The nail gel gives the same strength and resistance as acrylic, but retains the natural look of the nail; Furthermore, during application, you will not be exposed to the strong odors typical of acrylic. The gel hardens thanks to UV rays. Each layer must dry and become hard, remaining two or three minutes under the special lamp that is able to bind it, on a chemical level, with your natural nail.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare the Nails
Step 1. File and shape your natural nails
In order for this home manicure to give the desired results, you need to start with "neutral" nails. Take your time to cut, file them and shape them into the shape you want. Cut them in a natural line and file the ends. Finally, shape them and polish them with a buffer.
- You can give them a rounded, square, pointed, almond or oval shape.
- Since gel nails follow the natural line of real nails, this is the time to decide on their shape. This procedure is different from that with acrylic, in which the false nail can be shortened and shaped both during and after application.
Step 2. Eliminate the cuticles
Once satisfied with the profile of the nails, apply a product to soften the cuticles, the cuticles that are found at the base of the nails. Thanks to a specific stick, push them towards the skin, in order to expose the whole nail body. Remove any oily residue or dirt with a cotton swab dipped in acetone.
Step 3. Apply the base coat
Apply a very thin coat of primer to the nails. When you proceed with the gel reconstruction, you have to spread a very minimal layer of this product, much thinner than you would with the nail polish. Be careful, the product must not get on the fingers. Wait for the primer to dry twice as long as recommended.
Part 2 of 3: Applying the Color
Step 1. Roll out two thin layers
Once the primer has dried completely, apply another very thin one. This should be color gel; if there are streaks, don't worry, as this is completely normal with the first "hand". Make sure the color covers the entire surface of the nail and goes well beyond the tip. By doing this, you prevent the gel from curling and peeling off.
Let each layer solidify under the UV lamp for 2-3 minutes
Step 2. Apply the top layer
Cover your nails completely with the finishing gel. Remember to smear it all over the nail surface and beyond the tip, just like you did with the color. Eventually you will need to let the gel harden for 2-3 minutes with UV light.
Step 3. Eliminate the sticky residue
Some gel products leave a sticky, sticky layer on the nail and edges, even after the UV curing process. In this case, just take a cotton ball dipped in isopropyl alcohol and remove these residues. Finish the manicure by rubbing cuticle oil over the nail and around its base.
Part 3 of 3: Remove Gel Nails
Step 1. File the surface layer
To get rid of gel nails, first you need to file the outer layer. By doing this you remove the sheen patina and, at that point, continue with the next steps.
Step 2. Dip a cotton ball in 100% pure acetone
If you use a diluted product, the gel will not come off. Take 10 pieces of cotton wool and dip them in the solvent. Each wad will need to be large enough to cover an entire nail.
Step 3. Wrap your fingertips with aluminum foil
Take a swab and put it on the nail, covering it entirely. At this point, wrap your fingertip with aluminum foil, thus fixing the wadding. Continue like this for all other nails.
It is recommended to proceed with one hand at a time. It is very difficult to wrap the aluminum on the second coat, when the first has already been "packed"
Step 4. Wait for the acetone to work and you can remove the wads one at a time
Leave your fingers covered in aluminum foil for 15 minutes. Do not open it to check the operation, be patient. After 15 minutes, remove the pads one at a time, the gel should begin to come off the natural nail. Use a cuticle stick to permanently separate it from the nail.
If the gel sticks and you can't peel it off even with the cuticle stick, then rewind your finger in the acetone-soaked cotton ball and cover it again with aluminum foil. Wait another 15 minutes before making a second attempt
Step 5. Finish the job with cuticle oil
Even then, you need to finish the manicure with this product by massaging it into the nail and surrounding skin.
