The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Gel Polish Nails at Home

• 7 min reading time

Tired of spending a fortune at the nail salon to get perfect gel nails? Well, you’re in luck, because with a little practice and the right tools, you can create gel nails at home. In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through the process of creating perfect nails at home, step by step. From prepping your nails to choosing the right products and techniques, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we’ll share some insider tips and tricks to ensure your nails look flawless every time. So whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or just looking to save some cash, this guide will help you achieve perfect gel nails every time. Get ready to nail the perfect look with this ultimate guide to perfect gel nails at home.

Introduction to gel polish

Gel nails have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their durability and shine. Unlike traditional nail polish, gel polish is made from a special formula that cures under UV light. This creates a long-lasting, chip-free finish that can last for weeks. In addition, gel nails are also easy to remove without damaging the natural nail.

Benefits of gel polish nails at home

Getting a gel manicure at the nail salon can be expensive, especially if you have to get it touched up every few weeks. Applying gel polish at home can save you hundreds of dollars on visits to the nail salon. Plus, you can apply it at any time of the day or night without making an appointment. Applying gel polish yourself is also convenient if you don’t feel like going to the nail salon or don’t want to sit in a waiting room.

Tools and supplies for gel polish nails at home

To get perfect gel nails at home, you need the right supplies. Here is a list of tools and supplies you will need:

• UV/LED lamp: this is necessary to harden the gel nail polish.
• Gel nail polish: choose a quality gel nail polish in the color you want. We have different brands and colors to choose from, so choose one that suits your needs.
• Base and top coat: a base coat is important for good adhesion. With the top coat you finish the gel polish manicure.
• Nail file: Use a nail file to file your nails into the desired shape.
• Cuticle Oil: Use a cuticle oil to moisturize your cuticles and prevent them from drying out.
• Nail buffer: Use a nail buffer to remove the shine from the surface of your nails before applying gel nail polish.
• Dehydrator: Use a dehydrator to degrease your nails before applying the gel nail polish.

Preparing your nails for gel polish application

Before you start applying gel nail polish, it is important to prepare your nails properly. Here are some steps you need to follow to prepare your nails:

1. Remove old nail polish with nail polish remover.
2. File your nails into the desired shape.
3. Push back your cuticles with a cuticle stick.
4. Use a nail buffer to remove shine from the surface of your nails.
5. Degrease your nails with dehydrator.

Applying gel nail polish

Now that your nails are properly prepped, it's time to apply the gel nail polish. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Apply a thin layer of base coat on your nails and cure it for 30 seconds under the UV/LED lamp.
2. Apply a thin layer of gel nail polish color and cure it for 30 seconds under the UV/LED lamp.
3. Repeat step 2 until you reach your desired coverage. Normally 2 thin coats are enough.
4. Apply a thin layer of top coat and cure it for 60 seconds under the UV/LED lamp.

Curing gel polish nails

Curing gel nail polish is an important part of the process. Here are some tips to ensure your gel nails are cured properly:

• Make sure to apply the gel nail polish in thin layers to ensure it cures evenly. It is better to apply 3 thin layers than 2 thicker layers.
• Use the timer to make sure you cure the gel nail polish long enough under the UV/LED lamp.
• Make sure not to hold the gel polish bottle too close to the UV/LED lamp to prevent the gel polish from hardening in the bottle.

Maintaining gel polish nails

To ensure that your gel nails continue to look beautiful for a long time, it is important to maintain them well. Here are some tips for maintaining your gel nails:

• Apply cuticle oil to your cuticles daily to keep your nails and cuticles moisturized.
• Always wear gloves when cleaning or working with chemicals to protect your nails.
• Avoid biting your nails to prevent damaging the gel nail polish.

How to remove gel polish nails at home

If you want to remove your gel polish, you can also do it easily at home. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. File off the top coat from your nails with a nail file.
2. Soak a cotton pad in acetone or gel nail polish remover and place it on your nails.
3. Wrap aluminum foil around your nails to keep the cotton pad in place. You can also use the ready-made foil wraps.
4. Leave the cotton pads and aluminum foil in place for 10-15 minutes.
5. Remove the aluminum foil and cotton pads and gently scrape away the gel nail polish with a cuticle stick.

Tips for perfect gel polish nails

Here are some insider tips to ensure your gel polish nails look flawless every time:

• Apply the gel nail polish in thin layers to prevent the nail polish from bubbling or chipping. If you apply too thickly, the bottom layer will not harden completely and will bubble. You also run a greater risk of developing an allergy to acrylates.
• Use a nail file to shape the cuticles before applying the gel nail polish.
• Keep the gel nail polish brush clean and free of dust to ensure the gel polish is applied evenly, without any bumps.
• Use a special liner brush to paint along the cuticle. This way you don't run the risk of the gel polish ending up in the cuticle.

Common mistakes to avoid

Here are some common mistakes when applying gel nail polish and how to avoid them:

• Not preparing the nails properly before applying the gel nail polish. Make sure you follow the steps for preparing the nails before you start. Preparation is extremely important because it ensures optimal adhesion.
• Applying gel nail polish in too thick layers. Apply gel nail polish in thin layers to prevent the nail polish from bubbling or chipping.
• Not curing the gel nail polish properly under the UV/LED lamp. Make sure you cure the gel nail polish long enough under the UV/LED lamp to ensure it cures properly. We advise you to cure the gel polish on your thumbs separately so that you can lay your thumbs flat in the lamp and the UV light can reach everywhere.

Recommended gel polish brands and products

There are many brands and products on the market for gel nail polish. All products in our webshop are of good quality. Before we add a brand to our range, we test it extensively so that we know for sure that the quality is good enough and that we can stand behind the brand.

Our main brands are:

• By Djess
• Victoria Vynn
• Ocho Nails

Conclusion

Now that you know how to get perfect gel nails at home, you can have beautiful nails any time of the day or night. The key is to have the right tools and supplies, prep your nails properly, and apply the gel nail polish in thin layers. With a little practice and patience, you can get salon-perfect gel nails without spending a fortune at the nail salon.