How to Apply Gel Nails
Gel nails are a great substitute for acrylic nails. They are also easier to remove and do little harm to your natural nails. Gel nails can help protect your natural nails by acting as a barrier that prevents chips or breaks. The nails can be painted with polish if desired.
Items Needed:
- Nail buffer
- Nail primer
- Nail brush
- Gel
- Nail file
- Nail polish
- Use a nail buffer to buff the tops of each nail. This will create a smooth surface for the gel nails to adhere to.
- Apply nail primer polish to the nails and allow them to dry completely.
- Apply a layer of gel to the nail the same way you would apply polish. Be sure to cover the entire nail. Allow the gel to dry completely.
- Dip your nail brush into the gel and create a small bead. Apply the bead to the nail next to the cuticle. Slowly use the brush to smooth out the bead over the nail surface. It should appear thicker than the first coat of gel. Allow it to dry thoroughly.
- Apply a third coat of gel. Again, create a small bead and slowly spread it over the nail surface with a brush.
- Use an emery board or nail file to file the tips of the nails and shape them. File the tips straight across to create a flat, sporty nail. File the sides and round them out to create a classic nail.
- Add a coat of nail polish if desired. Some gel nails are colored and some are clear. If you are using colored gel nails, you may wish to add designs or french tips to them. Brush the nail polish on in smooth strokes from cuticle to tip and allow it to dry thoroughly between each coat. Use nail stencils to create designs.