Gel nails can be costly, especially with intricate designs or extensions. Hence, why not try DIY? Purchase a starter kit online for endless nail possibilities. This guide offers simple steps and equipment suggestions to address all your nail needs.
To start off, you will definitely need to get your own gel polish. With a wide range of colours availalble, here are the basic items you should have:
- Gel Base Coat: Preps nails with a smooth canvas for gel polish application.
- Gel Polish: Add vibrant colour to your nails. (Get as many shades in the colours you like!)
- Gel Top Coat: Seals in the stunning color for a glossy, chip-resistant finish.
Basic Equipment for Gel Nails
Next, you are going to need to get some equipment. Here are some basic ones you should have to start:
- Nail File: Achieve your desired nail shape by shaping them according to how you like them.
- Cuticle Trimmer: Remove excess cuticles for longer-lasting nails.
- Nail Buffer: Smooths nails to perfection, creating a polished surface.
- Isopropyl Alcohol: Preps the nail by removing excess oils and dirt for optimal polish adhesion.
- UV Nail Lamp: Quick and efficient drying for flawless results.
- Cuticle Oil: Hydrate and protect cuticles and nails for a healthy glow.
Additional Equipment for Gel Nails With Designs (Optional)
For Nail Designs
- Brushes: Perfect for creating intricate designs and patterns on your nails with precision and ease.
- Glitters, Rhinestones, Stickers, Charms: Adds sparkle, texture and personality to your nails with these decorative elements.
- Nail Art Sponges: Achieve stunning effects like ombre, gradient, and blush by blending colors seamlessly onto your nails.
For Nail Extensions
- Nail Tips: Pre-formed plastic extensions that adhere to your natural nails when glued on.
- Nail Tip Scissors: Specifically designed scissors to trim nail tips to your preferred length.
- Nail Glue: Adhesive used to securely attach the plastic nail tips to your natural nails.
Steps for Beautiful Gel Nails
- Start by prepping your nails. Use the nail file, cuticle trimmer, and nail buffer, followed by cleaning with isopropyl alcohol. Be gentle to avoid nail damage.
- Next, apply the gel base coat and cure it under the UV lamp, or glue your nail tips with nail glue if you prefer extensions. Then, paint your nails with your desired gel polish colors and cure them again under the UV lamp.
- For a darker color, apply another layer of gel polish and cure it. If you’re adding designs, cure each layer of design under the UV lamp before moving on to the next.
- Once you’re satisfied with your design, apply the gel top coat and cure it under the UV lamp again for a glossy finish.
- Finish off by applying cuticle oil to hydrate and nourish your nails and cuticles. Enjoy your beautiful and long-lasting gel nails!
Equipment for removal
When your nails grow out or when you want to switch it up, its important to remove the gel polish properly to ensure no additional damage is done to your nails. Here is what you need for gel polish removal:
- Nail File: Gently roughen the surface of the gel polish, allowing the acetone to penetrate more effectively.
- Acetone: Essential for breaking down gel polish and facilitating removal.
- Cotton Pads: Used to wrap around nails, saturating them with acetone.
- Aluminum Foil: Wrapped around the acetone-soaked cotton pads to secure them in place.
Steps for removal
- Start by using a nail file to gently buff the surface of your nails.
- Soak cotton pads in acetone and wrap them around each nail, then secure the cotton pads in place by wrapping aluminum foil around your fingertips.
- Wait for approximately 10 to 15 minutes to allow the acetone to break down the gel polish.
- Remove the aluminum foil and cotton pads. However, if the gel polish isn’t completely gone, repeat the process as needed.
With this, you are all set and ready to go! Mostly you will need lots of patience and creativity when starting out so give this a shot and who knows you may just find a newfound talent and skill you never thought you had.
–
Always our pleasure to share good things with everyone 🙂 Check us out and follow us on our Tiktok, Facebook, Instagram or Telegram for more content!
