How I to Do Gel Nails at Home…

Shanthomas87
by Shanthomas87

I have been doing my own gel nails for almost a year now! Occasionally, I will get them professionally done, but typically I end up coming back to doing my own! It’s just too easy and too convenient! Also, it’s pretty affordable ( I get it all from Amazon!). Every time I share on stories on IG that I am doing my nails, I get a ton of questions about how I do them (what I use, etc)…. So I thought, it would be helpful to have a blog post including all of that!

Step 1: Prepare your nails

This is where I prepare my nails for the polish. I usually buff my nails out, doing all trimming/cutting that may be needed and file them. Also, I try to remember to push back my cuticles (I forget this step some times though to be honest!) Everything I use is linked here.

2. Base Coat

I should start by saying I do one hand at a time. After finishing my right hand, I move to my left hand. I use this DND base polish. It comes with the top coat polish and it lasts a long time! I start by putting on one coat of the base, and then place my hand under the UV gel lamp. I hit 60 seconds, and then 60 seconds again after it turns off, so my hand is under the lamp for 2 minutes. Then, I do another coat of the base coat, and repeat for 2 more minutes under the lamp.

The base coat and top coat I use is linked here.

The lamp I have is linked here.

3. Apply the Gel Polish

After you have finished 2 coats of the base coat, and put it under the lamp for 2 minutes after each coat, you are ready for your color! I have only used the “Beetles” brand of gel polish from Amazon. I am sure there are other good ones, but these have always worked great for me! Linking them here and here.

Just like you did with the base coat, apply a coat of gel color, followed by placing your hand under the lamp for 2 minutes. Repeat with another coat, followed by the lamp again for 2 minutes.

4. Top Coat

The final step is the top coat! You only need one coat of the top coat. I apply the coat, and then place my hand in the UV lamp for 2 minutes. Then your nails are complete! I usually get about a week out of my gel nails. I know others who can do 2 plus weeks, but since I am pretty rough on my nails (between lifting and every day activities), a week is typical for me. I think it varies depending on the person.


Hopefully that was helpful! Please leave me any questions/comments if I missed something!

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