When we think of wearing super cool and long-lasting manicures, our minds inevitably go to the Gel nails. This technique is the favorite of many celebrities to create incredible designs, lengthen the nails and obtain lasting results. For this reason, many are those who dare to do your own gel nails at home and create wonderful nail arts. So, if you are one of those who wants to try this type of nails, we will tell you everything you need to know to do them and achieve a professional result.
how to do it step by step
First step: nail preparation
The first and fundamental step for a perfect and beautiful result, is the preparation of the nails. We start by applying a little alcohol to disinfect the hands and then the nails are prepared. We must remove the skins, push cuticles with a cuticle pusher that will help to remove them well, this step is very important because this way we will avoid any lifting of the gel. And finally, polish the nail surface with a file, for example from 100-180 using the part of 180 which is the finer grain, perfect for removing roughness and excess fat; In addition, this way we will create a perfect base so that the gel product will adhere much better.
Second step: clean the nails so that there are no traces of grease or impurities
Once we have the nails prepared, without skin or calluses and having given it some shape, now it’s time to perfectly clean the surface of each nail to remove all impurities, such as the dust that is created when filing and even the grease that may have remained. This is done with a specific product known as the cleanerand it is essential because as we will see, we will also use it in other steps to eliminate a sticky residue which is known as scattering layer and you have to remove it once your nails are dry.
Third step: put the mold or sticker on the nails
We peel off the sticker and we mold it in the shape of a cone and we place it so that the base of the cone is below the natural nail, so we can lengthen the nails above the sticker, which it is the one that acts as support for the ge productl. This mold or sticker has to be well glued and adapted to each of our fingers to avoid any gap where the product can go.
Fourth step: apply the primer or dehydrator
Next, apply the primer or dehydrate all over the nail avoiding touching the cuticles. What this product does is prepare the nails for the following products and at the same time “dehydrate” the nail to eliminate any remaining fat that may have remained. As we have already said, it is very important for the gel to adhere perfectly.
Step Five: Build the Nails
This is one of the most important steps and where we will have to show our ability when doing gel nails. With the help of a specific brush We will take a small amount of gel, about the size of a pearl and we will begin to apply just at the point where the nail meets the moldbecause it is the point of tension of the nail and that is where the force that makes the length of the nail is.
So you have to build that part well and go forward little by little through the rest of the nail and the length (above the mold), but always avoid touching the cuticle. Also, when we work with the brush, we should not lift too muchbecause that is when bubbles will form and the result will not be aesthetic at all.
Step Six: Cure the nails under UV lamp
Then you have to put the nails under the UV or LED lamp for two minutes. When removing the nails from the lamp they will feel sticky and it will seem that the product has not cured well, but in reality it is the dispersion layer that is also known as residual, and it must be removed with the cleanser applied to a wipe.
Again we will apply a second layer of gel and we will do the same process, two minutes under the lamp to cure and clean the residual layer. Once we have the nails of the thickness we want and well cured, we can remove the stickers.
Seventh step: file the gel nails
Now it’s time to shape the gel nails with a file, this way we will soften the edges and the sides, and we will adjust the nail more if it has been a little wide. The surface of the nail is also filed without creating much pressure, so that they are smooth and soft while making the nails look straighter.
In this case, the 100-180 file will be used for the finer part (180); and then run a buffing pad, which will leave an ultra fine and smooth finish, much more perfect. Finally, we remove the dust from the filing with a brush or nail brush and wipe again with a damp cloth with the cleaner.
Eighth step: decoration and finishing
This is the time to decide if we want the nails of some color or with some decoration, or on the contrary leave them in a natural tone. If we want to leave them natural, we just have to apply a layer of specific top-coat that will protect the nail and leave a lot of shine, and we will dry it for two minutes under the UV lamp and remove the dispersion layer.
On the other hand, if we want the nails of some color, we will use a specific polish for gel nailswhich we will also let cure under the UV lamp for two minutes and we will clean the sticky texture with the cleaner. And lastly and on the color enamel, we apply the sealing gel, we return to cure in the lamp and clean the sticky residue again. And now yes, yes, we will have our nails completely done.
How long do gel nails last?
Gel nails, in addition to being nails that look very pretty, well done and with quality products, should last perfect for weeks. They can usually last three to five weeks. In addition, the material with which gel nails are made is much more flexible than if we compare it with acrylic nails, which means that withstands blows much better.
The best products for a professional result
–nail kit, three tools to cut and remove cuticles, made of strong and durable stainless steel. cuticle cutter, Price 9.99 euros.
3 Pieces Cuticle Nippers with Cuticle Lifter Cuticle Remover Steel
–URAQT Professional Nail Files, 16 pieces of files in the number 100-180 perfect for working on gel nails. Price 6.59 euros.
URAQT Professional Nail Files
–Keiby Citom Polishers, two polishers with different faces to work the nails and make them completely fine and smooth. Price 6.99 euros.
Professional Nail File – Nail Polishing Block for Gel
–Coconut Aroma Cleaner + 10 High Quality Cellulose, the perfect product to remove the sticky layer of UV/LED gels. Price 7.99 euros.
Cleaner for Gel 100ml Transparent Coconut Aroma + 10 High-quality Cellulose
–Saviland Nail Primer and Dehydrator, this product leaves the nails perfectly prepared, without grease so that the gel product adheres perfectly. Does not contain acid in its formulation. Price 9.99 euros.
Saviland Nail Primer and Dehydrator
–Stickers-Gel Nail Molds, 200 stickers with marked numbers to shape gel nails. Price 4.95 euros.
200 Sheets Gold Manicure Paper Tray
–Mylee Double Ended Gel Tool, double-ended brush that has a spatula to achieve perfect nails. Price 5 euros.
Mylee Dual Ended Tool for Polymer Gel
–Andreia Professional Hard Builder Gel, nail builder gel with high strength and can be used for nail extensions, nail sculpting, or alone as strong overlays for strengthening natural nails. It takes between 60-90 seconds to cure under UV/LED lamp. Price 28.90 euros.
ndreia Professional Hard Builder Gel
–Nail Store Monophase UV Gel, this gel is very resistant and elastic with a medium viscosity and does not drip. Price 24.95 euros.
Nail Store – Gel UV Led Builder Gel Monophasic Cover Beige
–NailStar Professional UV Lamp. This machine works with UV light, has a 36W power and it comes with four lamps each with 9 W. Its timer is 2 and 3 minutes. It can be used to dry all types of nail gels, such as UV specific, semi-permanent, Shellac CND, OPI or Bluesky. Price 29.99 euros.
NailStar Professional UV Lamp Dry Nail Polish (36 W)
–Elite99 Gel Nail Polish, enamels that offer long durability and beautiful colors. Price 12.99 euros.
Elite99 Semi-Permanent Gel Nail Polish
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Photos | @leminimacaron, @kimkimnails, @apresnailofficial, @nailsbymei