Gel nail polish has truly shaken up the world of nail care and beauty. It brings many fantastic perks compared to your regular nail polish, like lasting durability, a gorgeous shine, and resilience against annoying chips.
Whether you’re weary of regular touch-ups or aspire to achieve a polished, salon-quality appearance, this all-inclusive guide is here to assist you in becoming adept at applying gel nail polish.
Reasons to Choose Gel Nail Polish
Gel nail polish has gained immense popularity for several compelling reasons, and these include:
Longevity
When it comes to longevity, gel polish won’t chip like your typical polish does. And if you put it right, smudging is not a problem.
Glossy Finish
Using gel nail polish will give your nails a shiny finish, making it look like you got your manicure done in a fancy salon!
No Dry Time
Unlike regular nail polish, which takes forever to dry, gel polish dries in a flash under UV or LED lamps. So you can get back to your usual routine without worrying about messing up your nails.
Versatility
You’ve got many choices with gel nail polish – there are various colors and finishes to pick from, so you can show off your unique style.
The Tools You Need
Before you jump into how to do your gel manicure, make sure you’ve got all the must-have stuff ready. You’re going to need:
Gel Nail Polish
Choose the gel colors you love, or have some fun and try something fresh!
Base Coat
When it comes to gel polish, the base coat is a big deal. It’s even more crucial than with regular polish. This base coat is the secret sauce that makes the gel stick to your natural nails, and that’s how you can keep those gel nails looking fresh for as long as possible.
Top Coat
This product gives your nails that shiny finish.
UV or LED Lamp
Gel polish must be set under a UV or LED lamp. Double-check to make sure your gel polish works with the lamp you’ve got.
Nail File or Buffer
When removing your gel nails, be gentle with your natural nails and avoid using a rough nail file that might harm them. To remove gel nails, grab a medium grit file. If you’ve applied soak-off gel polish, use a 180-grit nail file to remove the hardened top coat before removing the soak-off gel polish.
Nail Cleanser or Rubbing Alcohol
Use rubbing alcohol to ensure your nails are clean before applying gel polish. It removes anything that might stop the polish from sticking to your natural nail. To use it, grab some cotton balls or lint-free nail wipes – these won’t leave any fuzzy stuff on your nails.
Cuticle Pusher
Use a cuticle pusher to push back those cuticles and reveal more of your nail bed. This helps your nails look good for longer before you see any growth under the polish.
Nail Clipper and Cuticle Trimmer
Nail clippers are used to shape your nails before starting a gel manicure. But here’s the important part: don’t clip your nails after you’ve got that lovely gel polish on. If you do, it’s likely to mess things up.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Gel Nail Polish
Gel nail polish is hard to apply, especially when doing it yourself. Dive into the complete, step-by-step guide on how to apply gel polish:
Cleanse Your Nails
Soak a lint-free wipe in nail cleanser or rubbing alcohol and thoroughly clean each nail to remove residual oils or debris. This step ensures that the gel polish adheres properly and helps prevent chipping.
Apply the Base Coat
Start by putting on a thin, smooth layer of the base coat on each nail. Make sure to stay away from your skin and cuticles. This base coat is essential because it makes the gel polish stick nicely to your natural nails. After you’ve done that, pop your nails under the UV or LED lamp for the time recommended by the brand, usually about 30 seconds to a minute.
Coat Your Nails with Gel Polish
Apply a thin coat of your chosen gel nail polish color. Again, make sure to avoid the skin and cuticles. Gel nail polish is known for its intense pigmentation, so you’ll likely need just one coat. After applying the color, cure your nails under the lamp for the recommended time.
Second Coat
If you prefer a more intense color, apply a second gel polish coat. Ensure you cure each coat separately to ensure proper drying and bonding.
Apply the Top Coat
Once your color is to your liking, apply a thin layer of the gel top coat to seal in the color and provide a glossy finish. Cure the top coat under the lamp as you did with the previous layers.
Clean Up and Finish
After curing the top coat, your nails should be perfectly dry and shiny. To complete your manicure, take a lint-free wipe and soak it in rubbing alcohol. Gently wipe each nail to remove any sticky residue from the top coat. Your gel manicure is complete, and you can enjoy your beautiful, long-lasting nails!
Tips for a Perfect Gel Manicure
To get your desired finish, you must prepare not only your nails but also yourself and your working station. These are some tips to consider to get that perfect and shiny gel manicure:
Work in a Well-Lit Area
Ensure that the area you’re doing your nails in has good lighting to avoid smudging your polish.
Thin Coats Are Key
Applying thin layers of gel polish ensures even curing and a more natural look.
Avoid Skin and Cuticle Contact
Gel polish that touches the skin or cuticles can lead to lifting and chipping. Use an orange stick or a small brush dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean up any mistakes before curing.
Even Application
Pay attention to the consistency of your gel polish. It may only cure properly if it’s thick enough and thick enough. Most gel polishes have a sweet spot, and you’ll get a feel for it with practice.
Protect Your Skin from UV Lamps
If you want to block UV light from reaching your skin, the smart move is to slip on some manicure gloves. These UV manicure gloves are made to keep your hands and fingers safe from UV rays. They’re fingerless, giving just the right space for your nails to be exposed during your manicure.
Elevate Your Home Manicure Game
Gel nail polish may up your nail game and give you an at-home manicure that lasts a very long time. You can master applying and caring for gel nail polish with the correct equipment, methods, and practice. Prepare to dive into gel polish and experience perfect, lustrous, long-lasting nails.
