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I started doing my nails at home because the cost of getting them done at the nail salon became too hard to justify. When my basic Gel-X manicure started to cost almost $100, I went on Amazon, bought all the supplies I needed for under $60, and started teaching myself to do my own nails. What started out as a way to save money quickly became a hobby I always look forward to. Here are some tips, tricks, and recommendations I’ve learned so you can start doing your own Gel-X nails at home.
Getting your nails right is all about the preparation and having the right tools. I’ll take you through each step so you can become a pro at doing your own Gel-X nails in no time.
What you’ll need (Amazon essentials)
Everything listed are affordable options I personally use. I’d always recommend using what’s best for you and doing your own research before buying any products. There are also many helpful tutorial videos on YouTube and TikTok, my personal favorites being @nailzbyambz and @saadiiie.
- JODSONE 71 Piece 32 Colors Gel Nail Polish Set UV Light Nail Drill Beginner Set, $27
- Modelones Almond Nail Tips, $12
- Modelones 10 in 1 X Nail Gel Glue, $10
- Nail Art Brushes Set, 20pcs Nail Design Painting Brushes, $5
- Morovan Nail Dehydrator and Primer with No Wipe Gel Top Base Coat Set, $10
- Lint Free Nail Wipes with Dispenser for Acetone, Alcohol, $7
- Soft Nail Art Dust Powder Remover Brush, $5
- Amazon Basics 99% Isopropyl Alcohol, $7
- FANDAMEI Nail Prep Kit, Nail Care Kit, Manicure Kit, Nail Files and Buffers, $8
- MelodySusie Pocket-Sized Nail Dust Collector, $36
How To Do Gel-X Nails at Home
The first thing you’ll want to do is prep your nails. This step can be tedious, but is very important so your gel tips can adhere properly. Start by trimming your nails and lightly buffing the surface to remove shine. You can then use a cuticle remover to push back your cuticles and remove dead skin. Then, clean your nails with alcohol and apply a nail dehydrator and primer to get yourself all set for application.
The next step is fitting each of your Gel-X tips to your nail size, making sure they fit sidewall to sidewall with no gaps. You can always use a file to reshape the sides of the tip for the best fit. Once you have your nails laid out (each size is numbered to make it easier), use a nail drill to lightly etch the inside of the nail tip so the glue can stick better.
To apply the nails, I like to put a thin layer of gel nail glue on my natural nail and then a small drop of glue near the cuticle edge of the Gel-X tip. Begin to press the tip at an angle starting at the cuticle and slowly pressing down to avoid any bubbles. While still pressing down on the nail, place it under your UV lamp and cure for at least 60 seconds. Make sure the nail is completely cured before moving on.
Once you have applied the Gel-X tips to all your nails, you can file and shape them if needed. You can clean up with some alcohol to make sure there’s no dust collected. Finally, you can paint and finish your nails. Start with your base coat, curing for 60 seconds after you apply each layer (one nail at a time). Apply your gel polish, again making sure to fully cure, then lastly, apply the top coat. I like to leave my nails curing under the UV lamp a little longer to ensure everything is set and then I’ll apply my cuticle oil and lotion.
My biggest and most important tip when starting Gel-X nails is to keep everything super clean, especially your gel polish application. Contact dermatitis is a serious risk when doing your own nails, and the best way to prevent it is by making sure your polish is fully cured and no polish touches your actual skin. If your application is a little messy at first, don’t worry, use an alcohol wipe to clean up any excess polish that may have pooled at the cuticle or nail edge before curing.
Doing your nails at home does not need to be expensive or intimidating. Once you make the investment, you’ll save much more money than frequenting the nail salon. With the right preparation and application, your Gel-X nails can last you 2 to 3 weeks. It can definitely be a learning process, but feels very rewarding when you finish and can see progress. And, the next time someone compliments your nails and asks you where you got them done, you can say you did them yourself!