for your crystals, make sure the top coat is completely dry before placing the crystals on top. You can also apply crystals to dry polished nails using a dot of adhesive or clear topcoat.
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Choosing the right crystals
When choosing the right crystals for your gel nails, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, decide on the length and strength of your nails, as well as the desired finish and maintenance time. If you have long natural nails or artificial nails that you want to extend further, hard gel is a good choice as it provides strength and durability. On the other hand, if you have weak nails that need strengthening, consider using a soft gel, which will add flexibility.
The type of gel you choose will also depend on the look you want to achieve. For a simple manicure with a touch of sparkle, you can add crystals to your nail art. Crystals can instantly elevate a basic design and make it stand out, especially for special events like weddings or parties. When selecting crystals, consider the colour and size that will complement your nail polish or gel colour. You can choose from a variety of crystals available in the market, such as crystal gels infused with tiny crystals for extra sparkle and shine or individual crystals that you can apply one by one.
Additionally, consider the application process and the products you will need. For gel nails, use a gel top coat or a special gel adhesive designed for crystals. You can also use a crystal wand or tweezers to pick up and place the crystals on your nails. If using a gel polish, apply a small dot of gel adhesive or gel top coat in the desired location for each crystal and gently press it into place.
Finally, to seal and protect your crystal gel nails, you can use a top seal gel. This will provide an extra layer of protection to keep your nail art designs intact and harm-free. A top seal gel with a colour intensifying formula will also enhance the vibrancy of your manicure.
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Rhinestone placement
When applying the rhinestones, it's best to use a pick-up tool rather than tweezers or your fingers for a neat finish. The Crystal Katana is a popular choice as one end is made from premium jeweller's wax, which won't leave a mark on the crystal, while the other end is a thin tip that can be used for adjustments. Once you have your tool, squeeze a tiny amount of nail glue onto the tip and apply it to your nail in small neat dots. Then, use the wax end to pick up your rhinestones and place them onto the glue. You can also add another glue dot for each rhinestone if needed.
If you're using gel polish, you can place the rhinestones directly onto the gel and then cure under a UV/LED light for a strong hold. However, if you're using regular polish, it's best to wait until the top coat is completely dry before placing the rhinestones to avoid dulling their sparkle. Once the rhinestones are in place, you can apply a top coat around the sides to help lock the design in place.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to attach crystals to gel nails. You can use a pick-up tool, such as a Crystal Katana, to place the crystals onto a small dot of nail glue on the nail. You can also apply a top coat to your nails, place the crystals on top, and then seal them with another layer of top coat. However, this method may not be as durable, and the top coat can dull the sparkle of the crystals.
It is recommended to use a strong nail adhesive or glue designed specifically for attaching crystals to nails, such as Rachael Wilders Crystal Fix. Super glue should be avoided as it is carcinogenic.
It is recommended to place the crystals closer to the center of the nail bed or near the cuticle to prevent them from being knocked off easily.
