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Save Time and Money with an At-Home Gel Manicure
Let’s be honest: doing my nails can feel like a black hole of time. I start with a little nail maintenance when they begin to look unruly, and once they’re somewhat even, I think, “It’s time for a manicure!” But finding the moment to actually do it? That’s a whole different story. It usually ends up being a late-night endeavor because as soon as I put on fresh polish, you can bet someone will need their butt wiped. By the time the kids are in bed, all I crave is Netflix and snacks—not a DIY manicure. Knowing my hard work will chip within days doesn’t help either.
Getting my nails done at a salon is often just as much of a hassle—hello migraine! The second I step into the salon, the ringing bell seems to echo in my head, followed by the overwhelming scent of acrylic. And let’s not even talk about the childcare arrangements that need to be made; bringing my kids along means yelling, “What did I just say about touching the autoclave?!”—and trust me, no one wants that.
So, what’s my golden ticket out of this first-world dilemma? At-home gel manicures. They last twice as long as regular ones (up to two weeks) and cure in just minutes. This means I can skip the wet nails panic. The longevity factor makes it worth spending a bit of time on, especially since I won’t have to worry about chips when I dive into my next sink full of dishes. While there’s a bit of an initial investment, it’s still cheaper than shelling out $35 every two weeks at the salon.
Most supplies for a gel manicure are similar to those for a regular manicure, but you need a couple of extras. The most crucial is gel polish and a UV light. I particularly like this light because it comes with UV-blocking gloves. Your fingertips will still be exposed, but these gloves protect your hands and arms while you work.
Step-by-Step Guide to At-Home Gel Manicures
Start with clean, dry nails. Trim and file them to your desired length and shape, then apply a bit of cuticle remover. After a few seconds, gently push back your cuticles with an orangewood stick or cuticle pusher. Avoid trimming them if you can—they exist to protect your nails from bacteria. Just push them back to prevent the gel from lifting.
And whatever you do, don’t soak your nails in water! This will cause your nails to swell, leading to lifting and chipping once they shrink back down. Buff the surface of your nails lightly to smooth out any ridges, just like you’d sand furniture before painting. This helps the gel adhere better. Apply a primer to absorb any excess moisture and prep your nails for the gel.
Next, apply a gel base coat. Be careful to leave a small gap from the cuticle and sides. If gel gets on your skin, it can cause lifting. If you do mess up, just use an orangewood stick or cotton swab to clean it up. And don’t forget to seal the edge of your nails by running the brush across the tips; this will help your manicure last longer.
Once you’ve applied the base coat to one hand, cure it under the UV light for 30 seconds. Repeat the process on your other hand. Follow up with two coats of gel polish, curing for 30 seconds between each coat, and finish with a gel top coat and another 30-second cure. Your nails will feel a bit tacky—grab a lint-free cotton pad soaked in rubbing alcohol and wipe them down to remove the stickiness. Voilà! You’ve got a salon-quality manicure that’s sure to impress.
Removing the Gel
When your nails start looking a bit rough after about two weeks, it’s time to remove the gel. Use 100% acetone, cotton balls, and aluminum foil—no peeling or sanding! Take a cotton ball and tear it into ten pieces, then cut strips of foil long enough to wrap around your fingers. Pour a bit of acetone into a small bowl (avoid plastic, trust me). Soak the cotton pieces in acetone, squeeze out the excess, and lay them on your nails. Wrap each fingertip in foil to keep it secure.
Check your nails after five minutes; the gel should start lifting. If not, reapply soaked cotton and check again in five minutes. To remove the gel, gently push it away from your nail bed with an orangewood stick, starting at the cuticle. Avoid starting from the tip, as that can lead to damage.
After removing the gel, use another cotton ball soaked in acetone for a final cleanse. Your nails will feel dry, so don’t forget to rub some cuticle oil into your nails and surrounding skin, followed by a little hand lotion to restore moisture.
Now, you’re ready to either repeat the process or let your nails breathe. You can even use this technique on your toes if you’re feeling adventurous. I always love a gel pedicure before heading to the beach, so the sand doesn’t ruin my hard work. Enjoy your long-lasting polish, and when friends ask where you got your nails done, relish in their surprise when you tell them you did it all on your own!
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Summary
At-home gel manicures save time and money while providing a long-lasting finish. With the right supplies and a step-by-step approach, you can achieve salon-quality nails without the hassle of a nail salon. Enjoy the process and the compliments that come with your stunning DIY nails!