Gel nail polish offers a longer-lasting and more durable finish compared to traditional nail polish. It’s perfect for those who want their manicure to stay chip-free for weeks. Plus, the high-gloss shine of gel polish is hard to beat. By mastering the technique of applying gel nail polish at home, you can achieve salon-quality nails without the salon price.

Prepare Your Nails

Start by thoroughly cleaning your nails to remove any oils or residue. This step ensures proper adhesion of the gel polish.

• Use a nail file to shape your nails to your desired length and style.
• Buff the surface of your nails lightly to create a smooth and even base.
• Push back your cuticles gently using a cuticle pusher, and trim any excess skin.
• Clean your nails again with alcohol or a nail cleanser to remove any dust or debris from filing and buffing.

Apply a Gel Base Coat

Apply a thin layer of gel base coat to each nail, covering the entire surface. Avoid getting any gel on your cuticles or skin, which can cause lifting and peeling. Use a UV or LED lamp to cure the base coat.

Here’s a quick rundown if you’re wondering about the differences between UV and LED lamps. UV lamps take longer to cure the gel but can cure all gel polish types. LED lamps cure faster and are more energy-efficient but may not cure all gel products. Choose the right lamp for you and follow the recommended curing time for your specific gel polish.

Add Gel Nail Color

After curing the base coat, apply a thin layer of gel color polish to your nails. Use slow, steady strokes to ensure even coverage. Apply multiple thin layers rather than one thick layer to avoid bubbles and uneven curing. Cure each layer under your UV or LED lamp according to the product instructions. Repeat the process until you achieve your desired color intensity.

The Final Touch

Finish your manicure by applying a gel top coat. This step seals in the color and provides that beautiful, high-gloss finish. Apply the top coat just like you did with the base and color coats, covering the entire nail surface without touching the cuticles or skin. Cure the top coat under your chosen lamp for the recommended time.

With these steps, you can enjoy a salon-quality gel manicure at home. It takes time and practice to get the process down, so don’t feel defeated if your first few attempts aren’t perfect. Enjoy the process and the long-lasting, beautiful results of your gel nail polish manicure.