Ensure hygiene
The first and most important step is to thoroughly wash your hands and nails. This is not only a matter of aesthetics but primarily hygiene. Washing hands with soap and water will help remove any dirt and impurities that may affect the gel’s adhesion. Did you know that improper hygiene can lead to infections or skin problems around the nails? Here is a link to an article on this topic: Dermatological advice on hand care.
Pushing back cuticles
The next step is to gently push back the cuticles. We can use a special wooden stick or a metal pusher for this. Cuticles should not be cut, only pushed back, to avoid damaging the delicate skin around the nail. It’s also worth investing in cuticle oil, which will soften them and make the work easier.
Matting the nail plate
Preparing the nail plate for gel extension requires matting it. We use a file with the appropriate grit (preferably around 180-240) for this. Gently matte the nail to remove the natural shine. This will help the gel adhere better to the plate, increasing the durability of the styling. Have you ever experienced gel peeling off due to improper nail preparation?
Degreasing the nails
After matting the nails, they need to be thoroughly degreased. We use a specialized nail degreasing product for this. This step is crucial because even the smallest traces of grease can affect the gel’s adhesion. Remember not to touch the nail plate after degreasing to avoid leaving fingerprints.
Choosing the right tips or forms
For gel nail extension, we can use tips or forms. Tips are ready-made shapes that we glue to the nail, while forms are special foils that help shape the gel. The choice depends on preferences and individual needs. Tips are quick and easy to use, while forms allow for more control over the nail shape. At Easy Nails, we believe forms offer more possibilities for experimenting with nail length and shape.
Finishing and moisturizing
After applying the gel and completing the styling, it’s worth taking care of moisturizing the cuticles and hands. Regular use of moisturizing creams and cuticle oils will help maintain a healthy appearance of the hands and prevent the skin around the nails from drying out. What is your favorite hand care product?
At Easy Nails, we recommend always ensuring the quality of the products used and following all the steps in preparing nails for gel extension. Remember, proper preparation is the key to durable and beautiful styling. What are your experiences with gel nail extensions? Do you have any tried-and-true methods you’d like to share with others? We invite you to discuss in the comments!
