How to Do Your Own Affordable Gel Nails at Home
On December 15, 2020 by Megan FolsomSince I’ve started doing my own gel manicures at home, my nails have been so much healthier! Plus, I’ve saved so much time and money. It has been such a nice option to have, especially this year when all of the salons got shut down for awhile. I love sitting on my couch, turning on a show and doing my nails in peace after bedtime or during nap time!
When I have my nails done, I feel SO much more put together. It’s actually crazy how much better I feel with them painted and I love that they last me up to three weeks at a time. The more you do it, the better you get at it and the longer they stay on. Now, it seems like my DIY gel nails last just as long, if not longer than the salon’s. Shockingly, the start-up cost is not much at all – about the same price as one gel manicure at a salon. I was able to get everything I needed online and shipped straight to my house.
Things You’ll Need:
Optional Things that Will Help:
- Cuticle Trimmer
- Acetone (to remove)
- Nail File
- Fingernail Clippers
- An old towel or a paper towel
VIDEO TUTORIAL
Instructions:
- Prep your nails:
- Trim nails
- File nails
- Push back/trim cuticles, if you’d like
- Set up your station:
- Make sure you have your base, top and color coats out of the boxes and next to you. (Your nails will be sticky until the top coat, so you won’t want to be trying to find them and ruin your nails.)
- Plug in your UV light.
- Grab an old rag or paper towel to wipe excess polish on, if necessary.
- Wash your hands right before starting!! This step is so crucial to having long-lasting nails!
- Start with one thin layer of your base coat on one hand. Avoid getting any on the skin around your nails.
- Put your hand under the UV light for 60 seconds.
- Apply a very thin layer of color.
- Put your hand under the UV light for 60 seconds.
- Repeat steps 6 & 7 two more times for a total of three thin layers of color.
- Apply a thin, even layer of top coat.
- Put your hand under the UV light for 90 seconds.
- Repeat steps 4 through 10 for your other hand.
If you enjoyed this quick tutorial, be sure to check out my other quick pick-me-up ideas to boost your confidence! For my other favorite products and tons of discount codes, see my Favorites tab above.
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