How to do a Gel Nail Manicure at Home
Something about having my nails done just makes me feel like I have the rest of my life together. Since I went to a catholic elementary school, competed as a dancer from middle school until high school, worked as a Disney performer right after, and then went into nursing, I wasn’t really ever allowed to have much on my nails. It wasn’t until a couple years ago when I transitioned out of bedside nursing, that I started getting them done every 3-4 weeks.
I swear since I started getting them done, nail salon prices have increased dramatically from like $40-60 real quick! I think the most I’ve paid is $75 😭 (pretty sure this is when i tried gel x or acrylic though). Not only did I not like spending the money on getting them done, but I didn’t enjoy being in the nail salon for a couple hours plus waiting time 🤷🏻♀️ I also felt like the way they turned out wasn’t always consistent.
A couple months before my wedding (December 2022) is when I made the decision to teach myself how to do my own gel nails. By the time of my wedding (February 2023) I ended up being comfortable enough to do my wedding nails myself! Keep in mind I either do a solid gel color or basic white french tip, but I don’t really care to have any other designs on my nails.
Getting started
Let’s go through all of the items that you’ll need to get you started on doing your nails at home while also keeping your nails healthy and strong!
Cuticle care
Nail prep
Gel nails
-Nail brushes for any design and clean up
Items that you don’t necessarily need but are convenient to have
-Nail clips for soak off removal
Step 1: Apply cuticle remover & remove dead skin. Good nail prep and cuticle care are KEY if you want long lasting and healthy nails! Starting with clean hands and nails, apply the cuticle remover remover to the nail bed around the cuticles. I do one hand at a time so the cuticle remover isn’t on for too long. Apply to each nail and after finishing one hand, let it sit for about 15 – 30 seconds. Using the cuticle pusher, GENTLY push back the cuticles to remove dead skin. Repeat on the other hand and wash both hands once finished.
Step 2: File and shape the nail to your liking. I like to go with an almond shape nail since I feel like this helps to elongate my fingers. I also feel this shape looks better on my fingers personally, but everyones different so choose a shape you like best whether that be square, round, square round, stiletto etc. To get a nice almond shape I mostly file on both sides of the nails first and then slightly round out the nail near the tip.
Step 3: Buff nail. To even out and make the surface of your nail smoother for the polish to go in, lightly buff each nail in a vertical direction.
Step 4: Apply a thin layer of the dehydrator. This removes any oils or dust left on the nail, helping the gel bond to the nail surface. Apply a thin layer to each nail on both hands and let air dry before the next step.
Step 5: Apply a thin layer of primer. This creates an extra sticky surface to help the gel polish adhere to the nail. Apply 1 layer to each nail on both hands. The dehydrator and nail primer together have been the reason my gel nails stay for so long without any lifting or chipping!
Step 6: Apply base coat. You’re ready to start the polish! Make sure with each coat including the base and top coat, that you are doing a thin layer each time. This helps to cure the gel evenly. Apply 1 thin layer of the base coat of one hand and cure for 60 seconds. Repeat on the opposite hand.
**NOTE** Before curing each coat, clean up any polish on the skin. I like to use a brush dipped in acetone to clean the skin more precisely.
Step 7: Apply colored polish. Whatever color you choose, apply 1 thin layer to each finger of one hand, clean around the nail to ensure no polish is on the skin, and cure for 60 seconds. Repeat on the opposite hand. When applying, I like to start in the middle and work my way out. I focus on finishing the top ¾ of the nail first and then slowly push the polish down towards the base.
Step 8: Apply another coat of colored polish. I like to apply 2-3 coats of the color. 2 for color shades with a darker color (reds, dark pink, dark nudes etc.) and 3 for lighter shades (french tip base, milky white color, light pink etc.). Between each coat you apply, be sure to cure for 60 seconds and clean any polish on the skin around the nail.
Step 9: Apply top coat. Once you’ve reached the color you like, apply 1 thin layer of top coat to seal it in. I like to brush against the top edge of the nail as well to help seal and prevent chipping. Again make sure there is no polish on the skin, and cure for 60 seconds.
Step 10: Apply cuticle oil. To keep the skin around your nails healthy and moisturized, don’t skip the cuticle oil! Apply a little bit if oil to the surrounding skin around each nail (a little goes a looong way) and massage the oil in. I like to keep a cuticle oil pen on me to apply whenever I notice them looking a little dry!
My last step and advice is to practice, practice, practice! This is the only way you’ll get more comfortable and decrease the time it takes to do your nails. It takes a lot of patience, but for me it’s been so worth it!
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