With the whole quarantine thing going on, the beauty industry is taking a hit! Nail salons have unfortunately been shut down along with most of the rest of the United States.
That shouldn’t get in the way of having a fabulous manicure though!
I’ve been doing my own gel nails at home for about two years now, mostly because I’m OCD about my nails.
There was always something I noticed that was wrong, whether they filed my natural nail down too low, or did an uneven paint job. It definitely didn’t seem worth the $45-$50 I had to pay every time I went.
So, I learned how to do it myself!
For a fraction or the cost, and way less of a headache, I can now have a salon quality manicure at home any time I want!
So can you!
What You'll Need:
- UV Lamp | $59.99
- Cuticle Pusher | $2.69
- Nail File | $1.59
- Nail Clippers (My nails are already short, so I didn't use them this time)
- Cuticle Remover | $4.99
- Gelish Basix Kit (pH Bond, Foundation, Top Coat, Base Coat, Artificial Nail Remover, Nail Surface Cleanse | $54.99
- ASP Gel Polish (White Hot) | $9.99
Directions:
1. Put cuticle remover on cuticles of nail. Let sit for 30-45 seconds.
2. Use the cuticle pusher to gently push cuticles back and scrape off excess skin.
3. Wash hands with soap and water.
3. File your nails into the shape that you like, being sure to file in one direction.
4. Lightly file surface of nail.
5. Rinse nails with water only and no soap.
6. Coat nails in pH bond/nail dehydrator.
7. Coat nails with gel base coat.
8. Place under UV lamp for 30 seconds. (My lamp is upside down so it says 9 seconds in the picture not 60 lol)
9. Coat nails with thin layer of ASP gel color.
10. Place under nail lamp for 30 seconds.
11. Repeat for second coat.
12. Coat nails with gel top coat.
13. Place nails under nail lamp for 30 seconds. (Sometimes I’ll cure the nails twice if the polish is on the thicker side.)
14. Wipe off nails with cotton pad and acetone.
15. Coat fingers in nail oil and then massage into hands.
Voila! A beautiful instagram ready manicure!
A huge bonus is that since it’s such a quick process you can do it without having to worry about letting your nails dry while trying to take care of the kids! It’s honestly the most convenient thing ever!
Let me know in the comments if you prefer salon manicures or to do your own manicures at home!
Also, if you guys are interested I have nail powders, to do chrome nails if you guys are interested in a tutorial for that. Let me know!
Great tutorial will definitely need to try this at home.
Thank you!
I love this! My nails need some serious love with all this quarantine. 😆
So did mines! Lol
I need to get that light for myself. I need some pampering…especially that Mother’s day is coming soon.
Right? I totally agree you should pamper yourself as much as you can mama!
Your nails look great! It is wonderful to be able to do this at home and have such good results.
Isn’t it? And thanks so much!
My daughter loves all things nail related. I am pinning this for her.
Thank you! I hope she enjoys it!
This is awesome Jazz!!! Thanks for the pointers.
Thanks for checking it out!
Yep, am wanna know how to do the chrome nails too! 😃
Sounds good!
This is a great reference to do it yourself. I don’t do my nails much so I would be totally lost.
I totally understand!
I’ve been considering a gel kit for so long. This inspires me to just do it! I love how long it lasts. I love the color you have there too btw!
Right? Sometimes you just have to go for it! Thank you!
I love a good mani! The white looks so pretty on you!
Thanks so much!
This great especially because all nail salons are a no go! I will be looking further into this method thank you!
Right? Thanks for reading!
Great results! My friend just did this the other day and was showing me her nails. It’s nice to be able to do this from home.
They look great! I want to try this. Have you ever tried diy dip nails?
No I haven’t! I’ve heard some cool things though, so I’ll have to look into that!
Oh my gosh I need to do this!! I miss my nails.
Definitely! I was feeling the same way!
I have never had my nails done ever and I’m almost 40! I’ll have to try this!
Wow! Really? Well I’m glad my tutorial will be your first!
I’ve always wondered what I would need to do nails like this. My nails are in need of some love right now.
Mines were too!
Sure, would def be interested to see the chrome tutorial too! Thanks so much for this super-helpful DIY!
Awesome! I’ll have to do that one next!
I love the look of gel nails. Your home gel nails look great. Thank you for sharing your routine.
Thanks so much!
Good idea for this time when salons are closed
Right?
I’m more of a salon manicure kinda girl only because I don’t trust myself. but wow you did a great job with these! They look so professional! I’m going to have to get back on track with manicures though, because my hands are looking a little bleak! Thanks!
Hahaha I used to be the same way! Thank you so much!
Your nails came out great! My sister just did a gel mani last night.
Thank you! Aren’t they the best?
Wow! This is timely. Due to the COVID-19 situation, I am unable to visit my favorite salon to have my nails done. I love the idea of DIY gel nail polish. Thank you for sharing this.
So true! Thanks for reading!
I love this. I definitely think I’m going to give this a try over the weekend. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for reading! Glad to help!
Just like how you would get a manicure in the salon. Great tip. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for reading!
that is such a cool post for something i know my dd will love
I’m glad she’ll enjoy it!
I’m always looking for ways to do my own manicures at home. It helps with budgeting yourself as well.
So true!
Very informative. I found the step by step directions helpful. Thank you for reminding me to take the time and treat myself to something nice. Even though we are all finding ourselves at home doesn’t mean we can’t do our nails.
I’m so glad it worked out for you! I totally agree!
Love my diy gel kit! Saves so much money!
Right?!
These look awesome mama! I’ve never had gel nails before!
They’re my absolute favorite! So much more durable than regular polish!
Like!! Great article post.Really thank you! Really Cool.
Thank you!
Back again! This was one of the best tutorials I’ve ever used and it’s a gift that keeps on giving… 😊😍 thanks for the excellent directions Jazz! This kit was one of my best investments.
Thanks so much mom! My biggest supporter ❤️! So glad everything worked out for you!
I’m considering doing my own gel manicure at home. Thanks for the tutorial! I’m wondering about the removal process. Do you remove the colour and then paint them immediately again or do your nails need time to recover?
Hi! I use an e-file to remove most of the polish and then soak off the remaining polish with acetone. And yes, I always do my nails again immediately after. Hope that helps 🙂