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Apply gel polish yourself. How to use gel polish at home. Instructions for applying gel polish yourself

Modern nail polishes are super durable, but no matter how durable the polish is, it cannot resist household chemicals and prolonged contact of fingers with water. Therefore, the creators of nail polish products from famous brands have found an alternative to conventional nail polishes - these are gel polishes.

Most girls worry that gel polish is difficult to apply and such a procedure can only be entrusted to specialists in the salon. However, they are wrong. Applying gel polish at home is quite possible and many girls are already doing this. Saving time and money in person! So today the site website will show how to apply gel polish yourself at home. Let's get started with step-by-step instructions and tips.

To perform this procedure you must purchase:

  • Base coat for nails;
  • Gel polish of a certain color;
  • Top coat. It is advisable that the base, color gel polish and top coat be from the same company;
  • Lamp for drying gel polish. A UV lamp (ultraviolet) or LED lamp will do. .
  • Degreaser. If there is none, then it can be replaced with nail polish remover without acetone or with regular alcohol;
  • Primer (Ultrabond) acid-free. It is not necessary to use it, just a degreaser is enough. Extends the wear time of gel polish, improves the adhesion of the base to the nail. If your coating does not last as long as you would like, use an additional primer.
  • Lint-free wipes(you can use a soft cloth). It is better not to use cotton pads, because the fibers from them stick to the nails and spoil the manicure;
  • Manicure tools(a file for shaping nails, a sanding file or buff, a pusher or an orange stick;
  • Nourishing cuticle oil. Apply at the end of a manicure to soften the skin around the nails and give the nails a well-groomed appearance.

Applying gel polish step by step

1 . First of all, you must treat your nails, that is, get a manicure. Give an even and uniform shape to your nails. Push back and remove the cuticle. If you are doing a nail bath, it is better to wait 1 hour before applying gel polish.

2 . Use a sanding file (bafik) to polish your nails so that the gel polish lies evenly on the nail plate. This also enhances the adhesion of the base to the natural nail and extends the wear life of the coating. Bafik only removes the glossy shine from nails; you shouldn’t press too hard. Light movements over all surfaces of the nails, also do not forget about the end of the nail (free edge). After polishing, the nails should become matte.

3. Degreasing nails. To do this, apply degreaser/nail polish remover/alcohol solution to cotton pads and thoroughly wipe each nail until it squeaks. This step can be repeated 2 times. Also, to enhance the durability of the coating, it is used acid-free primer (Ultrabodn), applied in one layer. Now the nails are ready for applying the base.

4. Apply a thin layer of base on the nails. Do not rush, the gel polish does not dry in the air and gives you time to apply everything evenly and carefully. Typically, gel polish brushes are very convenient. Push a drop of base close to the cuticle, but make sure that the gel polish does not flow onto the skin. We also coat the end of the nail with a thin layer (seal it).

5. Dry your nails in a UV lamp (36 Watt) for 2 minutes or LED lamp for 30 seconds.. You need to be very careful with your nails coated with the base and not touch them to any surface. Avoid getting dust, debris and hairs on your nails. If all these precautions are taken into account, the color will fit perfectly on the nails. If nail polish gets on the skin of your fingers, you need to carefully remove it with a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover.

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6. Apply colored gel polish to the dried base (be careful, it has a sticky layer!). The coating is applied in a thin layer. Don't worry if the gel polish is streaky and shows through. Typically, colored varnish is applied in 2-3 layers. But there are also colors that apply smoothly and tightly in 1 layer.

7. Dry the color layer in a lamp. If necessary, apply another layer of color and dry again in the lamp (2 minutes in ultraviolet and 30 seconds in the Ice lamp).

8. Apply top. This is a protective layer that gives amazing shine to your nails and also protects the color coating. Thanks to the finishing coating, your nails will retain their beauty for a long time, despite long-term contact with water, cleaning, cooking and other external factors. By the way, the top coat is not only glossy, but also matte (Matte top coat) and is used in nail design.

9. The top coat is applied in one layer and dried in a lamp.

10. After drying the top, you need to remove the sticky layer with a special solution. Soak a cotton pad in the degreaser/nail polish remover/alcohol solution and remove the top sticky layer of topcoat from each nail at a time. Voila! Your nails are shining with new colors!

While admiring the beauty of your nails, you shouldn’t forget about the skin of your hands. Therefore, after removing the sticky layer, you need to coat the cuticles of each nail with nourishing oil. Rub them into the skin around the nail using circular motions. Then, when the oil is completely absorbed, apply nourishing cream to the skin of your hands and massage it into each hand until completely absorbed.

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 a high-quality manicure with shellac coating, the following materials and tools are required:

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, and 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 of lemon juice and a few drops of vitamin E. Nails are immersed in 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 in order for the dead skin to be 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, but also how easy it will be to remove it depends on their quantity. 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 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, and 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 some simple nail design options at home.

Gel polish design: rose

Rose is one of the simplest designs. 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. A red or deep pink flower looks good on a white or 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 design: 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 a business woman and 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 use bright combinations of 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. The color palette varies from very bright and catchy to delicate 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 of 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 with a rich 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 a French manicure, the so-called moon manicure, looks very impressive, when the white tone smoothly turns 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, after the base, parallel lines of different colors are applied to the nail plate. 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:

Gel polish, or as it is also called shellac, is widely popular. Since not everyone knows how to apply gel polish correctly, in today’s material we will look at the technology for implementing our plans at home. We will describe everything step by step so that you always have the reminder at your fingertips. Let's get started!

How to apply gel polish - necessary materials and tools

Applying gel polish in stages requires certain devices that you should have at home.

No. 1. Lamp (UV orLED)

It is necessary to have a lamp that ensures high-quality drying and setting of the composition. You can purchase it on the Internet (even on AliExpress) or in any store for manicurists.

No. 2. Base

Protects the nail plates and ensures high-quality adhesion of the color coating to the natural nail.

No. 3. Top (finish)

The top coat seals the results, making your beautiful manicure last longer. The finish can be matte or glossy (choose your choice).

No. 4. Colored coatings

Shades are chosen to suit your taste. It is highly desirable, but not necessary, that the color coatings match the brand with the base and finish.

No. 5. Degreaser

Necessary for removing fat from nail plates before properly applying gel polish. For use at home, small bottles are sold that allow you to carry out the procedure in stages without disrupting the technology.

No. 6. Scenery

This includes various sparkles, stones, rhinestones, stickers and everything else that you like.

No. 7. Tools

We are talking about tools for processing nail plates and cuticles in particular. Buff, file, tongs, tweezers, pusher, lint-free napkins - all this should be on hand.

Important!

If you consider yourself a beginner, do not immediately take expensive varnishes, base, top, etc. Get your hands on it, then purchase the appropriate materials for a slightly higher cost.

Preparing nails for applying gel polish

The sequence of applying gel polish will be described below, but now you need to prepare your nails at home.

1. So, start by removing the remnants of the previous coating. Don't leave anything behind. Perform a manicure by removing cuticles and hangnails with a tong.

2. Move the skin to the base of the plates using a pusher. File your nails to the same shape.

3. Arm yourself with a buff, sand the surface of the plates to remove the glossy layer. Don't rub too hard, just want to make it matte.

4. Before properly applying gel polish, take one more step of preparation at home. Moisten a napkin with degreaser and go over all the nails step by step.

Step-by-step application of gel polish

2. Distribute the base in a thin layer over the surface of the nails, without affecting the periungual ridges. Don't make the layer thick. Seal the edge. Dry for 30 seconds (LED) or 90-120 seconds (UV).

3. Now take the color coating. Scoop up and place the brush as close to the base of the nail as possible (do not touch the cuticle). First make a stroke in the middle, then from two edges. Next, seal by running the brush along the end of the nail.

4. Dry for a couple of minutes in a UV lamp. Repeat the layer, dry again. First, 4 fingers of each hand are processed. Last but not least, thumbs.

5. Now use the finish. But don't forget to seal by swiping along the tip of the nail. The top dries for 120 seconds. Finally, soak a lint-free cloth in degreaser and remove any stickiness from the plates.

Now you have all the information regarding how to apply gel polish correctly. Agree, at home everything is quite simple, because it is described in stages. Don't forget to oil your cuticles at the end.

1. Do not steam your nails in a bath or sauna at least 3 hours before performing a manicure.

2. Due to lack of experience, work on each nail one at a time. Long, but beautiful in the end.

3. First, 4 fingers of each hand are worked out. Then the thumbs come into play.

4. After application, any manipulations around the house are carried out with gloves. You should not visit thermal complexes and swimming pools for a day.

5. Remember that a thick layer is harmful. It is better to spread the coating twice, or even three times, drying after each layer. This will prevent the varnish from bubbling and rising.

You can make gel polish on your own, following the technology. If you don't have enough experience, start small. Treat one nail at a time, over time your hand will get full, everything will work out. Most importantly, don't be afraid to experiment!

Most women experience brittle nails. In order for their nails to grow healthy, many representatives of the fair sex spend a lot of money on products that ultimately do not give any effect. The best remedies are nail vitamins, olive oil and proper nutrition. You can also strengthen your nails with gel yourself at home. It does not take a lot of time.

With the help of gel polish - a special coating, your manicure will be flawless for two weeks. Today, this product will surprise few people, because it is used by masters in many nail salons. Not everyone knows that such a coating can be applied at home. Many girls believe that buying gel and a lamp is not profitable, and besides, such a manicure requires special skills. In fact, all the products + a lamp cost no more than two trips to the salon, and you can learn how to apply gel polish to your nails very quickly. There are no difficulties in the technique of covering nails with gel. The main thing is to follow a certain sequence.

-2017

Benefits of gel polish manicure

Gel polish has become widespread among women due to many advantages, which include:

  • good color stability;
  • presence of bright shine;
  • simplicity and ease of application;
  • drying speed;
  • safety for nails.

A manicure done using gel polish will last on the nails for two to three weeks (provided that the technology has been fully followed). During this time, the nails will retain their appearance and shine, while eliminating the possibility of cracks and delaminations.









Materials and tools for manicure with gel polish

In order to properly apply gel polish you need:

  1. Manicure set for preparing nails for applying gel;
  2. Polishing buffer for plate leveling;
  3. Degreaser;
  4. Primer;
  5. Transparent gel base;
  6. Color gel;
  7. Transparent top coat for gel polish, optionally matte, with glitter, etc.;
  8. Lint-free wipes for removing the residual layer;
  9. UV lamp with a power of 36 watts for drying the coating.

This list includes the required minimum of materials so that the instructions for applying gel polish in one tone are fully followed. Depending on the type and complexity of the design, you may need several shades of gel polish, as well as sparkles, rhinestones, stickers and other nail design elements. To perform a French manicure, which is very popular among fashionistas, you will also need stencils.

The home manicure technique consists of several stages.

Stages of applying gel polish at home

After purchasing a set with all the necessary components for performing a gel manicure, you can get down to business. The lessons learned and master classes will help ensure that the technology is performed exactly:

  • The gel coating is applied only after the preparatory manicure, because the varnish coating should not get on the cuticle;

  • After this, the nail plate is carefully polished with a special buff having an abrasiveness of 220-260. With this step, the topmost layer is removed;

  • Without degreasing the nails, the varnish coating will not last long. Pharmacy boric alcohol or a special product is suitable for this;

  • Next, you need to dry your nails using a primer, which will also prepare them before applying the base coat;

  • Apply the base coat. It will make the final connection between the nail and the varnish;

  • The layer must be cured with a UV lamp within 2 minutes. This will ensure the reliability of the entire manicure;

  • Let's start applying the color coating. It is performed in 2 stages with mandatory lamp drying for 3-4 minutes after each layer;
  • Then the manicure is completed with a top coat. Drying this stage in a lamp takes 2 minutes;

  • After this, you will be able to notice the appearance of a sticky layer on your nails. A degreaser applied to a cotton pad will help remove it.

HOW TO EXTEND THE WEARING LIFE OF GEL POLISH

In order for the gel polish to stay on your nails for the longest period of time, you need to follow some simple rules:

  1. After performing a manicure, you must leave your hands dry for at least two hours.
  2. You shouldn’t overload your nails, because they have a tensile strength that may not be enough.

How to remove and remove gel polish

This manicure can be removed using cotton wool soaked in special. solution, which are applied to the nails, then wrapped in foil and left for several minutes. The varnish softens and peels off under the influence of the product.

You may be able to remove it easily, since it comes off completely in the form of a film, but unpleasant hooks and irregularities may remain on the nails, which will spoil the appearance of the nail.

Unlike regular varnish, after completing a manicure, you can immediately get on with any business without fear that the coating will be scratched or torn off. Therefore, for those who have such a problem, gel polish is an excellent solution.

Most women prefer to do their own manicure. Firstly, this allows you to save a lot of money, and secondly, this is a great opportunity to show your individuality and create a new, unique image.

The beauty industry has made sure that modern products for home manicure are not inferior to salon products.

In order to make a long-lasting stylish manicure with gel polish according to all the rules, you need to acquire the following tools:


Cosmetic products for a quality manicure require:

  • varnish base;
  • disinfectant (dehydrator or primer);
  • cuticle nourishing oil;
  • gel polish with colored pigment;
  • final (finish) coating.

Base coat for nails

The base protects the surface of the nail from the negative effects of harmful substances contained in the varnish.

It is especially important to use a base before applying gel polish, since its composition is more aggressive than that of conventional varnish coatings.

Manicurists prefer the base of the Entity One Countere brand. Advantages: ability to hide all imperfections of the nail, complete protection from the coloring pigment of gel polish, good adhesion to subsequent coating, economical to use, does not cause allergic reactions.

Gel polish of a certain color. Which gel polishes are best to use?

Most women are interested in how to properly paint their nails with gel polish, since manicure using this product has long ceased to be an exclusively salon procedure.

But there are still a lot of questions about choosing a suitable product that is easy to apply and lasts a long time.

Advantages of gel polishes:

  • bright, dense color;
  • during the drying process on the surface of the nail, it is possible to make changes and eliminate deficiencies in application;
  • manicure for at least 2 weeks.

The following products are especially in demand among women:


Cons of choosing bright colors – After 7–10 days, the grown, unpainted part of the nail is visible and it does not look aesthetically pleasing. French manicures and manicures in beige pastel colors have a huge advantage in terms of wear time.

As the nail grows, the boundary between the varnished nail and the natural one is not noticeable. This manicure can be worn for up to 4 weeks. One standard size bottle is enough for 25–35 coatings.

Jessica Geleration lasts the longest. For at least three weeks you can forget about manicure, your nails will be in perfect, well-groomed condition, without chips or scratches. This product has a very rich color palette (more than 100 shades).

“Shellac” is recognized as the most convenient to apply; its viscous, thick consistency is easy to apply and spread over the nail.

Does not require reapplication, the first time the color is uniform and bright for three weeks. Easily washed off when removing manicure. Nails are less exposed to chemical reagents included in nail polish removers.

Top coat

Thanks to the topcoat, the nails acquire shine and volume, making the manicure more attractive and stylish.

Problems often arise with the application of “Top coat”: the coating is very viscous, bubbles form on the surface and you have to redo the entire manicure.

The secret to easy and accurate application is to warm the tube in your hand for a couple of minutes, and then let it sit for a few seconds so that the top and bottom layers of coverage are evenly distributed.

To properly apply the topcoat, you should follow one more trick: When applying, keep the brush parallel to the nail plate and do not apply pressure. The top coat is applied to the nail in an even thin layer.

It is important to take a small amount of product and remove excess from the brush, otherwise the surface will turn out wavy.

Start coloring in the direction from the cuticle, then move to the side surface and only then cover the upper part.

If the brush turns the same color as the varnish, it means that mistakes were made during application:

  • the varnish layer (bottom) has not dried;
  • too much pressure on the surface of the nail;
  • use a brush to remove excess product.

According to most women, The most convenient option for final coating is products that do not create a sticky layer.

Experts recommend finishing your manicure with the quick-drying Beautix Brilliant product. It will reliably protect the varnished surface from chipping, give a glossy shine to the nails and reduce the procedure time, since it does not form an adhesive layer that requires removal.

Lamp for drying gel polish

Permanent gel polishes require drying with a special lamp. When choosing a lamp for crystallization or gel polish, you should give preference to compact, convenient options.

Drying lamps are available in two variations:

  1. Ultraviolet;
  2. LED lamps.

Ultraviolet lamps are more popular, primarily due to their affordable price (from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles). However, experts believe that the content of mercury vapor makes it unsafe for health.

  • do not throw them away, they must be recycled;
  • You should not look at a switched-on lamp for a long time, dangerous radiation leads to vision problems;
  • Do not use expired lamps (the average service life is 5 years). An expired lamp loses some of its functional properties; under its influence, gel polishes do not harden and curl up.

LED lamps are the latest generation devices, the most preferred and safest lamp option. They quickly crystallize the varnished surface, do not cause discomfort on the skin of the hands, and do not entail dangerous consequences for the eyes. Long service life and no special disposal requirements.

Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the high price of this device (from 2500 to 6000 rubles). But They are very economical in terms of energy consumption.

The modern beauty industry presents specialized types of varnishes designed to dry only in LED lamps, since this category of lamps is recognized by experts as the most environmentally friendly.

The amount of time that needs to be spent drying the manicure can only be determined experimentally. Before drying your manicure, it is recommended to test the drying period on a small area of ​​the nail.

Each group of varnishes has its own period of complete hardening. On average, this time should not exceed 10 minutes.

Before painting your nails with gel polish, be sure to properly set up the lamp and prepare it for use.

Degreaser

Experts say that degreasing nails significantly increases the service life of the coating. Residues of cream and dust particles on the surface of the nail plate do not allow the varnish to be evenly distributed, which significantly reduces its durability.

Using a disinfectant liquid allows you to thoroughly prepare your nails for further painting.

According to experts, the Severina product copes best with this task. It contains gentle components that do not have a negative effect on the nails. Also, an undeniable advantage of this brand of degreaser is its affordable price (186 rubles).

For proper use, it is important to know a few rules:

  • the degreaser is applied after completing all corrective procedures (filing, trimming or pushing back the cuticle) on clean hands;
  • Do not replace degreaser with nail polish remover. Liquids that dissolve varnish contain highly active substances that dry out the nail plate. Excessive use of them leads to brittle nails;

Dehydrator and primer (Ultrabond) acid-free

The purposes of using a degreaser and a dehydrator are in many ways similar - processing and preparing the nail surface for applying varnish.

However, the action of a dehydrator, unlike a degreaser, is aimed at eliminating excess moisture, and not just at disinfection.

Professionals recommend the Naomi dehydrator. Despite the drying effect, this the product has a positive effect on the nail space, evens out the acid-base balance, is hypoallergenic and promotes lasting fixation of manicure.

The next step in the manicure preparatory process is applying primer.

By type, primers are divided into:


The leading position among ultrabonds was shared by products from the brands “HARMONY” and “AURELIA”.

They are not inferior in quality to an acid primer: they hide imperfections of the nail plate (cracks, unevenness, etc.), reliably bond the nail to the consistency of gel polish, and protect the varnished surface from chips.

Lint-free wipes (soft cloth)

The presence of lint-free wipes in the manicure set of a modern girl has not surprised anyone for a long time. In such a delicate matter as bringing your pens into perfect condition, every detail is important.

Hairs and lint that fall on the freshly painted surface of the nail will ruin the entire impression of a beautiful nail design. A soft, lint-free cloth will help with the prep work. and unlike cotton pads, it will not leave unpleasant marks.

Using lint-free wipes for manicure procedures:

  • removing gel polish;
  • treatment of the nail space (removal of oily shine, dust particles, antiseptic treatment);
  • erasing the adhesive layer of gel polish;
  • disarming of auxiliary instruments.

Lint-free wipes are easy to use. The necessary product is applied to a small area of ​​tissue and the surface of the nail is treated. 1-2 pieces are enough for a full manicure procedure.

Advantages of lint-free wipes over other auxiliary products:


The best napkins, according to Planet nails experts, are made from soft perforated fabric. According to professionals, they have increased absorbency and do not leave fibers.

Manicure tools

The final result of the procedure depends on the choice of quality tools. Their acquisition should be given special attention.

Masters of the nail industry have thought out convenient devices to make manicure easier and less time-consuming.

Files for shaping

Files are usually divided based on the material they are made of. The most popular files are made of metal and glass. At the same time, modern technologies make it possible to develop nail files depending on the thickness and length of the nail plate and its condition.


Before you properly paint your nails with gel polish, taking into account all the requirements, you should prepare all the tools in advance and reserve time.

The weaker and thinner the nails, the smaller the corrective particles a file is needed.

Sanding file or buff

The secret to even application of polish lies in a perfectly smooth nail surface. Manicurists consider it correct, before painting your nails with gel polish, to treat the nail plate with a sanding file or batik, on a paper basis, with small abrasive particles.

Sanding files correct the surface, eliminate all micro-irregularities, varnish residues and prepare the nail for further stages of transformation.

It is important to know! Do not use sanding files more than once every three months. Too frequent use leads to thinning and damage to the nail plate.

Bafik is a block with a fine-grained abrasive surface. It is most often used by nail industry professionals, but is also suitable for home use.

It has more universal characteristics than a sanding file, since it not only polishes the surface of the nail, but also corrects the shape.

Pusher or orange stick

To give your manicure a flawless appearance, you need to remove or move a small area of ​​skin that frames and protects the nail (cuticle). A pusher or an orange stick is used for these purposes.

The pusher is a stick made of medical steel, the sharp edge of which is made in the form of a spear, and the other in the form of a spatula. There is no need to further sharpen this tool; it will be useful for a long time.

By carefully moving the manicure back every 3-4 days, you can extend the life of your manicure. In order to prepare your hands for a manicure, after steaming, you need to cut off excess cuticle skin using a pusher.

There are also models with a rubber backing that prevents the thin blade from injuring the surface of the nail. This is exactly the type of pusher that manicurists recommend.

There are pushers made of plastic, they are also less traumatic than iron ones, but you need to be prepared for the fact that such tools will not last long (3-4 procedures).

Orange sticks are very popular nowadays. The wooden base does not cause allergic reactions or damage to the skin.

One edge is very sharply sharpened and is designed to remove dust particles from under the nail space, the second is in the form of a spatula to push back and facilitate the removal of the cuticle.

It is important to remember that experts consider this type of tool to be disposable. Wood absorbs moisture from your hands and, with repeated use, serves as a carrier of bacteria.

A wooden orange stick is also used at home for applying decor and nail design with a varnish different from the base color.

Nourishing cuticle oil

Experts note that When caring for the skin of your hands, you should not forget about caring for the cuticle. The health of your nails directly depends on a moisturized, nourished cuticle.

Hand creams cannot fully cope with this task.

Beneficial properties of cuticle oil:

  • protects skin and nails from temperature changes;
  • prevents brittleness and splitting of nails;
  • has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing effects;
  • has a beneficial effect on wound healing;
  • restore the cuticle.

Be careful, carefully study the composition of the oil in order to prevent the entry of individually intolerable substances in advance.

In all other cases, there are no contraindications for the use of oil.

Pharmacies and specialty stores offer a huge range of such products. Most of them are aimed at solving specific problems: brittle nails, dry skin, wound healing.


To make the most of all the beneficial properties of nutritional oil, it is recommended to follow the following rules:

  • wash and disinfect your hands;
  • apply the product to the skin surrounding the nail and to the entire surface of the nail;
  • Massage the application site for 2-3 minutes to accelerate the absorption of nutrients;
  • excess oil is removed with a paper napkin or lint-free cloth;
  • Correctly paint your nails with gel polish no earlier than 5 minutes after the oil has been absorbed.

Beauty manicurists advise applying a few drops of nourishing oil to the cuticle after completing the procedure to neutralize the effects of aggressive products that come into contact with the skin from the varnish.

Decorative elements

You won’t surprise anyone with a classic manicure. Modern fashionistas, trying to stand out from the crowd and express their individuality, do not ignore the original inventions of the nail industry.

The most common decorative option is rhinestones. With their help, you can not only diversify your manicure, but also create a unique look for your hands.

Such “diamond” decor will require time and perseverance. But its owner will be rewarded for her efforts; all the eyes of those around her will be focused on her hands.

Rhinestones are applied to the gel polish while the varnish has not yet hardened (before drying in a lamp). Using tweezers, carefully lay out the desired pattern one stone at a time. Then the resulting result is cemented with a lamp and pleases its owner for a long time (2-3 weeks).

No less popular today are gel polishes decorated with sparkles. Their use significantly saves time for lovers of a shocking, bright image.

If you want an exclusive design option, dry glitter will come to the rescue. They are distributed onto a freshly painted nail in the required quantity, combining colors if necessary, and then dried in a special lamp.

Decorations on nails in the form of cartoon characters, funny animals, and fruits have become very popular. These are so-called phimosis, volumetric elements that are applied to gel polish and last no less than the manicure itself.

The easiest way to make your manicure unique without spending a lot of time is to use special stickers. They are attached after completion (hardening) of the manicure to the surface of the nail and, if necessary, to avoid creasing, they are smoothed with an orange stick.

An effective, but labor-intensive way to decorate marigolds is to create designs with a brush. Artistic execution of various elements, even paintings or photographs, is offered by professional salons.

At home, it’s easy to make a cheerful print (snowflakes, Christmas trees, butterflies). Moreover, special stencils are sold for this purpose to accurately apply the original design.

Step-by-step instructions: how to properly paint your nails with gel polish

Experts give the following recommendations on how to properly paint your nails with gel polish:


A brief description of all the necessary tools and products for manicure using gel polish:


The process of acquiring well-groomed hands takes no more than 1 hour.

Gel polish completely blocks oxygen access to the nails. It is necessary to give your nails “rest” and additional nutrition. Continuous use of gel polish causes brittleness and deformation of nails.

How to dry gel polish without a lamp

Gel polishes are classified into two groups: photosensitive and non-sensitive. To polymerize photosensitive varnishes, you cannot do without a drying lamp. The second category is insensitive, labeled “No-light gel”, and does not require drying in a lamp.

Their use significantly reduces the time of manicure. In this case, the use of special compounds (primer, sticky layer remover) is not required.

But such varnishes last less than gel varnishes, which require drying in a special lamp, on average from 3 to 5 days.

However, the wear life of gel polishes that are not sensitive to light is longer than that of regular polishes. Such products are recommended to be used when there is no time for a full, durable manicure or there is no UV lamp at hand.

It is not recommended to use such express gel polishes more than 3 times a month. Experts believe that its composition is more harmful to nails than sensitive gel polishes.

Nail care rules

In order for your manicure to maintain its appearance, you must follow the rules:


All restorative procedures (masks, baths, compresses) must be done on natural nails, without varnish.

Experts have developed a separate set of recommendations for proper nail care both immediately before and after applying gel polish.

To keep gel polish on your nails longer, you should:


Beautiful hands are a woman’s calling card. An indicator of how much she loves herself and how much time she is willing to devote to caring for herself.

The use of gel polish allows you to perform a manicure procedure no more than 1-2 times a month and look well-groomed for a long time.

From this video you will learn how to properly paint your nails with gel polish and what needs to be taken into account in the process of preparing for a manicure and during coloring.

This video will introduce you to the process of carefully applying gel polish to your nails.

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