Noah Sinclair
Beetles nail extension gel is a popular product for those who want to do their own gel nails at home. The kit includes nail tips and gel that can be cured with a UV light. While some users have reported that the nails only last a few days, others have found success by using a small amount of acrylic to adhere the nail extension to their natural nail, ensuring that the nail is prepped before application. The kit has received positive reviews for its ease of use and the beautiful results it delivers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prepping the nail | Prepare the nail, then apply a small amount of acrylic to the nail, starting at the cuticle area |
| Painting technique | Avoid flooding the cuticle by starting midway down the nail, then slowly getting closer to the cuticle |
| Dipping back into the bottle | Start midway down the nail again |
| Using normal press-on nails | Not recommended, as the UV light may not be able to penetrate through the color |
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What You'll Learn
Prepping nails
Before applying the Beetles nail extension gel, it is important to prep your nails properly to ensure the gel adheres well and doesn't lift or pop off. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prep your nails:
Clean and Shape Your Nails: Start by removing any old nail polish or residue from your nails using a gentle nail polish remover. Wash your hands with soap and water to ensure your nails are clean and free of any oils or dirt. Then, use a nail file to shape your natural nails. You can file them into your desired shape, such as square, round, or oval.
Push Back Your Cuticles: Gently push back your cuticles using a cuticle pusher or an orange stick. Be careful not to cut or damage your cuticles, as this can cause pain and increase the risk of infection. Pushing back the cuticles will give you more space to apply the nail extension gel and create a neater finish.
Buff and Dehydrate Your Nails: Lightly buff the surface of your nails with a nail buffer to create a slightly rough texture. This step helps the nail extension gel adhere better to your natural nails. After buffing, use a cotton pad or ball soaked in nail dehydrator or rubbing alcohol to wipe across the nail plate. This will remove any remaining oils and moisture, creating a dry surface for the gel to stick to.
Apply a Nail Primer: Use a nail primer or bonder to further enhance the adhesion of the gel to your natural nails. Follow the instructions on your chosen product, as application methods may vary. Typically, you would apply a small amount of primer to each nail and allow it to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
By following these steps, you will properly prep your nails for the Beetles nail extension gel application, creating a strong and long-lasting bond. Remember to follow the specific instructions provided with your nail kit for the best results.
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Using acrylic
Before you begin, ensure your nails are clean and free of any old polish. Use an acetone-based, oil-free nail polish remover to take off any existing varnish. If you have old acrylic nails or gels, it is important to soak them in pure acetone to remove them gently. Do not peel them off, as this will damage your natural nails. Trim your natural nails to a short, even length with nail clippers or scissors, and use a nail file to smooth them out.
Next, you will need to buff the surface of your nails with a soft file to create a rougher texture, which will help the acrylic adhere better. Push back your cuticles, as the acrylic should only be applied to your natural nails and not your skin. Now you are ready to apply the acrylic nails. Pour liquid acrylic into a dish and dip a brush into it before coating it with acrylic powder. Apply this mixture to your nails, flattening and brushing it towards the tip. Allow it to dry for about 10 minutes before polishing.
With practice, you can achieve great results with acrylic nails at home. Remember to take your time and be careful with the strong chemicals involved, as they may cause allergies.
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Applying the gel
When applying the gel, start by applying it midway down your nail. Slowly work your way towards the cuticle to avoid flooding your cuticles. If you need to dip back into the bottle for more gel, start again midway down the nail.
Beetles nail extension gel is a UV gel, so you will need a UV light to cure it. The UV light will not penetrate through coloured or solid nails, so bear this in mind when choosing your nail extensions.
Apply the gel in thin layers and cure each layer under the UV light before applying the next. This will ensure that your nails are strong and durable.
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Shaping the nail
Start by ensuring your natural nails are prepared and ready for the extension application. Clean and dry your nails, pushing back your cuticles gently. You can use a wooden cuticle stick for this, which is gentle on the nails. If you wish to shape your natural nails before application, it is best to file them now. Aim for a smooth surface by buffing the nail bed, creating a suitable base for the extensions.
Next, select the correct-sized nail tips for each nail. The Beetles kit offers a range of sizes, so you can choose the most suitable one for each nail. It is important to take your time with this step to ensure a comfortable and natural-looking fit. Once you have chosen the right size, gently file the nail tips to further enhance the fit and blend them with your natural nail shape.
Now, you can begin the process of adhering the nail tips. Apply a small amount of acrylic or gel to your natural nail, starting at the cuticle area. Gently press the nail tip onto your natural nail, holding it in place for a few seconds to ensure a strong bond. You can use UV gel glue for this step, which will require curing under a UV lamp. Ensure you follow the specific instructions provided with your chosen adhesive.
Once the nail tips are securely attached, it's time to refine the shape. File and buff the nails to create your desired shape, whether it's a square, round, or almond shape. Take your time with this step, as shaping is key to achieving a natural and elegant look. Remember to be gentle, as aggressive filing can damage the nail extensions and affect their overall durability.
Finally, finish the shaping process by blending the cuticles. Gently push back your cuticles once more and, if needed, use a cuticle nipper to remove any excess skin carefully. Smooth the nail surface with a buffer, creating a seamless transition from your natural nail to the extension. This step ensures a polished and professional finish.
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Dipping back into the bottle
When applying the gel, start midway down the nail and slowly get closer to the cuticle. If you need to dip back into the bottle for more gel, start again from the middle of the nail and work your way towards the cuticle. This technique helps to prevent flooding the cuticles.
It is important to prep the nail before applying any gel. This involves cleaning and shaping the natural nail, pushing back the cuticles, and ensuring the nail surface is free of any oils or residue. Well-prepped nails will help the gel adhere better and last longer.
Take a small amount of gel on your brush and start applying it from the middle of the nail, slowly working your way towards the cuticle. Be careful not to overload the brush with gel, as this can lead to flooding. Use a light touch and build up the gel in thin layers if needed.
If you need to go back for more gel during the application process, simply dip your brush back into the bottle and continue from where you left off. Remember to work in thin layers and cure each layer under a UV or LED lamp according to the gel's instructions.
By following these steps and taking your time, you can achieve a neat and precise gel nail application, avoiding any flooding or mess around the cuticles. Practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if you don't get it right the first time!
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Frequently asked questions
Use a small amount of acrylic instead of the gel to adhere the nail to your natural nail. Start by prepping the nail and applying a small amount of acrylic to it, then apply the nail to your natural nail starting at the cuticle area.
Make sure to prep your nails before applying the gel.
Don't start painting from the cuticle. Start midway down the nail and then slowly get closer to the cuticle. If you need to dip back into the bottle, start midway down the nail again.
No, as the UV light can't penetrate through the colour of its solid.
