There’s nothing worse than getting a fresh manicure, only to chip it the same day. If you’re over the endless touch-ups and smudges, it’s time to switch to gel nails — the secret to a durable, ultra-glossy finish!
Whether you're a DIY queen mastering your skills or a nail pro looking for expert tips, this guide breaks down how to put on gel nails for a long-lasting mani. So grab your fave gel shades, fire up your LED lamp and let’s get that mani locked in for weeks!
What you need to achieve the perfect gel manicure
Let’s be real — your mani is only as good as the products you use! If you’ve ever dealt with gel polish peeling, lifting or just not lasting as long as it should, chances are the formula (or lack of a good base and top coat) is to blame.
Make sure your gel kit contains these essentials before you begin:
- Nail buffer
- Cuticle pusher
- Gel base coat
- Gel colour polish
- Gel top coat
- LED or UV lamp
- Nail cleanser or alcohol wipes
- Cuticle pusher
- Nail file and buffer
- Lint-free wipes
- Cuticle oil
How to put on gel nails like a pro
Follow these steps to keep your gel nails looking smooth and chip-free for weeks:
Step 1: Prep your nails
Before diving into the fun part, let’s get those nails prepped and pampered! Start with clean, dry nails — any oil, dust or leftover polish can mess with your gel’s staying power. Gently push back your cuticles to create a neat, polished look, then file your nails into your favourite shape, whether you want almond, square or stiletto.
Lightly buff the surface of your nail to remove shine, which will help your gel polish grip like a dream. Finally, wipe away any dust or oils with an alcohol wipe or nail cleanser — think of it as priming your nails for their glow-up!
Step 2: Apply your base coat
A thin, even layer of base coat is all you need! This step helps your gel polish grip to your nails, preventing lifting. Pop your nails under your LED/UV lamp and follow the manufacturer’s recommended curing time for the best results.
Pro-tip: Wear UV protective manicure gloves while curing to safeguard your skin!
Step 3: Time for colour!
Apply your first thin coat of gel polish, making sure to cap the free edge (aka the tip of your nail) for extra longevity. Cure under the lamp, then repeat for a second coat to build up the colour.
Step 4: Seal it with a top coat
The secret to that glossy, salon-level shine? A high-quality gel top coat! Apply a thin layer, cure one final time and then admire how flawless and shiny your nails look.
Step 5: Wipe and hydrate
Some gels leave a tacky layer after curing — just wipe it off with a lint-free wipe and cleanser. Then, bring on the TLC with cuticle oil and hand cream to keep your nails looking fresh and hydrated.
How to remove gel nails without damaging your natural nails
As much as we love a resilient gel mani, there comes a time when it has to go! Follow these easy steps to safely and gently remove gel polish:
Step 1: Buff the top coat
Use a nail file to buff the shiny top layer — this helps the remover soak in better and break down the gel faster.
Step 2: Soak in acetone
Saturate cotton balls or pads with acetone, place them on your nails and wrap each finger in foil to hold everything in place. Let them sit for 10 to 15 minutes to loosen the polish.
Step 3: Gently push off the gel
Use a cuticle pusher to lift the softened gel. If it doesn’t budge easily, re-wrap and soak for a few more minutes — no peeling or scraping allowed!
Shop pro-quality gel polishes and tools at NSI Australia
A flawless gel mani isn’t just about technique — it’s about using high-quality products you can rely on. Choose from NSI Australia’s essential nail prep tools, brushes and gel polishes in a wide range of colours. Whether you’re after a classic monochrome finish or ready to turn heads with reflective and holographic gel polishes, we have all the essentials to make your nail dreams come true.
Shop our gel polish kits now, and let’s make every gel mani a masterpiece!