As you will recall from lesson 5.1 Gel & Acrylic Services Overview, a gel manicure involves preparing the natural nail and then applying a gel base coat, two coats of gel polish, and a gel topcoat, curing under a UV light after each stage of treatment. Review the below video tutorial to learn how to complete a gel manicure.
Application process
Let’s recap the steps involved in providing a gel manicure:
Natural nail prep
Have your client wash their hands and nails with antibacterial soap and warm water. If hand-washing facilities unavailable, have them thoroughly sanitise with a gel or foam hand sanitiser.
Examine your client’s nails and fingers for any contraindications that will prevent treatment. If present, discontinue your service and refer them to a medical professional.
Apply some acetone to a lint free nail wipe and thoroughly wide down each nail to remove any nail polish or natural oils. If removing nail polish, you will need multiple wipes with acetone applied.
Using the curved end of your cuticle pusher, gently push back the cuticle from the nail plate. Examine each cuticle as you go to be sure there is no broken skin, as these areas will need to be treated with added caution.
Turn your cuticle pusher around and use the blade to gently scrape away any remaining cuticle.
Using your cuticle nippers, trim any loose cuticle that has lifted from the nail plate.
If required, trim away excess nail length with your nail clippers.
Using your 180 grit nail file, scuff the surface of each nail ready for product application before shaping the nails to the desired shape.
Brush away any nail dust created from filing with your nail brush.
Apply dehydrator to a lint free nail wipe and wipe down each nail.
Gel manicure
Apply a thin coat of acid-free bonder to the nails on both hands.
Apply an even coat of gel base coat to all nails, avoiding the cuticles by 1-2mm. Once applied, cure under your UV light for 60 seconds.
Apply first coat of coloured gel polish to all nails, avoiding the cuticles by 1-2mm. Once applied, cure under your UV light for 60 seconds.
Apply second coat of coloured gel polish to all nails, avoiding the cuticles by 1-2mm. Once applied, cure under your UV light for 60 seconds.
Apply gel top coat to all nails, avoiding the cuticles by 1-2mm. Once applied, cure under your UV light for 60 seconds.
Using your 180 grit nail file, give the underside of the free edge, and the side walls, a gentle file in order to remove any cured gel product from these areas.
Apply nail cleanser to a lint free nail wipe and wipe down each nail to remove any dust.
Place a single drop of cuticle oil at the base of each nail and massage into the cuticles.
Practical Exercise
It’s now time to commence your practice on real life models! As you are working on real hands and nails for the first time, it is CRITICAL you take your time. Please do not attempt to complete the below Practical Exercise until you have thoroughly reviewed the above video tutorial multiple times and feel confident in your techniques.
In preparation for your next assignment, conduct a gel manicure on 2-3 friends or family. Be sure to carry out all of the steps covered above.