We know that during social-distancing and lockdown some of your routine beauty appointments are going to take a hiatus for a while. With nails, skin and eyebrows slowly losing the magic of your local beautician, it can be easy to be defeatist and leave them as is, but with extra time comes extra opportunity to learn a new skill that can keep you feeling like you. Take a look at our step-by-step guide on doing your own gel nails so you can keep them strong and healthy for your return to the salon.
What You'll Need
- Gel Nail Polish
- UV Lamp
- Nail Polish Remover
- Cuticle Oil
- Cuticle Clippers
- Gel Top Coat
- Gel Base
- Nail File
What to do
The first thing you need to do is remove any previous polish from your nails. Making sure your hands are clean, use nail polish remover to wipe standard polishes away. For gel polish specifically, you will need to soak your nails in acetone for 10 minutes and then use your file to shift the remaining polish. Take care when filing to only file in one direction, make short and swift movements as to not whittle down your nails to nothing. Next use your file to shape your nails to your preferred style.
Once your hands are clean and bare, use your cuticle clippers to handle any stray dead skin. If you have the tools, you can also use a cuticle pusher to shape your cuticles.
Now it’s time for your first coat, take the base coat and apply it carefully to your nails before setting in the lamp for sixty seconds. If your nails are weakened from frequent gel use, we recommend using a rubber base coat before your usual. Rubber base coats are thicker than average and highly durable, they can take a lot more wear whilst also ensuring your nails are protected to grow stronger.
The steps for your main coat will depend on what your colour or pattern of choice is. It can also vary depending on the type and brand of the gel polish, as some are thinner in consistency so will take a few more coats than normal. Rinse and repeat the method of applying each coat and setting under the lamp for sixty seconds until you are happy with your colour or design. The last coat should be a top coat to protect your colour or pattern. Finish off with some cuticle oil to maintain healthy nails.
