Introduction: How to Do a Gel Manicure

    Instructions are intended to teach individuals with some prior experience how to do their own gel manicure at home| Instructions describe how to do a gel manicure and provide tips for nail care |Instructions are specific for gel manicures and describe the process beginning with nail care before gel application to nail care post gel application

    Warning: Avoid shining the UV light into eyes| Don't inhale the gel| If your nails burn when they are under the UV lamp, remove your hands, and wait a minute before continuing| If you are using any new products, test them on your hand to make sure the products do not irritate the skin

    Supplies

    • File, 100/180 grit work best
    • Nail Buffer
    • Cuticle Softner
    • Gel Base Coat
    • Gel Top Coat
    • Acetone
    • Builder Gel (optional)
    • UV Lamp
    • Cuticle Pusher
    • Gel Color Nail Polish

    Step 1: Preparing Nails

    1. Wash hands with water and soap to remove any excess oils and debris. Dry thoroughly.
    2. Apply a cuticle softener to your cuticles. Allow the gel to sit for 1-3 minutes.
    3. Take a cuticle pusher and gently push your cuticles back. Your goal is to elongate the nail bed and make your cuticles appear smoother. Cutting the cuticle is optional
    4. Dry your hands if excess cuticle gel remains.
    5. File your nails to the desired length and shape. When filing your nails move the nail file in one direction to not damage your natural nail.
    6. Buff the top of your nail and the edges lightly so they are smooth.
    7. Wash your hands with water and dry thoroughly.

    Warning: cutting your cuticle can increase risk of causing irritation or lead to infection.

    Step 2: Painting Nails

    1. Apply an even coat of base gel to your nail. Be careful to avoid getting the polish on your cuticle for a cleaner finish. Place your hand in the UV lamp for 60 seconds. Repeat until all nails have a base coat and are cured. Curing means drying the nail polish under a UV lamp.

    2. An optional step is to use builder gel. Builder gel makes your nail a little thicker (depending on how many layers you apply) so that they are less likely to break. Builder gel can also give you the smooth curve of a nail, which will also help it not break. Between each coat cure the builder gel in the UV lamp for 80-120 seconds.

    3. Apply your choice of nail polish. Make sure the product is specifically for gel manicures. Apply as many coats of a color polish until you are satisfied with the hue. Cure for 60 seconds after each coat.

    4. Apply the top coat evenly and cure for 120 seconds.

    Step 3: Removing Nails

    1. Take a nail file and file the topcoat off of your nails. You will notice that the topcoat is gone when your nails no longer have the shiny finish.

    2. Soak cotton balls in acetone and place a cotton ball on every nail. Then wrap the cotton ball on your nail in tinfoil for faster removal. Let the nails sit for 5-7 minutes. If you do not have cotton balls or tin foil, you can soak your nails in a cup filled with acetone.

    3. Take a cuticle pusher and start to slowly scrape the polish off your nail bed. If the polish does not come off with little effort, soak the nails longer.

    4. After all of the polish is off of your nails, wash your hands with soap and water and apply cuticle oil and lotion, as acetone makes skin dry.

    Step 4: Maintaining Healthy Nails

    1. Apply cuticle oil to your nails.
    2. Between manicures, if your nails feel thinner or more brittle, take breaks so your nails have no polish on them.

    Step 5: Finished Product!

    Congrats! You now know how to do your own gel manicure!