If you’re aiming to save money and enjoy a touch of risk, more beauty brands are offering custom kits to create gel nails at home.
What about the price range? Most options stay under 40 euros, including the essential materials needed to recreate several gel manicures. If you prefer DIY and want to avoid buying everything at once, here are clear instructions to do it yourself and decide if you want shorter nails or designs as bold or subtle as you like.
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Necessary materials for gel manicure at home
- Gel for gel nails
- Rasps; one coarser and one finer for polishing
- Nail or tip templates
- Cuticle oil
- Anti-fungal adhesive
- Brush
- Orange wood stick
- False nail cutters
- Cotton pads
- Gel polish
- Nail polish
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How to make gel nails at home
Here is a simple, step by step guide to achieving gel nails at home easily and effectively:
- Trim and shape your nails to a rounded form. Use a coarser file to remove old glue or residues so the new gel can grip well. Finish by cleaning with acetone to remove oils.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap.
- Push back the cuticles with the orange stick and apply cuticle oil to soften the surrounding skin. It is important to protect the cuticle so the gel never touches it. Avoid cutting the cuticle.
- Choose the base or tip you want. Apply a drop of adhesive to the tip and another drop on your natural nail, then press the tip onto the nail.
- Once attached, trim to your desired length with nail clippers. File and shape the new nail to the desired contour.
- Apply a coat of gel with the brush, ensuring it covers the entire nail surface while avoiding contact with the cuticle. If the gel is too thick, a warm water bath can help ease it.
- Place the nails under a curing lamp for 3 to 5 minutes and wipe away any excess gel.
- Repeat the curing step once more to ensure full set and durability.
- Finish with a final polish layer like regular nail polish for a smooth, glossy finish.
- Decorate your nails to complete the look and add personality.
Have you ever tried fancy gel nails? Let your creativity run free and experiment with textures, colors, and designs.