Color gel is a fantastic way to give your nails a long-lasting and professional look. It is versatile and offers a wide range of colors and effects. In this blog post, you will learn how to apply color gel correctly, what materials you need and what steps you need to follow to achieve a perfect result.
Materials you need
Before you start applying color gel, make sure you have the following items ready:
- Nail file
- Buffer
- Cuticle pusher or cuticle nipper
- UV/LED lamp
- Base coat
- Color gel in your desired color
- Top coat
- Cleaner
- Cuticle oil
- Hand cream
Preparing the nails
- File nails: Trim your nails to the desired length and shape. File them in one direction to avoid cracking.
- Push back cuticles: Soak your nails briefly in warm water and then carefully push back the cuticles with a cuticle pusher.
- Buffer the surface: Lightly buffer the surface of the nails to smooth it and ensure better adhesion of the color gel.
Step-by-step instructions:
Apply base coat:
- Apply a thin layer of base coat to each nail.
- Cure the base coat under the UV/LED lamp for the recommended time (usually 30-60 seconds).
Apply color gel:
- Apply a thin layer of color gel to each nail, making sure to work evenly to avoid streaking.
- Cure the color gel under the UV/LED lamp (depending on the manufacturer's instructions, usually 60-90 seconds).
- Repeat this step for a second coat of paint to achieve a more intense color and cure again.
Apply top coat:
- Apply a thin layer of top coat to seal the color gel and add shine to the nails.
- Cure the top coat under the UV/LED lamp for the recommended time.
Remove sticky layer:
- Use a cleaner and a piece of Zelette to remove the sticky dispersion layer from the top coat.
Care:
Care for cuticles: Apply cuticle oil to keep cuticles hydrated and supple.