Noah Sinclair
Gel nail kits are a great way to save money on salon visits and achieve long-lasting manicures at home. While the process may seem daunting at first, it's actually quite simple and enjoyable once you get the hang of it. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to achieve beautiful gel nails, from preparing your nails to applying the polish and ensuring a chip-free finish that lasts for weeks. We'll also offer tips on choosing the right products, such as the highly recommended DND brand for beginners, and explain the importance of using a nail file instead of clippers to avoid nail damage. So, get your gel nail kit ready and let's begin!
How to use a gel nail kit
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail Preparation | File nails instead of clipping them to prevent cracks. |
| Use a buffer block to gently buff the nail plate to create a textured surface for better gel adhesion. | |
| Ensure nails are clean and dry before applying gel polish. | |
| Push back cuticles and use a dehydrator to ensure nails are completely dry. | |
| Apply a small amount of primer to the nail. | |
| Gel Application | Avoid getting gel polish on the skin. |
| Cure each coat under a lamp for 30 seconds with an LED lamp or 2 minutes with a UV lamp. | |
| Removal | Soak cotton pads in acetone and place on nails, then cover with nail polish soak-off clips for 15 minutes. |
| Scrape off gel polish with a steel cuticle remover and scraper. | |
| Products | Brands: OPI, Gelish, DND, iGel, Young Nails. |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare your nails by filing and pushing back cuticles
Preparing your nails is an important step in achieving a neat and long-lasting gel manicure. Here is a step-by-step guide to filing and pushing back your cuticles:
Soak Your Nails
Soak your nails in warm soapy water for about 5 to 10 minutes. This helps to soften the cuticles, making them easier to push back, and also cleans the nail bed. You can also add a few drops of moisturising soap to promote softening.
Remove Any Nail Polish
Before pushing back your cuticles, it is important to remove any existing nail polish. Use a non-acetone or acetone-free nail polish remover to avoid slippery oily residue and drying out your nails and skin.
Push Back Your Cuticles
Using a specialised cuticle pusher or a wooden orange stick, gently push back the cuticles in circular motions. Be careful not to use sharp or forceful movements, as this can injure the delicate skin around your nails. Pushing back your cuticles helps to clear away dead skin cells, allowing your gel nail products to bond more easily and last longer. It also helps to prevent infections and maintain the health of your nail bed, where new nail growth occurs.
Moisturise
After pushing back your cuticles, it is important to moisturise your cuticles and nails. This helps to prevent any splitting or cracking and maintains nail health. Apply cuticle oil or moisturiser, rubbing it into your cuticles so they can absorb the moisture.
File Your Nails
It is recommended to file your nails rather than clip them, as clipping can cause fine cracks to form. If you have a lot of growth to remove, start with a coarser file and always finish with a very fine file to achieve a smooth surface. File gently in one direction to avoid splitting or lifting, which can be caused by filing back and forth.
By following these steps, you will be able to properly prepare your nails for a gel manicure, ensuring a neat and long-lasting finish.
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Use a dehydrator to ensure nails are completely dry
Using a nail dehydrator is an important step in the gel nail process, as it ensures your nails are completely dry and ready for the application of nail products. It is a crucial step to achieve long-lasting results and a professional-looking manicure.
A nail dehydrator removes any moisture, oil, or bacteria from your nail plate, creating the ideal surface for the nail gel to adhere to. This process helps to balance the pH of your nails and ensures better adhesion, reducing the chances of chipping, lifting, or peeling.
To create your own DIY nail dehydrator solution, you will need isopropyl alcohol (also known as rubbing alcohol) and acetone. Isopropyl alcohol is a common disinfectant that can be found in supermarkets and drugstores, while acetone is a solvent that effectively removes extra oil and moisture. Combine two parts isopropyl alcohol with one part acetone in a clean measuring cup, using a ratio of 2:1 for the best results. Always choose high-quality ingredients to ensure the effectiveness of your solution and to avoid any potential damage to your nails.
Before applying your DIY nail dehydrator, ensure your nails are clean and free of any gel, polish, or acetone residue. It is recommended to use a nail file for shaping and a cuticle pusher to push back your cuticles. During the application, be sure to stay in a well-ventilated area.
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Apply a small amount of primer to each nail
Before applying primer to your nails, make sure they are super dry and clean. Avoid getting water or oil on your nails until after the polish is applied. Start by pushing your cuticles back, then use a coarse buffer or gentle file (about 150-180 grit) to scuff up your nails and remove the shine. Next, apply some dehydrator to your nails – a mix of 2/3 rubbing alcohol and 1/3 acetone will do the trick.
Now it's time to apply a small amount of primer to each nail. You only need enough to cover your nail – a little goes a long way! Make sure the primer doesn't get on your skin, as this can affect the curing time for each coat. If you do get primer on your skin, simply remove it with acetone on a Q-tip or a clean-up brush.
Primer will help the gel polish adhere better to your nails. Once you've applied the primer, you're ready for the next step – choosing your favourite colour and applying the polish!
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Choose your gel nail polish colour
Choosing a gel nail colour is an important step in the process of a gel manicure. It is the most fun part of the process, as you get to decide on the aesthetic you want to go for. You can choose a colour that matches an upcoming event or a new outfit, or simply pick your favourite shade.
There are a variety of brands that offer gel nail polish, including OPI, Gelish, DND, and iGel. DND is a great option for beginners as it is inexpensive and offers a wide range of colours. iGel also offers a variety of colours, but the quality can be inconsistent, so it's best to wait for their sales before purchasing. Young Nails is another brand to consider, especially if you're looking for a primer and keratin fibre gel to strengthen your nails before applying polish.
If you're looking for a specific colour, it's worth checking out swatches online to find the perfect shade. You can also decide if you want to add any designs or stamps to your manicure, which can be done with a different colour or a chrome nail powder kit.
Once you've chosen your colour, it's important to remember that gel nail polish should not be applied directly to the skin. Be careful and precise when applying the polish to avoid any messes.
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Cure the polish under a lamp — curing time depends on the lamp type
Curing gel nail polish involves using a UV or LED lamp to solidify and strengthen the gel nail polish. The duration of the curing process depends on the wattage of the lamp, the type of gel polish, and the number of beads in the lamp. The higher the wattage of the lamp, the shorter the curing time. For example, a 36W nail lamp can dry gel polish in 1-2 minutes, while a 9W lamp may take up to 6 minutes. LED lamps generally offer faster curing times and produce less heat, making them a good choice for individuals with sensitive skin or nails. On the other hand, UV lamps have higher power and a larger working area, which some technicians prefer.
It is important to note that different gel polishes have varying curing times, and it is crucial to cure each layer completely before proceeding. The base coat, which protects the nails and enhances the adhesion of the coloured gel, may need a longer curing time to ensure it is thoroughly cured. The coloured gel should be applied in thin layers multiple times, and each layer should be cured completely. The top coat curing time should be limited to around 90 seconds, as over-curing can lead to excessive hardening, making removal challenging.
To cure gel nail polish, start by positioning your freshly painted nails flat under the lamp, leaving a small gap between each finger. Ensure that the polished side of your nails faces upwards and that only your fingernails are exposed to direct UV light. Set a timer and activate the lamp, remaining still while the nails dry. The curing time can vary from a few seconds to several minutes, depending on the lamp and polish type. As a reference, start with 5 minutes and adjust the duration as needed.
It is important to review the instructions provided by the gel polish manufacturer to determine the required curing time. Some gel polish companies specify that their polishes should be used with specific lamps, and that other lamps may not be effective. Additionally, the distance between the nail and the lamp bulb can influence the curing time, with closer proximity resulting in a shorter curing time due to higher light intensity.
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Frequently asked questions
First, make sure your nails are dry and clean. Push your cuticles back, then use a coarse buffer or gentle file (150-180 grit) to remove the shine from your nails. Apply a dehydrator to ensure your nails are completely dry. You can make your own dehydrator by mixing 2/3 rubbing alcohol with 1/3 acetone. Next, apply a thin layer of primer to your nails.
It's important to file your nails rather than clip them, as clipping can cause very fine cracks to form. Use a buffer block to gently buff the nail plate to create a textured surface, which the gel will adhere to better. Finally, apply your gel nail polish, ensuring it doesn't touch your skin. The curing time will depend on whether you are using a UV or LED lamp. Typically, gel polish cures in 30 seconds with an LED lamp and 2 minutes with a UV lamp.
If you need to remove gel polish, cut a cotton pad into four pieces and soak them in acetone. Buff the top of each nail, then cover your nail with the cotton pad and apply a nail polish remover clip to hold it in place for 15 minutes. The gel polish should now be easy to scrape off with a steel cuticle remover or scraper.
