I Learned How To Do Gel Nails

12/01/2021

Over the pandemic I became interested into doing my own gel nails. I’ve always wanted long, strong and beautiful nails but I couldn’t get myself to pay for it. There are a ton of talented artists in Rhode Island, but I like to do the art myself. So I learned how to do my own gel nails.

It started with the Kiara Sky Gelly Tip system. It was a really simple way to get the extensions I wanted but without learning how to sculpt. All you do is apply some gel, add the “gelly” tip and cure. Done! It was quick and easy but I found that my nails lifted really easily.

I messed around with different gels, gel tips and lights and improved upon my prep. But even with all of that my nails kept lifting within a week. My nails never held polish for more than 48 hours so I thought this was normal. After some research I learned that was definitely not the case.

YouTube offered me a ton of resources to learn how to improve my prep. Young Nails and The Nail Hub became the two channels I went to learn about fake gel nails. From them I learned that sculpting your nails is the best way to ensure a custom fit and make them last longer.

So of course I went out and bought a ton of Young Nails gel and learned how to create an extension and sculpt a nail. It took many, many months but I’m finally at a point where I feel confident in my application. Customers at work who are nail technicians will tell me how great my nails look. Even when I show them my apex they are impressed.

I’ve done quite a few sets at this point and I have a ton of tips for fellow DIYers learning to do your own gel nails. Here are some of my mistakes that you don’t have to make.

Some products work better for your nails than others. Changing my bonder and builder gel helped my gel nails stay on longer. Try switching up your products.
Invest in a quality nail drill! I started with a cheap one and wasted my money when I realized I couldn’t control the speed. I ended up getting this one from Melody Susie and I love it.
Practice! I’ve been doing these nails since Oct. 2020 and only now can I say I feel confident in my work. Keep trying!

Here are some of the looks I’ve done so far. I love that I have total control over my art. My nails last 2-3 weeks with no lifting or popping and I’m so proud of that.