One excellent approach to having gorgeous and long-lasting nails is with gel polish. It produces a shiny surface and won’t chip for several weeks. How, then, can one get that salon-quality appearance at home? Many people think it’s hard, but it’s easier than you might expect. You can get perfect gel nails with the correct equipment and techniques.
This page will walk you through every stage to enable perfect gel polish nails. You’ll learn how to get a gorgeous manicure from preparation through the last lacquer. Your nails will appear exactly like a professional job if you follow these simple guidelines.
1. Prepare Your Nails
The first procedure is to prepare your nails properly. This makes the gel polish stick on the nails and last longer than when you use other polish. Wash your hands using soap and water to break the dirt and oil sticking to the skin. Then, dry them completely.
Use the nail clipper to cut your nails to the desired length. Trim the edges or file them into the desired form. To avoid damage, always run the files in one direction.
Then, gently place a cuticle stick under your cuticles and push them backward. The skin should not be cut or otherwise damaged. Gently work over the surface of each nail using a nail buffer or the soft side of the buffer. This will remove the natural sheen from the nails and, therefore, allow the gel polish to stick better.
When buffing, it is recommended that you cover the whole nail surface. Pay particular attention to areas close to the edges, as these are areas that lift. Now, you may rub them with a soft cloth soaked in alcohol to minimize dust and remove residual debris.
2. Apply a Base Coat
For gel polish, the base coat is crucial. It keeps your natural nails intact and prolongs the stay of the polish. Choose a good-quality gel base coat for the best effects. Start by applying a light layer of base coat to each nail. Be sure to cover the entire nail, including the edges, to prevent peeling.
Then, apply the base coat using even strokes to prevent any odd patches. Start at the center of the nail and then cover the sides. Make sure the base coat does not touch your cuticles or skin, as this could cause lifting. If you unintentionally get a base coat on your skin, gently remove it with a small brush or cotton swab dipped in acetone before curing.
You must cure the base coat under a UV or LED lamp once it has been laid. Based on the lamp’s directions, place your hand under it for roughly thirty to sixty seconds. The base coat hardens and sticks to the nail by curing.
3. Apply the Color Gel Polish
Now it’s time to add color! Select the shade of gel polish you like best. Start by giving every nail a thin coating of polish. Make sure the polish stays away from your skin and cuticles. If it gets on your skin, wipe it off with a small brush dipped in acetone before curing.
Use fluid, consistent strokes to apply the color evenly. Start at the base of the nail and move toward the tip. Use sparing polish, as excessive coatings may cause uneven curing or clumping. Use a thin brush to ensure you approach the edges without touching the skin. Though it requires patience, the professional look is worth it at this stage.
After applying the initial thin coat, cure your nails under the LED or UV lamp for 30 to 60 seconds. The first coat might seem sheer, but that’s okay. Apply another thin coat of polish to deepen the color. Once more, cure this layer under the lamp.
4. Apply a Top Coat
A top coat is the last layer that gives your nails a beautiful finish and protects the color. For the best results, choose a high-quality gel top coat. Thinly coat the whole nail, including the tips, with a top coat. This stops peeling and helps seal the polish.
Cap the ends of your nails as you apply the top coat. This entails brushing a little polish along the tip of each nail. Capping gives extra protection and helps prevent peeling. Avoid applying a layer too thick, as this could cause the top coat to bubble or wrinkle during curing.
Apply the top coat and spend sixty seconds curing your nails under an LED or UV lamp. This will harden the top coat and give your nails a glossy, long-lasting sheen. Upon curing, your nails may feel sticky. To carefully remove the sticky residue, dab the lint-free alcohol-soaked cloth.
5. Moisturize Your Hands and Cuticles
After completing your gel polish, it’s crucial to hydrate your hands and cuticles. Gel polish dries off your skin, but this stage keeps your hands looking good. Start by applying small drops of cuticle oil to each nail. To maintain the softening of your cuticles, massage the oil into them.
Cuticle oil nourishes and protects the skin around your nails. It also prevents dryness and hangnails. Gently massage the oil in circular movements for a few minutes. This enhances blood circulation and supports healthy nail development.
Then, moisturize your hands with a thick hand cream or lotion. Massage the lotion into your palms, fingers, and wrists. This will smooth your hands and help restore moisture. Focus on dry regions like the knuckles and the sides of your fingers.
Conclusion
With a few procedures and nail equipment, perfect gel polish nails can be achieved at home. These include preparing the nails, applying a base color, sealing them with another top coat, and moisturizing. If followed closely, you’ll achieve elegant nails done professionally. Have fun with your beautiful and shiny gel manicure!
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