A gel manicure follows the same order every time: prep, pH Bond, base coat, two thin coats of color, top coat and cuticle oil, with a cure after every layer. Do the steps in order and you have the whole service.
Gather these first
The service, step by step
-
Prep
Clean, push, file and buff
Clean the hands and remove old polish. Gently push back the cuticle with a pusher, shape with a file, and lightly buff off the shine with a buffer. Sweep the dust away. Steps are in How to Prep Nails for Gel.
Nail BufferMSRP from $3.50
-
Dehydrate
Brush on pH Bond
Brush pH Bond on the nail plate and let it dry. It preps the natural nail to promote adhesion and longevity.
pH BondMSRP from $8.25
-
Base
Base coat
Apply a thin coat of base coat, cap the free edge and cure. Keep gel off the skin and a hair away from the cuticle.
Base CoatMSRP $7.25
-
Color
First thin coat of color
Apply a thin coat of gel color, such as 116 Pinky Promise, and cure. Thin coats cure evenly and stay smooth.
116 Pinky PromiseMSRP from $7.25
-
Color
Second coat of color
Apply a second thin coat, cap the free edge again and cure. Add a third only if the shade needs it.
-
Top coat
No wipe top coat
Seal with a thin coat of Diamond No Wipe Top Coat, covering the edge, and cure. It cures tack-free, so there is no sticky layer to wipe.
Diamond No Wipe Top CoatMSRP $7.25
-
Cure
Cure under the right lamp
Follow the cure time on each label and use a lamp that suits the gel. See How Long to Cure Gel Nails.
Signature Cordless LED LampMSRP $249.95
-
Finish
Finish with oil
Massage in cuticle oil and the set is done.
Cuticle Oil 1glMSRP $29.95
Ways to change it up
Add flexibility
Swap the base coat for a Rubber Base on nails that need flex. See Base Coat vs Rubber Base.
Go sheer
A sheer shade from the Semi-Sheer series layers from a hint of tint to fuller color.
Add shimmer
Brush a thin layer of a shimmer or pearl gel over cured color for a soft glow. See Shimmer Gel Guide.
Start your gel kit
Quick answers
What are the steps of a gel manicure?
Prep the nail, dehydrate, apply base coat, apply two thin coats of color, seal with top coat and finish with oil. Cure each layer under an LED lamp.
How many coats of gel color do I need?
Two thin coats is the usual standard. Each coat is cured before the next, and some shades need a third.
Do I need a base coat?
Yes. A base coat is the layer the color grips. Skipping it is a common reason gel lifts or peels. See Why Gel Nails Lift.
How do I take gel off?
File off the top coat, soak, and gently ease the gel away. Steps are in How to Remove Gel Nails.
Keep reading
WHERE TO BUY
Find a distributor near you: https://www.cre8tionproducts.com/
Full Cre8tion catalog: https://www.cre8tionproducts.com/
Wholesale inquiries: info@cre8tionproducts.com