At-Home Nails 101: A Crash Course on Manicures
A full set of acrylic nails frequently costs up to $100, in addition to the headache of going to the salon and stressing about telling your nail tech you don’t like how they came out. For this reason, doing extensions and gel nails at home is becoming increasingly popular, especially for those who are creative and like to save money.
While there is a learning curve involved, many find a creative outlet through nail art and freedom in the affordability. Here’s a crash course on options and the tools you’ll need to get started!
PREP
Nail prep is the key to a seamless and lasting manicure. A nail file is a staple tool for fixing ragged edges and shaping your nails. You’ll also need a nail buffer to remove the natural oils, which will allow for better polish or extension application. Cuticle-removing tools are optional, but when used correctly and safely, they allow for a seamless blend between the natural nail and the color.
More people have been using less aggressive cuticle removers found at places like Sally Hansen, rather than a standard cuticle clipping tool, to preserve nail health. Luckily, prep tools are inexpensive and easily accessible at any beauty supply store, like Ulta.
Acetone is vital for the application, cleanup, and removal of any nails. There are options available for as cheap as $1 at the drugstore. Use some on a cotton ball before application to remove oils, and with a nail cleanup brush to clean up any messes made after applying the polish.
Olive and June makes a great nail cleanup brush that comes in a convenient case, as well as many other products and prep tools, available at Target and online.
GEL
Gel polish is a popular option for those who favor longevity. Additionally, if you’d like to experiment with nail art, gel polish is the easiest to work with. That being said, it is important to educate yourself on proper use and the risks associated with using gel polish, such as contact dermatitis.
Keep in mind that some users experience a higher risk of contact dermatitis and other reactions when using certain brands that are cheaper or less regulated. Though OPI gel polishes are less accessible and more expensive, they are a salon favorite for a reason. The bottles are quite large which means they’ll last you a long time, and the quality is amazing.
If you choose to go the gel polish route, you’ll need a nail lamp to cure the polish, with either LED or UV bulbs. Though they are more expensive, LED lamps are generally better quality, curing your nails twice as fast, and lasting longer than UV lamps. LED lamps also generate less heat than UV lamps, which can cause less irritation for those with sensitive skin or nails.
Gelish is a popular brand for both gel polishes and tools. Sally’s Beauty Supply makes a popular LED lamp. The SunUV UV Lamp is another popular, budget-friendly lamp available on Amazon.
If gel polish isn’t your thing, there are a plethora of great lacquer brands available at drugstores, beauty stores, and Amazon. This includes OPI, Olive & June, Sally Hansen, and Essie.
EXTENSIONS
If you want to try extensions, there are several options available. Gel-X is an increasingly popular option for at-home nail doers, due to its beginner-friendly nature. The Aprés tips and starter kit are the most highly rated on the market.
A step up skill-wise is a poly gel, and Sally Hansen, a coveted at-home nail brand, makes one of the best kits for beginners. Applying acrylic tips comes with a learning curve, but it is certainly accomplishable with the YN acrylic nail kit.
Depending on your extension method of choice, you may also need a drill and a flash cure lamp. Amazon has great options for both.
ADDITIONALS
Rhinestones and charms are the easiest way to spruce up your nails. All you need is glue, like the fan favorite from Makartt, and charms of your choice! If you choose the gel-x route, you can even use a dab of the extended gel for charms.
Beetles makes a great set of cute and easy-to-use nail art brushes available on Amazon if you want to experiment with drawing.
Aura nails are super trendy right now and can be accomplished with a cosmetic sponge, eyeshadow, or the Makartt blooming gel. Builder gel is also a trendy tool being used for 3D nail art recently, and a kit from Amazon will make it easy to use.
NAIL HEALTH
Of course, nail health should always be your number one priority, so it’s important to care for them in the application and removal process. Strengthening treatments, such as the colored nail strengthener polish from OPI, are a good idea to use in between sets of nails, especially when doing regular extensions.
Cuticle oil is great for nourishing your nails after application, during use, and after nail removal. The Sally Hansen cuticle oil is an inexpensive option with Vitamin E, which is great for hydration after UV exposure.
As always, make sure to educate yourself on techniques, tools, and procedures to keep yourself safe and accomplish the best nails possible.
Would you make the switch to at-home nails? Leave a comment down below!