Ready to get started with your home manicures? There are a few things you&#;ll need to know first to make sure that you get the best results for you and your nails! We&#;ll teach you how to apply gel polish at home, tips on how to store gel polish, and make sure that you know how to prevent chipping and peeling for long-lasting manicures.
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Before you get started, make sure you properly prepare your nails with your nail preparation tools. Too many people skip over this and head straight to the fun part. But by ignoring prep, you are likely to have underprepared nails, meaning your gel manicure won&#;t last.
Gently push down your cuticles and file your nails to the shape you desire. Then, most importantly, buff over your nails to remove the shine. This helps the gel polish adhere to your nails &#; without this step, the gel is likely to peel off straight away.
Wipe your nails with Cleanser Wipes or Cleanser and Lint Free Wipes and ensure that all dust and debris have been removed from your nails and skin. Now, you&#;re ready to begin!
Use a Base Coat &#; always start with a Base Coat. This is so the gel will adhere to (stick to) your nail &#; forget the base, and your gel manicure won&#;t go to plan!
Apply using thin layers &#; each coat MUST be applied using a thin coat. Too thick, and the gel won&#;t cure properly and you&#;ll end up with lumpy, bubbled gel polish. This is so important as the gel needs a full and proper cure, and your Nail Lamp will not be able to properly cure gel polish that has been applied too thick. You can then build up the colour using your thin coats until you&#;re happy. We recommend 2-3 coats, depending on the opacity you're looking for.
Avoid your skin and cuticle &#; we can&#;t stress enough how important this step is! Make sure you avoid your skin and cuticle when applying gel. It is not advisable to get gel on your skin, so avoid this where possible. If you do get any on your skin, simply wipe it away with cleanser before curing. Gel polish is NOT nail polish &#; it will not simply peel off once cured/dried. It will stay on your skin, and most likely cause the rest of the gel on your nail to peel off too.
Always cap the free edge &#; the most important step when applying gel, and one many forget, is to always make sure you cap the tip of your nail. This acts as a seal for the gel, helping it to stick to your nail to ensure it doesn&#;t chip or peel off. Simply run over the tip of your nail with your brush to seal it before curing. You may want to hold your skin back to expose more of the tip of the nail if you have short nails, as you'll find it easier to cap the free edge and avoid getting gel on your skin this way.
Cure each coat properly &#; always ensure your hand is flat under your lamp and you are curing for the right amount of time - this is 60 seconds in your Bluesky UV/LED lamp for each coat. If you find your gel is not curing, you may have applied the gel too thick. Cure for longer if this is the case. It can also be the case that your lamp isn&#;t functioning properly. Turn it upside down to check that the bulbs are working, and if you have a very old Nail Lamp, it may be time to replace it.
How your store your gel products is very important. When exposed to even a small amount of UV light, gel will begin to cure in the bottle, which will often render the product unusable. If your gel has become lumpy, has made the brush hard or has started to become crystalised/has little bits in the gel, it means it has started to cure in the bottle.
Make sure all your gel products are stored away from direct sunlight and any warm temperatures. Especially avoid doing your nails outside, or next to a window!
Also make sure you keep all your gel products away from your nail lamp when curing is in progress. This is because the LED/UV light emitted from your lamp can start the curing process, so we advise making sure your products aren&#;t ever kept next to your lamp.
If you&#;ve just received your Bluesky order but you&#;re not ready to use it yet, do make sure that you are adequately storing all your products safely upon arrival.
Removing gel polish safely is key. That means no picking or peeling your gel off, as this will undoubtedly ruin your lovely nails! When removing any gel products, you will need an acetone remover, such as our Bluesky Remover or Remover Wraps.
Both work in the same way, you will just need foils and cotton pads or lint free wipes to use alongside our acetone remover. With the wraps, you have everything you need to remove the gel all in one product.
When removing gel polish, make sure you buff the shine off the nail first, and use a nail file on the tip of your nail to remove the seal. This will make sure the remover can penetrate the gel and soak it off.
You will then need to wrap your nails in acetone or soak them in a bowl filled with acetone &#; we have a step by step guide for gel polish removal to take you through the whole process in more detail.
Follow our guidance for proper preparation and application as above. If you have followed them step by step and you are still experiencing peeling, it may be that you have oily nail beds. This can easily be fixed by adding a primer to your prep routine. Simply apply our Bluesky Primer before your Base Coat, air dry for 60 seconds, and continue with your manicure. This will help to remove any lasting oils from your nail plate, which can be a common cause for gel polish lifting.
Also, be sure to look at your daily routine. Do you work in a hands-on, manual job? Or perhaps you are continuously washing your hands or working with products? This can all result in the longevity of your gel manicure being shortened. Make sure you&#;re doing all you can to protect your nails, including wearing gloves where possible for daily tasks and avoid soaking them in hot water for long periods of time, such as when you have a bath.
Primer is a product for people who struggle with lifting and peeling. If you have no issues with your gel manicure lasting around two weeks, then you don't need to use a primer.
With proper prep, application and aftercare, your manicure can last anywhere between 2-3 weeks. Between your gel manicures, we recommend applying Cuticle Oil daily to help keep your nails hydrated, healthy and growing strong so that they're ready when you next want to give yourself a manicure!
There are two main reasons why your gel polish isn&#;t curing. The main reason is that you have applied the gel too thick and the lamp hasn&#;t been able to cure it. Make sure each coat you apply is thin so that your lamp can easily cure it in the correct amount of time. It may also be that your lamp needs replacing if it is old. Ensure you check the bulbs in your lamp to check for any broken bulbs, as this will decrease the power of your lamp and thus its ability to cure gel products.
See above! If your gel polish is wet (not tacky, it is supposed to be tacky), lumpy, or wrinkly after curing, it means that you have applied it too thickly and not cured it thoroughly. If you then apply a second coat without properly curing the first, it will start to go wrinkly and bubbly due to it still being wet. Ensure each coat is cured properly before moving on to the next.
Yes, your gel will be slightly tacky to the touch after you have cured each coat. This is so that the next coat can properly adhere to the previous one. Once you have applied your Top Coat, you will need to wipe with cleanser to remove the tacky layer to finish your manicure. You can also use a No Wipe Top Coat, which will leave no sticky residue behind.
No! You only need to remove the tacky layer with cleanser after you have cured your Top Coat. You don&#;t need to use cleanser after applying every coat. This will remove the tacky layer and make it harder for your next coat to adhere to it.
Always remember the key rules when using gel products: proper prep, proper application, proper aftercare &#; and that goes for the care and storage of your products too. If you follow the above, you will soon turn from a gel polish beginner into a real at-home manicure pro!
Curing gel polish is not easy and requires some intensive training to master it. But it doesn't have to be a daunting task. With the correct technique and patience, you can learn to cure your gel polishes perfectly every time. Before starting the actual curing process, however, it's essential to understand what gel polish is and why it needs to be cured in the first place. Gel Polish is a type of nail polish that is cured with a special UV or LED lamp. So if you want to know how to cure gel nails like a pro, keep reading...
Gel polish curing is the process of using a specially designed UV or LED light to seal and harden the gel nail polish on your nails. This process is known as polymerisation because it causes the molecules in the gel polish to bond together, forming a solid layer of colour that won't chip or wear off easily. Depending on your nail type and the type of lamp used, curing times can vary from a few seconds to several minutes. We'll discuss this in greater detail below where we show two methods for drying gel nail polish.
Yes, using a lamp is essential to cure gel nail polish. Without it, the molecules in the gel won't be able to bond together correctly, and your manicure will remain soft and susceptible to damage. While some brands of gel polish don't require a UV or LED light to cure, most professional technicians agree that using a lamp is the best option for ensuring a long-lasting, chip-resistant manicure.
UV and LED lamps are an effective way to cure gel nail polish, so it comes down to personal preference. Generally speaking, LED lamps cure faster than UV lamps and don't produce as much heat, which can benefit people with sensitive skin or nails. On the other hand, some technicians prefer UV lamps because they offer more power and often provide a wider working area. Ultimately, the choice is up to you and what works best for your particular needs.
Opt for an LED lamp over a UV one and experience the benefits of faster drying time. LED lamps usually dry gel polish in half the time, ultimately saving you more time on your manicure. Although LED lamps can be pricier than UV lamps, investing in them could be a wise decision if you're seeking to save time.
To get your LED nail lamp running, start by selecting one with a power rating of at least 36 watts. Place the product on an accessible surface close to where you plan to paint your nails, and plug it into any nearby electrical socket.
With your freshly painted nails, position them directly underneath the LED lamp. Ensure one hand is covered with a single coat of nail polish designed for this kind of lighting. Once in place, ensure the shine from the lacquer faces upwards to receive maximum illumination benefits and long-lasting results.
Want more information on Uv Base Coat? Feel free to contact us.
To ensure a pristine manicure, keep your hands flat on the table or base of the lamp and separate your fingers. Be cautious not to touch any other parts of the lamp; this could ruin your polish. Opt for a removable-base type of lamp when picking out one specifically for a pedicure&#;it will make it more convenient for you to place over your nails as needed.
To set the polish, select a 30-second cycle. Using one hand to hold the lamp in place, use your other hand to adjust the settings and turn on a 30-second timer with either a dial or a designated button. Once you press start and see lights come on, ensure that your hands remain motionless beneath the light's beam for all thirty seconds.
When curing your gel polish, ensure you read the manufacturer's directions and know how long a cycle is required; some may only need 10 seconds, while others could take up to 45. If you have a lamp with just one button, press it for shorter cycles or hold it down for longer ones. Additionally, check the instructions from your lamp's producer so you can confidently use their product correctly.
As soon as the light turns off, you'll know your cycle is finished, and it's time to remove your hands from underneath the lamp. It's then safe to begin adding coats of gel nail polish. Remember to cure each coat under the lamp - including the base and top coats - so they can all be adequately sealed for long-lasting results.
To attain a flawless, glossy manicure finish, it's ideal to paint and cure one hand at a time. Begin by using the nail lamp on one hand before using the same hand to apply polish on the other. For best results, brush gel polish in thin layers until you reach an opaque colouration--usually, between 2-4 coats will do.
To prevent smearing or ruining your gel polish, paint and cure each finger separately, starting with the index finger. This way, you won't have to fret about messing up your other nails when using the less-dominant hand. Doing this will also allow for greater light exposure on the thumbnail so that it can properly dry faster.
You'll want to use an acetone-soaked cotton pad or paper towel to get rid of the tacky residue from your cured gel manicure. Glide it across each polished nail with a gentle motion to remove all traces of stickiness and leave behind perfectly clean nails! Once done, you can revel in your vibrant, glossy, freshly painted nails.
After the completion of a layer of gel topcoat, this step should be done to ensure success. Unnecessary steps are not required in between layers of gel polish for optimal results.
The Glitterbels DreamCure Lamp is an essential tool for achieving salon-quality nails at home or in a professional setting. Designed with both style and efficiency in mind, this lamp offers fast and even curing for gel polish thanks to its powerful UV/LED dual light source. The sleek design makes it not only a practical addition to your nail kit but also a visually appealing one. With easy-to-use settings, including adjustable timers and automatic sensor activation, the DreamCure Lamp ensures precise curing every time, reducing the risk of over-curing or heat spikes. It&#;s the perfect companion for anyone looking to achieve flawless, long-lasting gel nails with minimal effort.
Safety first: Protect your skin by wearing sunscreen or UV-absorbent gloves. As an added precaution, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to the hands before painting nails with gel polish. You could use UV absorbent gloves to further protect against harmful ultraviolet rays.
The Food and Drug Administration in the USA has deemed the adverse effects of UV lamps low-risk with proper usage. However, to ensure your well-being, it is wise to take extra safety measures when exposing yourself under their lights. Moreover, abstain from applying any cosmetic products on your skin before getting a session since they can cause hypersensitivity reactions to UV rays.
Find a convenient electrical outlet and plug in your 36-watt UV nail lamp. Place the lamp on the table where you'll be painting your nails before starting. After that, attach the power cord to your chosen electrical outlet, and you're ready to go.
Place your painted nails flat under the UV lamp, allowing for a slight gap between each finger. Position them so that the polish-side of your nails face upwards, and keep your palms pressed on the table or against the lamp's base. You don't need to stick all five fingers into one section - make sure that only your fingernails are getting direct exposure from beneath this radiation source while mitigating any further skin contact with UV light.
For a flawless finish, set your timer for two minutes and press the power button to turn on the lamp. Keep still while it dries &#; this is essential in achieving that perfect shine.
Before you begin with the gel polish, read through and follow all instructions from the polish manufacturer. Depending on the product used, it might only take a one-minute cycle. After every gel layer has been applied, curing each completely is necessary before continuing. To remain safe during this process, don't run your UV lamp for more than 10 minutes when working on both hands - this equals up to five layers of colour or base coat/topcoat combined.
To ensure a perfect manicure, paint and cure each hand individually. This will allow you to avoid smudging your gel polish while also granting added convenience when applying the colour to your dominant hand, as it will be dry by then. Additionally, put thick layers of thin coats in order to create an even finish that looks professional. Finally, if advised by the manufacturer or for extra precaution against smudges - make sure you paint and dry your thumbnails separately.
To complete the removal process, take a cotton pad saturated in alcohol and remove the sticky top layer that has been produced from your cured nails. If you prefer avoiding alcohol-based products, use a specialised gel cleanser instead. After this step is completed, you can enjoy flawless nails.
For intense daily use, your UV bulb should be replaced every 2-4 months to ensure consistency in effectiveness. Make sure to purchase a new set of bulbs from the same manufacturer and follow the instructions for installation. If you are not using the lamp consistently, replacement only needs to occur once or twice per year.
This unique trait allows the gel base coat to bond tightly with your nails, lasting up to two weeks. However, if you over-cure this layer of polish, its stickiness decreases and becomes brittle. Even worse is that the hard surface won't be affected by acetone when you try removing the product from your nails.
To avoid over-curing your gel base coat, only expose it to the LED lamp for 45 seconds. Even if this seems too brief, additional UV light will be emitted as the gel polish's top, and colour coats must also go through their specific curing processes afterwards. Ultimately, even without going beyond that initial forty-five-second mark -the entire process can extend 3 minutes or more after all is said and done; over-curing is a real risk in these cases.
The defining characteristic of gel polish is its flexibility, which must be preserved with adequate curing. When the pigment is over-cured, it loses this crucial quality and results in colour adhering directly to the nail plate during removal rather than peeling away from the base coat as though there never was one. So while you won't immediately notice an issue, take care not to let your gel polish get overcooked.
When this happens, you will struggle to remove over-cured gel polish with acetone, and it won't work. To prevent damaging your natural nails, reach for a nail file or electric file instead, and a gentle filing will easily take it off without causing any harm.
When it comes to gel polish topcoats, you should only cure them for a maximum of 90 seconds - even if you feel that 60 seconds may not be sufficient. This protective sealer preserves the colour underneath while giving your nails a luminous finish.
Excessive curing of the gel top coat can cause it to become hard and solid, rendering it unable to interact with acetone. This means that if your topcoat is over-cured, you will need to manually file off the product in order for removal.
The most common reason your gel polish is not drying correctly is that the UV lamp was insufficient. The LED lamp bulb must be powerful enough to emit UV light at the correct frequency, so do not use a cheap knock-off that cannot produce this wavelength. Moreover, these lamps must be placed far enough away from your nails - usually around 2 inches - for the gel base coat and top coat to form correctly.
No. You can air-dry regular nail polish.
So there you have it, our ultimate guide to curing gel polish. In summary, our top takes would be to keep the gel base coat exposed to the lamp only for 45 seconds, cure the colour layer for 60 seconds and do not exceed 90 seconds for the topcoat. If you follow this advice - your nails will look fabulous and last longer. If you are keen to further your skills or are a complete novice, feel free to head over and check out our online and in-person courses here.
Gel polish curing is the process of using UV or LED light to harden and seal the gel polish on nails. This is achieved through polymerisation, bonding the gel molecules to create a long-lasting and chip-resistant layer.
No, using a lamp is essential for curing gel polish. Without UV or LED light, the gel will not harden properly and will remain soft, leading to a weak manicure.
Both UV and LED lamps are effective, but LED lamps tend to cure faster and produce less heat. UV lamps offer more power and cover a larger working area. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific needs of your nails.
This is usually caused by an insufficient UV or LED lamp. Ensure your lamp emits UV light at the correct frequency and is positioned around 2 inches from your nails for optimal curing.
No, regular nail polish does not require curing with a lamp and can air dry naturally.
After curing, use an acetone-soaked cotton pad or a specialised gel cleanser to remove the sticky top layer and reveal a smooth, shiny finish.
For frequent users, replace your UV bulb every 2&#;4 months to maintain effectiveness. If used less frequently, replacement may only be needed once or twice a year.
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