Gel the Perfect At-Home Gel Nails with These Tips!

Gel nail polish has taken the world by storm, and it's no wonder why; the process of applying gel nail polish makes nail polish last for several weeks without chipping, so your fingertips look great for long periods of time! While the best way to apply gel nail polish is at a nail salon, that doesn't mean that you can't do it at home. If you want to know how to apply gel nail polish at home to make your nails look fabulous, follow these steps, and will love the final results!

Before you get started

Before you get your gel nail polish on, you will need the following supplies:

Nail polish suitable for a gel manicure – get yourself a quality base coat, gel nail polish, and top coat that are specifically for gel nails. The results will look better and last longer than with regular polish.

• UV lamp – the UV lamp is where the magic happens; with a UV lamp, your gel will set in place, and it will stay in place for weeks at a time. You can also use a LED lamp for gel nail application.
• Cuticle pusher
• 180\240 grit nail filer
• Buffer
• 70% alcohol
• Cotton pads (not cotton balls)

How to Apply Gel Nail Polish at Home: All the Steps

Now that you have your gear in place, it's time to apply the nail polish. Follow these steps closely, and the results will be beautiful:

Step 1: Prep your nails

Like with a regular manicure, you need to prep your nails to get the best results. To do so, clean your nails with cotton pads slightly soaked in alcohol. This will remove grime and oils from your nails, which will make the nail polish stick better.

Then, gently buff the top layer of your nails and file the tips to the desired shape. Clean your nails once again. If you want to remove your cuticles – don't. It can cause infections, so just push them or remove only a bit of the cuticle.

Step 2: Apply the base coat

Now that your nails are clean and trimmed, it's time to apply the base coat. Apply a thin layer of quality base coat, making sure the application is nice and even. Put your hands under the lamp and do not move them. If you are using a UV lamp, wait two minutes, and if you are using a LED lamp, do it for 1 minute.

Remove your hands from the lamp, and do not let anything touch your nails. The cured base coat is sticky, and anything that will stick to it will ruin the results.

Step 3: Apply the color coat

Gently apply the first layer of your color coat nail polish. Make sure that not nail polish touches your skin before putting your hands under the lamp. If nail polish gets on your skin, gently remove it with a thin makeup brush soaked in nail polish remover. Once the first layer of nail polish is applied, put your hands under the lamp (UV-2 minutes, LED – 1 minute). Remove your hands from the lamp, apply a second coat of color nail polish, and put your hands under the lamp once again for the specified time for each lamp.

Step 4: Apply the top coat

This step is essential, as the top coat seals the nail polish in its place, and also gives the nails a nice finish (glossy or mat – to your choosing). Apply the top coat of your choice on the entire nail, once the colored layer is cured in place. Then, place your hands under the gel nail lamp for the necessary amount of time, and remove your hands from the lamp. Some top coats need to be wiped off with alcohol, so check if you need to do this step as well.

Well, that wasn't so hard, was it? applying gel nail polish at home is a great way to pamper yourself, and you should try it at least once. If you like creative nail designs and you want to experiment – have at it! try the looks that you like with products that are suitable for gel nail polish.

When it is time to remove your gel nail polish, you can also do it at home with this guide on how to remove gel nail polish at home. The key to success in both cases in using quality products and tools. That does not necessarily mean that you have to pay a fortune for them. There are wonderful brands that sell quality nail products at very reasonable prices, so you can enjoy your at-home manicures without breaking the bank. Have fun!