Q&A for How to Apply Gel Nails

You can really choose any shape you want. However, I like the look of a more elongated or rounded nail.

Did you remember to wipe away any oils from your nails with acetone first? Failure to do this often results in the gel nail slipping off the surface.

If you want to you can, but it is not necessary. You just have to remove the sticky layer when done with the whole manicure.

Do not remove the sticky layer from the base coat. You should only remove it after you have applied the top coat and finished the manicure process.

Because the gel leaves a tacky or sticky layer, which is what allows the layers to stick together, so once you finish your application you need to remove that layer or it will look like your manicure is not dried/cured.

Did you apply a base coat or a top coat? Also, you may be doing work with your hands that causes the chipping. Another option is that you may have bought low-quality gel polish or gel nails.

Depending on the quality of the work put into the nails, or the quality of the materials used, they should stay on for generally about two weeks. Some gel nails do last for three weeks but you can't really guarantee the time for over two. It also depends on the length of your nails and what you do on a daily basis, for example housework, washing dishes etc., as to whether or not they chip or peel off.

Most beauty shops or beauty sections in department stores will sell acetone polish remover; it's just a normal nail polish remover. Most companies have now released 'acetone free polish remover' with the popularity of false nails which withstand its use, but acetone is still readily available. If not, there are plenty of online stores which stock it cheaply but just check the shipping in your country and if you can accept parcels with liquids or chemicals.

Some brands use a bonder base coat, which is the same as a base coat. You could also use a primer on the nail before the base coat or bonder, which 'bonds' the polish to the nails. Primer is a liquid that goes on and soaks into the nail and dries before the base or bonder coat.

Yes. But make sure the normal color Cutex is completely dry or you will get what appear to be wrinkles under the top coat.

It happens if it is wet. Try keeping it dry for a few hours. A little bit of water is no big deal but don't do your nails right before a shower.

I recommend Sally Hansen Pro Gel.

No, gel polish requires a UV light to cure and set properly.

Acetone takes the moisture away from your cuticles, which can damage the health of your nails. Cuticle oil helps restore them to proper health.

It depends on the sheerness of the gel color and how bright you want it to be. Usually two layers are applied, but you can apply a third layer if you aren't seeing the color that you expected.

This may happen because they don't prep your nails well. It may be because your nails are very oily, maybe the base coat they use doesn't work well, or maybe they're not wrapping the tip of your nail.

You can apply clear gel as a first coat but it is not advisable to apply clear gel as the top coat, as once you remove the tacky/sticky layer, the gel will go a bit dull. If you don't mind that, you can definitely leave it like that.

Try applying a thinner layer of polish next time, and avoid shaking the bottle. Instead gently seesaw the bottle side to side to avoid bubbles.

If you're going to do acrylics, fake nails, or fake tips, apply those to your bare, clean nail, then apply your nail color.

The cuticle oil won't be as helpful, and I'm not sure it would work. You can use liquid latex to create a barrier, or use tape. Just be super patient when painting your nails to prevent the polish from getting on your skin in the first place.

Beauty supply stores will have UV lamps.

Simply take the formula you used on the original manicure and soak it into your nails until the gel softens. Then, take your spoolie or other rough-edged brush and buff. Once your gel is softened to your liking, you may use a cuticle pusher or gel refiller to move the softened gel to the problem area.

A gel nail polish will feel sticky after hardening unless the bottle says "no-wipe gel". Take a cotton pad or cotton ball with acetone, nail polish remover or water and rub off the sticky layer.

No, primer dries naturally within a few seconds. From the base coat onward you need to cure it.

Using a glass eyedropper, add a few drops of 100 percent acetone. Let the acetone absorb into the polish for up to 10 minutes before shaking the bottle vigorously. Keep repeating the steps until your polish is the consistency it should be.

If by "the top" you mean the tip of your nails, it means that your didn't "wrap" the tip of your nail (put polish on the very tips).

The tips of the nails probably get the most use, and normal bumping and scraping can cause it to chip and peel. Just make sure to limit use of your nail if you want them to last longer,

It should wash off quite easily with soap and water. Wait until the polish dries on your nails to wash it off your hands. It won't do any damage to your skin.

You have to cure gel nails in order for them to work.

No, but your nails will turn out at a higher quality if you do. If you don't have it, your nails will be fine without.