When removing gel nails, you want to avoid damaging the natural nail underneath by using too coarse a nail file.
For removing gel nails, you can use a medium grit file. If you are applying soak off gel polish, use a 180 grit nail file to remove a hardened top coat before removing the soak off gel polish.
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.
Rubbing alcohol is used to thoroughly clean your nails before you apply gel polish because it removes anything that could get in the way of the polish binding to your natural nail. To apply it, you’ll also need cotton balls or lint-free nail wipes that won’t leave any fuzz on your nails.
A top coat is what seals your gel polish and gives it that beautiful shine. If you don’t have a gel top coat, S&L Beauty also has a starter kit that includes all of the polishes you need to love your gel nails.
SEE OUR GEL TOP COAT
BASE COAT
s&l base coat
Using a good base coat is more important with gel polish than with a regular nail polish. The base coat is what helps the gel bind with your natural nail, and this will ensure that your gel nails last as long as possible.
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GEL POLISH
Fairy Tale Nail Polish Set - S&L Beauty Company
Finally, the fun part. Pick your favorite gel colors or experiment with something new!
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HOW TO APPLY GEL NAIL POLISH: STEP BY STEP
Pink gel manicure by S&L
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 manicure or pedicure is absolutely foolproof. Here’s a complete, step-by-step guide on how to apply gel polish:
1) CUT AND FILE NAILS
gel manicure by nail tech
Tampa Nail SalonSource: Pexels
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 CUTICLES DOWN AND APPLY CUTICLE OIL
nail tech applying cuticle oil
Source: Pexels
Hydration is key for nail health. You should be using cuticle oil daily, but particularly in combination with gel polish.
Use a cuticle pusher to push your cuticles back and make more of your nail visible. Use it to also remove dead skin from your nail plate and to help maintain even cuticles.
Use a cuticle pusher to push your cuticles back and make more of your nail visible. Use it to also remove dead skin from your nail plate and to help maintain even cuticles.
Then, apply cuticle oil to nourish the skin surrounding your nails.
One thing to be careful of is not to apply oil too late in the process. If there is any oily residue still on your nails when you apply polish, the base coat will have trouble adhering.
3) BUFF YOUR NAILS
nail tech buffing nails
Source: Pexels
Buffing your nails helps to make sure the surface is smooth for application, and primed to bond with the gel.
4) CLEAN NAILS
nail tech cleaning nails
Source: Pexels