Buzz
Using gel nail polish provides the same durability as acrylics while maintaining a natural look. Additionally, gel polish avoids the strong, unpleasant smell often associated with acrylics. However, curing gel polish requires a UV light to harden it. Each layer of gel polish needs to be cured under the UV light for about two to three minutes. This process creates a chemical bond that ensures the gel adheres firmly to the nail.
Steps
Preparation
File and shape your nails. To achieve a stunning gel manicure at home, start with clean, trimmed nails. Take the time to cut, file, and shape your nails. Before cutting, decide on the nail shape you desire. Trim your nails into a standard shape and then file the edges. Finish by smoothing the nail surface using a buffer.
- You can create round, square, stiletto, almond, or oval-shaped nails.
- Gel polish is applied according to the nail shape, so shaping your nails beforehand is essential. Unlike acrylics, gel polish cannot be shaped during or after application.
Use a cuticle cleaner. Once you’ve shaped your nails, address the cuticles using a cuticle tool. Gently remove any lifted skin around the nail base. Then, wipe away residual oils or debris from the nails using a cotton pad soaked in acetone.
Apply the base coat. Paint a thin layer of base coat onto your nails. For gel polish, the base coat should be thinner compared to regular polish. Be careful to avoid getting the gel on your skin. Allow the base coat to dry for twice the recommended time.
Color Application
Apply two thin layers of color. Once the base coat is completely dry, apply a thin layer of color polish. Streaks in the first coat are normal. Ensure the color covers the nail tip and the entire surface to prevent the gel from peeling.
- After each coat, cure the nails under a UV light for 2-3 minutes.
Apply the top coat. Cover the entire nail surface with the top coat, including the nail tip, as you did with the color polish. Again, cure the nails under the UV light for 2-3 minutes.
Remove any sticky residue. Some gel polishes leave a tacky layer on and around the nails even after curing the top coat under the UV light. If this happens, simply use a cotton pad soaked in isopropyl alcohol to wipe away the sticky layer. Complete your gel manicure by applying cuticle oil to the skin around your nails.
- If your gel nails start to look dull after a few days, use a buffer to smooth the top layer, clean the nails, and apply a fresh coat of clear polish to restore the shine.
Removing Gel Polish
Buff off the top coat. To remove gel polish, start by buffing away the shiny top layer. This step removes the gloss. Only after removing the shine can you proceed to the next step of gel removal.
- Avoid picking at the polish, as this can damage the nail layers and make them more brittle.
Soak cotton pads in 100% acetone. Only 100% acetone can effectively remove gel polish. Take 10 cotton pads and soak them in acetone. The pads should be large enough to cover the entire nail.
- Be cautious when handling acetone, as it is a strong chemical. Remember that acetone can dry out your nails, making them more brittle.
Wrap each finger with foil. Place a soaked cotton pad over the nail, ensuring full coverage. Once the pad is in place, wrap the nail and fingertip tightly with aluminum foil. Repeat this process for all nails.
- It’s best to work on one hand at a time, as it’s difficult to wrap fingers on the other hand while some are already covered in foil.
Wait and then remove the foil wraps from each nail. Keep the foil wraps on for about 15 minutes. Avoid unwrapping to check the progress—just let it sit. After 15 minutes, remove the foil from each nail one by one. By now, the gel should start lifting. Use a cuticle tool to gently scrape off the remaining gel.
- If the gel remains stubborn and hard to remove, reapply an acetone-soaked cotton pad and wrap the nail with foil again. Wait another 15 minutes and try once more.
Finish the process with cuticle oil. Once again, complete the steps by applying cuticle oil. Massage the oil into the skin around your nails.
- If your nails appear rough, apply a layer of cuticle oil directly to the nail surface and use a buffer to smooth it out.
