Gel polish is one of the most popular manicure options available today and it can give you long-lasting, beautiful results. But to get the perfect gel manicure, it’s important to properly prep your nails. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare your nails for gel polish.
How To Prep Your Nails For Gel Polish
The best way to prep your nails for gel polish is to start with clean, dry nails. Make sure to remove any existing polish or oils from the nail plate. After this, you should file and shape your nails to the desired look. Next, you should use a buffing block to gently buff your nails to create a slightly rougher surface that will help the gel polish stick better. Finally, you should use a lint-free wipe soaked in isopropyl alcohol to clean the nail plate and remove any remaining dust or oils. Once you have prepped your nails, you can apply the gel polish and enjoy your new look.
- Begin by removing any existing polish with a non-acetone nail polish remover.
- Wash your hands with soap and water to remove any oils and residue.
- Shape your nails by filing them with a glass or crystal nail file.
- Buff the top of your nails with a soft buffing block to remove ridges and create a smooth, even surface.
- Apply a base coat of clear polish or a nail strengthener.
- Place each hand in a bowl of warm water for 3 minutes to help hydrate your cuticles.
- Push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher and trim them if necessary.
- Dry each hand thoroughly with a clean towel.
- Apply a thin layer of gel polish to each nail and cure under a UV or LED lamp.
- Apply a second layer of gel polish and cure under the lamp.
- Finish with a top coat of gel polish and cure under the lamp.
- Remove the sticky residue with a lint-free wipe and nail polish remover.
It is also important to protect your skin and cuticles while prepping your nails for gel polish. Before you start, you should apply a cuticle oil to the skin around your nails to protect it. When filing and buffing your nails, be sure to work gently and carefully to avoid damaging the skin around your nails. After you have finished prepping your nails and applying the gel polish, you should apply a nourishing oil or cream to the skin around your nails to help restore moisture and keep your skin healthy.
Remove Old Polish & Push Back Cuticles
The first step in prepping your nails for gel polish is to remove any old polish and push back your cuticles. The best way to remove old polish is to use a non-acetone polish remover and cotton pads. Make sure to use a gentle remover, as acetone-based removers can be too harsh for your nails.
Once you’ve removed the old polish, use a cuticle pusher to gently push back your cuticles. This will help your gel polish adhere better and last longer.
Clean & Dry Nails
Once you’ve removed the old polish and pushed back your cuticles, it’s time to clean and dry your nails. Start by washing your hands with soap and warm water to remove any dirt or oils. Then, use a nail brush to scrub your nails and remove any remaining polish.
Once your nails are clean, dry them thoroughly with a lint-free towel. This will help the gel polish adhere better to your nails.
Shape & File Nails
Now that your nails are clean and dry, it’s time to shape and file them. You can use a nail file to shape your nails and buff away any ridges or edges. Make sure to file in one direction to prevent splitting or tearing.
Once your nails are shaped and filed, you can use a buffer to give them a smooth finish. This will help the gel polish adhere better to your nails.
Apply Base Coat
Once your nails are prepped, it’s time to apply the base coat. The base coat acts as a protective barrier between your nails and the gel polish. It also helps the gel polish adhere better and last longer.
Start by applying a thin layer of base coat to each nail. Make sure to cover the entire nail, including the edges. Then, cure the base coat under an LED light or UV light for the recommended amount of time.
Apply Gel Color
Once the base coat is cured, it’s time to apply the gel color. Start by applying a thin layer of gel color to each nail. Make sure to cover the entire nail, including the edges. Then, cure the gel color under an LED light or UV light for the recommended amount of time.
Apply Top Coat
Once the gel color is cured, it’s time to apply the top coat. The top coat helps to seal the gel color and protect it from chipping or peeling. Start by applying a thin layer of top coat to each nail. Make sure to cover the entire nail, including the edges. Then, cure the top coat under an LED light or UV light for the recommended amount of time.
Remove Inhibition Layer
Once the top coat is cured, it’s time to remove the inhibition layer. The inhibition layer is a thin, waxy film that forms on the surface of the gel polish. To remove it, use a lint-free wipe and a nail cleanser. Gently wipe the surface of each nail to remove the inhibition layer.
Moisturize Cuticles & Nails
The last step in prepping your nails for gel polish is to moisturize your cuticles and nails. This will help keep them healthy and hydrated and prevent dryness and cracking. Start by applying a cuticle oil to your cuticles and gently massage it in. Then, use a nourishing nail oil to moisturize your nails.
Conclusion
Prepping your nails for gel polish is an important step in achieving perfect results. By following these steps, you can ensure that your nails are prepped and ready for the gel polish. Just remember to remove any old polish, push back your cuticles, clean and dry your nails, shape and file them, apply a base coat, apply the gel color, apply a top coat, remove the inhibition layer, and lastly, moisturize your cuticles and nails.
Tips For Maintaining Your Gel Manicure
Now that you know how to properly prep your nails for gel polish, it’s important to know how to maintain your gel manicure. Here are some tips for keeping your gel polish looking its best for weeks.
Avoid Water & Harsh Chemicals
To keep your gel manicure looking its best, it’s important to avoid water and harsh chemicals. Water can weaken the bond between your nails and the gel polish and make it more prone to chipping or peeling. It’s also important to avoid harsh chemicals, such as acetone-based nail polish removers and harsh soaps.
Apply Cuticle Oil Regularly
It’s important to keep your cuticles hydrated and healthy to prevent dryness and cracking. A good way to do this is to apply cuticle oil regularly. This will help keep your cuticles soft and supple and prevent them from becoming dry or irritated.
Wear Gloves When Cleaning
When cleaning or doing dishes, it’s important to wear gloves to protect your manicure from harsh chemicals and water. This will help keep your gel polish looking its best for weeks.
Reapply Top Coat As Needed
It’s also important to reapply the top coat as needed to keep your gel manicure looking its best. The top coat helps to seal the gel color and make it last longer. To reapply the top coat, just make sure to apply a thin layer and cure it under an LED light or UV light for the recommended amount of time.
