Isla Bennett
Getting salon-worthy gel nails at home is possible, and it can save you a lot of money in the long run. Before you start, you'll need to make sure you have the right tools. You can either buy a gel nail kit or purchase all the pieces separately. The basic tools you'll need include nail clippers, a nail file, a buffer, cuticle tools, a gel curing nail lamp, and gel nail polish. You'll also need a base coat and a top coat. Some kits also include gel polish remover, cuticle pusher, and cuticle oil. With the right tools and some practice, you'll be able to achieve a professional-level gel manicure at home.
What I need to start doing gel nails at home
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | $79 for an at-home gel manicure kit; $50-$70 for a gel manicure at a nail salon |
| Time | Save time by not having to travel to a salon |
| Creativity | Get to be creative |
| Supplies | UV or LED lamp, cuticle oil, nail buff, top coat, base coat, gel nail polish, nail clippers, nail file, buffer, cuticle tools, gel curing nail lamp, nail cutter, cuticle pusher, gel polish remover, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
The right tools and supplies
To start doing gel nails at home, you will need to invest in some essential tools and supplies. The good news is that you have options: you can either buy a gel nail kit or purchase all the pieces individually.
A gel nail kit is a good option for beginners, as it provides all the supplies needed to apply and remove gel polish. These kits can be purchased online or in-store at beauty supply stores. They are also cost-effective, saving you money on salon visits, and time spent travelling to the salon.
If you opt to purchase the items individually, you will need the following:
- A UV or LED lamp for curing the gel polish. LED lamps are considered safer and more time-efficient, but UV lamps are also widely used.
- Nail clippers or a nail cutter to cut and shape your nails.
- A nail file to smooth out any rough edges and create your desired nail shape, such as round, pointed, square, almond, or oval. Glass nail files are recommended for a smooth finish.
- A nail buffer to buff your entire nail from edge to edge, removing any natural oils that can build up and shorten the lifespan of your manicure.
- Cuticle tools, such as a cuticle pusher, to gently push back your cuticles and reveal the base of your nails.
- Cuticle oil to soften your cuticles and keep them healthy. It is important to ensure that the oil is completely removed from your nails before applying gel polish, as any leftover oil can cause the gel to lift.
- A base coat and a top coat.
- Gel nail polish in your desired colours. Look for formulas with a thicker viscosity to prevent running and opt for vegan, cruelty-free, and five-free polishes.
With the right tools and some practice, you will be well on your way to becoming an at-home gel nail expert!
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Prepping your nails
The next step is to tend to your cuticles. Apply cuticle oil to soften them, and then gently push them back with a cuticle pusher or orange wooden sticks. You can also use a nail buffer to buff your entire nail from edge to edge to remove any natural oils that may cause a buildup. Make sure to wash or soak your hands afterward to remove any excess oil. You can use acetone to wipe away any excess oil or polish on your skin.
The final step in prepping your nails is cleaning them. Wipe each nail with alcohol or hand sanitizer to ensure there isn't any dust, debris, or oil left on the nail bed. Gel won't adhere properly if there is any oil left on the nail. With your nails prepped, you are now ready to start your gel manicure.
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Applying the base coat
Prepare Your Nails
Before applying the base coat, it is essential to properly prepare your nails. Start by cutting and shaping your nails to the desired length and shape using a nail clipper and nail file. Gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher, being careful not to cut them. Buff the surface of your nails to remove any shine and create a rough texture, which will help the gel polish adhere better. You can use a nail buffer or a soft-grade nail file for this step. Wipe your nails with cleanser wipes or lint-free wipes to ensure they are clean and free of any dust or debris.
Apply the Base Coat
With your nails prepared, it's time to apply the base coat. Choose a high-quality gel base coat designed specifically for gel manicures. Apply a very thin layer of the base coat gel polish to each nail, being careful to avoid your skin and cuticles. The key is to make the layer as thin as possible to ensure proper curing. Seal the open edges of your nails by capping the free edge with the base coat. This process helps create a chip-resistant finish.
Cure the Base Coat
After applying the base coat to all your nails, it's time to cure them under a UV lamp or LED light. Place your hands under the lamp and cure the base coat for at least 45 seconds to a minute. Some sources recommend curing for up to 120 seconds to ensure thorough curing. It is normal for your nails to feel slightly sticky after curing the base coat.
Additional Tips
- If you get the base coat on your skin, use a small amount of acetone on a cotton swab or toothpick to wipe it away carefully before curing.
- You can apply a primer before the base coat to help remove any remaining oils from your nails, especially if you have oily nail beds.
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific products you are using, as curing times may vary.
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Applying the gel polish
Firstly, you need to prep your nails. Clean your nails thoroughly to remove any oils or residue. Push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher and clean the surrounding nail plate. You can also apply cuticle oil to keep your nails hydrated. Shape your nails with a nail file. You can file your nails into any shape you desire, such as round, pointed, square, almond, or oval.
Secondly, apply an extremely thin layer of the base coat gel polish onto your nails and cure it under a UV or LED lamp for 2 minutes. If you get the polish on your skin, use some acetone to wipe it away before putting your hand under the lamp again. You can use a toothpick to wipe away small amounts from your cuticles.
Thirdly, apply two thin coats of colour and cure each layer for 3 minutes under a UV lamp or 30 seconds under an LED lamp. The colour may be transparent after the first coat, but the second coat will cover it well. If you see wrinkling on the nail after curing, the gel polish was applied too thick, so apply a thinner coat.
Finally, apply a thin layer of the top coat and cure it under a UV or LED lamp for 2 minutes. The top coat creates a highly radiant and glossy appearance.
To remove the gel polish, soak cotton balls in acetone and place them on each nail. Wrap your nails with tin foil to keep the cotton balls in place and wait for at least 10 minutes. You should then be able to remove the polish without any effort.
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Removing the gel polish
Removing gel nail polish can be a tricky process. It is important to be cautious and patient to avoid damaging your nails. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to effectively remove gel nail polish at home:
Prepare Your Nails:
Before starting the removal process, it is recommended to file down the top coat of your gel nail polish. This will help the acetone penetrate better and speed up the removal process. Use a nail file to gently buff away the top layer of the gel polish. Be careful not to file down too much, as you do not want to damage your natural nails.
Protect Your Work Area:
Acetone can be harsh on surfaces and skin, so it is important to take some precautionary steps. Line your work area with plastic wrap to protect it from any spills or damage. You can also use tin foil, but plastic wrap creates a tighter seal and is less wasteful. Place a thick towel over the plastic wrap to further protect the surface.
Soak Your Nails:
There are a few different methods you can use to soak your nails in acetone. You can choose the one that you find most convenient:
- Cotton Balls and Foil: Soak cotton balls in acetone and place them on your nails. Wrap each finger with foil to hold the cotton balls in place. Leave them on for 15-20 minutes.
- Bowl of Acetone: Fill a bowl with acetone and soak your nails in it for 15-20 minutes. Make sure the bowl is large enough to submerge your nails completely.
- Double Bowl Method: This method involves using two bowls, one with hot water and the other with acetone, placed on top of the hot water to warm it up. Soak your nails in the warm acetone for 10 minutes.
- Plastic Food Wrap: Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to each cuticle and the surrounding skin to protect them from the acetone. Then, soak a cotton ball in acetone and place it on your nail. Wrap your nail and the cotton ball with plastic food wrap, creating a tight seal. Leave it on for 10 minutes.
Remove the Gel Polish:
After soaking your nails, most or all of the gel nail polish should come off easily. You can use a cuticle pusher or a wooden stick to gently scrape off any remaining polish. Be careful not to use too much force, as this can damage your nails. If there is still some stubborn polish left, you can use a wet washcloth to gently rub it off.
Post-Removal Care:
Washing your hands with gentle, fragrance-free soap and water will help remove any remaining acetone. It is important to moisturize your nails and cuticles after removing gel nail polish, as acetone can be drying. Apply petroleum jelly or cuticle oil to your cuticles and the surrounding skin for the next seven days to reduce any irritation and promote healthy nails.
Removing gel nail polish at home can be a lengthy and sometimes frustrating process, but with patience and the right techniques, you can safely achieve salon-like results.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a gel nail kit, which should include a UV or LED lamp, a cuticle oil, a nail buff, a top coat, a base coat, and gel nail polish. You can buy a kit online or buy all the pieces separately.
Start by cutting your nails and filing them to your desired shape. Then, gently push back your cuticles and wash or soak your hands. You can use cuticle oil to soften your cuticles.
The next step is to buff your entire nail from edge to edge. This is important because the natural oils on your nails can build up and reduce the lifespan of your gel manicure.
Apply a thin layer of the base coat gel polish and cure under a UV or LED lamp for 120 seconds. Apply one coat of gel polish and cure for another 120 seconds. You may need to do a third layer, depending on the colour.
You can use a gel polish remover, which does not require acetone, cotton balls or aluminium foil. You simply buff off the top coat, apply the gel polish remover, and wait 3-5 minutes for the gel colour to lift.
