I’ll be honest—as much as I love having my nails done, sometimes I just can’t get myself to the salon. Between the time it takes to get a full set done, the occasionally uncomfortable seating, and the cost, there are plenty of reasons one might want to skip the professional manicure. But there’s nothing quite as satisfying and long-lasting as a good gel manicure—especially when you can achieve salon-quality results from the comfort of your home.
For years, gel manicures were exclusive to salons and professional nail artists, but recent advancements in the nail industry have made gel manicures safe, easy and effective to do at home, too. No matter your reason for becoming your own nail tech, read on to discover the best products for nailing your gel manicure at home.
Featured Experts
- Mazz Hanna is the CEO of Nailing Hollywood
- Christina Kao is the co-founder of Le Mini Macaron
Gel Manicures At-Home: What to Know Before You Try Your Hand
Before we get into what products you should use for your at-home gel manicures, it’s crucial to understand how to do them safely. According to CEO of Nailing Hollywood, Mazz Hanna, “It’s extremely important to do your research before attempting to give yourself a gel manicure at home. Gel is more likely to cause damage to the natural nail plate when used incorrectly since improper application or removal can weaken your natural nails.”
Experts agree that the most important step in your at-home gel manicure is the prep. “Investing in the right products for nail preparation will make the rest of the process much easier and ensure a professional-looking result,” says Christina Kao, co-founder of at-home gel manicure brand Le Mini Macaron, adding you should “start with a sanding block, cuticle remover, and cuticle pusher.” Hanna agrees, noting that anyone looking to do at-home gel manicures should “be sure to clean off and dry the nail plate entirely before applying gel,” and “invest in high-quality gel products and a reliable UV or LED lamp.” In terms of application, focus on applying “thin layers of gel polish to avoid intense heat spikes and ensure even curing.”
Removing gel at home is also a key part of the process. Hanna notes that you should “never peel off gel polish.” Instead, you should “use acetone and foil wraps to safely soak it off, and keep your nails and cuticles moisturized to prevent dryness and brittleness.
If you have to force the gel off when removing it, it needs to soak for longer,” she continues. “Forcing the gel off in any way will cause damage to your natural nails. If you experience lifting or chipping on any nails, you’ll want to remove all of the remaining gel on that nail, as water can get trapped under the gel and lead to fungal infections. Always be patient and gentle during the removal and application process to maintain the health of your nails.”
The Best Products for At-Home Gel Manicures
