Ava Monroe
The gel manicure is a popular nail technique that gives nails a long-lasting, natural-looking finish. It can be applied directly to the natural nail plate to strengthen nails and protect them from breaking. To apply gel nail polish, you will need a UV or LED lamp, a high-quality primer, a gel base, and brushes. First, prepare the nail plate by pushing back the cuticles and cleaning the nail with a dust-free pad. Next, apply a base coat and cure it under the lamp. Then, apply a thin layer of gel nail polish, followed by a second layer down the centre of the nail to create a curve. Cure the gel under the lamp and finish with a top coat.
How to put gel over natural nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Push back cuticles with a pusher |
| Step 2 | Prepare the natural nail plate with a file |
| Step 3 | Clean the nail plate with nail cleaner and a dust-free pad |
| Step 4 | Apply an acid-free primer on the degreased nail plate |
| Step 5 | Apply a base coat with a brush and cure under a UV/LED lamp |
| Step 6 | Apply a build-up layer and put your hand upside down to even out the gel |
| Step 7 | File the gel to form the desired nail shape and smooth out any unevenness with a polishing block |
| Step 8 | Degrease the nail plate and apply the gel polish, curing under a UV/LED lamp |
| Step 9 | Apply a top coat and cure under a UV/LED lamp |
| Step 10 | Remove any sticky residue with isopropyl alcohol and a cotton ball |
| Note | Buffing the nail surface can help the gel adhere better, but it may weaken the nails |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the nail plate
Preparing the nail plate is an important step in achieving a long-lasting gel manicure. Here is a step-by-step guide to properly prepare your nail plate for gel polish application:
Clean the Nails
Start by cleaning your nails to ensure they are free of any dirt, oils, or residue. Use a lint-free wipe soaked in a prep and wipe solution to cleanse the entire nail surface. Alternatively, you can use pre-soaked wipes specifically designed for nail preparation. This step helps to dehydrate the nail plate, removing any oil or moisture that may interfere with the adhesion of the gel polish.
Shape and Buff the Nails
Next, shape your nails to your desired length and style. You can use a nail clipper to trim your nails, followed by a nail file to achieve your preferred shape, such as square, round, or almond. Once you're happy with the shape and length, it's time to buff your nails. Buffing helps to create a slightly rough surface, enhancing the adhesion of the gel polish. Use a 180-grit buffer and gently move it in one direction across the nail plate to avoid weakening the nail.
Push and Clean the Cuticles
Gently push back your cuticles using a metal or wooden cuticle pusher. Ensure you remove any cuticle that has grown over the nail bed, as this can cause the gel polish to lift. You can also use cuticle nippers to carefully remove any dead skin or cuticle remnants, being cautious not to cut live skin. After cuticle maintenance, it's crucial to cleanse your nails again to remove any dust or filings that may have accumulated during the buffing and cuticle removal process.
Degrease and Prime the Nails
Degreasing the nails is an essential step to ensure a proper manicure adhesion. Use a lint-free nail wipe soaked in a cleanser to remove any remaining grease or oil from the nail plate. Finally, apply a thin coat of primer to the entire nail and let it air dry. The primer will further enhance the adhesion of the gel polish, ensuring a long-lasting manicure.
By following these steps, you will effectively prepare your nail plate, creating a clean and slightly rough surface for the gel polish to adhere to. This process will help prevent lifting, chipping, or premature wear, ensuring your gel manicure looks flawless and lasts for weeks.
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Apply the base layer
Applying a base layer is crucial to achieving a smooth and long-lasting gel manicure. Here is a detailed guide on how to apply the base layer when putting gel over natural nails:
Prepare the Nails
Before applying any products, it is important to prepare your natural nails. Start by pushing back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher to avoid having to cut them. Next, use a nail file to shape and prepare the natural nail plate. It is recommended to use a 100/180 grit file for this step. Clean the nail plate with an acetone-free nail polish remover and a dust-free pad to ensure that your nails are free from any impurities, such as cuticle oil or dust particles, which can cause the polish to lift prematurely.
Apply Primer
Once your nails are clean and prepared, apply a thin layer of acid-free or acrylic-friendly primer to the nail plate. The primer will help the gel polish adhere properly and enhance the durability of your manicure. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Now, it's time to apply the gel base layer. Choose a high-quality gel base coat and apply it to your nails using a comfortable and steady brush. Apply a thin coat over each natural nail, ensuring that you seal the open edges or "cap the free edge" to create a chip-resistant finish. Make sure the base layer does not touch the skin before curing.
Cure the Base Layer
After applying the base layer to all your nails, it's time to cure them under a UV or LED lamp. Curing allows the base layer to harden uniformly and ensures that your manicure will last longer. Place your hands under the lamp for at least 45 seconds to a minute, or follow the specific curing instructions that came with your gel nail products.
Prepare for Colour
At this point, your base layer should be completely dry and cured. You may notice that your nails still feel sticky, which is normal after curing the gel base coat. If desired, you can remove the sticky layer with a non-acetone nail polish remover or isopropyl alcohol. Now, your nails are ready for the first layer of colourful gel nail polish!
Remember to take your time, work in a well-ventilated area, and follow the specific instructions provided with your chosen gel nail products. Enjoy creating salon-quality nails in the comfort of your own home!
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Cure under a UV or LED lamp
The curing process is an essential step in gel manicures. Gel nail polishes contain a polymer that needs to be cured by a UV or LED lamp to harden and set. This process is also known as 'photoinitiation'. Without curing under a lamp, the gel polish will not set and can dry unevenly.
UV and LED lamps emit different types of radiation, and there are some key differences between the two. LED lamps are typically more expensive, but they tend to last longer and cure gel polish faster than UV lamps. A 36W UV lamp takes around 2 minutes to cure a layer of gel polish, whereas an LED lamp can do the same in 30 seconds. However, not all gel polishes are compatible with LED lamps, and some are designed specifically for UV lamps only. Therefore, it is important to check the manufacturer's instructions and ensure compatibility between the gel polish and the lamp.
When curing your manicure, it is important to follow the specific curing instructions provided by the gel nail polish manufacturer. Generally, each layer of gel polish should be cured under the lamp, including the base and top coats. For thin layers of gel polish, 30 seconds under an LED lamp or 2 minutes under a UV lamp should be sufficient. However, for thicker coats, you may need to cure for longer. Some lamps have low heat settings and different time presets, allowing you to adjust the curing time accordingly.
It is also important to note that UV lamps can be damaging to the skin, so it is recommended to wear protective gloves or apply SPF 30+ to your hands before curing. Additionally, ensure that you do not get gel polish on your cuticles or skin, as this can affect the longevity of your manicure.
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Apply the gel polish
Applying gel polish is an art and a science. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to apply gel polish to natural nails.
Firstly, prepare your nail plate. Clean the nail plate with a nail cleaner and a dust-free pad. Next, apply an acid-free, high-quality primer to the nail plate. Before applying the gel, ensure you have the proper base and that it is applied with a brush. Cure everything under a UV or LED lamp.
Now you are ready to apply the gel polish. Apply your first layer of gel nail polish. This will likely look streaky, but this is normal for the first layer. Use the applicator from the bottle to spread the colour over each nail, painting all the way to the tip of your nail. Cure the first layer of gel nail polish under a UV or LED lamp. Typically, you cure them under an LED lamp for 30 seconds, or a UV lamp for 2 minutes. Curing allows the polish to harden in a uniform way.
Once the first layer has been cured, apply your second layer of gel nail polish. Again, use the applicator from the bottle to spread the colour over each nail, painting all the way to the tip of your nail. Cure the second layer of gel nail polish under a UV or LED lamp.
Finally, apply your top coat to protect the gel nail polish. Coat your nails completely, as if you are adding a third layer of gel nail polish. Cure the top coat under a UV light for 2 minutes, or an LED lamp for 30 seconds. If the gel method leaves a tacky, sticky layer on or around your nails, remove the tack with a little bit of isopropyl alcohol.
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Apply the top coat
Applying the top coat is the final step in the gel manicure process. It is important as it will protect the gel nail polish. To apply the top coat, use the brush to coat your nails completely, as you would with a regular nail polish. Make sure you paint over the tip of your nail, as well as the surface. This will stop the gel from curling back off your nail.
Once you have applied the top coat, cure the gel polish under a UV light for 2 minutes, or use an LED lamp for 30 seconds. This will ensure the polish hardens in a uniform way. If you skip this step, the gel polish may dry unevenly.
You can use a regular top coat product to protect your gel nails, or you can opt for a special gel top coat. If you notice a tacky, sticky layer on or around your nails after curing, simply dip a cotton ball in isopropyl alcohol and gently blot each nail.
Finally, buff your nails to smooth them out and clean up any mistakes. This will leave you with a professional-looking gel manicure.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel nails are stronger than natural nails and protect them from breaking. They are also long-lasting and safe for pregnant women and allergic people.
You will need a nail file, a polishing block, a nail cleaner, dust-free pads, a high-quality primer, a gel base, brushes, a UV or LED lamp, and your chosen gel polish.
Push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher, then use the 180 side of your nail file to prepare the natural nail plate. Clean your nails with nail cleaner and dust-free pads, then apply an acid-free primer to the degreased nail plate.
First, apply a base coat and cure it under a UV or LED lamp. Then, apply a thin layer of gel nail polish, painting all the way to the tip of your nail. Cure the first layer under the lamp, then apply a second layer of gel, adding a little more down the centre of your nail. Cure this layer under the lamp, then apply a top coat and cure once more.
Yes, you can paint over gel nails with any nail polish you want.
