How to Apply Gel Nail Polish?

Create a salon-quality manicure at home by applying gel polish in layers. The process is easy to follow with the right steps. Discover below how to apply gel polish correctly. Everything you need for a professional gel manicure at home is listed below. You can also opt for one of our Starter Kits, which include everything you need to both apply and remove gel polish.

Everything you need

MULTIPLE COLOURS AVAILABLE

Ideal for hand & feet

Premium LED Lamp

£85.00

Choose your colour

Manicure Kit

£10.00

BLACK FRIDAY - 50%

Manicure Brush

£4.00

£2.00

Cleaner 100 ml

£8.00

Base Essentials Set

£39.00

Set value £48.00

BLACK FRIDAY - 30%

109 Lipstick Red

£13.00

£9.00

Cuticle Oil Jojoba

£7.00

Prepare Your Nails for Gel Polish

Push the cuticles back using a Cuticle Pusher or an Orange Woodstick. Make sure you remove the dead skin cells using these tools and a Polishing Block.

Then file your nail plate with the same block file. Also file the nail into your desired shape with a 100/180 grit nail file. Want to know how to do an more advanced manicure? Read about it on this page.

Now, wipe down your nail using the Cleaner on a lint free Nail Wipe to remove dust and last oils.

Apply a thin layer of Prep Booster to the full nail and let this air dry for 30 seconds.

Applying the Gel Polish

Step 1: Apply the Base Coat

Next is Base Coat. Apply a thin and even layer to the nail, making sure to keep about one millimetre distance from the cuticle. Cure the Base Coat for 60 seconds under the LED-lamp. Check out our different Base Coats, there is a perfect one for everyone.

NOTE: From now on, every layer will be sticky after it has been cured, even though the gel is dry. Why is this? This stickiness makes sure that every layer that goes on top will blend in nicely and that the layers stick together. Just like a good sandwich.

Step 2: Applying the gel polish colour

Now it’s time for to apply the colour. Apply the gel polish as thin as possible on the nail, also making sure to keep a millimetre distance from your cuticle. Don’t forget to top of your nail at the edge to prevent air bubbles and lifting.

Did you get the gel polish on your skin? No worries, you can clean it off while it is still wet, using your finger or a tool (Orange Woodstick/Cuticle Pusher). Whenever you’re happy with your work, cure the polish under the LED-light for 60 seconds. Want to apply another layer for more pigment? You can! Please, repeat this step.

Step 3: Applying the Top Coat

For the finishing touches, you need a Top Coat to top off your gel colour. Keep that millimetre distance from your cuticles. Apply a thin layer on your full nail and do not forget the tip of your nail. Cure the coat under the LED-lamp for 60 seconds.

Did you use our Shine Top Coat? Let the gel cool down for two minutes after curing. Then remove the sticky layer with our Cleaner on a lint free Nail Wipe.

Good Aftercare

What about the maintenance of gel polish? It is important to use a Cuticle Oil regularly to keep your cuticles and nails hydrated. Avoid direct contact with water for at least an hour before and after application. We recommend you wear gloves whenever you work with cleaning supplies, water or harsh chemicals.