So, there’s a little back story to this gel nails at home tutorial. I bought some of these products almost 3 years ago because I thought I was going to start doing gel nails at home. I tried twice…and wanted to punch a hole in the wall each time. I did not know what I was doing, and even when I followed tutorials, they didn’t work for me!
The past year and a half I have gone to the salon at least once a month to get my gel nails done. I have paid a lot of attention to what products they were using, but I still didn’t have the desire to do my nails at home. There were a couple things that bothered me though – 1) Getting my nails done was so time consuming! I had to drive to and from the nail salon (typically 20 minutes each way) and then I was there for an hour, and 2) I couldn’t find anyone that I absolutely loved going to. The last time I went, the man doing my nails was not very nice, to say the least. I accidentally bumped my nail on the nail drier and he looked at me and proceeded to lecture me on why I should hold my hand still, be more careful, and then rolled his eyes at me.
Sooooo….that leads me here today! These two factors motivated me to give doing my gel nails at home another shot. I had learned a few things over the years. It’s nice, because now I can sit down and watch a show on TV (who has time for that?! I do now) AND do my nails at home while saving money. It’s a win/win. Oh, and no one rolls their eyes at me.
First things first, you will need the supplies to get gel nails at home. Keep in mind that it’s an initial investment but it will pay off over several times, and then be significantly less expensive then going to the salon each month. The supplies that you buy will either make or break your success, and like I said, I have been watching what to use and I think that a big reason why I got so incredibly frustrated the first few times I did my own gel nails is because I didn’t have the correct supplies for success.
THE SUPPLIES YOU’LL NEED FOR GEL NAILS AT HOME:
- Nail lamp. The one that I got a few years ago is no longer for sale, but I did my research and this one is a great option. It has hundreds of great reviews and is about 1/4 the price that I paid for mine.
- Acetone to remove the polish. This is the kind that I bought that I love (it hadn’t arrived by the time I took these pictures which is why it’s not pictured).
- Cotton pads
- Nail polish soak off clips (these make it soooooo much easier to remove the polish)
- Cuticle remover liquid
- Nail file – I HIGHLY recommend a glass nail file. This one is a great option!
- Steel cuticle remover and cutter – I got this one and love it but this is a great combo for cuticle clippers AND cuticle remover
- Nail clippers
- Cuticle clippers
- Nail buffer block
- Rubbing alcohol
- PH bond, base coat and top coat – this is a great package right here. My favorite brands of gel nail polish are Gelish and OPI
- Gel nail polish – search here for some favorite colors. I love this color, this color and this color a lot.
DOING YOUR OWN GEL NAILS AT HOME: A COMPLETE GUIDE
STEP 1:
If you have gel polish on already, you need to cut your cotton pads into 4 pieces, and soak each of them with acetone. Buff the top of each nail, then cover your nail with the cotton pad and then apply the nail polish soak off clip to hold it in place. Keep it there for 15 minutes. This is a great time to watch a good show on TV!
STEP 2:
Remove the clips and begin scraping off the gel polish with the steel cuticle remover and scraper. The polish should be lifting up and it shouldn’t be too difficult to remove at this point. If it is, apply another cotton pad with acetone for a bit longer.
STEP 3:
Apply the cuticle remover liquid onto your cuticles and rub in. Use the the steel cuticle remover and scraper to push down your cuticles and scrape them off your nail. Use the cuticle clipper to cut off the cuticles from your nail.
STEP 4:
Clip your nails to the length that you want them, use the nail file to shape them, and buff the tops of your nails to take off a bit of the top layer of your nail. This will help the gel polish to adhere to your nails better.
STEP 5:
Rinse your hands with water (no soap) and remove all of the dead skin and dry well. Make sure the nails are completely clean. Paint on the PH Bond to help dry out of your nails.
STEP 6:
Apply an extremely thin layer of the base coat gel polish onto your nails then cure under the light for 120 seconds. Remember, make the layer as THIN as possible! This was my huge downfall when I wasn’t able to do gel nails at home well. It started to build up into a big mess. Not anymore, sister! I learned my lesson.
STEP 7:
Apply one coat of gel polish (remember, as thin as you possibly can!) If you get the polish on your skin, use some acetone to wipe it away before putting your hand under the lamp again. I also like to use toothpicks to wipe away small amounts from my cuticles if I happen to get polish there. They key is not get any polish on your cuticles or they will start to peel much, much faster. Let the polish cure under the lamp for 120 seconds, then do another layer and cure for another 120 seconds. Some lighter polish needs a 3rd layer, and if so, do a 3rd layer of polish then cure for 120 seconds.
STEP 8:
Apply the top coat then cure it under the lamp for 120 seconds.
STEP 9:
Soak a cotton pad in rubbing alcohol and rub each nail well. You’re done! You don’t have to wait for it to dry and you can touch anything without ruining your manicure. This is why I love gel polish!!
THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN DOING GEL NAILS AT HOME:
- You are not going to be perfect at doing gel nails at home the first time! Practice makes perfect. Be patient and let yourself learn by doing it many times.
- Your nails may peel quickly the first few times because, again, you are not going to be perfect at this right from the start. Remember, I quit and didn’t do it for 3 years because I thought I wasn’t cut out for it! With the tools above and practice, you will be an at home gel nail queen in no time.
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Love this! They look so good! What color polish did you do in this tutorial? And about how long does the process take from start to finish?
Thank you! It takes me about 45 minutes to an hour and I used OPI Let’s be Friends 🙂
Today I was frustrated with gel mani /I did for first time.why? It was tacky. What I did wrong.? Please help me
Make sure you wipe off the top with alcohol, otherwise it will stay tacky 🙂
I thought I had everything I needed to do my gel nails at home as we are in “Covid Home Quarantine” per our Gov. I did them twice and they were peeling off a day or so ….. I read your tutorial and realized I had been missing the ph bond…. I am a visual person! Can’t wait for my order from Amazon, and I can’t wait to try again…..
Can’t wait for you to try it! Good luck! 🙂
What color did you use?
OPI Let’s be Friends 🙂
I just went through and bought everything from your list… I can’t wait to give it a try! Thanks!
I’m excited for you! 🙂
Can you apply this to doing gel on your toes too? ????
Yes! It applies to toes too 🙂
Love this! I just started doing my own gels a few months ago and it’s always nice to hear how other people do that . I also use OPI funny Bunny which I absolutely love in just put in an order with Madam glam – it’s another gel polish brand that I’ve heard good reviews about – hopefully it’s a winner! BTW – we are have these nail polish remover clips been my whole life ?!?!?
The clips have changed my life! SO much faster and easier than foil!
And thank you! I want to try those polishes you recommended!
You should! I got a few fall colors and they are great, good price , great coverage and usually only 2 coats!
You are so amazing! Thank you for posting this!!! I’ve been waiting to buy things until you posted. ????????????
You are so welcome, I’m so glad this helps!!
Thanks for this great article. The lady I go to does a good job, but tells me way too much about her love life???? But, She puts the cotton and foil then puts me up near a light. She said the heat looses the polish, which means less scraping!
That is a great tip, I’m going to try that next time! 🙂 Ha ha ha her love life lol
Love the post you did and can you tell me the color and brand that’s on your nails in the picture.
This is OPI Let’s be Friends! 🙂
I have always wanted to try it at home!! Thank you for posting this!
You bet! xoxo
Now that you’ve perfected your method, how much wear time would you say you get? Before they start to peel/chip? Approximately? Thanks! 🙂
Hi, Sarah! Right now it’s about 1.5 weeks but I’m still working on perfecting the application! I think I could get it to last longer!
Thanks for sharing – I haven’t seen those nail polish soak-off clips before, they look amazing!
I started doing my own gel nails at home about 4 years ago for the same reasons as you – the drive to the salon, the time away from my family, having to wait at the salon, etc. etc. Now I do my nails at home after my kids are in bed and watch a show. It’s wonderful. Practice makes perfect! Many of my friends can’t believe I have a steady hand to do my opposite hand but it’s like second nature now. Just keep practicing and thin coats of polish are definitely the key! It’s an investment to buy the light and gel nail polishes but if you are spending $30-$40 at the salon, the equipment pays for itself in about 5 manicures – so worth it!
Thank you so much for your amazing feedback; I really appreciate it! I’m excited to keep doing this and get better and better. I love that I can watch my shows and do this at the same time!
Hi, I did my nails last night but they didn’t turn out very good. Is it ok to file some and add another layer of colour? (Then obviously top coat and alcohol rub after). Or is it best to start from new nail again? Ps I can’t wait to find those nail lips for easier removal.
It’s always best to start with a fresh nail to avoid peeling BUT you could always try it to save time and it might work! And then if it doesn’t, you can remove and start again. This definitely takes practice and won’t look perfect the first time. You’re doing great!
Hey Jenica – another question I was just thinking of, do you cap the free edge? I see some tutorials That say this is a must but I have a hard time doing it.
Do you recommend the no light gel polish sold at Walmart stores? I have a light but wanted to know what you thought. Also, when I have applied the thin coat of base coat it looks as if it is not perfectly smooth, as if not enough gel on the wand itself, how to determine how much is enough???? Any ideas?
Rose – I have never used the no light gel polish so I can’t say!
When I googled “how to do gel nail at home” your blog post popped up and I am so thankful it did! I currently have all those items in my Amazon cart. I do have a few questions. First, do you mix brands of gel polish? (like do you use a gelish polish for the base and then OPI gel color on top?) Second, have you ever tried the gel polish Elite99? I found a good deal on that brand on Amazon, but I want to make sure they are quality before I do. Lastly, do you buy all your gel polishes individually or do you buy them in bulk somewhere? Thanks so much, I can’t wait to try this!
I bought the clips to help remove old gel so much better than foil! I followed your directions & will now be doing my own gel nails. Thanks
YES! I love them so much more than foil!! I’m so glad this is so helpful for you! 🙂
Thanks, I just read your post and did my first gel mani! I’m surprised at how well it turned out. Thanks for the instructions and tips, I got the whole gel setup from my friend with no instructions!
I’m so glad you love it!! It’s so nice to be able to do it from home!
Have followed your tips & directions, just did my 3rd set, they are lasting longer than salon & I don’t get bubbles (a real pet peeve of mine) I figure so far I’ve saved over $100.
Thanks
That makes me so happy!! Thank you for letting me know 🙂
This is a great step by step with usefull images to get a professional loking gel nail polish look at home. You have given me the confidence to try it for myself. Especially if my nails turn out like yours. Thanks again.
Hey girl, I just found your site now. It’s very helpful!
Can you tell me what you used for a table? I only have our dining room table which is not suitable for this project so I was thinking of putting some kind of table cloth down that won’t allow anything to spill through.
ALSO if you’re right handed, how do you cut your cuticles on the opposite hand without anY niches? Or do you? LOL
Hi Jenica!
How are you? I really enjoyed your article on doing gel nails at home. I’m in the process of developing a gel nail travel kit to sell on amazon. I’d be more than happy to promote your blog on my social media sites since it’s directly related to my product(s). I would love your opinion on my gel nail travel kit, due to your experience on the best supplies to use.
Take care,
Mark
This is such an informative step by step guide! Sometimes going to the salon constantly just is not affordable and doing it at home could save you so much money. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much for your kind comment! I am so happy you are finding this tutorial helpful!
Thank you so much for your kind comment! I am so glad this post is helpful!
Love home gel nails. Your guide is awesome. I do have one problem..keeping the layers thin! Any suggestions?
Thank you so much Linda! My best suggestion would be to wipe the brush against the rim of the bottle of gel to get the excess off!
I’m excited I found a blog with so much confidence. I am spending 50-60 each time because I get tips and now my new lady does gel instead of acrylic so it’s more. I am getting tired of spending so much a month.
Do you ever add tips to your nails or do you always stay with your natural nails? I’m wondering if I need to do anything differently to accommodate tips.
Thank you,
Thank you so much Heather!! I have never tried to put tips on my nails this way so I am sorry I don’t have any advice for you. I hope you find a way to do it!
Can I ask where you bought the OPI gel polish? OPI doesn’t let you directly buy gel polish from them since it’s supposed to be “salon only”, and whenever I find it sold elsewhere online, it’s through a third party retailer, and I’m skeptical. Some of the reviews say that the product is old, not the same as listed, etc. Thanks so much for any feedback!
I actually got it on a random site I googled! Also, local beauty supply stores have it!!
I have read your full post, This is really nice post and nice information too. Thanks for sharing such a useful information about gel-nails.
VolgoPoint Spider Nail Gel
Hi. When I click on the link that takes you to the acetone you use, it doesn’t come up. If you can give me the name of it, I’ll search that way. Thanks!
Hey Kelly! I just tried the link and it works for me? I’m sorry it is giving you problems. Here is the link: https://amzn.to/33dCgNK
A very good described article, full with valuable information
Thank you! 🙂
How did you find the OPI gel polish? Everywhere I’ve looked will only sell to a salon or someone with a license.
I just get it on Amazon! Sometimes it is hard to find though!
Hi! Great tutorial! If I want clear gel nails, do I just skip the gel nail polish step and just apply the base and top coats?
Yes! I haven’t tried it before, but that’s what I would do if I just wanted clear nails! 🙂
I love this. I really want to start doing my own nails and gel works the best for me. Since I’m not a qualified nail tech, I want to know what gel nail products, nail care and art equipment do you NEED in your kit when you are only doing nails at home. I can’t find a complete list of equipment. 💅
All the products I included in the post are the ones I would get! I wish you the best of luck! 🙂
Here’s a random question. I know this is an old feed but I’m interested to see what you have to say. I’ve gotten a gel manicure before and the primer that was put on my nails gave me the weirdest sensation all over my body! It happened the instant it touched my nail! So strange. I’ve had lots of gel manicures prior to that but never had this problem before. Has anyone ever heard of a reaction like this? I’m interested in any feedback!
Oh no I’m so sorry! That sounds terrible! Maybe it was something in that specific brand of primer? I’m sorry that happened to you!
I have the same thing happen to me! It’s like a cold sensation that starts in my mouth. It reminds me a little bit of the feeling I get when I am first given anaesthesia before surgery. Weird! And I am also cracking up because I was noticing you were writing “let’s be friends” to people and I thought that was odd- then I realized you were giving the name of the polish! Lol!
I followed your post today and loved it. Thanks for a great article
I’m so glad! Thank you! 🙂
Hi! I read your tutorial and bought all the stuff. Had a chunk of time this afternoon to do it but it ended up taking more than four hours! The stuff just wouldn’t dry!!! Not sure what I did wrong but I won’t give up. I’ll give it another go sometime. Thanks for a nice tutorial!
Oh no! I’m so sorry, that’s the worst! I hope it works better the next time!
I am so excited to try doing gel nails at home. My salon uses structure gel for my nails, under the base coat because my nails are not very strong. Do you have any experience with structure gel and if so can you recommend a brand that I can access as a beginner? Your instructions are fantastic!
I don’t have any experience with that, so I don’t have a recommendation, I’m sorry! It sounds awesome though! 🙂
I am saving so much money doing my own nails at home. It takes so much time and money to keep up a decent overall physical appearance sometimes so when I am able to bank a few of the otherwise directed $$ I am so incredibly grateful. I am going to order the glass nail fall. Thanks for the tips. Your nails look lovely. Peace and love xo
Thank you so much! I hope you love it! 🙂
Hi, thanks for the tutorial! This might sound like a silly question but do you do one hand from start to finish before moving on to the other hand or do you alternate for each step?
I do one full hand and then move on to the next hand! There’s no right or wrong way, I just find that to be the easiest way for me! 🙂
Thank you so much for the detailed instructions. I usually go to a little local salon for gel nails just so my hands look neat and fresh (and my own nails flake a lot). But… I am stuck in the house as my husband has several health conditions and due to the corona virus we are in isolation. I have been toying with the idea of buying my own kit and having a go. It would normally be even better to master this as my 2 grown up girls would no doubt be using my kit to have a go too. Hopefully this dreadful virus will pass soon and we can get back to normal but it would be a great opportunity to practice while I’m stuck in the house. Added benefit is that I get to look better too. Thank you so much for your help with this and stay safe.
Of course! I’m so glad it will help! And definitely a good time to do it 🙂
Hi, I’ve been doing gel nails from home for a while and the problem I’m having is they peel off fairly quickly. Do you know what causes this or what I can do to prevent this?
Barb
If I follow these directions exactly, mine don’t peel so I just need to make sure that I follow each step and it works for me perfectly! 🙂
What does it mean if the gel polish never hardens and stays tacky? I’ve even left my hands in the light for 180 seconds to get it to harden.
I’m using this UV light: MiroPure UV LED Gel Nail Lamp Light Dryer, Fast Dry 48w Professional Nail Dryer Curing Lamp with Smart Sensor for Home and Salon.
Thanks for any help you can give me!
Marianna
I’ve never had that happen! Maybe reach out to the brand of polish you’re using? Also, are you making sure to wipe it off with alcohol after?
Thank you so much for this. I have also bought the things I need using your list of things you need. I have also saved your page in my favourites for the things I need to learn. Thank you xxx
Thank you! I hope you love them! 🙂
I just tried gel on my toes, it’s been a couple hours and they are still tacky, what did I do wrong? I put them under the lamp after each coat 🤷♀️
Make sure you wipe off the top with alcohol, otherwise it will stay tacky!
Such an interesting post and I am glad to read this information. Thanks for sharing it.
Of course, I’m glad you liked it!
Cannot thank you enough to have come across the Acrylic Nail Art Soak Off Clips, they are really good in order raise our service standards.
Ordering Straight Away. Keep Sharing These COOL Things
So glad you found it useful! 🙂
Thanks for the ideas. I have been doing mine for a couple of months. I do almost exactly the method you suggest. My question: sometimes my nails look great when they go under the light, but they come out with a few nails that look crumbly like I bumped them on something, but I didn’t bump them. Help??
That’s never happened to me before! I have heard that sometimes the light that you use can cause shrinkage. You could try putting your nails in for 3 seconds, out for 3 seconds, etc. when you dry them to see if that helps! I know some nail polishes in combination with some lights do cause shrinkage!
Thank you sharing wonderful stuff. Really helpful
Thank you!
this article was sooooooo helpful!! thank you! you explained everything so well, i learned a lot.:)
I’m so glad to hear that! Thank you!!
This is the best and most detailed guide I’ve seen! Thank you very much for sharing your useful experience!
I’ve been thinking of doing my nails at home too. Loved your article…. So I may do this! Are you still doing your nails at home?
I haven’t done them at home for a while but if I did, I would use the method! It is super easy and if you follow it exactly, you’ll get a great at home mani!
Hello! I’ve been using this guide and I love it! Do you have any ideas on how to keep your nails strong? I’ve been doing this method for about a month now and it’s working great but my nails are getting really thin and trying to break a lot. Thanks in advance!!
I love collagen! This is my favorite here: https://modere.co/3u1oWgm. If you use that link you get an extra $10 off! I hope that helps you!
Hi, loved your article about doing gel nails at home. Well explained 👍
I tried doing my nails at home using a LED lamp following the instructions given but each layer didn’t dry properly and was sticky/tacky, so I had to take it all off. Where did i go wrong?
I’m not sure! I would check the quality of your bulbs on the lamp and make sure to apply really thin layers each time! Also, not all gel polish is created equal. Make sure you’re using a good brand! 🙂