To do gel nails at home, follow these detailed steps for a professional- looking and long-lasting manicure:
Supplies Needed
- Cuticle softener/remover
- Cuticle pusher and orange wood stick
- Nail file (both crystal and gritty types recommended)
- Nail buffer
- Nail cleanser or isopropyl alcohol
- Lint-free wipes
- Primer (acid or acid-free)
- Base coat gel polish
- Color gel polish
- Top coat gel polish
- UV or LED lamp (e.g., 48W LED lamp)
- Cuticle oil for moisturizing
Step-by-Step Process
1. Prepare Your Nails
- Remove any existing polish using nail polish remover. For gel polish, soak cotton balls in acetone, place on nails, wrap with foil, and wait 15 minutes before scraping off the gel
- Shape your nails with a nail file to your preferred shape (round or almond are popular and easy to maintain)
- Apply cuticle softener/remover, then push back cuticles gently with a cuticle pusher or orange stick
- Buff the nail surface lightly to remove shine and create a better base for adhesion, but avoid over-buffing to prevent nail damage
2. Clean and Prime
- Cleanse nails thoroughly with a nail cleanser or isopropyl alcohol to remove oils and dust. Repeat twice for best results
- Apply primer to enhance adhesion of the gel polish. Wait for it to fully evaporate before proceeding
3. Apply Base Coat
- Apply a thin layer of base coat gel polish carefully, avoiding cuticles. Cure under the UV or LED lamp (usually 1 minute under LED)
- You can apply base coat on four fingers first, cure, then do the thumb separately for better control
4. Apply Color Gel Polish
- Apply a thin layer of color gel polish, covering the entire nail including the tip to prevent chipping.
- Cure under the lamp for about 30 seconds.
- Repeat for 2-3 coats until you achieve desired opacity
5. Optional Nail Art
- Apply nail stickers or other decorations if desired, following instructions to place and dry them properly
6. Apply Top Coat
- Apply a top coat gel polish layer, again covering the tips.
- Cure under the lamp for about 2 minutes for a glossy, durable finish
7. Cleanse and Moisturize
- After curing, wipe nails with isopropyl alcohol or cleanser to remove the sticky residue.
- Finish by applying cuticle oil to nourish and hydrate your nails
Tips for Best Results
- Avoid getting gel polish on cuticles to prevent lifting.
- Use thin layers to avoid thick, uneven nails.
- Maintain your cuticles regularly to help gel polish last longer.
- Use a good quality LED/UV lamp for proper curing
By following these steps, you can achieve salon-quality gel nails at home that last for weeks with a shiny, chip-free finish
