How to gel polish?

Gel polish is now a hugely popular product and there is a huge variety of products on the market. But applying gel polish is not for the uninitiated, it's both an art and a science. So we want to give you our top tips, hacks and advice on how you can apply gel polish perfectly. So if you want to know how to apply gel nail polish perfectly, keep reading...

First up, let's explore what gel polish is and why it's so popular. Gel nail polish is essentially a gel-like formula that you apply to your nails, which then hardens when exposed to ultraviolet light. Gel nail polish is different to traditional nail polishes in that there is no need for a topcoat and it will stay on your nails for weeks at a time - making it the perfect product for those who want long-lasting results. Gel polish is also known for its wide range of colours and finishes too, making it a popular choice for both professional nail technicians and home users alike.

What are the benefits of using gel nail polish? Gel polish is tougher and more durable than traditional nail polishes, so you won't have to worry about chips or smudges with this type of product. Gel polish also helps protect the nails, as it adds an extra layer of protection against everyday wear and tear. Gel polish can also be removed easily (click here for some tips) is long-lasting and looks great!

In order to apply gel polish perfectly, here are the materials you will need: Gel polish (of course!) a UV lamp or led light, a nail file, nail buffer, lint-free wipes, cotton swabs and rubbing alcohol.Now it's time to get down to the nitty-gritty of applying your gel nail polish perfectly.

Firstly ensure your nails are super clean:

1. Gently push back the cuticles and remove any dirt or dead skin cells2. Use a nail file to shape the nails3. Buff the surface of the nails with a nail buffer to create a smooth canvas for your polish4. Apply a wipe-clean wipe

Next, you should properly shape and file your nails:

1. Start by filing the nail tip in a single direction – this helps to prevent chipping and tearing2. File the sides of the nails in a circular motion; use an emery board for thinner nails and a metal file for thicker nails3. Use a buffer to smooth out any rough edges or ridges

Now you should apply a base coat:

1. Start by applying a thin layer of base coat to the nails, making sure it’s even on each nail2. Use the brush provided with your gel polish to spread and shape the polish3. Cure the base coat under a UV or LED lamp for 2 minutes4. Finish by wiping off

How you can perfectly apply gel nail polish to the nails:

1. Start by applying a thin layer of gel polish to the nail2. Use the brush provided with your gel polish to spread and shape the polish3. Cure the first coat under a UV or LED lamp for 2 minutes4. Apply a second coat of gel polish, and repeat steps 2-3 above

Top tips for achieving the perfect finish:

1. Always use a thin layer of gel nail polish – it will prevent air bubbles and ensure an even finish2. Make sure to spread the polish out evenly over each nail, taking care not to leave any streaks or lumps3. Don’t forget to cap the free edge of the nails with your brush – this will help to keep the polish from chipping4. Make sure to cure each coat under the UV or LED lamp for the recommended amount of time

How you should cure your gel polish manicure under an LED lamp:

1. Place your hands on the LED lamp and press the start button2. The light will turn on, and you should ensure all nails are exposed to the light for at least 30 seconds3. Once your manicure is complete, remove your hands from the lamp and press the stop button4. Wipe clean!

Here's how to apply a topcoat:

1. Start by applying a thin layer of topcoat to the nails, making sure it’s even on each nail2. Use the brush provided with your gel polish to spread and shape the polish3. Cure the topcoat under a UV or LED lamp for 2 minutes4. Once cured, gently wipe the topcoat off with a lint-free wipe

Here's how you properly clean up any smears:

1. Use a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol to gently clean up any smears or drips2. Make sure not to rub too hard – it can remove the colour of your polish3. Once you’ve finished cleaning, use a lint-free wipe to remove any remaining residue

What about any sticky residue? How do you get rid of that?

1. Use a lint-free wipe and rubbing alcohol to gently remove any sticky residue2. Make sure not to rub too hard – it can damage the polish3. Once you’ve finished, cleanse again with a wipe.

Tips for maintaining your gel manicure and make it last longer: 1. Use a cuticle oil regularly to keep your nails hydrated2. Avoid direct contact with water for at least an hour after application3. Wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning surfaces4. Always use a topcoat every few days to protect the colour and increase its longevity

We have written before about this topic at length but as a quick rundown, here's how:

1. Start by soaking cotton balls in acetone and placing them on each nail2. Wrap the nails with tin foil to keep the cotton balls in place3. Give this process at least 10 minutes – you should be able to remove the polish without any effort4. Once you’ve removed all the polish, use a buffer to shape the nails and moisturise with cuticle oil to hydrate your nails.

Yes, there are! You can use an at-home removal kit which uses a combination of acetone and creams to break down the gel polish. This process is gentler on the nails as it doesn't require any soaking or wrapping.

To wrap up, Gel nail polish is a great option for those wanting long-lasting, chip-resistant nails. With the right products and techniques, you can achieve perfect results. Gel polish requires more preparation before application than regular nail polish but with practice, it can be mastered in no time! Make sure to follow our tips and advice for success.

We hope this article has provided you with the information and tips needed for Gel polish success, now let's explore some other frequently asked questions about how to apply gel polish perfectly.

Yes, you should always wipe your nails with a lint-free wipe between each layer of Gel polish. This will remove any oils or residues that can affect the adhesion of the Gel polish.

It is best to consult with a doctor before using Gel polish during pregnancy, as some chemicals found in Gel polishes can potentially be harmful.

No, Gel polish should never be applied directly to the nail. Gel polish needs to be applied over a base coat for better adhesion and longevity.

Yes, Gel polish needs to be cured under a UV or LED lamp for the best results.

Add a few drops of Gel polish thinner to the Gel polish and stir it until fully blended.

Gel polish can last up to two or three weeks depending on the quality of the Gel polish and how it is applied. Check this post for information on this question.

Yes, you can apply regular nail polish over Gel polish. However, after removing the Gel polish, any regular nail polish will also come off.

Yes, Gel nails can chip if not applied properly. This is why it’s important to follow the correct steps and use quality Gel polish for the best results.

If Gel polish gets onto the skin, it should be removed immediately with an acetone-soaked cotton swab. If left for too long, Gel polish can dry on the skin and become difficult to remove.

Yes, Gel polish can be used on acrylic nails. However, Gel polish tends to last longer and chip less when applied over natural nails.

Compared to regular nail polish, gel is known to be incredibly long-lasting and yet, unlike acrylics (or fake nails), it is still a liquid formula that is applied directly to your natural nail.

If you want to try gel nails but don't know where to start, this guide will give you a step-by-step tutorial on how to apply gel polish.

We've collected all the supplies you need to stock up on, the manicurist-recommended steps for the best application, and some unique ways to customize your gel nails. Here’s what you’ll learn:

Source: Pixabay

First, the supplies. Gel nail polish application requires many tools you probably already have in your at-home nail polish kit, but with a couple of important additions.

“Curing” is a term that refers to the process of drying gel nails. The chemical reaction activated by the light source quickly dries your nails so they don’t chip or smudge immediately after application. This quick-drying feature is one of the big benefits of a gel manicure or pedicure.

Can you do gel nails at home without UV light?Absolutely! If you use an LED curing polish, you can use either a UV or LED lamp. An added benefit of opting for LED is that it will be gentler on your skin.

Gel curing – and especially gel polish removal – can be drying for your nails and cuticles, so investing in cuticle oil helps to keep moisture in the skin or nail plate.

Source: Pixabay

A cuticle pusher is used to expose as much of your nail bed as possible, so that it takes longer for your nails to visibly grow out under your polish.

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A nail buffer is another nail-kit staple. It serves the purpose of a nail buffer to lightly prep the surface of the nail to ensure the surface of your nail is as even as possible for smooth application.

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When removing gel nails, you want to avoid damaging the natural nail underneath by using too coarse a nail file.

For removing gel nails, you can use a medium grit file. If you are applying soak off gel polish, use a 180 grit nail file to remove a hardened top coat before removing the soak off gel polish.

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Nail clippers are used before a gel manicure to shape the nail. After gel polish is applied, don’t clip your nails. Cutting your nails after a gel manicure can very likely ruin them as it will break the seal at the tip, causing the gel polish to peel off.

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Rubbing alcohol is used to thoroughly clean your nails before you apply gel polish because it removes anything that could get in the way of the polish binding to your natural nail. To apply it, you’ll also need cotton balls or lint-free nail wipes that won’t leave any fuzz on your nails.

Source: Pixabay

A top coat is what seals your gel polish and gives it that beautiful shine. If you don’t have a gel top coat, S&L Beauty also has a starter kit that includes all of the polishes you need to love your gel nails.

Using a good base coat is more important with gel polish than with a regular nail polish. The base coat is what helps the gel bind with your natural nail, and this will ensure that your gel nails last as long as possible.

Finally, the fun part. Pick your favorite gel colors or experiment with something new!

Applying gel nail polish is as much of a ritual as it is an art. We’ll take you through how to apply gel nail polish step-by-step to ensure that your at-home manicure or pedicure is absolutely foolproof. Here’s a complete, step-by-step guide on how to apply gel polish:

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The first step to a beautiful gel mani is shaping your nails. Use a nail clipper to trim them to the size and shape you want, then use a nail file to round out the edges for smooth application.

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Hydration is key for nail health. You should be using cuticle oil daily, but particularly in combination with gel polish.

Use a cuticle pusher to push your cuticles back and make more of your nail visible. Use it to also remove dead skin from your nail plate and to help maintain even cuticles.

Then, apply cuticle oil to nourish the skin surrounding your nails.One thing to be careful of is not to apply oil too late in the process. If there is any oily residue still on your nails when you apply polish, the base coat will have trouble adhering.

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Buffing your nails helps to make sure the surface is smooth for application, and primed to bond with the gel.

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Clean your nails thoroughly with rubbing alcohol or cleanser to allow the polish to adhere directly to your natural nail. Any impurities, such as remaining cuticle oil or dust particles, can cause the polish to lift prematurely.

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Now for your first layer of polish. Use a good gel base coat. This will ensure that the polish adheres properly and lasts as long as possible. Apply a thin coat over the whole nail, then cure each nail under a UV lamp or LED light to dry it. You’ll want to cure your base coat for at least 30 seconds to a minute before continuing to ensure that it has thoroughly dried. Also, make sure to seal the open edges, or cap the free edge, as this process is called. Capping the free edge means to paint over the edge of your nail so that this protective layer gives your nail a chip-free resistant finish.

Ideally, this process should be done on each layer to ensure the strongest hold.

Shake your polish well before application to ensure that the formula is properly mixed. Then, start on your color. Apply each layer in a thin coat all the way to the edges of the nail, being mindful not to stray onto the skin. You want to apply the gel polish as close to the cuticle as possible. If you do make a mistake, simply wipe off the stray polish before curing, so it does not dry and become harder to remove.

Nail technicians recommend at least two coats of color, but the more you do, the more opaque your application. Don’t worry if the first one looks streaky -- thin layers will do the job better than thick uneven ones. Cure your polish in between each coat, placing your nails under the lamp for at least 30 seconds each.

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Once your nail color is applied to your liking, apply a top coat to ensure that the color is sealed and to give your nails that characteristic shine. It is extremely important to cover the entire nail with a top coat, and cap the edges for a perfect seal.Cure your nails one last time, for at least a minute, so you can ensure that they are perfectly dried and sealed. Sometimes gel will leave a tacky residue after curing, which you can simply wipe off with a cotton ball dipped in alcohol. Then you’re good to go!

Proper nail care ensures that your gel polish continues to look good for as long as possible, and keeps your skin and nails healthy.Apply cuticle oil daily while maintaining gel nails. That is, every time you wash your hands, in the morning and at night. Basically, whenever you notice your skin is dry.

A good cuticle keeps the nails elastic and skin soft. Mediocre oils wouldn't penetrate and sit on top of the nails.

How to apply gel polish on acrylic nails

In combining gel polish with acrylic nails, your nail art can last as long as 6 weeks with only minor touch-ups. Familiarize yourself gel vs acrylics nails differences before proceeding.Here are the steps we recommend you follow:

Gel polish can also be applied to store-bought nail tips that can be glued on over your existing nail. The process is similar to regular gel polish application with a few notable differences.

Source: Pixabay

Once you master basic gel polish application, you can also try your hand at nail art. Nail art designs go hand in hand with gel polish, because the long-lasting formula means that your art will last longer as well. One simple method is to use a nail decal. Apply whatever color you want under the design, then cut out the portion of the sticker that you plan to use and apply it. If you use a water decal, you can simply dip the sticker in water, separate it from the backing, and apply it to your nail.Using a wooden stick or just your finger, smooth out the sticker, and then go over it with polish to fill in any details or add some pops of color.

Once your nail art looks how you want it to, cure the design for at least 30 seconds, and apply top coat. Cure the top coat layer and you’re ready to start showing off your design!

Here are the three biggest reasons why your gel polish may already begin to peel off a few days:

Soon after you have painted your nails, you can start doing daily activities and chores, such as dishes. Just be careful of activities that have a tendency of chipping the tip of your nails, which is where chipping tends to occur most.

With this step-by-step guide, you’re ready to expertly apply gel nail polish at home by yourself.

If you’re ready to try your hand at DIY gel nails, try our gel nail kit with uv light.

• Prep Your Nails. (Source: Oprah) .
• Apply Cuticle Oil. (Source: Pexels) .
• Buff Your Nails. (Source: News Chant) .
• Wipe Your Nails with Rubbing Alcohol. (Source: Pexels) .
• Apply Base Coat. (Source: S&L Beauty) .
• Apply Gel Polish. (Source: S&L Beauty) .
• Apply the Top Coat.
• After Care.

Doing gel nails at home isn’t so different from the nail salons. So long as you have the right equipment and have the patience to learn, you’re going to find this to be rather enjoyable to do.

Will it work? Yes, perfectly… but only if you know how to do it right!

In this guide, you’ll learn:

(Source: S&L Beauty)

(Source: Sinenkiy / Getty Images)

While at home, maintaining a regular manicure routine helps keep your nails healthy and strong. This could be the best opportunity to learn and become skilled at DIY gel nail polishing.

Doing gel nails at home is indeed beneficial in the following ways:

Getting gel nails done is unlike a traditional nail polish procedure where equipment is not needed. With gel nails, you will need an at-home gel nail polish kit in order to properly apply gel polish.

What you need for a seamless at-home gel mani is:

Without a curing lamp that emits UV light, you won’t be able to cure your gel nails.

A UV lamp or LED curing lamp is the only right choice here. However, our recommendation is to stick with an LED curing lamp as it omits less UV light and dries the gel polish the quickest.

(Source: Pexels)

There are numerous types of nail files like emery board, glass, or crystal files. We recommend glass or crystal as they last longer. They have the file pattern etched into the glass or crystal, hence the longevity.

Good to note — cheap glass files have patterns that are glued to the surface rather than etched, which can wear off quickly. Glass or crystal are also best for your natural nails, as they smooth the nail tip to seal it rather than shredding the nail tip.

If you have a durable glass or crystal file, it can serve you many years since the pattern is etched on the glass and will not wear. They're perfect for personal use so minimize sharing. Also, make sure to clean them after a while to keep them safe for use. It's a tool you can't miss if you want to start your journey to do home gel nails.

Nail buffing is a necessary step in your home manicure. Most times, your nails' surface isn't smooth enough to go without one. The purpose of a nail buffer is to prepare your nails to adhere to the gel polish not only properly, but longer as well. To achieve perfect buffing, you need a nail buffer made of fine grit.

(Source: Unsplash)

You need to moisturize your nails before proceeding with the gel manicure at home. The best solution for this job is cuticle oil. When you expose your nail cuticles to excessive sunlight, chlorine, salty water, or soapy water, the nails risk cracking, chapping, or drying.

Cuticle oil helps to bring such nails back to shape, making them beautiful and smooth hence easier to paint on.

When applying gel polish to your nails, you should aim to maximize how long it serves you. This can be difficult if you don’t prepare your nails properly before applying gel polish.

Rubbing alcohol helps with setting your nail bed with a clean and unblemished surface so that the gel polish can adhere to your nails as effectively as possible. This is especially important if you had used cuticle oil previously because the rubbing alcohol frees the surface of your nail bed of oil traces.

A gel base coat sets the foundation for your gel nail application process.

It acts as a base between the nail plate and the gel paint polish, offering strength to your nail and the ability to sustain the paint for long. A gel base coat is the vital step to a long-lasting manicure.

You can use any brands for a base coat and top coat as long as they are specifically for gel nail polishes. However, it's recommended to use S&L base and top coats for the best results.

Besides its long-lasting features, base coats prevent polish stains on your nail as it allows the polish to stick and give your polished nail even texture. You don't have to worry about yellowing your nails when using base coating.

A top coat acts as an armor to your gel manicure. It protects your applied gel polish from the effects of environmental factors such as sunlight and water, both of which shorten the lifespan of your gel manicure.

The top coat is the last layer you apply during the gel polishing process. Its protective features also help in creating the highly radiant and glossy appearance you yearn for.

Like the base coat, a top coat polish is necessary for doing gel nails.

(Source: S&L Beauty)

Finally, the gel nail polish. Choose a brand that celebrates its long-lasting formula and has many color options. For DIY gel nails at home, you want complimentary color options to work with as well as non-toxic ingredients because you’ll be experimenting with them often.

All the colors in any of our gift sets compliment each other to give you endless color combinations to be creative as you experiment at home.

But don’t limit yourself. See our entire gel nail polish colors and pick out the ones you like out of the 100+ shades we have. All our gel polish isn't made of harsh ingredients, so you don't have to worry about your nails and skin (in case of spillage). The ingredients used to make our polishes are vegan-friendly, sulfates free, cruelty-free, and paraben-free.

Now that you know what you need for a gel manicure at home, here is an  easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide on how to do your own gel nails at home.

(Source: Oprah)

Prepping your nails before the whole gelling process is crucial because it's not something you can do after applying the gel polish. If you were to try, you would immediately ruin your gel manicure.

Prep your nails by:

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Cuticle oil helps loosen your cuticles easily when pushing the cuticles, allowing your nail bed to be more exposed to gel polish.

Apply a drop of cuticle oil, massage your nail, then gently push your cuticles back with the edge of a file or a small orange wood stick.

After applying cuticle oil, make sure you wash your hands well to keep the oil off your nails. This is an important step. Any oil you leave behind can lead to your gel nail lifting.

(Source: News Chant)

A buffer has three sides that are crucial in the buffing process: a rough, smooth, and shiner side.

The smoothness of your nail matters when it comes to making your gel manicure last longer. Make sure to buff your nails to make it a rough before you apply the polish for the best result.

Use the roughest part of the buffer to gently buff the surface of your nail as you move the buffer from your nail base to the edges. Depending on the buffer’s abrasiveness, don’t overdo it as you can easily thin your nails.

Continue buffing until your nail bed no longer shows any unevenness or blemishes. If your nails are already even, this step can be skipped.

Use the buffer's smooth and shiner parts to achieve a smooth finish.

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Buffing leaves behind a lot of dust that can interfere with the gelling process. Thankfully, you can clear the nail of the traces of dust with rubbing alcohol.

While anything 70% or higher can work well, using rubbing alcohol with 91% alcohol content is best for this work.

Applying the rubbing alcohol is easy but should be thorough. After washing your hand with warm water and hand soap, dry them gently using a soft cloth.

Then put the alcohol on a cotton pad and wipe each finger nail gently. Make sure no strands of cotton get attached to the nail bed. If they do, simply remove them.

Alcohol dries naturally fast, so you don’t have to wait long for each finger nail to dry. Redo the same process for the other fingers to achieve dry and clean nails free from oils ready for base coating.

(Source: S&L Beauty)

You can’t skip this crucial step of applying a base coat. Without a base coat, your gel nail simply won’t adhere to your nail bed.

Apply a thin layer of base coat. Make sure it’s evenly applied across the whole nail. Otherwise, when you apply the colored gel polish, there will be a gap where the gel polish won’t adhere.

After applying the base coat, cure the nail with your LED cure lamp for about 30 seconds. This duration differs depending on the lamp you are using.

The gel base coat is supposed to be sticky after curing. It's a misconception to believe the base coat is supposed to feel dry after curing.

(Source: S&L Beauty)

After your base coat is cured, it’s time to go for the fun part, applying gel polish.

Apply a thin layer of gel polish carefully without it mistakenly touching your cuticles. Make sure you evenly apply the gel polish on all of your finger nails.

Sometimes, manicurists paint the entire hand before curing it under a lamp. Sometimes, manicurists paint and cure them individually. Each approach is fine, it’s up to you.

Regardless of when you choose to cure your nails, you should cure your nail based on the amount of time specified by your curing lamp. If none is indicated, 30 seconds is the typical amount of time.

(Source: Pexels)

Applying the top coat ensures that the cover you're about to apply protects all the work you've done on your nails.

Use a light layer of the top coat over the colored gel polish while carefully sealing your nail tips. It’s a little trick to make your polish color last much longer.

After that, smooth over the layer and cure with the LED cure lamp you used before.

Add a few cuticle oil drops for an excellent hydrating finish.

(Source: Pexels)

Massage cuticle oil around your nails and cuticles to help nourish your skin every now and then, preventing them from drying out and keeping them looking healthy.

Remember, when you have a gel manicure, hot water isn't your best friend as it lifts gel polish faster. Avoid it if possible.

Even with the best gel polish removers, going to the nail salon for professional help and minimizing chances of ruining your nail beds is always advisable.

With our help, we’ll help you remove your gel nail polish at home as well as the manicurists do at professional salons.

Here are some of the most recommended gel nail polish removal methods you can use to successfully remove gel from your nails.

Keep in mind that before trying any of these methods, you should use your nail file to file the top coat lightly or a buffer to buff the top layer of gel polish off before soaking it in acetone.

(Source: Pexels)

Due to the high-solvent nature of acetone, it remains as one of the best nail polish removers. However, using acetone frequently removes lots of natural oils and pales your skin, so keep your nails soaked in acetone for 15-20 minutes.

Nonetheless, it's still a good gel polish remover. You have to settle for one of the two options to use it: file your nails and soak them in acetone, or soak cotton in acetone, and wrap your nails with cotton and foils. Either way, the polish will be out in minutes.

A gel removal steamer does just what the cold one cannot do-it steams the whole process giving a warmer environment for faster effective results.

To use it, first make sure you have filed and buffed your gel polish. Then pour the acetone remover into the base, switch on the steamer, then stick your fingers into the 5 finger holes.

Typically, most gel removal steamers will beep you, indicating it’s done. When you’re told it’s complete, use an orange wood stick or a nail scrapper to scrape off the gel polish.

Repeat the process until the gel nail polish is scraped off of each nail.

(Source: Unsplash)

There are two categories of acetone; the normal-concentration acetone and the super concentrated one. We’re talking about the super concentrated one here.

If time is important, choosing 100% acetone is the option here because 100% acetone can dissolve the gel nail polish in half the time compared to regular acetone nail polish remover.

The clear drawback with this option is that your skin can get red, dry, cracked skin more easily than with regular acetone at expense of time.

Nail clips are clips that you attach to each nail to hold your acetone-soaked cotton against your nail.

The benefit of using nail clips is they maintain the acetone-soaked cotton on top of your nails while giving you free range of motion with your fingers.

To apply, add cotton swabs soaked in acetone inside the nail clip and clip them to each of your nail. Set a timer for 15 minutes. After 20 minutes, the gel polish should come off with relative ease.