4 Step: “Gel” Nails at Home

Remove Old Polish with an Acetone Remover

Acetone nail polish remover makes it super easy and cleans/dries your nail to prep for polish. Even if I wasn’t wearing polish, I like to swab my nails with polish remover or alcohol so the nails don’t have any oil. The oil will shorten the life of your manicure via chips, because it didn’t adhere well.

I use cheap and nasty stuff like Mountain Falls Nail Polish Remover

But there are NATURAL OPTIONS,

like Organic Lavender Nail Polish Remover      

Step 1: Trim Your Nails + File to Shape

THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP!

Your hair and nails are more similar than you may know. They’re both composed of keratin and need to be cared for, otherwise they can break. Yikes!  Just like you get a regular hair trim, it’s important to trim your nails. Using a sharp clipper, trim your nails resulting in all the layers having one, clean cut.

Once you have your desired length & clean-cut edges, file your nails to soften any sharp edges left by the clipper. I don’t like to over-file the nail because it can weaken and create splits between the layers of your nail… causing breakage later on. Eww!

I like nail clippers with a file like this one.                

The rounded front is great for the natural contour of your nail. TMI but: The metal file is great to prevent ingrown toe nails too

I HATE waste, so I’ve invested in a crystal nail file.         

Step 2: Apply Two Coats of Polish

Party time! Apply a base coat, let dry, then another 1 or 2 coats of nail polish. ANY nail polish. I use natural brands like Zoya, fun ones like Essie, and cheap thrills like Wet n’ Wild.

 
TIP: Apply polish in thin layers and let each one dry completely

Step 3: Apply  THE  Top Coat

SECOND MOST IMPORTANT STEP

I ONLY use this quick-dry top coat.

It gives the gel-like shine and thickness. Is it real gel? NO! But it keeps my nails lasting at least a week without a serious chip. 3-4 weeks with minor chips along the sides of the nail by the cuticles.

Step 4: Nourish with Hand Cream

Hands have it rough. They’re the most exposed and least cared for. If I’m spending time painting my nails, I like to add in this last step so my hands can get some TLC. I recommend a hand cream that’s high in shea butter. It’ll help lock in moisture and lessen the fine lines and dryness. This one is my Go-To, but I also like the one from L’Occitane.

This is one of my ‘self-care’ exercises. It’s a small activity that makes me feel more ‘put together’ and take a break from being too busy and active and stressed.

Do you do your own nails?