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For many, gel manicures are a special treat. It feels like the ultimate form of pampering to go to a salon and walk out with stunning, chip-proof nails that will last for weeks at a time. But regular salon visits get time consuming and expensive. Luckily, you don’t have to go to a nail salon to have perfect gel nails — you can DIY the salon service yourself.
Gel manicures are different than traditional manicures because instead of waiting for your standard nail polish to air dry, a UV or LED light is used to harden the gel lacquer. Gel manicures tend to last longer than regular polishes and were previously a luxury exclusive to salons, but now can be done in the comfort of your own home.
There are plenty of at-home nail kits exist that bring the salon to you and virtually pay for themselves after one or two uses. These kits range from professional quality to beginner friendly, and many of them even come with fun extras like glitter, gems and trendy colors to heighten the experience. Use a hydrating cuticle cream or oil and a top-rated hand cream for a luxe salon experience, and when you’re done, be sure you follow instructions for how to remove gel nails at home.
What to look for in a gel nail kit
When shopping, seek out these key items and tools for the best DIY gel manicure results:
- Lamp (UV or LED)
- Nail cleaner
- Base coat
- Gel nail polish
- Top coat
- Manicure tools (files, buffer, cuticle pusher, cuticle nipper, nail brush)
- Gel nail polish remover
- Optional: cuticle oil or cream
- Optional: nail art accessories and tools
How to use a gel nail kit
Before you start applying any gel nail polish, you want to make sure your nails are clean and in good shape. Then, here’s what to do:
- File and buff nails until you get the desired length and shape and clean up cuticles.
- Use the included nail cleaner/prep or wipe nails with an alcohol pad to remove any natural oils and make sure there is no residue left on the nail.
- Apply the base coat and cure under the lamp (typically for 30-60 seconds).
- Apply two coats of your chosen color, curing in between coats.
- Finish with one layer of topcoat, then cure it again. If nails feel a little sticky or tacky, wipe with another alcohol pad.
Keep in mind that every kit differs and may have slightly different directions; be sure to follow your kit’s instructions carefully to get the best results. Here are the top gel nail kits you can buy, according to reviewers:
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