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How to Do Gel Nails at Home: Tips for the Perfect Manicure Download Article An expert-approved walkthrough to give your nails a professional gel manicure Co-authored by Zayauna Liddell and Eric McClure
Last Updated: July 25, 2025 Fact Checked
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Prepping & Applying the Base Coat
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Adding the Gel Nail Polish
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Finishing with the Top Coat
|
Removing Gel Nail Polish
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Video
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Expert Q&A
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This article was co-authored by Zayauna Liddell and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Zayauna Liddell is a licensed nail technician, educator, and beauty entrepreneur. She is best known as the founder of Nails By Zay, a thriving nail brand based in Pittsburgh, PA. With over seven years of hands-on experience, Zayauna began her journey in high school, turning a passion for nail artistry into a full-fledged business. In 2021, she opened her own salon, establishing a go-to destination for trendsetting nail designs and professional services. Beyond the salon, Zayauna is the creator of a growing nail product line that caters to both everyday consumers and professional nail techs. Her innovative style, attention to detail, and commitment to quality have earned her a loyal following of over 140,000 supporters across social media platforms, where she shares tutorials, nail trends, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into her business and creative process. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,673,012 times.
If you love the strength of acrylic nails but want something a little more natural-looking, gel nail polish is perfect for you. So long as you’ve got a UV or LED lamp to cure the gel, this is as easy as any home manicure gets! In this article, we’ll walk you through each step so that you can get that flashy, stunning professional look at home. This article is based on an interview with our nail artist, Mia Rubie, owner of Sparkle San Francisco. Check out the full interview here.
Easy Steps for Doing Gel Nails
Professional nail artist Zayauna Liddell says to file and buff your nails before applying your base coat. Then, apply 1-2 layers of gel nail polish and cure each layer under a UV or LED lamp for 30 to 60 seconds. Seal the gel polish with a layer of clear top coat to protect the color.
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 4:
Prepping & Applying the Base Coat
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1 File your nails to craft your preferred nail shape. To get the ultimate look from your at-home gel nails, start with the ultimate blank nail. Take the time to cut, file, and shape your nails]]. Before you cut them, decide what shape you want. You can create round, square, pointy, almond, or oval nails, depending on your preference.[1]X Expert Source Mia RubieNail ArtistExpert Interview
Unlike acrylic nails, which can be shaped during/after application, you can’t shape gel nails once you’ve painted your nails, so the shape of your nails matters a lot here.
You can totally skip all of the prep work and go right to applying the base coat, but you might as well do it right if you’re going to take the time to apply fancy gel nail polish!
2 Clean up your cuticles with a cuticle stick and acetone. Once you have the basic shape to your nail, use a cuticle stick to push back any dead skin off of your nail plate. Then, remove any remaining oil or debris from your nail and clean your fingers using an acetone-dipped cotton ball.[2]X Expert Source Mia RubieNail ArtistExpert Interview
The acetone will also dehydrate your nails, which will make it easier for your gel nail polish to adhere to the nail.
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3 Apply a super thin base coat to your dry nails. Grab your favorite base coat and get comfy. For gel nail polish, you only need a thin base coat layer. Slowly apply your base coat using the applicator on the cap. Work in smooth vertical strips and wipe off any base coat you get on your surrounding skin.[3]X Expert Source Kristin PulaskiSalon Owner & Nail SpecialistExpert Interview
You can dry the base coat under an LED lamp for 1-2 minutes or let your nails air dry for 10 minutes. Totally up to you depending on how much of a rush you’re in.
Some gel nail polishes will come with a specific primer to use instead of a base coat. If your gel polish has a primer, use that instead of the base coat.
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Adding the Gel Nail Polish
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1 Apply a thin layer of your gel polish. Once your base layer has dried completely, apply your first layer of the colorful gel nail polish. It will probably look streaky, but that is normal for the first layer. Use the applicator from the bottle to spread the color over each nail. Paint all the way through the tip of your nail as well as over the surface. This will keep the gel from curling back off your nail.[4]XResearch source
2 Cure the first layer of your gel nail polish under a UV or LED lamp. Follow the curing instructions that came with your gel nail polish. Typically, you’ll cure them under an LED lamp for 30 seconds, or a UV lamp for 2 minutes.[5]XResearch source
Curing allows the polish to harden in a uniform way. If you don’t cure your nails under the lamp, the gel polish may dry unevenly.
Gel nail polish stays wet until it’s cured under light. You cannot apply gel nail polish without a UV or LED lamp.
3 Repeat this process for a second lay of gel nail polish. Use the applicator to apply the second layer of gel polish. This will look more opaque and colorful on top of the first layer. Paint your nails in vertical strips and move all the way through the tip of each nail. Cure your nails under the LED or UV the same way you cured the first layer.[6]XResearch source
You can add a third coat if you really want to. It’s usually unnecessary, though.
EXPERT TIP
Zayauna Liddell
Nail Artist Zayauna Liddell is a licensed nail technician, educator, and beauty entrepreneur. She is best known as the founder of Nails By Zay, a thriving nail brand based in Pittsburgh, PA. With over seven years of hands-on experience, Zayauna began her journey in high school, turning a passion for nail artistry into a full-fledged business. In 2021, she opened her own salon, establishing a go-to destination for trendsetting nail designs and professional services. Beyond the salon, Zayauna is the creator of a growing nail product line that caters to both everyday consumers and professional nail techs. Her innovative style, attention to detail, and commitment to quality have earned her a loyal following of over 140,000 supporters across social media platforms, where she shares tutorials, nail trends, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into her business and creative process. Zayauna Liddell Nail Artist
Get salon-quality nails in the comfort of your own home! Check out Beetles Gel Nail Polish Set for a flawless and long-lasting manicure. Your nails will have a vibrant, professional-level shine and coverage in no time!
If you buy through these links, we may earn a commission.
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Finishing with the Top Coat
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1 Apply your top coat to protect the gel nail polish. Coat your nails completely in your top coat like you’re adding a third layer of your gel nail polish. Paint over the tip, like you did with your color gel. Once again, cure the gel polish under a UV light for 2 minutes, or LED lamp for 30 seconds.[7]X Expert Source Mia RubieNail ArtistExpert Interview
You can totally use regular top coat products to protect your gel nails, although there are special gel top coats out there a lot of people like as well.
2 Remove the tack with a little bit of isopropyl alcohol, if necessary. Some gel methods leave a tacky, sticky layer on and around your nails after curing the top gel. If this happens to you, simply dip a cotton ball in isopropyl alcohol and gently blot the top of each nail.[8]XResearch source
3 Buff your nails smooth and clean up any mistakes. Take a nail buffer and smooth out the top layer of clear coat by gently rubbing the softest side of the buffer back and forth. This will smooth out any imperfections or excess top coat buildup. Finish by wiping away any gel polish or top coat you got on your cuticles with a acetone-soaked cotton ball and you’re done![9]X Expert Source Mia RubieNail ArtistExpert Interview
Finish off your gel manicure by rubbing a cuticle oil into the skin around the base of each nail.
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Removing Gel Nail Polish
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1 Go to a professional for the safest gel polish removal. Gel nail polish is exceptionally hard and sturdy compared to other nail polishes and treatments. As a result, you may end up damaging your nail if you don’t get a professional to remove them. The next time you go to get a pedicure, manicure, or salon treatment, ask them to remove your gel polish for you.[10]X Expert Source Mia RubieNail ArtistExpert Interview
This isn’t to say that you can’t take the gel polish off yourself—just that you’re running an additional risk of damaging your nails.
2 File off the top layer with a 180-grit nail file. To remove your gel nails, start by wearing away the top layer of the gel and the top coat. Gently drag your file back and forth along each nail until it’s no longer shiny. Go slow and take your time so that you don’t damage your cuticle or nail.[11]XResearch source
Avoid picking the polish off your nails. That can remove layers of your nail in the process, leaving them brittle and dry.[12]X Expert Source Mia RubieNail ArtistExpert Interview
3 Set an acetone-soaked cotton ball on top of each nail. The gel won’t come off if you don’t use 100% acetone. Soak 10 pieces of cotton balls in acetone. While they soak, wash and dry your hands.[13]XResearch source
Acetone is a little harsh, so be careful when you’re working with it. Also, keep in mind that the acetone is very drying to your nails, so they may be sensitive or brittle when you’re done.[14]X Expert Source Mia RubieNail ArtistExpert Interview
4 Wrap tin foil around the cotton ball on each of your fingertips. Take each cotton ball and place it on top of each nail. Tightly wrap the nail and the tip of your finger with a strip of tin foil. Do this for all of your nails.[15]XResearch source
You probably want to do this one hand at a time. It’s pretty tough to use foil-covered fingers to wrap the second hand.
5 Wait 20-40 minutes and remove the gel layers. Don’t try pulling the foil back to check if it’s working—just wait and trust the process. After 20-40 minutes, remove the tin foil wrapping one nail at a time. The gel will have started to peel back. Use a cuticle stick to push the gel off your nail.[16]XResearch source
If there is gel stuck that you can’t remove with the cuticle stick, re-wrap your nails with another acetone-soaked cotton ball and foil. Let sit for another 10-15 minutes and try again.
6 Wash your hands and apply cuticle oil to your skin. The acetone will do a number on your skin, so restore your cuticles with cuticle oil. Massage the cuticle oil into the skin around the base of your nail and let them air dry.[17]XResearch source
If your nails look rough, apply cuticle oil to the surface of your nail and buff them using a nail buffer.
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Join the Discussion...
How do you do gel nails at home? Mimi D. Nail Artist If you want to do gel nails at home, you need all of the equipment to do a good manicure. You need the gel base, gel polish, gel top coat, and then you need a gel lamp. You have to have a gel lamp in order for the gel to cure, unless you can polish your nail and then go outside and hold it in the sun, but I wouldn't necessarily rely on that method. Read More Smarlen Balbi Nail Technician and Pedicurist To do gel nails at home, definitely use a UV lamp, and make sure to apply thin layers of gel. Thick layers can cause bubbles and will peel off more easily. Thin layers make it last longer. Read More See all 2 Replies and Read Discussion
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Question What shape should I file my nails into before I apply the gel? Mia Rubie Nail Artist Mia Rubie is a Nail Artist and the Owner of Sparkle San Francisco, a nail studio based in San Francisco, California. She has over eight years of nail artist and management experience and is known for her push-the-envelope designs and artistic eye for colors. Her clients include Sephora, Target, and Vogue. Her work has been featured in the San Francisco Chronicle and StyleCaster. She holds a BBA focusing on Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations from San Francisco State University. You can find her work on her Instagram account @superflynails. Mia Rubie Nail Artist Expert Answer You can really choose any shape you want. However, I like the look of a more elongated or rounded nail. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 21 Helpful 20
Question I used a UV lamp and proper polish, but my nails fell off in a day! What went wrong? Aleeza446 Community Answer Did you remember to wipe away any oils from your nails with acetone first? Failure to do this often results in the gel nail slipping off the surface. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 35 Helpful 142
Question Do I remove the sticky layer of gel builder between building the gel? Community Answer If you want to you can, but it is not necessary. You just have to remove the sticky layer when done with the whole manicure. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 18 Helpful 63
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References
↑ Mia Rubie. Nail Artist. Expert Interview
↑ Mia Rubie. Nail Artist. Expert Interview
↑ Kristin Pulaski. Salon Owner & Nail Specialist. Expert Interview
Co-authored by: Zayauna Liddell Nail Artist This article was co-authored by Zayauna Liddell and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Zayauna Liddell is a licensed nail technician, educator, and beauty entrepreneur. She is best known as the founder of Nails By Zay, a thriving nail brand based in Pittsburgh, PA. With over seven years of hands-on experience, Zayauna began her journey in high school, turning a passion for nail artistry into a full-fledged business. In 2021, she opened her own salon, establishing a go-to destination for trendsetting nail designs and professional services. Beyond the salon, Zayauna is the creator of a growing nail product line that caters to both everyday consumers and professional nail techs. Her innovative style, attention to detail, and commitment to quality have earned her a loyal following of over 140,000 supporters across social media platforms, where she shares tutorials, nail trends, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into her business and creative process. This article has been viewed 1,673,012 times. 35 votes - 83% Co-authors: 32Updated: July 25, 2025 Views: 1,673,012 Categories: Featured Articles | Artificial NailsArticle SummaryX
To apply gel nails, first cut and file your nails so they’re all the same length. Then, apply cuticle oil to your cuticles to loosen them, and push them back with a cuticle pusher. Buff each of your nails, which will remove built-up oils and help your gel nails last longer. Wipe your nails off with an alcohol wipe when you’re finished. Next, apply a base coat to your nails. Cure the base coat under a UV lamp for 30 seconds. Then, paint your nails with gel nail polish. Cure the first coat under your UV lamp. Apply more coats until you have an opaque finish, curing your nails after each coat. Finally, apply a top coat and cure your nails one last time. To learn how to remove your gel nails, keep reading!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Kiki C.
May 22, 2017
"I'm trying to learn how to apply gel nail polish at home. My first attempt was very unsuccessful. Figured I'd do some research and found this article, which has been very helpful. It has shown me exactly what I need to do to make sure I get a quality manicure at home."..." more Rated this article:
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Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Zayauna Liddell Nail Artist Co-authors: 32Updated: July 25, 2025 Views: 1,673,01283% of readers found this article helpful. 35 votes - 83% Click a star to add your vote
Kiki C.
May 22, 2017
"I'm trying to learn how to apply gel nail polish at home. My first attempt was very unsuccessful. Figured I'd do some research and found this article, which has been very helpful. It has shown me exactly what I need to do to make sure I get a quality manicure at home."..." more Rated this article:
Pamela James
Aug 17, 2016
"Thank you! Really informative instructions with pictures! I am a visual learner, very helpful. Now I think I can at least try to apply the gel nails with a little more confidence!"..." more
Carol-Ann McNamara
Aug 24, 2017
"I had the gel with no idea how to use it. I thank "WISH" for sending this to me. I didn't know there was so much to it. Now I have to order a nail dryer. Will be worth it. "..." more Rated this article:
Sharon German
Jun 9, 2019
"Very basic steps and instructions! Easy to follow. Last step to remove tackiness = wipe with regular isopropyl alcohol. Thank you!"..." more Rated this article:
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Download Article An expert-approved walkthrough to give your nails a professional gel manicure Co-authored by Zayauna Liddell and Eric McClure 
Mimi D. Nail Artist If you want to do gel nails at home, you need all of the equipment to do a good manicure. You need the gel base, gel polish, gel top coat, and then you need a gel lamp. You have to have a gel lamp in order for the gel to cure, unless you can polish your nail and then go outside and hold it in the sun, but I wouldn't necessarily rely on that method. Read More 
Smarlen Balbi Nail Technician and Pedicurist To do gel nails at home, definitely use a UV lamp, and make sure to apply thin layers of gel. Thick layers can cause bubbles and will peel off more easily. Thin layers make it last longer. Read More 
The Best Ways to Make Your Gel Manicure Last Longer 
How to Clean Gel Nails at Home 
How toFill Nails 
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Co-authored by: Zayauna Liddell Nail Artist This article was co-authored by Zayauna Liddell and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Zayauna Liddell is a licensed nail technician, educator, and beauty entrepreneur. She is best known as the founder of Nails By Zay, a thriving nail brand based in Pittsburgh, PA. With over seven years of hands-on experience, Zayauna began her journey in high school, turning a passion for nail artistry into a full-fledged business. In 2021, she opened her own salon, establishing a go-to destination for trendsetting nail designs and professional services. Beyond the salon, Zayauna is the creator of a growing nail product line that caters to both everyday consumers and professional nail techs. Her innovative style, attention to detail, and commitment to quality have earned her a loyal following of over 140,000 supporters across social media platforms, where she shares tutorials, nail trends, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into her business and creative process. This article has been viewed 1,673,012 times. 35 votes - 83% Co-authors: 32 Updated: July 25, 2025 Views: 1,673,012 Categories: Featured Articles | Artificial Nails Article SummaryX
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1001 
1 File your nails to craft your preferred nail shape. To get the ultimate look from your at-home gel nails, start with the ultimate blank nail. Take the time to cut, file, and shape your nails]]. Before you cut them, decide what shape you want. You can create round, square, pointy, almond, or oval nails, depending on your preference.[1] 
2 Clean up your cuticles with a cuticle stick and acetone. Once you have the basic shape to your nail, use a cuticle stick to push back any dead skin off of your nail plate. Then, remove any remaining oil or debris from your nail and clean your fingers using an acetone-dipped cotton ball.[2] 
2 Cure the first layer of your gel nail polish under a UV or LED lamp. Follow the curing instructions that came with your gel nail polish. Typically, you’ll cure them under an LED lamp for 30 seconds, or a UV lamp for 2 minutes.[5] 
1 Go to a professional for the safest gel polish removal. Gel nail polish is exceptionally hard and sturdy compared to other nail polishes and treatments. As a result, you may end up damaging your nail if you don’t get a professional to remove them. The next time you go to get a pedicure, manicure, or salon treatment, ask them to remove your gel polish for you.[10] 
2 File off the top layer with a 180-grit nail file. To remove your gel nails, start by wearing away the top layer of the gel and the top coat. Gently drag your file back and forth along each nail until it’s no longer shiny. Go slow and take your time so that you don’t damage your cuticle or nail.[11] 
3 Set an acetone-soaked cotton ball on top of each nail. The gel won’t come off if you don’t use 100% acetone. Soak 10 pieces of cotton balls in acetone. While they soak, wash and dry your hands.[13] 
6 Wash your hands and apply cuticle oil to your skin. The acetone will do a number on your skin, so restore your cuticles with cuticle oil. Massage the cuticle oil into the skin around the base of your nail and let them air dry.[17] 
Mia Rubie Nail Artist Mia Rubie is a Nail Artist and the Owner of Sparkle San Francisco, a nail studio based in San Francisco, California. She has over eight years of nail artist and management experience and is known for her push-the-envelope designs and artistic eye for colors. Her clients include Sephora, Target, and Vogue. Her work has been featured in the San Francisco Chronicle and StyleCaster. She holds a BBA focusing on Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations from San Francisco State University. You can find her work on her Instagram account @superflynails. 
Aleeza446 Community Answer Did you remember to wipe away any oils from your nails with acetone first? Failure to do this often results in the gel nail slipping off the surface. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 35 Helpful 142 
Community Answer If you want to you can, but it is not necessary. You just have to remove the sticky layer when done with the whole manicure. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 18 Helpful 63 
Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.