Ava Monroe
Applying gel nail tips can be a tedious process but with the right tools and techniques, you can achieve a professional-looking manicure. The process involves multiple steps, from sanitizing your hands and removing any old nail polish to using a buffing block to roughen the surface of your nails. You will also need to choose the right nail tip shape and length to match your natural nails, ensuring a seamless fit. After prepping your nails, you can apply a thin layer of primer gel, followed by the gel nail tips, and cure them under a UV or LED lamp. Finally, you can file and shape the tips to your liking and finish with your chosen nail polish or dip powder.
How to put gel nail tips on
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail preparation | Sanitize hands, push back cuticles, remove shine from nails, file down excess length of natural nail |
| Choosing nail tips | Select the desired shape and length (e.g. coffin, almond, stiletto, square), ensure the tips fit your natural nails and match the widths |
| Etching and priming | Etch the underside of the tips, apply primer gel to natural nails and tips, cure under a UV or LED lamp |
| Applying gel | Apply a thin layer of gel to the underside of the tips, place the tip on the natural nail at a 45-degree angle, press and flash cure, file and shape as desired |
| Finishing | Apply your chosen shade of lacquer, gel polish, or dip powder |
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What You'll Learn
Sanitise hands and push back cuticles
Sanitising your hands and pushing back your cuticles are the first steps in preparing your nails for gel tips. This is an important step as it helps to prevent bacteria and germs from getting underneath your nail.
To sanitise your hands, simply wash them with soap and water. You can also use a hand sanitiser, which is more convenient if you are on the go. Make sure to remove any oil or skin residue from your hands and nails.
Once your hands are clean and dry, you can start to push back your cuticles. The cuticle is the thin, tough skin at the base of the nail bed, also known as the eponychium. Its purpose is to form a seal between the nail plate and the eponychium, preventing the root of the nail from becoming infected. Pushing back the cuticles allows nail products to bond more easily with the surface of your nails, resulting in a longer-lasting manicure.
To push back your cuticles, you can use a cuticle stick, cuticle pusher, or an E-file with cuticle bits. If you are using a wooden cuticle stick, it is recommended to use a new stick each time as they are difficult to sanitise fully. Place your hand on a steady surface and gently push back the overgrown skin around the nail. Be careful not to cut or remove your cuticles completely, as this can lead to inflammation and infection. Instead, focus on clearing away dead skin cells and pushing back the cuticles to create a seal.
After pushing back your cuticles, you can finish off by lightly buffing the nail surface around the cuticle area with a natural nail buffer (220 to 240 grit or higher). This will help to remove any remaining residue and create a smooth surface for the gel nail tips to adhere to.
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Remove shine from nails
To remove the shine from your nails, you will need to use a fine drill bit or a nail buffer/file. You can use a coarse nail file to file down the gel top coat layer until the top coat is no longer shiny and smooth. File each nail gently, starting with your non-dominant hand, from the cuticle to the edge of your nail, moving left to right. Avoid using a back-and-forth motion and do not focus on just one spot.
Disrupting the top layer of gel polish will help to speed up the removal process. Filing down the top coat will make it easier to take off the polish with acetone later. You can also use an E-file to take off the top coat and gel polish.
After filing, you can then proceed to soak your nails in acetone to remove the gel polish. Acetone offers the most effective way to remove gel nail polish at home. It is recommended to use 100% pure acetone for the quickest results.
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Choose nail tip shape and length
Choosing the right nail shape and length for your gel nail tips is an important step in achieving the perfect manicure. Gel nail tips come in a variety of shapes, lengths, and thicknesses, allowing you to customize your look.
When selecting a nail tip shape, you have several options to choose from. Popular shapes include coffin, also known as ballerina, which features squared-off tips that resemble a ballerina's shoe. This shape is ideal for those with long and strong nails. Another option is almond-shaped nails, which have a wide base and slim sides, creating a natural look that elongates the appearance of your fingers. Oval nails are similar to almond but with a rounder tip, making them suitable for medium-length nails and both short and wide nail beds. Square nails are a classic and practical choice, with straight edges and squared-off tips. They are versatile and can be worn by those with longer or shorter nails. For shorter nails, a squoval shape, which combines a square shape with slightly curved edges, can be a great option as it follows the outline of your cuticle. If you want to add drama and length, stiletto-shaped nails are pointed at the end and are perfect for enhancing shorter fingers. Round nails are another traditional shape that is always an option.
In addition to shape, you can also choose the length of your gel nail tips. Most nail tips come in various lengths, including extra-short, short, medium, long, and extra-long. It's important to consider your natural nail length and choose a size that fits comfortably without applying pressure. If you are in between sizes, it's generally recommended to size up and file the sides if necessary.
Remember, the shape and length of your gel nail tips should reflect your personal style and preferences. You can always consult a nail technician for advice and guidance in choosing the right shape and length for your nails.
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Apply primer gel
Applying a primer is an important step in achieving a long-lasting gel manicure. It helps with adhesion by creating a stronger bond between your natural nails and the gel polish or soft gel tip extensions. There are two types of primer: acid-free and acid primer.
Before applying the primer, it is crucial to prepare your nails by removing any dirt, oils, or residue from previous manicures. This can be done using a nail dehydrator or cleanser and a lint-free wipe. Push back your cuticles and ensure your nails are free of any polish, lacquer, or gel. You may also want to file and shape your nails to your desired look.
When applying an acid primer, place 1-2 small dots on the nail plate and allow it to spread on its own. Wait for it to evaporate completely before proceeding with the next step. If you are using an acid-free primer, apply a thin coat to the entire nail, and it is okay to work on it if it is still slightly wet.
After applying the primer, you can proceed with the gel polish or soft gel tip extension application. Remember to always follow the manufacturer's instructions and take the necessary precautions when working with nail products.
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Cure nails under a UV or LED lamp
Curing your nails under a UV or LED lamp is a crucial step in the gel nail application process. It involves hardening the gel polish using ultraviolet light, which is emitted by both UV and LED lamps. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for curing your nails effectively and safely:
Firstly, it is important to prepare your nails properly before curing. Sanitize your hands, push back your cuticles, and use a fine drill bit, buffer, or file to remove any shine from your nails. Filing down any excess length of your natural nails is also recommended. Proper nail preparation helps the gel polish adhere better and creates a more durable finish.
When curing your nails, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific gel polish you are using. Different polishes may have varying curing times and requirements. As a general rule, LED lamps typically require less curing time than UV lamps. For example, curing under an LED lamp may take around 60 seconds, while UV curing can take up to 2 minutes.
To achieve the best results, apply thin layers of gel polish and cure each layer individually. Two thin layers will cure better than one thick layer, as thicker applications may result in under-curing, especially in the lower layers. Ensure that you avoid getting polish on your cuticles and skin, as this can affect the overall finish and durability.
It is important to note that UV and LED lamps emit different intensities of UV light. LED lamps emit a greater intensity within a narrower range, which can affect their ability to cure certain products properly. Some formulations require specific wavelengths, and using an incompatible lamp may result in improper curing. Therefore, always check that your lamp is suitable for the gel polish you are using.
Finally, UV lamps can be damaging to your skin, so it is crucial to take protective measures. Wear protective gloves or apply SPF 30+ to your hands before curing to shield your skin from potential harm. Additionally, be cautious of under-curing, as it is a common issue that can lead to skin irritation and allergies. Always follow the recommended curing times and ensure your nails are fully cured before proceeding to the next step.
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to prep your nails before putting on gel nail tips. This includes filing, buffing, pushing back the cuticles, and cleaning the surface of your nails with acetone to remove any dust or oil.
Choose nail tips in a shape and length that match your desired manicure style. Ensure that the width of the nail tips matches your natural nails. Avoid white tips as they require more preparation to get the gel to bond.
Use a buffing block to roughen the surface of your natural nails and the nail tips. Apply a thin coat of primer gel to your nails and the inside of the nail tips. Press the nail tips to your natural nails, allowing the gel to spread to the free edge. Cure the gel under a UV or LED nail lamp.
File and shape the nail tips to your liking. You can then finish your manicure with your chosen shade of lacquer, gel polish, or dip powder.
Nail tips are plastic-shaped tips that are glued onto the top of the nail. On the other hand, nail forms attach underneath the free edge of the natural nails and are similar to stickers.
