Back To Basics: 3 steps to ensure your gel polish goes the distance

At Pure Nails, we think that Lockdown 2.0 is the perfect time to go back to basics and perfect your core skills; namely how ensure a chip-free, durable finish.

Step 1: Preparation

Cuticle work: This step is vital in the application of flawless gel polish. Gently push back the cuticle by using the  manicure spoon. Once the cuticles has been pushed back from the nail plate, use the pointed side of the manicure spoon to gently work around the nail, making sure all dead cells have been removed.

Remove any dead skin from the nail plate with Cuticle Nippers. As a rule of thumb, anything white and sticking up can be removed; if there is nothing to cut, don’t cut it! Your prep work should take 10-15 minutes.

Shape the nails: Now time dehydrate the nail plate to aid adhesion of the product. Use Prep & Scrub, which also helps to remove any debris from the nails.

Shape the nail to the client’s preference using the Halo 240/240-grit Elite file, using the round edge to get close to the cuticle area and the square end to work down the sides on the nails. Check your prep work before moving onto gel polish application.

Step 2: Application

Apply Base Coat: At this point, you can find out a bit about your client and their lifestyle, as different base coats work better for different clients. For example, if your client has brittle nails, try the Halo Rubber Base Coat.

When applying a base coat, start in the middle of the nail and then push it up to the top of the nail so that you do not flood the cuticle area. Next, stroke down each side wall of the nail and then cap the end. To finish off the base coat, make sure no product is touching the skin before curing for 30 seconds in the Halo Lamp.

Apply colour: Once the base coat has been applied, apply your chosen shade(s). Halo has over 200 gel polish shades in the range so it can be a tricky step! Apply a thin coat of Halo Gel Polish colour in the middle of the nail and pushing it up towards the cuticle area. Brush down each side wall and cap the end of the nail. Cure for 30 seconds and repeat for a second coat.

Apply top coat: Now the colour has been applied, finish off the manicure or pedicure with a Top Coat. At Pure Nails we offer a Non-Wipe Top Coat, which is our most popular Top Coat as there is no need to wipe away a tacky layer after curing. Use the same techniques as with gel polish colour application and cure for 30 seconds.

Step 3: Aftercare

Cuticle Oil: To finish the gel polish mani, massage cuticle oil into your clients cuticles and nails. This is such an important step and keeps the nail area hydrated, aiding flexibility to help the gel polish last longer.

BOOST YOUR KNOWLEDGE!

Over lockdown 2.0, Pure Nails will be proving FREE live workshops every Wednesday at 7pm on the Pure Nails Instagram.

All products mentioned are available via www.purenails.co