Easy Gel Nails at Home

When I first posted on Instagram that I was doing my own gel nails, I got SO many DMs about it. Thank you guys for being patient while I put together this post!

Here is my DIY guide to doing your own gel nails at home

The most important things that you’ll need:

  • nail file + buffing tool

  • gel polish (I use the UNITY All-In-One Gel Polish from Bio Seaweed - base coat and top coat are completely optional but I also use their base coat + shiny top coat as well as matte top coat when I feel like it!)

  • UV lamp (many beauty supply shops sell them for super cheap! Do not pay more than $30 for one)

  • for removal: nail polish remover (good quality) + Soak-Off Removal Pads (can use tinfoil + cotton pads as alternative)

  • 70% alcohol + lint free wipes

Extra things that make your life easier:

  • professional gel brush

  • cuticle trimmer + pusher

  • towel + bowl of warm water

Here’s my step-by-step process from removal to gel application.

  1. To aid in removal of gel, take a gritty buffer tool and sand away the top layer of polish (this is crucial to help get the gel off). Place a small amount of polish remover on removal pad and wrap tightly around fingernail. Set a timer for 20 minutes. Sometimes I also wrap my hands in a warm damp towel to help speed up this process. Warning: you will not be able to do anything while these are on your nails so turn on a good show :)

  2. After the 20 minutes are up, remove the foil pads one-by-one, gently scraping off the polish with a cuticle pusher or other tool. If you cannot get all of the polish off, either soak for another 10 minutes or gently file off with a buffer tool.

  3. Once all your nails are free from polish, dab some cuticle oil (I use cocokind’s Golden Elixir for this but it’s sold out right now - linking their chia facial oil which also works for this). Place fingertips in warm bowl of water for roughly 5-10 minutes until cuticles are softened.

  4. At this point, you can opt to cut your cuticles (I only trim my hangnails / extra cuticle hanging around that will interfere with the polish). After they are cut, file nails into desired shape and lightly buff the nail surface. Wash hands and dry completely. Wipe nails with 70% alcohol and let dry.

  5. THE FUN PART: PAINTING! Set up UV lamp for 60 seconds. Paint nails with base coat (if desired). I paint one hand at a time, curing for 60 seconds in between and then doing the other hand with repeat cure. Some people prefer to do one full hand but I like to do each step to each hand first!

  6. Paint nails with polish, using the gel brush dipped in acetone as needed for quick mistake clean-ups! I highly recommend this part as once the polish is cured / if you notice it too late, the polish is permanently stuck and almost impossible to fix. PRO-TIP: MAKE SURE THE COATS ARE AS THIN AS POSSIBLE. I learned the hard way - if the layers are too thick, your nails will bubble and look icky. This may require you to do several layers, but TRUST me, it’s way better than having to completely re-do all of your nails.

    I typically cure my nails for 60-90 seconds between applications - this will also depend on the strength of your UV light. Your nails should not be tacky / sticky to the touch. If they are, put nails back in for another minute.

  7. If you desire a top coat, apply VERY thinly as well. This step requires you to wipe off the tacky inhibition layer with 70% alcohol AFTER curing for 60-90 seconds. You cannot skip this part…don’t try :) Enjoy your new nails!

Annie Muske