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Basics of manicure with gel polish. Applying gel polish step by step

Nail design is an area of ​​the beauty industry where original innovations are always welcomed. This one also includes fashionable novelty: gel polish – a special composition with an innovative base. To make the surface of the nail plate perfectly smooth, with a beautiful glossy shine, you need to know how to apply gel polish. Experienced nail specialists have everything they need at hand, but is it really necessary to turn to the services of salons? Is there a technology that helps create a durable coating on your nails at home?

Benefits of gel polish

If you want to have beautiful nails, natural and well-groomed, but you don’t like to repaint them every other day, then the beauty industry is ready to offer two options: gel polish and Shellac coating. Similar concepts have some fundamental differences. When applying shellac, you do not have to pre-exude nail plate, you just need to degrease it. The desire to use gel polish to create a beautiful manicure will require a mandatory step - polishing the nail, but it lasts longer, mixing bases and palettes gives an unlimited number of design options.

The next fundamental difference between the two types of coatings concerns removal. You can remove Shellac using a special product, but to remove the polymer coating, which combines the strength of gel and varnish paint, you will first need to destroy the top layer. Damage-resistant coating is safe if certified materials are used and application technology is followed.

Application technology

Even such a simple procedure requires a careful approach to studying the technology. Before applying gel polish, you need to take care of choosing the material. Next, decide on the availability of tools, if necessary, buy them. Consider purchasing a ready-made kit, the price of which will ultimately help you save money than buying the necessary materials separately. Carefully study the technique, how to apply it correctly gel coating, follow the recommendations so that your manicure remains beautiful for three weeks.

Preparing the nail plate

The sequence of the procedure matters, so the work on applying gel polish will begin with processing the nail plate. The cuticle is removed at will, and the nail edge is necessarily formed using a nail file. Ideally, the nail should be smooth, without traces of dust, suitable shape. If cream or oil was used during care, then before the next stage the nail plate will have to be degreased to avoid detachment and make the coating resistant to external factors.

Removing the top keratin coating with a buff

Grinding is a mandatory stage of technology. The top layer of the nail is polished using a buff with a high abrasiveness coefficient. It is necessary to remove the glossy layer, then the polymer coating will retain its beautiful appearance for a long time. Do not touch the treated nail plate with your fingers; dust and residues are removed with a brush.

Primer application

For better adhesion of the nail plate to the gel polish, a primer is applied. A weakened nail plate after polishing becomes weak and soft. Therefore, there is a need to use a primer as a means of strengthening natural nail. Since manufacturers produce modern versions of primers without methacrylic acid, you can use this product without fear that it is harmful to your health.

Nail coating

The main rule is to apply the gel in a thin layer. Using a brush, gradually apply the base layer from the free edge, using progressive rubbing movements. Therefore, the material is picked up on the brush in a small amount, passing over the entire nail plate, paying attention to the end. The gel should not get on the cuticle or skin, and then the nail with the polymer coating applied to it should be placed in a UV or LED lamp. It will take one minute for the base to dry in the first device, and the other will dry the gel in 10 seconds.

Finishing

At the final stage, the mandatory use of a finishing agent is provided. Unlike the base, it is applied in a thick layer along the entire length of the nail plate and always at the end of the nail. The final coating helps the nail acquire a fashionable glossy shine, provided that the gel has dried well. It is recommended to apply a transparent Cleanser with moisturizing components on top of it to protect the nail from drying out. After it dries, the gel polish application procedure is completed.

How to do shellac gel manicure at home

For some time, nail extensions remained the only alternative way to quickly get a beautiful manicure, so that the varnish or design would retain its properties for a long time. attractive appearance. With the advent of gel polishes, a lot has changed, but the main thing is that even without much experience, you can create a bright manicure at home that will last for several weeks. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to do a shellac gel manicure without resorting to a salon:

  1. Before the main stage of the procedure, you need to take care of your hands and tidy up your nails, choosing according to your preferences classic version manicure or European.
  2. Following the technology step by step, the next stage will be shaping and polishing the top layer of the nail plate. For these purposes, among the tools there must be a nail file, preferably a buff.
  3. Next, the nail surface must be degreased and not touched with your fingers. The importance of this stage is that if you follow the recommendations correctly, it will help the shellac coating last longer. Use for degreasing medical alcohol or liquid with acetone, which is intended for nail polish remover.
  4. A thin, even layer is how to apply gel polish when starting the main stage of the procedure. The base coat strengthens the nail, the colored gel gives desired color, and the fixing agent protects the shellac from damage. Therefore, when purchasing, it is better to give preference to a set that contains everything you need. But the secret to successfully applying shellac to nails at home lies not only in the step-by-step application of each product in a thin, even layer. To make your nails smooth and acquire a beautiful glossy shade, polymerization requires a UV lamp, which will reduce drying time and prevent the appearance of bubbles. Experienced nail art masters advise applying the base coat and colored gel polish in a thin layer twice, and each time be sure to let them dry thoroughly.
  5. The final stage is the application of a top transparent coating, which seals the entire nail plate. Residues of the product can only be removed with a lint-free cloth soaked in alcohol.

How to dry gel polish without a lamp

If you have an insensitive coating labeled NO-light gel, then no difficulties should arise, since the usual drying option will do. For light-sensitive varnishes, it is better to use a lamp as it helps the special substance harden. But don’t despair, because there are several methods that are considered an alternative to the lamp. The device can be replaced by: cyanoacrylate monomer (special agent), blue lamp, Sun rays, cool water.

Procedure for removing gel polish at home

Be prepared that it will not be possible to erase the coating right away; it will take at least half an hour. Before you begin the process, you need to buy a special product and make sure you have cotton swabs and foil. To soften the polymer coating and then remove it with an orange stick, soak napkins in a special solution, place on your nails and secure with pieces of foil for 10-15 minutes. After this, you can carefully remove the gel polish like a film and wash off the residue with a special product.

Video

You don’t have to go to a salon to get a beautiful manicure; you can achieve what you want at home thanks to video tutorials. To know how to apply gel coating on nails using the correct technology, read the recommendations of experienced nail artists. Necessary materials, the tools are available for sale, all you have to do is apply your perseverance combined with the desire to please yourself by creating a beautiful, fashionable manicure with a glossy finish. If the technology is followed correctly, gel polish will retain its attractive appearance for several weeks.

How much does a gel manicure cost in Moscow salons?

Everyday chores not only take up time, but also force women to look for ways to maintain a beautiful manicure longer. If previously a nail service could only offer nail extensions, then with the advent of gel polishes an alternative appeared. Fashionable manicure It will last for several weeks on natural nails if you apply gel polish as experienced nail technicians do in salons. Below are the prices for services of Moscow companies:

Salon name

Address

Service price (rubles)

House of Beauty "MAYAK"

st. Tverskaya 29/2, in the Aquarium garden

"8 days a week"

m. Novoslobodskaya, st. Krasnoproletarskaya, 9, bldg. 2

"Suzanne"

st. Upper fields, 36/2

Nail extension studio

M. Taganskaya, st. Verkhnyaya Radishchevskaya, 9, building 4, office 317

MKAD 66th km, Crocus City Mall, 2nd floor

New fashionable gel nail designs for 2019

Fashion trends in nail art keep gel polish coating at the peak of popularity. The main idea is to give natural nails an almond-shaped or slightly rounded shape, leave them short, and choose a not very bright color palette. Shades of the polymer coating together with bluesky decorative elements (rhinestones, sparkles) should create the effect jewelry on the nails.

Reverse painting French design- This fashion trend, which is ideal for pedicures. To ensure that the gel polish coating corresponds to fashion trends, choose one color scheme, which will help to paint a three-layer French or moonlight coat. Remain relevant pastel shades, drawings with lines, shapes, patterns. Among the new products that claim to become next season's favorites are gel polishes that imitate a matte finish. You will find many photos of new products for 2015 below.

Modern varnishes look beautiful, but, unfortunately, they last no more than 2-3 days. They were replaced by shellac, which allows the manicure to look flawless for 2-3 weeks. And making gel polish at home, as it turns out, is not at all difficult.

For quality manicure Shellac coating requires the following materials and tools:

Step-by-step guide to applying gel polish at home

First of all, you need to get your hands in order. First you need to fill a container with warm water, add a teaspoon of lemon juice and sea ​​salt, a few drops of shower gel or shampoo. Soak your hands in this solution for 15 minutes, then wash them well with a brush and dry with a towel.

Then you need to make a bath, which includes any oil (heated in a water bath), 5 drops lemon juice and a few drops of vitamin E. Dip your nails into this oil solution for 10 minutes. At the end of the procedure, you need to thoroughly dry your hands with a paper towel and begin removing the cuticle.

After the oil bath, you need to wait a few minutes so that the dead skin is better visible. Since the cuticle has softened, it is easy to push it back with an orange stick. Next, use nail scissors or tweezers to remove the cuticle and excess skin around the nail plate.

Preparing the nail plate

In order for the manicure to last well, you need to properly prepare the nail plate. Wipe your nails with alcohol and then polish thoroughly with a buff. It is necessary to carefully remove the keratin layer, without leaving untreated, even small areas. The more carefully this operation is carried out, the longer the manicure itself lasts.

Buff treatment is carried out along the nail plate. When all the nails are prepared, you should lubricate the skin around them with baby or sunscreen so that ultraviolet radiation does not dry them out during drying in a UV lamp.

Applying the base

The main task of the base is to help the color coating adhere better to the nail. Therefore, you should not save on it, because the quality of the coating and the durability of the manicure depend on it. The base is applied in a thin layer and then dried in a UV lamp.

Application of colored gel polish

Now you can start applying gel polish of the desired color. The varnish is applied in several layers, usually two or three. It is necessary that each layer be very thin. The thinner the layers of shellac, the better it will hold up later. If the gel leaves marks on the skin during application, remove it with an orange stick.

After the first coat, the fingers are placed under a lamp to polymerize the varnish.

Then the next layer is applied and the hands are again placed under the lamp. If the color is not saturated enough, the procedure can be repeated again. After the color coating has completely dried, proceed to the last stage - applying the top.

Applying top

The top coat is often called the finishing coat, as it is the final step in creating a manicure. Its main task is to consolidate the coatings that were applied before. The correct choice of finish determines how bright the color will be and how neat the manicure will be. The top is applied in an even, thin layer not only over the paint layer, but also under the nail, sealing it.

Dry the coating under the lamp for a couple of minutes. Then you should repeat this procedure again. At the end of all stages, wipe the nails with a cleanser or alcohol. All that remains is to rub in the cuticle oil and admire the manicure. As it turns out, making gel polish at home is quite possible and you shouldn’t be afraid of it.

What does gel polish consist of?

Gel polish is something between gel and varnish. It is durable and beautiful. It has a polymer structure. Remove the coating by softening.

Gel polish consists of a photoinitiator, film former, diluent, pigments and other decorative fillers.

The photoinitiator reacts to ultraviolet light. Thanks to it, the varnish is structured and becomes hard. Depending on its quantity, the hardening speed and drying time depend. The film former creates a barrier that prevents the coating from collapsing.

Thinners help the polish adhere to the nail plate. Not only the durability of the varnish depends on their quantity, but also how easy it will be to remove. Pigments give shellac a certain color and density. The gel can be mixed to obtain a wide variety of shades and colors. It’s best if you mix varnishes from the same manufacturer, then you won’t have to worry about the quality of the future manicure.

There are a wide variety of fillers. They give the coating a special sophistication and uniqueness.

How to choose a UV lamp for home use?

When choosing a UV lamp, first of all you need to decide what it is needed for and how much money you can afford to spend on its purchase.

Lamps are divided:

  1. Size: Can be held with one or two hands.
  2. By type: LED or fluorescent.
  3. According to the ignition circuit.
  4. In terms of power: the more powerful the lamp, the shorter the polymerization (drying) time of the coating.

For home use A lamp with a power of 9 W to 54 W is quite sufficient. The power of the lamp depends on the number of 9 W bulbs that are in it. So in a 36 W lamp there are 4 of them, in a 54 W lamp there are 9 of them. And you need to dry your nails after applying each layer. If the lamp is 36 W, then the drying time for the base is 30 seconds, the color coating and top are 2 minutes.

With a lower lamp power, the polymerization period is increased; with a higher lamp power, the polymerization period is reduced.

Why is it necessary to apply a base coat?

The base coat is the basis of any manicure using shellac.

Its main functions:

  • protection of the nail plate;
  • alignment;
  • adhesion of the subsequent color layer to the nail;
  • strengthening the nail plate;
  • treatment.

Without a base, even with the most expensive shellac, the manicure will not be perfectly smooth and will not last long. The base is the first and main component of a reliable manicure, so do not neglect it.

Why do you need to apply a top coat?

The final stage in shellac coating is the topcoat.

Its main purpose is:

  • alignment;
  • drying;
  • preservation of bloomed varnish;
  • strengthening

Recently, coatings have appeared that also perform decorative functions. There are top coatings that allow your manicure to glow under the influence of ultraviolet light and make your nails glossy or matte. Gives a sandy texture.

It should be remembered that in order to make gel polish at home, you need to think about how the manicure will look if you apply a coating with “special” actions.

Tricks for even application

Considering that gel polishes have a sticky structure, it is not always possible to apply them evenly.

Experts share some tricks for evenly applying shellac:


Primer, bondex, clinser: differences

There are a lot of words in gel polish terminology that are difficult for a beginner to understand.
A primer is a product that prepares the nail for joining, but does not itself participate in this process. It degreases the nail plate and restores pH. The primer does not need to be dried under a UV lamp.

Bondex is a gel that is used to connect the nail to silk. It does not allow the nail plate to peel off, and allows the coating that is applied to it to hold firmly.

Klinser is an alcohol solution containing some oils. Used to remove the last sticky layer from the surface when the manicure is completely finished. Sometimes it can be used instead of a primer, as it disinfects well and is a good antiseptic.

Features of applying gel polish to extended nails

It is possible to apply gel polish to extended nails. However, it should be taken into account that When applying shellac, the nails become thick, so the layers should be as thin as possible so that your nails don’t look rough and bulky. In general, the painting procedure is no different from the classic use of shellac.


A step-by-step guide will help you figure out the question: how to make gel polish at home.

First, the nail is polished with a special file, degreased and a base is applied. Afterwards it is polymerized and a colored coating is applied. Again under the lamp and a second color layer. Polymerization, top, lamp.

As you can see, making gel polish on extended nails at home is quite possible. The problem comes when it needs to be removed. Since shellac is the same gel, it is impossible to remove it from extended nails. This must be taken into account before deciding to use it on acrylic or gel nails.

Simple design at home

How to make gel polish at home step by step has already been discussed. But not everyone will want to limit themselves to just a single-color coating. Having several bottles of multi-colored shellac, you can begin to master the skill of applying a pattern or multi-colored coating.

It’s not only beautiful, but it’s also quite possible to do it yourself. To do this you will need 2-3 brushes and a desire to experiment. Let's look at a few simple options nail design at home.

Gel polish design: rose

Rose is one of the most simple drawings. Even a person without much experience can draw it. First of all, you need to choose the background color on which the drawing will be applied. Red or deep pink flower looks good on a white, beige background. A white or sand rose on a black matte background looks original.

There can be either one flower for the entire nail, or several small ones. Now it is fashionable for a design to be applied to two nails of one hand. This makes the manicure look unobtrusive and neat. Once the background has been selected, applied and dried under a UV lamp, you can begin to apply the design itself. Rose petals are applied in small strokes, similar to commas, from the center to the edges.

Then they are smoothly connected. If there are blemishes in any place, wipe it with a lint-free napkin and draw again. When the rose is painted, the nails should be placed under a lamp to dry. If desired, the petals are shaded with a more or less intense shade and dried again under the lamp. You can add leaves or curls.

Experts recommend drying the gel polish after you have painted part of the picture with one color, unless of course you want to mix shades or make a smooth transition. After the drawing is ready, it is covered with topcoat and dried.

Gel polish pattern: butterfly

The butterfly pattern on the nails gives the manicure a special tenderness. In order to clearly imagine what the future drawing will look like, you need to draw it on paper. Think over the nuances and color options. Clearly define your artistic abilities.

Having started work, draw the outline of the butterfly’s wings on the selected background. Fill them with the selected color. Veins are drawn. Each time, after the design is drawn in one color, the nails are dried under a UV lamp. A butterfly whose wings are on two adjacent fingers looks unusual. The color of the wings can be either monochromatic or with a transition from one to another. Everything depends only on imagination.

Gel polish drawing: hieroglyph

Hieroglyphs look very interesting on nails. The hieroglyph drawing does not represent anything complicated. After completing all the stages of the main manicure, use a thin brush to apply the image onto the nail with strokes. You should not draw meaningless lines; it is better to choose a hieroglyph whose meaning is known.

French gel polish

French is still in fashion and is appropriate for both business woman, and for a young girl. Drawing a “smile” is not particularly difficult. Just practice a little and you won't have any problems. For the first case, you can use special strips; later, one brush will be enough.

After the base color has dried, use a brush to draw a smile line. Then it is intensively painted over. Defects or irregularities are corrected with a stick or toothpick. After drying and applying top coat, the manicure is ready.

In addition to the classic French manicure, you can apply bright combinations varnishes, an inverted “smile”, decoration with rhinestones and sparkles. As it becomes clear, making French gel polish at home is very simple.

Ombre gel polish

An ombre manicure looks original. A smooth transition from one color to another makes the manicure very attractive. Color palette varies from very bright and catchy to gentle and businesslike. But the technique of applying such a coating is not simple and has some subtleties.

After applying and drying the base, two strips of shellac in the selected colors are applied to a small piece of foil. Then use a toothpick to mix the boundaries of the gel. The skin around the nail is lubricated thick cream. After this, the nylon sponge is dipped into the shellac prepared in this way and applied to the nail. Any varnish that gets on the skin is removed and only then dried under a lamp.

The combination of ombre with French, the so-called moon manicure, When white tone fades smoothly into a beige or pink haze.

Imitation of water manicure

It is impossible to make a water-based manicure with gel polish in the full sense of the word, since it sinks in water. But you can achieve an imitation of this effect by using a special application of varnish.

To do this, parallel lines are applied to the nail plate after the base. different colors. Then, a thin brush is drawn across the lines, mixing colors and creating different patterns. It is worth considering that in this case Drying under a UV lamp takes a little longer than usual.

As you can see, making your own gel polish at home is not only possible, but also very interesting. There are a lot of design options, and every two weeks you can admire a new neat and well-groomed manicure.

Video on how to make gel polish at home

Applying gel polish step by step:

Tips and rules for perfect gel polish at home:

Photo of Bluesky shellac: Gel polish is available only in opaque bottles

- universal nail coating. That is why the application of gel polish occupies a central place in the range of services of nail salons. The trend is supported by practicality: gel polish easy to paint your nails, lasts for 2 weeks, removes in 15 minutes, allows you to improvise with the design, allows for correction and can be worn for another 10 days. Comfort and time saving! Modern women and the girls have long appreciated it. And the availability of materials is so high that you can easily master applying gel polish at home.

The success of the procedure requires strict adherence to the sequence of steps. When old varnish removed, the length of the free edge is filed, the burrs are cut off, i.e. hygienic manicure done, the marigolds are ready for the next stage of treatment for shnllak.

Materials for manicure with gel polish

The materials and tools for manicure with gel polish at home are the same as for the procedure in a beauty salon; the technology does not allow improvisation.

  • Gel polish of the selected color, plus a set of base and top (finish) coating - the so-called base gel polish and top fixer. It is not necessary that all three vials be from the same company. Everything fits together perfectly from different manufacturers.
  • Buff file with abrasiveness 220-240 grit, pusher, dehydrator, liquid for removing the dispersion layer, optional primer.
  • A brush to remove dust; if gel polish is done at home, an old toothbrush will do.
  • To polymerize (dry) gel polish you need a special lamp: UV (ultraviolet) or LED (diode). If we talk about gel polish manicure at home, then the lamp is the main cost item, the cost starts from 1,700 rubles, but this is an investment in beauty, not an expense.
  • Lint-free wipes - for removing residual oil and moisture from the natural nail and removing the sticky layer from the top coat.
  • Wooden toothpicks or orange pusher sticks in case the gel polish bleeds onto the skin.
    More details about the starter kit, see the list for conditions. The design will require painting brushes, rhinestones, stickers and much more; there are many materials for decoration.

    Preparing nails for applying gel polish


    Important: Stages 1 and 4 in nail preparation are the most critical for shellac wearability. Not the quality of the material, nor the manufacturer of the gel polish, but proper preparation nail plate! The pterygium must be removed, the dust must be thoroughly removed, the surface of the nail must be degreased and dehydrated.

    Gel polish coating step by step

    Consider coating your nails with gel polish step by step. If you are applying gel polish to another person, start correctly with the little finger and alternately reach index finger, if you’re on your own, do what’s most convenient.
    Peculiarity: thumb is painted and dried in a lamp separately from the other four, because it is impossible to place all five phalanges so that the light of the lamps falls equally intensely and evenly from all sides on all nails - the big one will be in a slightly different plane, the gel polish will be baked on top of it, and on the bottom flows under the cuticle. We'll have to redo it.

    • Applying base gel polish. The base is the same gel polish, only transparent and more liquid than the colored and finishing polish. It protects the nail plate from the penetration of coloring pigment inside. The main nuance of the base gel polish is a super thin layer, eliminating contact with skin, sealing the sides and end of the nail.
    • Colored gel polish is usually applied in 2 layers. If the pigments are light– white, pale pink, beige and other nude shades – 3 and sometimes 4 layers of varnish are required, each must be dried in a lamp, in an ice lamp for 30 seconds, in a UV lamp for 120 seconds, the stickiness is not removed! If the color of the gel polish is dark- black, burgundy, etc. — layers dry 1.5 times longer. Apply the first layer of colored gel polish extremely thinly. It will not look completely dense and even - it’s not scary, it’s better to have more thin layers than fewer, but thick ones. We also paint the end of the nail.
      After drying, apply the gel polish again, but more generously. If it gets on or under the side rollers, immediately remove it with a wooden stick or toothpick and put it in a lamp for polymerization. So that when applying gel polish to the next finger, it does not spread on the previous one - apply the following "live hack": painted one finger - in the lamp for 10 seconds - fix the composition thoroughly, painted the next - both in the lamp for 10 seconds, applied to the third - dry all three for 10 seconds, painted the fourth - place all four in the lamp for 30 seconds / 2 minutes ( LED/ultraviolet). This way the shellac is fully dried, saving time and lamp life.
    • The final stage is applying the top (finishing) layer. Carefully cover the entire painted surface and ends, otherwise the unprotected colored gel polish will slowly wear off and smudge. As a result, detachment will begin in this place. The gel polish coating must be airtight.
    • If the finish has a sticky layer, after drying it in a lamp, remove it, otherwise the nails will quickly become covered with dust and lint from clothes. The dispersion layer is washed with a lint-free cloth soaked special liquid. Often this can be the same degreaser that was used to wipe your nails during the preparation stage (read the label on the bottle, it should be explicitly stated). Some people use pure alcohol, but this is unprofessional.

    Finally, as icing on the cake (especially if you plan to make money as a manicurist), it is customary to apply moisturizing cuticle oil around the nail bed. For beginners, covering nails with gel polish is a bit complicated at first; the procedure along with a manicure takes up to 3 hours, but with practice the time is reduced and should take 1-1.5 hours.

    Cost of manicure with gel polish.

    At manicure courses, the price for students for models is 300 rubles, in provincial cities for masters “at home” - from 500 rubles, in salons from 750 rubles, in Moscow - from 1500 rubles.

    How to apply gel polish on nails

    The technique of applying gel polish directly to the nails is radically different from painting with a simple varnish. We are talking specifically about technique - hand placement, hand movement pattern.


    The advantage of gel polish is that you can move the brush endlessly until we achieve an even distribution of the substance over the nail; it does not dry out.

Women who once discovered gel polish rarely return to regular manicure. The beautiful appearance and durability of the coating make it indispensable for busy ladies. If you follow the technique, your nails will be gone for three or even four weeks.

Beautiful manicure

Today, equipment and products for manicure are available to everyone. All that's left to do is learn the sequence of applying gel polish to your nails and you can start applying.

What you need for a manicure

At home, you need the same products that are used in salons.

For manicure you will need:

  • dehydrator;
  • base, color and top coat.

Applying base coat

Today you can buy gel polish in different price categories. When choosing a base and top, do not skimp, since the durability of the manicure depends on them.

Choosing a lamp

There are two types of lamps on the market - LED and UF. The sequence of applying gel polish does not depend on them, but the drying time of the nail plate does. For manicures at home, UF lamps are most often purchased, since they are much cheaper. Among the minuses - for a long time hardening and the need to change light bulbs. However, this does not affect the quality of the coating in any way.

UV lamp

An LED lamp will cost several times more. It does not require replacement elements. In addition, the hardening time is much shorter - about 10 seconds. In addition to the high cost, the disadvantages of LED lamps include the fact that they are not suitable for some types of varnishes.

For home use It is better to opt for a UF lamp. The main condition is high power of the device.

Preparation for application

Any manicure should begin with treating the nail plate and removing the cuticle. To do this, dip your fingers in warm water, then carefully cut off the cuticle or push it back with a spatula.

Then we give the nails the desired shape and process them using a sanding file. It is better to choose an abrasive buff to remove the gloss. This will ensure a better connection to the base.

The sequence of gel polish coating includes treating the nails with a degirator. It is applied with lint-free wipes. This way we remove excess fat and moisture. As a last resort, you can use them, but they are very drying and can even affect the final color.

It is not necessary to use a primer at home. If you want to comply with the rules as much as possible, then apply it after treating with a degreaser.

Application process step by step

Remembering the sequence of a gel polish manicure is quite simple. It uses a base, colored varnish and finish.

  1. First you need to apply a base coat to your nails. Use a quality base and you won't have to worry about how long your gel polish will last. The base also provides additional protection against color pigment. It must be applied in a thin layer so that voids do not form. It is better to leave just a little product on the brush and carefully distribute it, starting from the tip of the nail. We seal the end. If gel polish gets on the skin, remove it with a wooden stick. Then dry it in a lamp for 2 - 3 minutes (10 seconds if it is an LED lamp).
  2. The color layer must be applied in the same way. Make sure that the product does not spread around the edges, otherwise unevenness will form. Dry the gel polish in a lamp. Typically, for a high-quality coating it is necessary to apply 2 - 3 layers. Each of them is dried separately. Can't take pictures sticky layer in colored varnish.
  3. The manicure sequence includes the application of a finishing agent. The top, like the base, seals the edge of the nail. The finish can be applied in a slightly thicker layer, but it also takes a little longer to dry. Remove the sticky layer using a degreaser. Once completed, use cuticle oil.

Popular techniques for nail design

If you are doing a manicure at home, you should not immediately use a complex design. Learn how to work with basic colors, after which you can begin to learn additional techniques.

Today, two main methods are at the peak of popularity:

  • gradient;
  • broken glass effect.

Use the instructions that explain step by step how to make an unusual nail design.

Gradient

In order to create on your nails, you will need a sponge, brush or sponge. Before starting application, repeat the same steps as for a standard manicure. We remove the cuticles, polish the nails, use a degreaser and apply a base coat.

  • Visually divide the nail into upper and lower parts. Carefully spread one color of varnish on the bottom, the other on top. Press the sponge quickly a few times to blend the shades. You can also use a brush. Dry the layer in a lamp.
  • In another method, varnish of two colors is distributed on a sponge or sponge, and then pressed against the surface of the nail. Excess product is removed.

Types of coating using gradient technique

If you don't succeed right away, don't despair. To get started, you can practice on paper.

Shards

This design uses holographic particles that have a fairly dense structure and create the effect of broken glass. The beginning of a manicure is exactly the same as in other techniques. Once you have applied the base and color varnish, attach the decorative elements to the adhesive layer. Distribute them one at a time, preferably using tweezers or a rhinestone pencil.

Important! Try not to use too many large particles on the side of the nail. The finishing layer may not completely cover them.

Top coat is the final step. After this, remove the sticky layer and you can enjoy the finished manicure.

Technique shrapnel (broken glass)

What determines the service life of the coating?

If , this means you have sanded the plate too much. Chips can occur due to a poor-quality base. If the ends are poorly sealed, already on the second day you may experience the varnish coming off the nail.

Follow the consistency of the technique, and the coating will last you 3 to 4 weeks. The advantage of gel polish is that, if desired, you can change the design if you carefully remove the top layer and apply a different color.

Long-lasting varnish was a pipe dream until recently. When cosmetic companies came up with the idea of ​​gel polish, manicure fans all over the world rejoiced. It was not so important that applying gel polish takes longer and is more expensive than coating with a regular composition. However, today many are asking the question: why not carry out this procedure on their own? If we consider the process of applying gel polish on nails step by step, it turns out that it is not so difficult.

Tools and materials

In order to create a beautiful manicure at home, you will need tools and materials. Full list as follows:

  1. Manicure set;
  2. A tool for polishing nails with equal abrasiveness on both sides (buff);
  3. Degreasing agent;
  4. Primer;
  5. Varnish base;
  6. Gel polish;
  7. Top coating;
  8. Ultraviolet lamp;
  9. Lint-free wipes.

Most of the tools and materials are not in your home cosmetic bag. The good news is that almost all of them, except the UV lamp, are inexpensive. Experts advise not to skimp on materials. For example, girls apply gel polish to their nails without preparing them appropriately. The lack of primer and base for polish will immediately affect the condition of your nails.


Another common mistake beginners is to use cotton pads as an alternative to lint-free wipes. The discs are available, you probably have them at home, but the tiny lint they leave on your nails makes them unsuitable for manicures using gel polish. IN step by step instructions For beginners, it is advised to carefully inspect your nails before applying varnish for the presence of lint from cotton pads. If you don't notice one, the result will look unaesthetic. Therefore, it is worth investing in lint-free wipes, which eliminate such mistakes.

The process of applying gel polish: step-by-step instructions

Our instructions tell you how to get beautiful nails using gel polish.

  1. Get a manicure

Give the nail plate the desired shape and remove the cuticle.

  1. Treat your nails with an abrasive tool

Nails are processed step by step. This should be done gently but thoroughly. The buff is used to prepare the surface of the nail for adhesion to the polish. The result should be a matte nail plate, without noticeable scratches. The entire surface of the nail plate must be treated.

  1. Treat your nails with a degreaser

It is better to use a special composition rather than pharmaceutical alcohol. The latter dries out the nail plate too much, which is already subjected to sufficient stress due to gel polish. Lint-free wipes ensure the end result is a smooth, even finish.


  1. Apply primer

Don't skip this step. The primer is designed to extend the life of the gel polish, as well as protect the nail from the effects of aggressive compounds. If you neglect the primer, be prepared for the condition of your nails to deteriorate significantly.

  1. Dry your nails for 2-3 minutes

The secret to the durability of gel polish is in fixing each layer using a UV lamp. Do not shorten the drying time, this will negatively affect the quality and durability of the coating. Do not forget that each layer - primer, base, varnish and top coat - must be properly processed. The higher the lamp power, the less time you need to spend on drying. Standard lamps for drying nails at home step by step usually have a power of 9 to 35 W. Salons use more powerful and, accordingly, more expensive devices. Don't rely on salon time. A lamp for home use will require at least 2 minutes to properly dry the coating.



The beauty of makeup largely depends on the condition of the skin, and the beauty of manicure depends on the condition of the nails. After removing the polish, do not forget to treat your nails with nourishing compounds.

The thinner each layer, the more durable and aesthetic the coating will be. Applying varnish, primer and topcoat in an even, thin layer requires some skill. Don't be discouraged if it doesn't work out the first time.

When buying manicure compounds, pay attention to the brush. The thinner and neater it is, the easier it will be to apply products to the nail plate.

Particular concentration is required in those minutes when the next layer of varnish has not yet had time to dry. The coating can be damaged by the slightest touch.