For years, chipped nails and smudged manicures plagued even the most experienced nail artists. Then came gel polish, a game-changing advancement in nail care that completely revolutionized the industry when it was introduced in 2008. Gel polish quickly become the holy grail for nail pros and their clients: It offered faster, longer-lasting manicures that looked flawless for weeks, not days.
Here, world-renowned educator and World Champion Nail Artist Alicia Rimando (@alisharimando) delves into the world of gel polish, taking us back to basics and sharing how gel polish has transformed the nail industry. Plus, we’ll share some of Alicia’s expert application and removal tips to help you achieve flawless, long-lasting results every time.
How Gelish Transformed the Nail Industry
The introduction of gel polish was a massive win, both for nail artists and their clients. For manicure enthusiasts, it meant no more constant touch-ups or worries about ruining a fresh manicure with a single bump. For nail pros, it helped promote regular client appointments every two weeks, as gel polish couldn’t be easily and safely removed at home.
Gelish Soak-Off Gel Polish was the first to offer gel polish in a bottle that cured under LED light, making the process even more efficient and less time-consuming. With Gelish polish, clients could now enjoy completely chip-free, fully-cured manicures that lasted two to three weeks.
Image: Courtesy of Gelish
Gel Polish Basics With Alicia Rimando
Step 1: Prep the nails
- Begin by pushing back the cuticles and removing any excess skin to ensure proper gel adhesion. This creates a clean canvas for the gel polish and helps prevent lifting at the edges.
- Gently buff the nails using a 180-grit file. This removes shine and creates a smooth, even surface for the gel polish to adhere to.
- Clean each nail with Gelish Nail Surface Cleanse, then apply Gelish pH Bond Nail Prep to balance the nail’s pH and help remove any surface oils.
- Apply a thin coat of Gelish Foundation Base Coat and cure it under the Gelish Pro LED Light. Using a high-quality base coat like Gelish Foundation creates a strong foundation for your gel color, creating an adhesive bond between the nail plate and gel products without damaging the nail plate.
Step 2: Color application
- Apply a gel polish (such as Gelish Hot Rod Red). Remember to apply the polish in thin layers to avoid wrinkling or uneven curing. If needed, flash cure between applications to prevent any running.
- Apply a second coat of color if necessary, ensuring even coverage.
- Finish with a thin layer of Gelish Top It Off to seal in the color and provide a glossy finish. Cure again under the LED light.
Pro Tip: For lighter colors, like pastels (which can be streaky), apply thin layers and allow the gel to self-level for a smoother finish. For those who want a lacquer color to match their favorite Gelish shades, try Morgan Taylor Nail Lacquer.
Step 3: The removal process
- To remove gel polish, start by filing through the top coat with a 100-grit or 150-grit file (or an electric file, if preferred).
- Soak off the gel polish with acetone or your preferred gel removal product (such as gel polish remover pads). Wrap the nails with foil to hold acetone-soaked cotton balls in place over the nails.
- After approximately 10 to 15 minutes, remove the foil and gently push off the gel using an orangewood stick. Buff the nail lightly and apply Gelish Nourish Cuticle Oil to rehydrate and restore essential oils in the cuticle and skin surrounding the nail.
Step 4: Post-service care
At-home maintenance is essential for keeping your clients’ nails looking their best. Encourage your clients to use cuticle oil regularly to keep their nails and surrounding skin hydrated, which can help their gel manicure last longer.
With Alicia's expert techniques and high-quality products like Gelish, you can achieve flawless results for your mani-loving clients that look gorgeous for weeks.
Next Up: 12 Clean Girl Nail Ideas To Inspire Your Next Manicure
.png?mw=300&mh=300&as=1)
