Ever since I started doing my own at home gel mani to avoid going to the nail salon amidst the COVID era, I have been receiving a plethora of inquiries about the breakdown of what I use to do so. This post is gonna break it all down into simple terms for the prep, painting and removal process.
Let’s start with products. Here you’ll find all of the tools you need to achieve the perfect gel manicure.
First thing you’ll want to purchase is the UV light, I love the one I got from Ebay and it was super affordable. Other essential things you’ll need are a solid base and top coat, I use Gelish brand for this. For colors to start I like getting a set of multiple neutrals to start out my kit, then I added individual colors like white and two different reds. Coming up for fall I know I’m going to be ordering a lot more of deeper colors.
Other than a clean application, you’ll need a couple of things for safe removal of the polish that won’t harm your natural nails. I’ve found through trial and error the best way to safely remove gel is to use these little nail clips to soak your gel in pure acetone and cotton. Some more nice things to have are a sharp cuticle cutter, and a glass nail file.
What’s your favorite tool to help do your own manicure?
