For those who have absolutely no basic nail art skills
The first step to getting started – applying gel nail polish – is a must!
and you need to get it right.
Because it determines whether you will be able to master other nait art techniques successfully
Today I’m going to share how to apply gel nail polish for beginners!
Whether you’re new to manicure and want to explore the options, or you want to find a longer-lasting polish formula, a gel manicure might be what you’re looking for.
WHAT YOU NEED TO APPLY GEL NAIL POLISH AT HOME
Applying gel nail polish requires many tools that you may already have in your home nail polish kit, but there are some important additions.
Nail Clipper
Nail file,
Nail buff
Cuticle pusher
CUTICLE OIL
Rubbing alcohol
base coat,
Gel polish,
top coat
UV/LED LAMP
1.CUT AND FILE NAILS
The first step to a beautiful gel manicure 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.
Nail clipper is used to shape the nails before the gel manicure. Do not cut your nails after applying gel polish. Cutting your nails after a gel manicure is likely to ruin them as it will break the seal of the nail tip and cause the gel polish to come off.
2. PUSH CUTICLES DOWN AND APPLY CUTICLE OIL
Use the cuticle pusher to push your cuticles back and make your nails more visible. Use it to also remove dead skin from the nail plate and to help maintain an even cuticle.
Then, apply cuticle oil to nourish the skin around your nails.
One thing to keep in mind is not to apply the oil too late in the process. If there is any oily residue left on your nails when you apply the polish, the base coat will have difficulty adhering.
3. BUFF YOUR NAILS
Buffing your nails helps to make sure the surface is smooth for application, and primed to bond with the gel.
Step 1) Use the rough side of a nail file to polish the nail in a side-to-side sequence.
Step 2) Buffing of the front side of the nail.
Step 3) To Buffing the sides of the nail, use your fingers to slightly poke away the outer skin of the nail before Buffing.
4. CLEAN NAILS
Clean your nails thoroughly with alcohol or cleanser so that the nail polish can adhere directly to your natural nails. Any impurities, such as residual cuticle oil or dust particles, can cause nail polish to come off prematurely.
Step 1) Remove dust from the nail surface and nail grooves with a dust brush.
Step 2) Wipe the nail surface with a cotton pad soaked in Rubbing alcohol.
5. APPLY BASE COAT
Now for your first coat of gel nail polish. Use a good gel base coat. This will ensure that the gel nail polish adheres properly and lasts as long as possible.
Also make sure to seal the open edges, or seal the free edge as this process is called. Covering the free edge means applying it to the edge of the nail so that this protective layer gives your nail a crack-free finish.
Apply a thin layer over the entire nail and then cure each nail under a UV or LED light to allow it to dry. You want to cure the base coat for at least 30 seconds to 1 minute before continuing to make sure it has dried thoroughly.
Ideally, this process should be done on each coat to ensure the strongest possible hold.
6. APPLY GEL POLISH
Shake your nail polish well before applying to ensure the formula is mixed properly. Then, start applying your colour.
Apply each coat thinly to the edge of the nail, taking care not to stray onto your skin. You want to apply the gel polish as close to the cuticle as possible. If you make a mistake, simply wipe off any stray nail polish before it cures so it doesn’t dry out and become difficult to remove.
Nail technicians recommend applying at least two coats of colour, but the more coats you apply, the more opaque your application will be. Don’t worry if the first coat looks streaky – a thin layer will do the job better than a thick, uneven one.
To cure your polish in between each coat, place your nails under a light for at least 30 seconds.
7. APPLY TOP COAT
Once your nail colour has been applied to your liking, apply a top coat to ensure the colour is sealed and to give your nails their characteristic shine. It is very important to cover the entire nail with top coat and to cap the edges for a perfect seal.
Cure your nails one last time, for at least a minute, so you can make sure they are completely dry and sealed.
Sometimes the gel leaves a sticky residue after curing, which you can simply wipe off with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol. Then you’re ready to go!
How to Apply Gel Polish at Home Perfectly: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners