{"id":824,"date":"2024-01-07T16:44:43","date_gmt":"2024-01-07T16:44:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/?p=824"},"modified":"2024-01-07T16:54:22","modified_gmt":"2024-01-07T16:54:22","slug":"can-you-do-gel-nails-at-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/can-you-do-gel-nails-at-home\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Do Gel Nails At Home?"},"content":{"rendered":"
Dreaming of perfect, long-lasting nail art you can do in the comfort of your home? With some practice, the right supplies, and these step-by-step instructions, you can totally do gel nails at home.<\/p>\n
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Yes, you can absolutely do gel nails safely and beautifully at home with the right supplies and techniques<\/b>.<\/p>\n
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to successfully do gel manicures yourself, including:<\/p>\n
An overview of gel nail technology and benefits<\/p>\n
Essential tools and products for safe, easy DIY gel application<\/p>\n
Tips from the pros for long-lasting at-home gel mani\/pedi results<\/p>\n
Step-by-step photo instructions guiding you through the gel process from start to finish<\/p>\n
Gel manicures have become an extremely popular salon service in recent years. But what exactly are gel nails, and why do people love them so much? Here’s a breakdown of what makes gel manicures different than regular polish.<\/p>\n
Gel polish is made with different chemicals and polymers than regular nail polish. It goes on thick and needs to be cured under a special LED or UV lamp in order to set. This curing process is what makes gel manicures much more durable than regular polish.<\/p>\n
One of the biggest appeals of a gel manicure is that it lasts 2-3 weeks or more<\/b> without chipping or fading. Regular polish typically lasts around 4-7 days before it starts to chip. With gels, your manicure stays flawless for weeks at a time with no touch-ups needed.<\/p>\nDrying\/curing process leaves a glossy, chip resistant finish<\/h3>\n
The LED or UV curing process not only sets the gel polish so it adheres to the nail better, but it also leaves you with an incredibly glossy and smooth finish. It’s essentially the same end-result you would get from a salon top coat, only much more long-lasting.<\/p>\n
From classic colors to trendy nail art effects, gels give you tons of options to choose from. Brands like OPI, Essie and more have extensive gel polish collections. You can get glitter gels, color changing gels, and even chrome powder gels for a mirror-like metallic finish.<\/p>\n
A common misconception is that gels and acrylics ruin your nails. This isn’t inherently true – the damage comes when gels are removed improperly.<\/b> As long as the gel manicure is soaked off gently with acetone, there is no damage to the natural nail.<\/p>\nGather the Proper Gel Nail Supplies for At-Home Use<\/h2>\n
UV\/LED lamp<\/h3>\n
One of the most essential gel nail supplies is a UV or LED lamp. This allows you to cure each layer of gel polish so it hardens on the nail. Choose a lamp that offers at least 36 watts of power for the best results. Most quality models run $30-$70.<\/p>\n
Pick 2-3 gel polish colors for a basic starter kit. Darker shades like black, red, and navy tend to last longer without chipping. Sheer glitters and light pinks look pretty but may not have as much longevity. Buy gel polish from reputable brands like OPI, Gelish, and Shellac.<\/p>\n
The base coat prepares the nail and helps the color adhere better. The top coat is applied last to seal everything in and add shine. Be sure to use products that are formulated for gel manicures, not regular nail polish.<\/b><\/p>\n100% acetone nail polish remover<\/h3>\n
To remove gel polish, you’ll need 100% acetone remover. This is stronger than regular nail polish remover. Most brands sell small 2-4 oz bottles for less than $5.<\/p>\n
Primer is lightly brushed on before base coat to prep the nails. It removes oils and creates a tacky surface so gels bond better. Using a primer can help extend the life of your manicure.<\/p>\n
To sculpt nail tips or make other structural changes, you’ll need nail forms. They fit around the finger, allowing you to build the shape you want. Disposable applicator brushes make application neater.<\/p>\n
Nail prep solutions like dehydrators and pH bonder help adhere gel polish to the nails. They also prevent lifting, peeling, and other damage. Using them ensures your DIY gel manicure lasts as long as possible.<\/p>\n
Use a nail file to shape nails and remove shine before gels. A buffer block evens out ridges for a smooth finish. A cuticle pusher neatly tidies the skin around the nails.<\/p>\n
The first step is to prep your natural nails by trimming and filing them into the desired shape. Use a nail file to gently buff off any shine for better gel adhesion. It’s crucial to push back and trim your cuticles, as gel can adhere to skin and cause lifting or peeling.<\/p>\n
Finish prepping with a nail dehydrator<\/b> to remove any oils.<\/p>\nApply nail dehydrator and primer<\/h3>\n
After shaping your nails, apply a nail dehydrator<\/b> to remove any moisture or oil from your nail plate. This allows the gel polish to properly bond. Next, use a gel primer<\/b> so the gel has something to grip onto. Let both the dehydrator and primer completely dry before moving onto the next step.<\/p>\nOptional – Use nail forms for extension<\/h3>\n
If you want to extend your nails using gel, now is the time to apply nail forms<\/b>. These thin pieces of plastic adhere underneath the free edge of your nail to act as a guide for extending with gel. Make sure they fit snugly against your natural nail before applying gel.<\/p>\nApply gel base coat and cure<\/h3>\n
Paint a thin layer of gel base coat<\/b> on each nail and cure in an LED lamp for 30-60 seconds, depending on the product instructions. The base coat helps the color gel adhere properly. Be sure to cap the free edge so the gel wraps around the tip of your nail.<\/p>\nApply 2 coats color gel and cure after each<\/h3>\n
Apply a thin first layer of gel nail polish<\/b> color, cure, and follow up with a second layer to ensure an opaque, even finish. Remember to cap the free edge each time. Cure for 30-60 seconds after each layer.<\/p>\n
Apply thinner coats and cure more frequently to help avoid heat spikes that can damage the natural nails.<\/p>\n
Protect your color with a layer of gel top coat<\/b>, cure, and wipe the sticky dispersion layer with isopropyl alcohol. The top coat helps seal in color and provides a glossy shine. Be sure to cap the free edge again. After wiping, apply cuticle oil to hydrate the skin.<\/p>\nShape and buff to perfection<\/h3>\n
Once fully cured, use a nail file<\/b> to shape and smooth your nail tips and edges. Buff gently with a shine buffer block to remove any surface tackiness and achieve a flawless, professional gel manicure. You can reuse gel polish several times with proper application and removal.<\/p>\nRemoving Gel Nails Properly at Home<\/h2>\n
Never peel off gels – can damage nails!<\/h3>\n
When it’s time for a gel manicure removal, it can be super tempting to just peel those hardened layers right off. Resist the urge! Peeling gel polish can actually rip layers of your natural nail off too, leaving your nails thin, weak and prone to splitting and breaking. Not good!<\/p>\n
Start by gently buffing the shiny topcoat layer off your gels using a nail file. This helps the acetone soak in better. Then soak cotton balls in 100% pure acetone (no additives!) and place them on top of each fingernail.<\/p>\n
Wrap your fingers in foil or reusable nail polish remover clips to hold the acetone-soaked cotton in place for 10-15 minutes until the gel layers soften.<\/p>\n
Once the gel is softened from the acetone, you should be able to gently scrape off the color layers with an orangewood stick or plastic cuticle pusher tool. Take your time and be gentle. Repeat with fresh acetone-soaked cotton balls if any bits are still sticking.<\/p>\n
Don’t file the bare natural nails – this can cause damage.<\/p>\n
After removing gel manicures, nails and cuticles tend to be dry and dehydrated. Apply a nourishing nail and cuticle oil or thick, hydrating cream to condition them back to health. Jojoba, vitamin E, and essential oils like lavender are great. Massage into nails and cuticles for 5 mins.<\/p>\n
Rinse hands in lukewarm water and pat dry.<\/p>\n
With the right tools and a little patience, you can safely remove gel manis at home without damaging your natural nails. Just say no to peeling and focus on gently buffing, acetone-soaking and moisturizing for happy, healthy nails! \ud83d\udc85<\/p>\n