How to Apply Gel Nails?

Applying gel nails gives you the strength of acrylic nails with the appearance of natural nails. When applying gel nails, you don’t get the strong fumes that you get when acrylics are applied. The gel hardens under UV light. Each layer has to harden under this light for two to three minutes. This creates a chemical bond that connects the gel to your nail.

1. File and shape your nails. To get the ultimate look from your at-home gel nails, start with the ultimate blank nail. Take the time to cut, file, and shape your nails. Before you cut them, decide what shape you want. Cut the basic shape and then file the tips. Finally, finish shaping by rounding the surface of your nails with a buffer.

You can create round, square, pointy, almond, or oval nails, depending on your preference.

Because gel nails are based off of your nails, this is when you shape your nails. It is not like applying acrylic nails that can be shaped during/after application.

2. Use cuticle remover. Once you have the basic shape to your nail, apply a cuticle remover around the base of your nails. Use a cuticle stick to push back any skin off of your nail plate. Remove any remaining oil or debris from your nail with a cotton ball that’s been dipped in acetone.

3. Apply your base layer. Apply a very thin layer of your basecoat to your nails. For gel, you use a much thinner layer than you would with standard nail polish. Be careful when applying your base layer: you don’t want to get the gel on your fingers. Let your base layer dry for twice as long as recommended.

4. Apply 2 thin layers. Once your base layer has dried completely, apply another extremely thin layer. This will be your color gel. It will probably look streaky, but that is normal for the first layer. Make sure to use these colored layers to paint over the tip of your nail as well as over the surface. This will keep the gel from curling back off your nail.

Cure each layer under a UV lamp for 2-3 minutes.

5. Apply your top gel. Coat your nails completely in your top gel. Paint over the tip, like you did with your color gel. Once again, cure the gel polish under a UV light for 2-3 minutes.