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:
1) CUT AND FILE NAILS
gel manicure by nail tech
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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.
2) PUSH CUTICLES DOWN AND APPLY CUTICLE OIL
nail tech applying cuticle oil
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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.
3) BUFF YOUR NAILS
nail tech buffing nails
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Buffing your nails helps to make sure the surface is smooth for application, and primed to bond with the gel.
4) CLEAN NAILS
nail tech cleaning nails
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Nail salons in TampaClean 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.
5) APPLY BASE COAT
nail tech applying base coat
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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.
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.
6) APPLY GEL POLISH
s&l gel polish
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.
7) APPLY TOP COAT
nail tech applying top coat