On the path of pursuing nail art, gel nail polish is a favorite choice for many people who love beauty. It can create a long-lasting and gorgeous effect, making the nails into works of art on the fingertips. However, to use gel nail polish well, it is essential to master the skills. Next, we will present this comprehensive guide to help you easily master the art of gel nail polish manicure.
To create a beautiful gel manicure, careful preparation of the nails in the early stage is the crucial first step. First, pick up an orangewood stick and gently push back the cuticles at the base of the nails. During this process, be sure to keep the original protective layer of the nails intact. Then, use a 180-grit nail file to shape the nails into the shape you like. Pay special attention to smoothing out those uneven edges, otherwise the nails are likely to peel off prematurely. After that, dehydrate the nails with a pH-balanced base coat to remove the natural oils on the nails, which can create an ideal surface for the adhesion of the gel. Then apply a thin layer of bonding base coat and cure it under an LED lamp for 30 seconds. This step is very important. It can not only prevent the gel from warping, but also keep the lines of the subsequent artistic patterns clear and can last for several weeks. Just like when you want to paint, you need to prepare the canvas flat first so that the painting will look good. The same principle applies to nail art.
After making the preparations, it's time to show off the skills. Using these special methods can turn an ordinary color application into a professional-level nail art design. First, take a detail brush, dip it in opaque white gel, and outline complex and exquisite patterns before curing. If you want to create a gradient effect, you can apply translucent colored gel on a makeup sponge and then gently dab it on the tips of the nails. Use a rhinestone picker tool to stack cured gel petals layer by layer to create a three-dimensional flower pattern. Remember to cure each layer after stacking. If you use chrome powder, apply the top coat in one direction. After curing it halfway, rub the metallic pigment on. Here's a little tip: when applying, leave a 1-millimeter blank around the base of the nail to avoid the gel coming into contact with the skin. If you accidentally get the gel on the skin, carefully clean it off with a cleaning brush dipped in isopropyl alcohol. With these techniques, you can make your nails more unique and charming.
After getting a beautiful gel manicure, everyone definitely hopes that it can last longer. This requires more effort in choosing products and application methods. If you want to extend the nail bed, it is better to choose a gel with a rubber base formula because it can bend with the movement of the natural nails. Before applying the color layer, reinforce the areas where the edges of the nails are prone to stress with a transparent building gel. If the customer's nail bed is relatively oily, a layer of protein adhesive can be added during the preparation process. When applying the color and top coat, be sure to wrap the edges of the nails to form a waterproof protective seal. When storing the gel nail polish, keep it upright in a place with a suitable temperature, which can keep the nail polish at the best consistency and make it convenient to apply it carefully with a brush. As long as you follow these methods, your gel manicure can maintain its beauty for a longer time.
After mastering the application techniques and methods for longevity, we can then unleash our creativity to make the nails more outstanding. Try these popular gel nail art techniques to add some new tricks to ordinary manicures. For example, selectively apply a matte top coat on the already cured color layer to create a negative space effect. Put heat-resistant glitter in the uncured top coat to create a gorgeous effect of being studded with jewels. If you want a modern geometric pattern, stick stencil tape before applying the color and then peel it off after curing to get clear lines. Mix the gel color with a transparent base and blend it with a fan brush to achieve a watercolor painting effect. If you want to create a seasonal nail art design, embed dried flowers or stick foil transfer stickers between the gel layers to make the nails more layered. With these inspirations, your nails can become a fashion focus at any time.
No matter how beautiful a manicure is, there will come a time when it needs to be replaced. At this time, it is very important to safely remove the gel nail polish, and at the same time, pay attention to maintaining the health of the nails. When removing the nail polish, soak the cotton balls in pure nail polish remover, wrap the nails with aluminum foil, and leave it on for 12 to 15 minutes. Then use a wooden stick to gently scrape off the softened gel at a 45-degree angle. Never use force. After removing the nail polish, massage the nails with a nourishing cuticle oil containing jojoba esters to replenish moisture. Between two applications of gel nail polish, let the nails breathe for 48 hours, and you can use strengthening care products rich in hydrolyzed keratin. Regularly use hand cream with sun protection function in daily life, which can not only maintain the vividness of the manicure but also care for the health of the hand skin. In this way, while enjoying the fun of nail art, you can also keep the nails in a healthy state all the time.
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