Gel nail polish for beginners. Step by step lessons on how to draw simple, beautiful designs, video

What is gel polish, its types

Gel polish is a unique cosmetic product designed to cover nails. It is a hybrid combination of classic nail polish with modeling gel. At the same time, it retains only the best properties of the above-mentioned components.

Covering nails with gel polish provides their owners with the long-term effect of a beautiful and well-groomed manicure.

Color and design can last up to 4 weeks. This is explained by the presence of a dispersion medium in the composition of the drug, which forms a checkered film on the nails. Thanks to it, the gel polish adheres to the surface of the nail as well as possible and lasts for a long time. The uniqueness of gel polish coating is that it is great for natural nails and artificial nails (extensions).

Gel polish coating for beginners is one of the best developments in the beauty industry for nail care in recent years. Residents of Europe were the first to appreciate this product 15 years ago.

Nowadays gel polish is very popular both among famous beauty salon masters and among ordinary girls who want to get a beautiful manicure at home. In the popular environment, gel polish is called “shellac”. Since the pioneers in Russia were the Shellak CND brand.

Distinctive properties of gel polish:

1. High durability. It can stay on nails for 2 to 4 weeks. This is why it attracts a large number of fashionistas who want to wear a fresh manicure for a long time.
2. Nice composition. Most often, it contains hypoallergenic substances that reduce the risk of harm to the nail plate. Many brands take care of their customers and add useful strengthening and nourishing components to their composition.
3. Color saturation. Unlike regular polish, gel polish does not lose its pigmentation. When properly applied, the coating does not become cloudy, does not wear off, and is resistant to chips and scratches.
4. Ability to withstand household loads. Any girl has frequent contact with water, various detergents and household products. Gel polish, hardening upon application, creates a dense film on the nails that does not destroy the manicure.
5. Simple application technology. Gel polish is applied quickly, painlessly and dries for a short time under a special lamp. Anyone can create the perfect coating using gel polish.

Gel polish composition:

1. A photoinitiator is a molecular compound that absorbs UV radiation. Thanks to it, the gel polish dries quickly under the influence of ultraviolet rays.
2. A film former is a chemical component that provides a durable coating and prevents its destruction.
3. Thinners are esters, monomers that are used to maintain optimal consistency. So that the texture of the gel polish is moderately viscous and ensures tight adhesion to the nail plate.
4. Coloring pigments are organic or inorganic components. The density of the coating and the saturation of shades depend on them.
5. Various additives and fillers allow gel polish to strengthen and nourish nails.

According to the application system, there are three types of this product:

1. Single phase. To create a manicure, you only need a tube of colored pigment and nothing else. The coating is not permanent, great for strong natural nails. With the help of a single-phase gel polish coating, novice nail technicians can easily create a manicure.

   
   Single-phase gel polish coating is great for beginners.

2. A two-phase product implies the application of a top (fixing) coating after applying the color. Two-phase products are rarely found in beauty salons, as the effect leaves much to be desired.
3. Three-phase gel polish involves three stages of application. The first is the base coat, followed by the color pigment, and the final stage is the top coat. This system is the most reliable and in demand. Because the result is the most durable and practical manicure.

Classification of gel polishes by texture

All gel polishes are divided into 2 main categories:

1. Reflective gel polishes. The main advantage is quick adhesion to the nail. Such tools are easy to use and easy for beginners to work with.
2. Non-reflective gel polishes. In addition to this drug, an activating substance is also required. This type of gel polish has a glue-like texture. To dilute it, a special spray is required. And you need to apply this gel polish with a professional gel brush.

Reviews

Svetlana, 27 years old: Work, courses and the gym leave almost no free time. I didn’t want to get my nails done, so I chose gel polish based on a recommendation. I am very pleased with the result, for two weeks in a row the manicure was absolutely as good as new, without any correction. The procedure does not take long, the manicure lasts well, so after a break I will definitely repeat it.

Anastasia, 23 years old: I tried biogel first, and my nails began to look better after it. And before the vacation I wanted to get a manicure, but one that would last a long time. They offered me shellac, the color coating lasted a little over two weeks. I was even surprised, but it's really convenient. I don’t know how often it’s permissible to do this, but the effect is worth it.

Irina, 36 years old: I discovered this type of manicure, applying gel polish. At first I was skeptical that the coating, after washing dishes, cleaning, and who knows what else, could retain its appearance for two whole weeks or even more. I decided to try it and then evaluate it. There was no limit to surprise, I would have known sooner! In terms of beauty and practicality, there is hardly anything comparable to this method.

Rating of gel polishes

How to choose gel polish

To cover nails with gel polish, beginners should focus on the following points when choosing a product:

1. Professional grade compounds. Such products contain fewer chemical components and more natural ones, which have a beneficial effect on nails.
2. A large number of professionals (beginners and professionals) give preference to well-known brands on the world market (Shellak CND, Beautix UV Gel, BOHEMIA APEX GEL), which have long been able to win the trust of girls. There is no doubt about their quality.
3. Price. Low price is not a guarantee of good quality. Most likely, this coating using gel polishes is suitable for beginners. Craftsmen interested in providing high-level services should pay attention to more expensive materials.
4. Color palette. It should be varied. So that you have plenty to choose the right shade from. But remember that bright colors require 2-3 layers. Accordingly, the product consumption will be greater.

   

5. Easy to apply gel polish and easy to remove from nails. A high-quality product will be evenly distributed over the entire surface of the nail and dry quickly under the influence of UV radiation. In addition, it should be removed even faster after its life cycle (from 2 to 4 weeks) using a special liquid.

What is required for a manicure besides gel polish?

To apply gel polish to your nails, beginners need the following tools:

1. Hand sanitizer. It disinfects hands, nails and cuticles.
2. Primer (base) – it degreases the nail plate, ensures tight adhesion of the natural surface of the nail to the gel polish, thereby extending the life of the manicure.
3. Base coat (first layer) – evens out the nails and hides their minor imperfections. It also prepares the surface of the nails for applying the main color.
4. Colored gel polish.

   

5. Top coat is the final stage in manicure. The top protects nails from external environmental influences, from chips and scratches.
6. Special lamp for drying. The main task of the lamp is to dry the gel polish as quickly as possible. It all depends on its power and variety.

1. Matching nail files. They allow you to carefully process your nails and create the desired shape (almond, oval, square, soft square and others).
2. Buff is one of the types of nail files. It is used at the initial stage of manicure and for removing gel polish.
3. Tools for removing cuticles. These include: special gels for softening and removing cuticles, orange sticks, tweezers, manicure scissors.

   

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4. Cuticle oil. To make the skin along the nail look well-groomed and neat, cuticle oil must be used during the manicure process. It should be rubbed in with massage movements until completely absorbed.
5. Nail degreaser. It removes the sticky layer after using gel polish.
6. Gel polish remover, foil and cotton pads. With the help of these media, gel polish is removed quickly and painlessly. The solution is applied to a cotton pad, which must be pressed tightly to the nail and wrapped with foil on top. After 10-15 minutes, the old layer of gel polish can be easily removed from the nails with an orange stick.

Application technology

Even such a simple procedure requires a careful approach to studying the technology. Before applying gel polish, you need to take care of choosing the material. Next, decide on the availability of tools, if necessary, buy them. Consider purchasing a ready-made kit, the price of which will ultimately help you save money than buying the necessary materials separately. Carefully study the technique of how to properly apply the gel coating, follow the recommendations so that your manicure remains beautiful for three weeks.

Preparing the nail plate

The sequence of the procedure matters, so the work on applying gel polish will begin with processing the nail plate. The cuticle is removed at will, and the nail edge is necessarily formed using a nail file. Ideally, the nail should be smooth, without traces of dust, and of a suitable shape. If cream or oil was used during care, then before the next stage the nail plate will have to be degreased to avoid detachment and make the coating resistant to external factors.

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Removing the top keratin coating with a buff

Grinding is a mandatory stage of technology. The top layer of the nail is polished using a buff with a high abrasiveness coefficient. It is necessary to remove the glossy layer, then the polymer coating will retain its beautiful appearance for a long time. Do not touch the treated nail plate with your fingers; dust and residues are removed with a brush.

Primer application

For better adhesion of the nail plate to the gel polish, a primer is applied. A weakened nail plate after polishing becomes weak and soft. Therefore, there is a need to use a primer as a means to strengthen the natural nail. Since manufacturers produce modern versions of primers without methacrylic acid, you can use this product without fear that it is harmful to your health.

Nail coating

The main rule is to apply the gel in a thin layer. Using a brush, gradually apply the base layer from the free edge, using progressive rubbing movements. Therefore, the material is picked up on the brush in a small amount, passing over the entire nail plate, paying attention to the end. The gel should not get on the cuticle or skin, and then the nail with the polymer coating applied to it should be placed in a UV or LED lamp. It will take one minute for the base to dry in the first device, and the other will dry the gel in 10 seconds.

Finishing

At the final stage, the mandatory use of a finishing agent is provided. Unlike the base, it is applied in a thick layer along the entire length of the nail plate and always at the end of the nail. The final coating helps the nail acquire a fashionable glossy shine, provided that the gel has dried well. It is recommended to apply a transparent Cleanser with moisturizing components on top of it to protect the nail from drying out. After it dries, the gel polish application procedure is completed.

Master class on applying a single-color manicure with gel polish

The trend in 2022 is manicure in pastel shades. Such as beige, powdery, pale pink. This color scheme is perfect for gentle and sophisticated natures.

A classic red manicure will never go out of style.

It is ideal for self-confident and self-sufficient women. And most importantly, it will be appropriate at any time of the year and in any environment, be it everyday work or a relaxing vacation.

Technology for creating a monochromatic manicure with gel polish:

1. It is necessary to disinfect your hands with an antiseptic.
2. Next comes the removal of the old gel polish coating using a special solution, cotton pads and foil.
3. Correcting the shape of the free edge of the nails using a file and a buff.
4. Having previously removed dust from the surface of the nails, you need to generously moisten a lint-free cloth and thoroughly wipe your natural nails with a degreaser. Especially in the cuticle area. You will need one napkin per hand.
5. For more reliable adhesion of materials, it is necessary to apply a primer. You only need the right amount of the drug so that moisture does not remain on the surface of the nail. The primer should evaporate following the movements of the brush.
6. Applying the base should begin with your thumbs. This will save a significant amount of time during the procedure. The consistency of the base must be stretched from the cuticle to the free edge of the nail.
7. Fix the coating in an ultraviolet lamp for at least 30 seconds.
8. Next, you should evenly distribute the first thin layer of colored gel polish over the entire surface of the nail. Paying special attention to the sides of the nail plate and the end of the free edge.
9. Fix the coating under UV radiation for at least 1 minute.
10. Using the same scheme, it is necessary to apply a second layer and then seal it under ultraviolet rays.
11. After applying the color, you need to alternately cover all the nails with top coat (finish coat) and dry them under the lamp. For best results, it is recommended to apply the top in two layers.

    

12. At the end of the procedure, use a degreaser to remove the sticky layer with a lint-free cloth.

New fashionable gel nail designs for 2022

Fashion trends in nail art keep gel polish coating at the peak of popularity. The main idea is to give natural nails an almond-shaped or slightly rounded shape, leave them short, and choose a not very bright color palette. Shades of the polymer coating together with bluesky decorative elements (rhinestones, sparkles) should create the effect of jewelry on the nails.

Reverse French design is a fashion trend that is also ideal for pedicures. To ensure that the gel polish coating corresponds to fashion trends, choose a color scheme that will help you paint a three-layer French or moonlit coat. Pastel shades, drawings with lines, figures, and patterns remain relevant. Among the new products that claim to become next season's favorites are gel polishes that imitate a matte finish. You will find many photos of new products for 2015 below.

Master class on applying multi-colored manicure with gel polish

French manicure, or French in other words, has been popular for many years. Due to the organic combinatorics of the natural shade of nails with white color, you get a neat, beautiful manicure that is ideal for girls and women of any age.

French adds femininity to the image of its owner and emphasizes the length and beauty of her nails.

Step-by-step instructions for creating a French manicure using gel polish:

1. The first stage is preparing the nail plate. It is necessary to process the free edges of the nails, remove the cuticle using auxiliary tools, and degrease the surface.
2. Apply primer and dry under lamp for at least 30 seconds.
3. Apply a thin base coat and dry for at least 1 minute.
4. Apply the main color (light beige, light pink) to the entire surface of the nails and dry under a lamp for at least 1-2 minutes. It is recommended to apply 1-2 layers.

   

5. Using a thin brush for nail art, you need to draw a crescent line on the tip of the nails and dry it in a lamp for 1-2 minutes. Cover in 1-2 layers. If you can’t handle a brush, you can use stencils to create a French manicure.
6. Fixing the design with a top. Dry under lamp.
7. Removing the sticky layer using a degreaser.
8. Applying nourishing cuticle oil.

Tips and tricks

Often girls are interested in how to make drawings with gel polish. To make your nail design successful, you need to follow some tips and recommendations while working. The main rule when working with gel coating is to degrease your nails before applying it. Due to this, there is a more reliable adhesion of the varnish to the nail plate. Otherwise, after a few days the gel coating will swell and air bubbles will form.

The gel layer should be thin and uniform. Otherwise your nails will look too rough. You should not allow the coating at the tip of the nails to be thicker than at the base. Be sure to dry your nails under a lamp after each layer. Do not allow the gel to get on the skin of your fingers or flow onto the cuticle. This will make the manicure seem sloppy.

Thus, you can make a beautiful manicure using gel polish at home. But during the design process, you must follow the recommendations of professionals, otherwise the coating will turn out to be of poor quality. As for the drawing, it can be anything. The main thing is to choose the right colors.

How to apply simple patterns and designs to gel polish

The main tool for creating designs on nails are special brushes.

They are:

• in the form of a fan;
• wide flat with an even or oblique cut;
• thin with different lengths of pile;
• dots;

Popular ideas:

1. Web. After coating with colored gel polish, beginners should polish the nail and using a thin brush, you can safely draw patterns that represent a spider’s web. The main thing is to initially collect a minimum amount of material, and then add little by little as you go.

   

2. Monograms. The design is created using a single-color gel polish and a brush, convenient for a beginner in size. After the base, you need to put a little dark gel polish on your brush, black will look most expressive, and draw monograms in the shape of semicircles. To get an elegant design on each nail, you can make monograms in different colors rather than one. If desired and in the mood, you can add rhinestones, sparkles, and stickers.
3. To create roses on your nails you will need: dots, several colored gel polishes and a thin brush. After drying the base layer, you need to cover your nails with the main color of gel polish and seal the result under the lamp. When it dries, you can draw roses.

Gel polish coating for beginners with designs and patterns is always relevant. Roses will lift your spirits in the spring and summer. And cobwebs and monograms will add zest in winter and autumn.

How to apply decor to a manicure with gel polish

Popular techniques for performing nail designs:

1. Rhinestone inlay is part of the image of a charming and gentle girl. Rhinestones are glued in a chaotic manner naturally onto the uncured surface of the nail, coated with gel polish. The decor hardens under a UV lamp and at the final stage is filled with a finishing coat to ensure the durability of the manicure. Rhinestones can be complemented with patterns and designs.

   

2. Rubbing. This is a special finely ground powder for nail art. It is rubbed onto the already lamp-dried nail surface. The result is a natural shine effect. A manicure with this design will fit perfectly into a festive look.
3. Broken glass. The effect is created using a small piece of multi-colored foil, which must first be cut into small pieces of the desired shape. They should be carefully distributed over the nail plate. You can make an unusual pattern or mosaic out of them. This design is suitable for everyday life.

Gel polish coating for beginners has a lot of advantages. These include: attractive appearance, durability and protection from household defects. In order for the coating to be perfect, you need to choose only high-quality tools and materials, as well as a good, powerful lamp. In this case, a manicure will always please the eye.

Video

You don’t have to go to a salon to get a beautiful manicure; you can achieve what you want at home thanks to video tutorials. To know how to apply gel coating on nails using the correct technology, read the recommendations of experienced nail artists. The necessary materials and tools are available for sale, all you have to do is apply your perseverance combined with the desire to please yourself by creating a beautiful, fashionable manicure with a glossy finish. If the technology is followed correctly, gel polish will retain its attractive appearance for several weeks.