DIY Gel nails

[FortyFacedFuckers]

I’m really trying to reduce my expenses and my gel nail appointments are adding up. Does anyone do their own gel nails at home and have product recommendations or helpful tips?

Thank you for the responses to my query. Removal is what puts me off trying to do my own. Do you need to file the top first?

I was going to mention the warning pp does above about allergens. Most people who develop these have apparently been using home systems where the curing lamp may not be exactly right for the gel polish used. It means you may not have certain surgeries requiring bone cement in future. So be extremely careful!

Another vote for Glaize really quick and simple to apply and last two weeks minimum great shades to choose from and even nail art if that’s your thing.

Not for Manucurist, I don't know about other systems. I bought this system because it looked so easy and low maintenance (and is!).

Not for mylee. If you wrap your nails in cotton wool pads soaked in remover for 20 mins, the varnish just slides right off.

if you do do it (I do occasionally) make sure your lamp matches the requirements of your product eg CND lamp + CND polishes
do not undercure
Undercured gel nails, caused by insufficient UV/LED lamp exposure or improper curing, pose serious health risks, primarily leading to lifelong allergic reactions, such as contact dermatitis, due to exposure to uncured monomers. Symptoms include skin itching, redness, blistering, onycholysis (nail separation), and weakened, brittle nails

Holy gels, because they're a wrap do not need top filing for removal. You use oil.

I switched to home uv gel/biab manicures during the covid lockdowns. Then I read about the risks of developing allergies, and the issues this could cause further down the line, so decided to stop using gels completely.

You need to be really, really careful with home gel manicures.