UV gel, what is it?
This technique consists of applying tips to the nails fixed with glue and gel. After having them cured by means of a UV or LED lamp, they are ready to be shaped. A gel nail application will always begin with a complete cleaning session (filing, cuticle pushing, disinfection). Most often done in a salon, the professional will apply the gel to your nails after the tips have been put in place. UV gel can also be used directly on the nail. The product is then applied after the primer, then cured with a UV or LED lamp.
The advantage of gel is that it allows for a long-lasting, strong, and elegant manicure.
Nowadays, we find ranges of 3-in-1 UV gel to be used as a base, builder, and top coat.
How to apply UV gel false nails?
Do you want to take care of your manicure without going to a beauty salon? First of all, get a complete kit for creating your masterpiece.
- Be sure to prepare your nails. File your nails so they are even and smooth at the ends. Push back the cuticles using a cuticle pusher. Using your buffer block or a very fine grit file, roughen the surface of the nail. Dust off with a kabuki brush.
- Then, place the tip on the first third of the nail to protect the end. Using a tip cutter, choose the length of your tips by cutting or shaping them as you wish. These tips are held in place with a suitable glue.
- It's time to apply your polish. After application, file the nail for an even finish. Buff the demarcation between the natural nail and the tip. This will help to give a natural look. Wipe your nails with a cleaner.
- This fourth step corresponds to the application of the UV gel. A decisive step for a beautiful manicure. Get a brush and a UV lamp. Spread the gel on the tip with the brush (two or three coats will suffice). Then let your gel cure under a UV lamp for two minutes.
Essential tools:
- A cuticle pusher
- A white buffer block
- A nail file
- An anti-dust brush
- A primer
- A UV and LED gel
- A brush suitable for gel application
- Nail tips (of the shape you want)
- A tip cutter
- A cleaner
How to apply UV gel without tips?
As mentioned earlier, it is possible to use UV gel without using tips. This technique consists of giving your nails a domed and shiny effect.
- First, go through the cleaning and disinfection step. Push back the cuticles with a cuticle pusher and buff the nail with a buffer block.
- Apply the primer in a small amount and wait for it to dry (be careful, it should not go under the UV lamp or be in contact with the skin!) Meanwhile, turn on your UV lamp to heat up.
- Apply the gel with a brush. Nothing too complex. It spreads like a normal polish. After that, let it cure for 120 seconds under the UV lamp or 60 to 90 seconds under an LED lamp. Once this step is complete, grab a cleaner and wipe the nail.
- Apply the builder gel precisely to your nails and repeat the same steps (curing + cleaner.)
- To give your manicure a domed effect, use the builder gel a second time. Once cured under the UV or LED lamp, it's time to apply your top coat gel. This too will need to be cured and cleaned.
- The last step will be to apply a top coat to add shine. Use cuticle oil to soften them.
To enhance your nails, don't hesitate to add decorations and color. A gel application lasts 15 days to 3 weeks. Using a 3-in-1 gel will make your job easier and save you from having several bottles of gel. It will serve as a base, builder, and top coat.
If you want to add length, don't hesitate to use forms. There are different types (disposable paper or reusable metal).
How to remove it?
First, after removing the gel, wait at least one week to repeat the operation.
If you have tips, do not rip off your false nails and do not use remover or you risk causing damage.
- Cut the length of your false nails to facilitate removal
- Then, file to remove the shiny surface of the gel with a nail drill or a coarse-grit file
- Soak your nails in a bowl of remover to dissolve the gel and glue. Wait 15 to 20 minutes.
- After that, try to gently peel off the tips
- Use a cuticle pusher to remove glue residue
- Finally, apply a treatment to your nails.
