Isla Bennett
Getting a gel manicure at a salon can be expensive, so it's no surprise that many people are turning to at-home gel nail kits to save money. These kits come with a variety of tools, including nail lamps, buffers, files, and gel polishes, and promise long-lasting results without the hassle of smudging or chipping. While there is a slight learning curve when applying gel nails, with practice, it is possible to achieve salon-quality manicures at home. This guide will take you through the steps and tools needed to use a gel nail machine and achieve the perfect manicure.
How to use a gel nail machine:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Supplies | Nail lamp, acetone, nail buffer, rubbing alcohol, PH bond, base and top coat, gel nail polish, nail file, nail dehydrator, primer, grooming tools, drying lamp, nail drill, nail clips, nail polish remover, lint-free wipes, cuticle oil, etc. |
| Preparation | Clip and shape nails, buff the top layer, rinse hands with water, clean nails thoroughly, apply nail primer, etc. |
| Application | Apply a thin layer of base coat, cure under the lamp for 120 seconds, apply a thin coat of gel polish, cure under the lamp for 120 seconds, repeat if necessary, apply the top coat, cure under the lamp for 120 seconds, etc. |
| Removal | Use acetone, nail clips, cotton pads, metal cuticle pusher, lint-free wipes, gel nail polish remover, etc. Soak nails in acetone for 15 minutes, buff the nail surface, gently remove the polish, etc. |
| Tips | Avoid getting polish on cuticles, practice makes perfect, be patient, don't use aggressive machines for removal, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare your nails by clipping, filing and buffing them
Preparing your nails is an important step in the process of using a gel nail machine. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to clip, file and buff your nails to achieve the best results:
Clipping:
Start by clipping your nails to your desired length. It is recommended to use nail clippers specifically designed for this purpose, ensuring they are clean and sharp to avoid any splitting or cracking of the nails.
Filing:
Once your nails are clipped, you can move on to filing. The purpose of filing is to shape your nails and smooth out any rough edges. There are two main types of nail files: emery boards and glass files. Either can be used, but glass or crystal files are recommended as the file pattern is usually etched into the surface, providing longer-lasting results. When filing, avoid filing back and forth, as this can damage the nail. Instead, use gentle, unidirectional motions to shape your nails to your desired shape, such as round, pointed, square, almond, or oval.
Buffing:
Buffing is a crucial step in the process as it helps to smooth out the surface of your nails, creating a slightly rough texture that allows the gel polish to adhere properly and last longer. A nail buffer typically has three or four sides: file, buff, polish, and shine. Start with the most coarse side first, if it is not numbered, and work your way to the smoother side. Hold the buffing side parallel to your nail and stroke it across each nail in an X shape. Avoid buffing side-to-side to prevent heat damage to your nails. After buffing, use the polish side, which has a finer grit, to remove any imperfections and make your nails even smoother.
Remember to clean your nails with water (no soap) after clipping, filing, and buffing to remove any dust or debris. Ensure your nails are completely dry before moving on to the next step of your gel nail application.
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Apply a PH bond, base coat and gel nail polish
To apply a PH bond, start by cleaning your nails with a nail buffer to smooth and polish them. You can then use a nail file to shape your nails to your desired length and gently buff the surface of the nail to create a slightly rough texture. This will help the gel polish to adhere to your nails better. Next, paint on the PH bond to help dry out your nails and remove excess oils.
Once the PH bond has been applied, you can move on to the base coat. Apply an extremely thin layer of the base coat gel polish to your nails and cure it under a UV lamp for 120 seconds. The base coat acts as a bonding agent between your natural nail and the gel polish, enhancing the adhesion and prolonging the lifespan of your manicure. It also fills in any minor flaws in your nails, ensuring that the gel polish applies evenly and resulting in a more polished and professional look.
After curing the base coat, you can apply your gel nail polish. Again, make sure to apply a very thin layer of polish and cure it under the lamp for 120 seconds. If you get the polish on your skin, use some acetone to wipe it away before curing. Depending on the colour and brand of your polish, you may need to apply a second or third layer, curing each layer for 120 seconds.
Finally, apply the top coat and cure it under the lamp for another 120 seconds. To finish, soak a cotton pad in rubbing alcohol and rub each nail well. Your gel manicure is now complete and should be durable and long-lasting!
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Cure your nails under a lamp
Curing gel nail polish requires a special UV or LED lamp to seal and harden the polish. This process is known as polymerisation, which causes the molecules in the gel polish to bond together, forming a solid layer of colour that won't chip or wear off easily.
Before curing, it's important to ensure your nails are clean and dry. You should also apply a thin layer of base coat gel polish to your nails. This base coat should be cured under the lamp for around 45 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on the type of lamp and nail. Remember to cure the base coat on one hand at a time to prevent smearing.
After the base coat has cured, carefully paint a thin coat of colour gel polish on each nail. Be careful not to get any polish on your cuticles, as this can cause the polish to peel. Then, cure the colour coat under the lamp for another 45 seconds to 2 minutes. You may need to apply additional coats of colour polish, curing each coat under the lamp.
Finally, apply a thin layer of gel top coat to seal and protect the colour polish. Cure the top coat under the lamp for a further 45 seconds to 2 minutes. To finish, rub each nail with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol to remove any sticky residue.
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Apply a top coat and cure again
Applying a top coat is the final step in achieving a long-lasting gel manicure. After curing your gel colour, it's time to add a thin layer of top coat. Be sure to seal the free edge of your nails with the top coat to prevent the gel polish from chipping. You can use a fine brush for a more precise application.
The top coat needs to be cured under a UV or LED nail lamp. The curing time will depend on the product you are using and the type of lamp. For example, The GelBottle products cure for 45 seconds under an LED lamp or 2 minutes under a UV lamp. Other products may take longer, such as 120 seconds, to cure under a lamp.
It is important to cure the top coat for the recommended time to ensure the best results and avoid any issues. Some top coats, like The GelBottle Inc nonwipe Extreme Shine, Glazed, Matte, or Glow Top Coat, provide a long-lasting finish without the need for wiping off any sticky residue.
If you've applied your gel polish too thickly, you can use a fine-grit buffer to lightly buff the surface. Thickness issues can happen to even the most experienced technicians, but they can be avoided by applying multiple thin, even coats of polish, curing between each layer.
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Remove gel nail polish with nail polish remover
To remove gel nail polish with nail polish remover, you will need a few supplies. These include nail polish remover, cotton balls or pads, aluminium foil, a cuticle pusher, and a nail file. Cuticle oil and a nail buffer are optional extras.
Firstly, use a coarse nail file to file down the gel top coat layer until the top coat is no longer shiny and smooth. Do this for each nail, starting with your non-dominant hand. Gently file from the cuticle to the edge of your nail, moving left to right. Avoid using a back-and-forth motion and don't focus on just one spot. Filing down the top coat will make it easier to take off the polish with acetone later.
Next, tear off pieces of cotton ball or pad that are about 1.5 x 1.5 cm. Make sure they are thin but big enough to cover your nail bed. Soak these in nail polish remover and place them on your nails. Then, wrap your fingers with foil paper and keep this in place for 15-20 minutes. The gel polish will then lose its base, and you can take a cuticle pusher to scrape off the layer.
Finally, wash your hands and pat them dry. Apply a generous amount of cuticle oil or nail/cuticle cream to maintain the health of your nail beds.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a nail lamp, acetone, nail buffer, rubbing alcohol, PH bond, base and top coat, gel nail polish, nail file, and cuticle oil.
First, clip your nails to the desired length, then use a nail file to shape them. Next, buff the top of your nails to remove the top layer. Clean your nails thoroughly to ensure there is no dust or oil residue. Apply a thin layer of the base coat and cure it under a nail lamp for 120 seconds. Then, apply a thin coat of gel polish and cure it under the lamp again. Repeat this process for any additional layers. Finish with a top coat and cure under the lamp.
You can use acetone to remove gel nail polish. Soak a cotton pad in acetone and place it on your nail, securing it with foil or a nail clip. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then gently scrape off the gel polish with a steel cuticle remover or orangewood stick.
There are several gel nail kits available that offer different advantages. The Morovan Nail Kit and Gelous Gel Nail Polish are known for being affordable and long-lasting. The Olive & June Gel Mani System and DND Gel Starter Kit are also good options for at-home gel nails.
While nail machines can be used to remove gel polish, they can potentially damage your nail beds if not used properly. It is recommended to use hand files for natural nails to avoid any risk of damage.
