Nails 101: Everything You Need to Know Before Doing Your Nails at Home

Are you tired of being parked at the salon for hours and spending tons of money on a new set every month? Save yourself money and time because DIY nails are in. Getting into the business is one thing but doing your nails as a hobby is another.

This way, you can decide how, what, and when you can change your nails at an affordable price. Whether you're hopping on funky nail designs, doing french tips, or keeping a solid color, it all starts somewhere. It may seem overwhelming at first, but really understanding the different types of nails and ways you can go about it is the first step.

Below are just a few ways you can start to do your nails at home.

Nail Prep

“Before you start applying anything to your nails, how you prep them will tell you how long they're going to last,” says Jada Rose Rebaya, a certified nail technician in Chicago, IL.

The most essential step to remember is proper care. On clean and trimmed nails, pushing back your cuticles will be the first step. This will create more nail space so that you can file any dead skin cells hidden on your nail. Not only will your nails last longer, but they will also prevent any lifting.

Next, if you're applying any nails; you will then go in with a dehydrator and primer that will significantly help bond whatever you're using to your nail plate.

Acrylic and Dip

When you're looking to lengthen your nails with artificial ones, acrylic nails are usually what comes to mind for most people that get it done at the salon.

Unlike gel, this doesn't require a UV light. Bonded by a liquid monomer and powder polymer, it creates a bead that you shape and manipulate with a brush. Within just a few seconds, the paste will harden which will give the nail tip a strong and durable base.

“I say it's more advanced— it's an enhancement and nothing natural. As you're working, you have to know the ratio of acrylic powders to acrylic monomer, and you must have a light hand and know how to work your brush,” Rebaya proclaims.

This technique would take lots of practice and skill to eventually become a regular thing if you're doing this at home.

When asking what this was like for a fellow at-home do-er, Stacy Sho mentions, “It takes a lot of dedication if you’re self-teaching as I did.”

She explained her nail journey which was nothing short of commitment. For the past three years, Sho pointed out that acrylic nails are the most difficult of any method she's tried.

“If you have a working hand and are looking for something sturdy and long lasting, this could be the thing for you if you're willing to put down the time for it,” she adds.

Keep in mind that the chemicals you're working with are extreme. Rebaya states, “You need the proper ventilation to work with acrylic monomer and polymer because inhaling that all the time can be very bad for your health.”

She further explained that the monomer can damage your nails without the correct prep and removal process. According to Rebaya, the dip method would be less harsh on the nails because it doesn't require the monomer. This is the dipping method you use with the builder and dip polymer.

If you do decide to begin your journey with acrylic nails, here is a tutorial to help you navigate this practice.

Gel x

With the help of TikTok, Gel X has gone quite viral in the DIY community. If you want longer nails, this will require full-cover nail tips that come in different sizes and shapes to choose from. With this, you would bond the tips to your nails with gel that acts as a "glue” which will then cure and create an entire faux nail.

“Gel X is definitely easier than acrylic,” Rebaya states. “I would say it's user-friendly.”

Without having to worry about the powder and liquid ratio, the specific technique you use, or the odor, gel X is easier because you already have a base for your nails that you just need to bond, shape, and paint.

This is a method that is favored by Sho. “Since I don't always have hours to spend on my nails, Gel X has been my go-to because it's fast and easy,” she exclaims.

Since it's a more simplistic method, Rebaya advises that it could be the ideal start for beginners, especially if you are teaching yourself how to paint. Same as acrylic, this should last you about 2-3 weeks with correct preparation.

Press-Ons

Out of this list, press-on nails would be the simplest route to go about fake nails. Hands down, it is the easiest, fastest, and cheapest.

The first step to press on would be buying the nails from either Walmart, Amazon, or anywhere online. These nail tips are already designed and pre-painted and all there is left to do is file, fit, and glue to your nails.

Although it has many advantages, press-on nails are a lot less durable. More prone to bend and break, press-ons are not the most reliable nail option if you're looking for something to last you at least two weeks.

“Press on nails would be perfect for anyone looking for something temporary and on-the-go. Just in case one falls off, I would recommend carrying the glue in your bag,” Sho informs.

Evidently, the nail industry is remarkably complex—and there are still many more ways you can go about it. Even though this wouldn't be something you would be able to learn overnight, hopefully this clarifies and prepares you explore the different options you have with doing your nails at home.

Whether you're learning it as a skill or a hobby, designing your nails is a fun self-care routine that ultimately challenges your creativeness and work ethic. Now that you have the information, the steps, and the supplies, it's now time to put it to the test. Don't forget, nail prep is key.

Which one of these nail styles would you try? Leave a comment below.