How to Apply Gel Polish Perfectly: A Step-by-Step Guide in 2024 (2024)

Whether you're new tomanicuring, or you want to find a longer-lasting manicure, a gel manicure might be what you're looking for.

Compared to regular nail polish, gel nails areknownto last weekslongerbecause of the unique ways gel polish is applied on the nails to make itchip-resistant.

If you want to try gel nails but don't know where to start, this guide will give you a step-by-step tutorial on how to apply gel polish.

We share all the supplies you need to stock up on,manicurist-recommended steps for the best application, and some unique ways to customize your gel nails. Here’s what you’ll learn:

• What you need to apply gel nail polish at home
• How to apply gel nail polish: Step by step
• Gel nail polish after care
• How to apply gel polish on acrylic nails
• How to apply nail tips with gel overlay
• How to apply nail decals over gel polish
• What causes gel polish to peel off after a few days?

What you need to apply gel nail polish at home

Applying gel nail polish requiresseveral supplies, soexploreat-home gelmanicurekits that has all the supplies to both apply and remove gel polish.

Mostgel nail kits onlyhave the supplies to help you apply gel nails, but not removethem, so look out for gel nail kits that can do both.

UV/LEDlamp

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A UV/LED curing lamp is critical for gel nails because it's used to harden the gel polish layers, makingthe gel nails more durable and chip-resistant.

“Curing” is a term that refers to the process of drying gel nails under a UV/LED lamp. The chemical reaction activated by the light source quickly dries your nails so they don’t chip or smudge immediately after application. Thisis howgel manicures last longerthan most othernail manicures types.

Cuticle oil

Gel curing – and especially gel polish removal – can be drying for your nails, cuticles and surrounding skin, so investing in cuticle oil helps to keep moisture in the skin and your nail plate.

Cuticle pusher

A cuticle pusher is used to expose as much of your nail bed as possible, so that it takes longer for your nails to visibly grow out under your polish.

Nail buff

A nail buffer is another nail-kit staple.It lightly prepares your nail's surface bygently filing and buffing away imperfections,making it smooth and even for easy application of gel polish.

Nailfile

Tip:you want to avoid damaging the natural nail underneath by using too coarse a nail file.

Nail clippers

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Nail clippers are used before a gel manicure to shape the nail. After gel polish is applied, don’t clip your nails. Cutting your nails after a gel manicure can very likely ruin them as it will break the seal at the tip, causing the gel polish to peel off.

UV gel manicure gloves

Wearing a UV gel manicure glove protects your skin from the UV light used to cure thegel polish on your nail. This is important because long-term exposure to UV light can damage your skin. The UV gloves shield your skin from unnecessary exposure to UV rays.

Acetone

You use acetone to clean your nails before an application and to remove gel polish.Any acetone content of 60 percent or more will work.

The acetone strips away oils and residues for a clean surface before gel polish is applied andbreaks down gel polish during theremoval process for an easy removal. Any acetonecontent of 60 percent or more will work.

To apply it, you’ll need cotton balls or lint-free nail wipes that won’t leave any fuzz on your nails.

Gel top coat

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A gel top coat is essential forapplying gel polish because it seals in the color and provides a glossy finish that protects the nails from chipping and peeling.

If you don’t have a gel top coat, S&L has an at-home gel nail starter kitthat includes all of the necessary items you need, including a gel top coat, toapply gel polish.

Gel base coat

A gel base coat is crucial because it helps the gel polishbind to the natural nail, creating a smooth surface that makes the gel nails more durable. This is why gel nails last much longer than regular nail polish.

Gel polish

Finally, the fun part. Pick your favorite gel colors or experiment with something new!

How to apply gel nail polish: Step by step

Applying gel nail polish is as much of a ritual as it is an art. We’ll take you through how to apply gel nail polish step-by-step to ensure that your at-home gel manicure or pedicure is absolutely foolproof. Here’s our complete, step-by-step guide on how to apply gel polish:

1)Cut and file nails

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The first step to a beautiful gel mani is shaping your nails. Use a nail clipper to trim them to the size and shape you want, then use a nail file to round out the edges for smooth application.

2)Push your cuticles down

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Usea cuticle pusher to push back your cuticlesto create a cleaner and more visible nail surface area.Useit to alsoremove dead skin from your nail plate and to help maintain even cuticles.

We advise not trimming your cuticles as others do since doing so would open up the root of your nails to infections.

3) Buff your nails

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Lightly buff your nails to make the surface of your natural nail smooth and shiny for application and primed to bond with the gel polish.

Avoidoverbuffingas this will lead tomore thinner, weaker nails.

4) Clean nails

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Clean your nails thoroughly with rubbing alcohol to allow the polish to adhere directly to your natural nail. Any impurities, such as remaining cuticle oil or dust particles, can cause the polish to lift prematurely.

5) Apply gel base coat

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Now for your first layer, applythe gel base coat. This will ensure that the gel polish adheres properly and lasts as long as possible.

Apply a thin coat overeachnatural nail.

After your each nail on your hand has been coated with a gel base coat, cureyour nails under a UV lamp or LED light for at least 45 seconds to a minute before continuing to ensure that it has thoroughly cured.

It's normal for the nail to remain sticky after curing the gel base coat. Avoid touching the nail during this stage as this willspoilthe application process!

6) Apply gel polish

Next, apply your gel polish color.

Apply each layer in a thin coat all the way to the edges of the nail, being mindful not to stray onto the skin. You want to apply the gel polish as close to the cuticle as possible. If you make a mistake, simply wipeaway the stray polish before curing, so it does not dry and become harder to remove.

Werecommend applying atleast two coats of color. The more coats you apply, however, the more opaque your application. Don’t worry if the first one looks streaky -- thin layers will do the job better than thick uneven ones.

Cure the gel polish underyourUV/LED lamp in between each coat for at least45 to 60 seconds each, depending on the instructions of your UV/LED lamp.

It's normal for the nail to remain sticky after curing the gel polish as well. Again, avoid touching the nail during this stage as this can ruin the application process.

7) Apply gel top coat

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Once yourgel polish is applied and cured, apply a gel top coat toseal your color to give itshine and achip-resistant finish. It's important to cover the entire nail with a gel top coat, and cap the edges for a perfect seal.

After the gel top coat is applied, cure your nails under your UV/LED one last time, for at least a minute, so that theythe nails are perfectly dried and sealed.

Sometimes gel will leave a tacky residue after curing, which you can simply wipe off with a cotton ball dipped in alcohol. Then you’re good to go!

Gel nails after care

Proper nail care ensures that your gel polish continues to look good for as long as possible, and keeps your skin and nails healthy.

Ideally, you want to apply cuticle oil on your nails daily whilewearing gel nails.

A good cuticle oil keeps the nails elastic and skin soft. Mediocre oilswouldn'tpenetrate and sit on top of the nails.

How to apply gel polish on acrylics

In combining gel polish with acrylic nails, your nail art can last as long as 6 weeks with only minor touch-ups. Familiarize yourselfgel vs acrylics nails differences before proceeding.

Here are the steps we recommend you follow:

1. Remove old polish with a non-acetone nail polish remover

This is a necessary step to ensure that any leftover polish is completely removed from the nail.

You must use a non-acetone remover because acetone can degrade the acrylic.

How to apply nail tips with gel overlay

Gel polish can also be applied to store-bought nail tips that can be glued on over your existing nail. The process is similar to regular gel polish application with a few notable differences.

1. First, push back your cuticles, buff the surface of your nails, and wipe them clean.
2. Then, brush a thin coat of nail glue over each nail. Apply nail tips over each nail, rocking them back and forth to expel any trapped air bubbles.
3. Adjust the size and shape of the nail tip as needed.
4. Buff and clean the surface, then apply your gel polish as usual. Start with a base coat, then add at least two layers of color, curing each coat as it is applied.
5. Before applying the top coat, wipe off the tacky surface, buff the top layer of color, and clean it. Then apply and cure your top coat, ensuring a lasting seal.

How to apply nail decals over gel polish

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Once you master basic gel polish application, you can also try your hand at nail art. Nail art designs go hand in hand with gel polish, because the long-lasting formula means that your art will last longer as well.

One simple method is to use a nail decal. Apply whatever color you want under the design, then cut out the portion of the sticker that you plan to use and apply it.

If you use a water decal, you can simply dip the sticker in water, separate it from the backing, and apply it to your nail.

Using a wooden stick or just your finger, smooth out the sticker, and then go over it with polish to fill in any details or add some pops of color.

Once your nail art looks how you want it to, cure the design for at least 30 seconds, and apply top coat. Cure the top coat layer and you’re ready to start showing off your design!

What causes gel polish to peeloff a few days?

Here are thethree biggest reasons why your gel polish mayalready begin to peeloff a few days:

1. You may havepainted over your cuticles, so when your skin grows it pushes the painted gel polish down and creates an opening, allowing water to enter and lift the gel polish.
2. You didn't apply the top coatover the whole nail, so thepainted gel polishisn't protected and therefore prone to chipping.
3. You didn't cap the nail tips when painting over your nails. So when you type or do anything withinvolving your nails, the gel polish starts to peeloff fromthe nail tips.

Takeaways

Soon after you have painted your nails, you can start doing daily activities and chores, such as dishes.Just be careful of activities thathave a tendency ofchippingthe tip of your nails, which is wherechipping tends to occur most.

With this step-by-step guide, you’re ready to expertly apply gel nail polish at home by yourself.

If you’re ready to try your hand at DIY gel nails,tryour gel nail kit with uv light.