Salon Quality Gel-X Nails From The Comfort Of Your Home
Like some, I acquired new skills when we began lockdown following the pandemic to keep from driving myself crazy and to keep up with my beauty maintenance since everything was shut down.
Just about every 2 weeks I traveled from Queens to Harlem via Uber to get my nails/toes done at one of my favorite salons, spending tons of money. That all came to a complete stop once Miss Rona made her way through the world and I wondered how I was going to maintain my acrylics that I adored so much. Watching a million nails tutorials built up enough confidence in me to give doing my nails a try. I purchased a drill, UV lamp and a Polygel kit from Amazon that included everything I would need for my first set. Although Polygel is great, I wanted a more lasting nail since I didn’t know how to sculpt nails and was completely relying on the dual forms.
I then came across the Kiara Sky Gelly Tips Starter Kit and FELL IN LOVE! This starter kit absolutely did it for me and sent me well on my journey for doing my nails. Even after the world opened back up, I still love doing my nails at home and I don’t see me returning to a salon now that I know I can achieve exactly what I’m looking for. I enjoy researching new trends, purchasing new products and just being overall experimental with my nails. With the correct application, Gel-X nails can last anywhere from 3-4 weeks or even longer and can easily be removed at home in under 20 minutes.
You can use the nail brand and kit of your choice but I recommend the Kiara Sky Gelly Tips Starter Kit or the Aprés Nail Extension Kit, I happen to own both kits and use them both. The Kiara Sky kit comes with Prep, Primer, Builder, Top Coat, nail tips of your choice and an Flash Cure LED lamp (this is a game changer!) and the Aprés Kit pretty much comes with the same items.
This process is so therapeutic to me and I wanted to share how you too can achieve salon quality nails from the comfort of your home.
Below are some pretty simple steps that will help you create your first set:
1. Prep Your Nails
First, I pick out the sizes of the gelly tips that I will need. I prep the gel tip by etching the inside of the nail with an e-file to remove the shine, this helps the product adhere. Next, I do my filing, cutting, cuticle nipping and removal of the shine from my natural nails for gel application.
2. Dehydrate
This step helps to remove the oils and any moisture from the natural nail before applying product.
3. Prime
Primer is applied to the unpolished nail as a first layer, before applying colored polish or artificial enhancements.
4. Build & Cure
Apply a thin layer of builder gel to the natural nail then cure for 30 seconds. Next, apply the builder gel to the inside of the gelly tip, starting at the cuticle of the nail, press onto the nail bed and hold the nail in place for 10 seconds while curing. Release the tip, then cure the nail for an additional 30 seconds to make sure everything is fully cured. Repeat for each nail.
5. Remove Shine
Once all nails are cured, remove the shine from the surface of each nail using a buffer (I also file the nail if needed). After buffing, I wipe the nail with a lint-free nail wipe and rubbing alcohol to make sure all the dust is removed.
6. Polish
Apply your favorite gel polish, if you want to go crazy you can do designs or bling! Cure for 30-60 seconds. I love using my Beyond Pro Lamp, its literally one of the best lamps that I’ve used and an amazing investment.
7. Top Coat
Seal everything with a thin layer of top coat, cure in your lamp for 60 seconds.
8. Cuticle Oil
Finish off with your favorite cuticle oil!