Caleb Foster
Rhinestones are a fun way to add some sparkle to your gel nails. They are an easy way to elevate your nail look and can be done at home or in a salon. The process involves applying a combination of gel and resin to adhere the rhinestones to the nail. The type of rhinestones you use is important as this will determine how long they will last and how well they will adhere to the gel. The placement of the rhinestones is also key to ensuring they stay put and do not snag on things.
How to put rhinestones on gel nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Rhinestone type | Acrylic gems, glass or synthetic crystals |
| Rhinestone application | Apply glue to the nail, not the gem, and place the stone on the nail using a moistened cuticle stick or wax-tipped tool |
| Gel nails | Apply a layer of gel over the colour, press the gems into the surface and cure |
| Top coat | Use a top coat like 'top it off' over the rhinestones and sweep over the rest of the nail as normal |
| Tips | Use quick-set glue, use only what is necessary and place additional glue at the base of each stone for more strength |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right gems: acrylic, glass or synthetic crystals
When it comes to choosing the right gems for your gel nails, you have a few options: acrylic, glass, or synthetic crystals. Here's a breakdown of each option to help you decide:
Acrylic gems, also known as fake or imitation rhinestones, are made from synthetic materials such as polymers or plastic. They are designed to mimic the look of real diamonds or crystals at a more affordable price point. Acrylic gems are lightweight and affordable, making them a popular choice for clothing. They typically have a flat back, which makes them easy to attach to surfaces like nails. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option for your gel nails, acrylic gems are a great choice.
Glass rhinestones are made from naturally occurring materials that have been melted down and shaped into small pieces. They are considered higher quality than acrylic gems due to their clarity, brilliance, and durability. Glass rhinestones offer a wide range of shapes and sizes, making them versatile for different nail designs. They tend to be more expensive and heavier than acrylic gems. Glass rhinestones usually have rounded edges with no flat surface on the back, so keep that in mind when applying them to your gel nails.
Synthetic crystals, such as Swarovski crystals, are made from a mix of high-quality glass, quartz, and minerals. They are known for their superior clarity, brilliance, and precision-cut facets, resulting in an extraordinary sparkle. Synthetic crystals are more expensive than acrylic gems but will provide a longer-lasting shine. If you're looking for a premium option for your gel nails, synthetic crystals are the perfect choice.
The best type of gem for your gel nails depends on the specific design and your budget. Acrylic gems are perfect for simple designs and offer an affordable and lightweight option. Glass rhinestones provide a high-quality look with their brilliance and variety of shapes and sizes. Synthetic crystals, like Swarovski crystals, offer the most premium look with their precision-cut facets and long-lasting sparkle. Consider your desired aesthetic and budget when choosing between these three types of gems for your gel nails.
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Preparing the nail surface: curing, buffing and applying glue
Preparing the nail surface is an important step in ensuring that your rhinestones adhere properly and last long. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing your gel nails for rhinestone application:
Curing:
Before applying any rhinestones or gems, start by curing your gel nails. Curing the gel polish provides a stable base for the rhinestones to adhere to. Follow the standard procedure for curing gel nails using a UV or LED lamp, depending on the type of gel polish you are using. Make sure the gel polish is completely cured and dry before moving on to the next step.
Buffing:
Lightly buff the shine from the design area where you plan to apply the rhinestones. This step is crucial for better adhesion of the rhinestones to the nail surface. Use a soft nail buffing block or a fine-grit nail file to gently buff the shine without damaging the underlying gel polish. Make sure to focus only on the specific areas where the rhinestones will be placed.
Applying glue:
Choose a quick-setting nail glue that is suitable for use with rhinestones and gel nails. Apply a small amount of glue directly to the nail, using a cuticle stick or a wax-tipped tool for precise application. Avoid applying glue directly to the rhinestones. Instead, place the rhinestones onto the glued area of the nail for better adhesion.
When selecting your rhinestones, consider the size, shape, and material. Acrylic gems are inexpensive but may not be as durable or sparkly as glass or synthetic crystals. For larger gems, opt for those with a slight curve on the bottom to prevent snagging. Flat-backed stones should ideally be 8mm or less to ensure a stable application.
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Applying the gems: placing and sticking gems to the nail
When applying gems to gel nails, it's important to choose the right type of embellishment. Acrylic gems are the cheapest option, but they may not be as durable or lustrous as glass or synthetic crystals, which are typically more sparkly and long-lasting. For larger gems, look for ones with a slight curve at the bottom—flat, large gems tend to snag more easily.
Before placing the gems, make sure your gel nails are cured and dry. If you're using glue, lightly buff the shine from the design area to ensure better adhesion. Quick-set glue is recommended, and it should be applied to the nail, not the gem. Use a moistened cuticle stick or a wax-tipped tool to pick up the gem and place it on the nail for maximum control. Press the gem into the surface of the glue, ensuring it overlaps slightly with the base of the nail. You can also add extra glue at the base of the gem for more strength.
Some people prefer to use a combination of gel and resin to apply larger gems. Apply a thick hard gel to the nail, place the gem, and then use resin to fill in the gaps after curing. Alternatively, you can use resin to adhere the gems and then fill in the gaps with gel. Just make sure that the entire perimeter of the gem's base is secured to the nail's surface.
If you're using a coloured gel, you can apply the gems directly to the sticky layer and then top it off. However, some people find that this can cause the gems to lose their shine. In this case, it's better to cure the last coat of colour and then apply the gems before the top coat.
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Securing the gems: filling gaps with gel or resin
When it comes to securing gems to gel nails, there are a few methods that can be used, depending on the size of the gems and the look you want to achieve. One popular method is to use a combination of gel and resin. This process usually involves two steps.
Firstly, prepare the nail by curing the gel polish and lightly buffing the shine from the design area for better adhesion. Then, apply a small amount of quick-set glue to the nail and place your chosen gem onto the nail using a moistened cuticle stick or a wax-tipped tool. You can also add extra glue to the base of the gem for added strength.
If you are using larger gems, veteran nail artist Gina Silvestro recommends using a thick hard gel to adhere the stones, followed by resin to fill in any gaps after curing. This helps to ensure the gems are securely attached to the nail and prevents snagging. Alternatively, some nail technicians first adhere the gems with resin, then use gel to fill in any gaps. The choice of method will depend on personal preference and the materials available.
It is important to note that when using gel and resin to secure gems, you should ensure that the large stones are secured around the entire perimeter of each gem's base. This will help to keep them in place and prevent snagging. Closer to the cuticle is the best placement for crystals, as the nail plate doesn't flex there, providing a more stable surface. However, it is crucial not to place the gems too close to the cuticle, as this can make it difficult to seal the gaps without touching the skin.
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Removing the gems: soaking off and reapplying
If you want to remove the rhinestones from your gel nails without damaging the polish, you can try a few methods. The first is to use acetone, a powerful solvent that will dissolve the glue holding the rhinestone in place. Here's how you can do it:
- Prepare your workspace: Gather acetone, tweezers, nail clippers, a hair dryer or heat gun, and a top coat. Protect your work area with a mat or towel, as acetone can cause discoloration.
- Apply acetone to the nail: Using a small brush or cotton swab, apply acetone directly onto the nail where the rhinestone is located. Be careful not to get any on your skin or clothes, as acetone can be irritating and cause discoloration. You may want to wear gloves for added protection.
- Wait for the glue to dissolve: It may take a few minutes to half an hour for the glue to start dissolving, depending on the strength of your adhesive and how long it has been since the rhinestones were applied.
- Peel away the rhinestone: Once the glue starts to dissolve, carefully start peeling away at one corner of the rhinestone with tweezers or a tool designed for nail art. If necessary, apply more acetone to fully dissolve the adhesive. Work slowly and gently to avoid damaging your nails or the gel polish.
- Remove any residue: After removing the rhinestone, use nail clippers to trim away any remaining glue or excess stone. You can also use a gentle file to carefully remove any residue without scratching the topcoat.
- Reapply the topcoat: To protect your nails and restore shine, apply a clear topcoat to the affected area.
Another method to remove rhinestones is by using heat. A hair dryer or heat gun can be used to soften the glue, making it easier to peel off the rhinestones. This method may be faster and more convenient, but be careful not to overheat and damage your nails or skin.
After removing the rhinestones, you can reapply new designs or colors to your gel nails. Always work in a well-ventilated area when using chemicals like acetone, and avoid contact with skin and eyes.
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Frequently asked questions
Glass or synthetic crystals are typically more sparkly and durable, but they can be more expensive. Acrylic gems are the least expensive, but they are not very durable and may not work well with gel.
You can apply rhinestones to the sticky layer of coloured gel and then use a top coat over the top. You can also use glue to apply the rhinestones. If you are using glue, apply it to the nail, not the gem, and place the stone on the nail using a moistened cuticle stick or wax-tipped tool.
If you are using glue over gel polish, lightly buff the shine from the design area prior to application for better adhesion. If you are applying the rhinestones directly over cured colour or set acrylic, no special surface preparation is needed.
When adhering larger stones, use a thick hard gel or resin to secure the stones to the nail's surface around the entire perimeter of each gem's base. You can also place additional glue at the base of each stone for more strength.
Closer to the cuticle is the best placement for crystals because the nail plate doesn't flex there, so it's a more stable surface. However, don't get too close to the cuticle, as this will make it harder to seal the gaps without touching the skin.
