Caleb Foster
Doing your own gel nails at home is a great way to save money and time. With the right equipment and a bit of patience, you can achieve salon-worthy results without having to leave the comfort of your home. The process is not too different from getting a regular manicure, but there are some key steps to follow to ensure your gel nails last long and do not damage your natural nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Requires a steady hand and patience |
| Cost | Cheaper than going to a salon |
| Time | Takes practice |
| Equipment | UV or LED lamp, cuticle oil, nail buff, top coat, base coat, gel nail polish |
| Prep | Cut, file, buff, clean nails |
| Removal | Gel nail polish remover or acetone |
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What You'll Learn
The right equipment
Doing your own gel nails at home is not difficult, but it does require the right equipment and a steady hand. The process is similar to painting your nails with regular polish, but there are a few extra steps to follow to ensure your manicure lasts longer and does not damage your nails.
The first step is to purchase a gel nail kit, which will provide you with all the supplies needed to apply and remove gel polish. Basic kits should include a nail file, cuticle pusher or orangewood stick, nail clippers, a buffer, alcohol, acetone, a base coat, a top coat, and gel nail polish. You can also buy all the pieces separately, but this may be more costly.
The most important piece of equipment is a UV or LED lamp, which is required to cure the gel polish. Both LED gels and UV gels can be cured in a UV lamp, but an LED lamp is not strong enough to cure UV gels, so be sure to check that your polishes are compatible with your lamp.
Celebrity manicurist and nail artist Mimi D recommends consulting with a professional manicurist before making any purchases. She also suggests visiting stores like Sally Beauty, which have professional products and knowledgeable staff to help you.
When choosing a gel polish, opt for a reputable brand that is known for its quality and safety, such as S&L. Cheap or low-quality polishes may contain harmful chemicals and be prone to chipping and peeling. Look for formulas with a thicker viscosity so they don't run into your sidewalls or cuticles, and opt for vegan and cruelty-free options if possible.
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Prepping your nails
Cutting and Shaping:
Start by using a nail cutter to trim your nails to your desired length, ensuring they are all equal lengths. Then, use a nail file to shape your nails into the desired shape, such as round, pointed, square, almond, or oval. Glass nail files are recommended for a smoother finish. Be careful not to over-file your nails as it can damage them and make them more susceptible to infection.
Pushing Back Cuticles:
Use a cuticle pusher to gently push back your cuticles. It is important to be gentle during this step as pushing too hard can cause bleeding and increase the risk of infection. You can also apply cuticle oil to soften your cuticles and make this process easier. Remember to wash or soak your hands afterward to remove any excess oil, as it can cause the gel polish to lift.
Buffing:
Buff your entire nail from edge to edge to remove any natural oil buildup, which can affect the adhesion of the gel polish. A light buffing between gel applications is usually sufficient.
Cleaning:
Wipe each nail with rubbing alcohol or acetone to ensure there is no dust, debris, or oil remaining on the nail plate. This step is crucial because gel polish will not properly adhere to the nail if there is any oil present.
Base Coat:
Apply a gel base coat to each nail. This step is essential to ensure proper adhesion and sealing of the gel polish.
Remember, prepping your nails is a critical step in the gel manicure process. Taking your time and following each step carefully will help you achieve the best results and prolong the lifespan of your gel manicure.
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Painting your nails
Prepare your nails:
Before you start painting, it is crucial to prepare your nails. Start by trimming your nails to your desired length using a nail cutter. Then, shape your nails with a nail file. You can file them into a round, pointed, square, almond, or oval shape—whichever you prefer. Just be sure to use a nail file that is not too rough; something around 180 grit is ideal to prevent the ends of your nails from looking scraggly.
Next, gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher. Soaking your nails in warm water for a minute or two will help soften the cuticles, making them easier to push back. After drying your hands and nails, use the cuticle pusher to push back the soft skin at the bottom of each nail to the edge of the nail.
Clean your nails:
Using a bit of nail polish remover, clean your nails to remove any old nail polish or oils. This will give you a nice, clean surface to start with.
Apply a base coat:
Take your clear nail polish and apply a thin layer of the base coat to all your nails. Dip the brush into the bottle, then do long strokes from the base of your nail towards the tip until the entire nail is coated. Don't worry about being too perfect, as you will cover it up with coloured polish. Let the base coat dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Paint your nails:
Now, it's time to add some colour! Pick out the nail polish colour you want to use and apply a thin layer to each nail. Be careful not to overload the brush with polish, as this can cause flooding in the cuticle area. If this happens, use a toothpick to carve out a clean edge. If you get some polish on your skin, don't worry. You can clean it up later. Wait for the first coat to dry completely before applying a second coat. Repeat with a third coat if necessary.
Apply a top coat:
Once you are happy with the colour, apply a top coat to protect your manicure and create a smooth finish. Cuticle oil can also be used to speed up the drying process and enhance the look of your nails.
Clean up:
If you got some polish on your skin, take a thin, flat brush or a Q-tip dipped in nail polish remover to clean up any mistakes. Finally, use a cotton ball soaked in nail polish remover to remove any remaining colour from your cuticles and the sides of your nails.
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Curing your nails
Step 1: Prepare Your Nails
Before applying gel polish, it's crucial to prepare your nails properly. Cut and shape your nails to your desired length and shape using a nail cutter and a nail file. Gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher to reveal the base of your nails.
Step 2: Apply the Base Coat
Start by painting a thin layer of clear base coat on your nails. This will help the gel polish adhere to your nails and ensure a long-lasting manicure. Cure the base coat under the UV or LED lamp according to the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, the base coat only needs to be cured for 30-60 seconds.
Step 3: Apply the Colour Coat
After curing the base coat, it's time to apply the colour coat. Again, apply thin layers of your chosen gel polish colour, curing each layer under the lamp for the recommended time. It's important to avoid over-curing, as this can make the gel polish brittle and difficult to remove.
Step 4: Apply the Top Coat
Once you've achieved your desired colour opacity, finish with a clear top coat. This will add extra shine and protection to your manicure. Cure the top coat under the lamp, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 5: Remove Tackiness
After curing the final layer, your nails may feel slightly tacky. To remove this residue, use an acetone-soaked cotton pad or paper towel to wipe each nail gently. Alternatively, you can use a specialised gel cleanser or IPA (alcohol) to remove the sticky layer.
Step 6: Moisturise and Care
After completing the curing process, wait for the gel to cool down for about 10-15 seconds. Then, apply cuticle oil or hand cream to moisturise your nails and cuticles, promoting healthy nail growth and flexibility.
Tips for Curing Gel Nails:
- Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for curing times and safety guidelines.
- Cure each layer completely before applying the next one to ensure proper sealing and adhesion.
- Paint and cure one hand at a time to avoid smudging and achieve a flawless finish.
- Use a high-quality gel polish from a reputable brand to avoid chipping and peeling.
- Replace your UV bulb every 2-4 months to maintain consistent results.
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Removing your nail polish
Removing your own gel nail polish at home can save you money and time. There are two ways to do it: using a gel nail polish remover or the traditional way of using acetone.
Using a gel polish remover is significantly faster and requires fewer supplies. To use this method, simply buff off the top coat, apply the gel polish remover, and wait 3-5 minutes for the gel colour to lift.
The traditional way of removing gel nail polish is with acetone. This method is effective but requires more supplies. First, you need to file the top layer (gel top coat) off before you put acetone. Otherwise, it won't dissolve. Then, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to each cuticle and the surrounding skin to protect it from the harsh effects of acetone. You should also line your work area with plastic wrap to prevent acetone from damaging your furniture. Place each piece of soaked cotton on top of the nail and wrap it with plastic food wrap. Leave the plastic wrap on for 10 minutes. When you remove the plastic wrap, most or all of the gel nail polish should be gone. Remove any remaining gel nail polish with a washcloth that you've just run under warm water. Use the wet washcloth to gently rub off any remaining polish, being careful to only rub the nail and avoid the surrounding skin. Wash your hands or feet with a gentle soap and water to remove the acetone.
Another option for removing gel nail polish is to let your nails grow out. Clipping them once a week will remove the gel nail polish and help prevent your nails from catching on clothing and other objects. If you choose this option, you need to resist the urge to pick at your gel nail polish, as picking and scraping off the polish can damage your nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Doing your own gel nails is not hard, but it does require a steady hand and patience. It is also important to follow the proper steps to avoid damaging your nails.
You will need a UV or LED lamp, a cuticle pusher, a nail buff, a top coat, a base coat, and gel nail polish. You can buy a gel nail kit online or buy all the pieces separately.
First, prep your nails by cutting them to your desired length and shape, and then push back your cuticles. Next, apply a gel base coat, colour coat, and top coat. Cure each layer under a UV lamp for 30-60 seconds. Finish with cuticle oil to condition your nails.
