Quantcast

DIY Acrylic Nails, not too hard!

Which would you prefer?

  • DIY Acrylics

    Votes: 17 20.2%
  • Press-on Acrylics

    Votes: 21 25.0%
  • Risk it all at the nail salon

    Votes: 4 4.8%
  • I'm going natural

    Votes: 12 14.3%
  • F**k these nails

    Votes: 6 7.1%
  • DIY Gel

    Votes: 12 14.3%
  • DIY Dip

    Votes: 12 14.3%

  • Total voters
    84

FinallyLoggedIn

Team Owner
Joined
Nov 16, 2018
Messages
27,874
Reaction score
Reactions
336,065 9,100 3,943
424,235
Alleybux
806,797
In the spirit of Quarantine and COVID-ness, I did my own acrylics.

A bih spent $350, but it'll pay for itself in the long run because a bih ain't going back to the salon anytime soon. Pros outweigh the cons.

PROS

1. No PAIN. No accidental cuts. No "Ooops! Sorry!" No throbbing nails. No overgrinding with the electric shaper. No nail-bed/cuticle damage. I care about my hands so I took my time with them.

2. Cost effective af. Yeah I spent $350, but it'll pay for itself in 6 more uses.

3. I can watch what I wanna watch on TV. I ain't gotta watch to no got damn cheap ass chAriana Grande's music videos...

4. I get the exact shape I want without having to describe it.

5. I ain't gotta go anywhere. Period.

6. I can't catch COVID. And it can't catch me.

7. If I break one somehow or need a fill-in, I can fill it and fix it sooner than later.

8. Better quality products. I can use my own safer products like non-acetone polish remover and Gellish nourish cuticle oil.

9. No risk for infection or reuse of tools that have been used on multiple people.

CONS

1. I ain't no pro for sh!t, but I'll improve over time. I feel I did well for my first try.

2. Took 2 hours, maybe 2 and a half.

3. Limited color options. You know them Asians be having 3,598 color options.

4. It's work. The amount of filing you have to do... No wonder them Asians be rough af. Like, get it over with. That's why one hand looks better than the other. I'm also left-handed so my right hand will always look better (which is why it's the one in the photo).

5. Upfront costs. I didn't expect to have to spend that much, but I wanted a lot of extra sh!t. So yeah that amount also includes chrome powder, matte polish finish, 30 bottles of gel polish, a bulk pack of nail glue, an electric shaper, UV lamp, and a metal case for holding everything. I likely could have gotten this done spending $100-150 less.


Here's a pic of my hand and likely the most y'all will ever see of me. :glad


IMG-1628.jpg
 

sunsetbeach

Justice for Cheverly!
Joined
Feb 8, 2010
Messages
10,505
Reaction score
Reactions
91,554 1,387 422
102,585
Alleybux
337,658
Aaww. It looks nice! You did a great first time job tbh!

I do my own gel nails with LED lamp. Been wanting to step up to builder/poly gels, but not willing to spend on all the kit yet.
 

apryll6969

Team Owner
Joined
Oct 7, 2015
Messages
43,200
Reaction score
Reactions
279,986 8,310 1,917
342,708
Alleybux
10,000
Aaww. It looks nice! You did a great first time job tbh!

I do my own gel nails with LED lamp. Been wanting to step up to builder/poly gels, but not willing to spend on all the kit yet.

They are very convenient and no need for a brush, you can use it straight from the tube
 

sunsetbeach

Justice for Cheverly!
Joined
Feb 8, 2010
Messages
10,505
Reaction score
Reactions
91,554 1,387 422
102,585
Alleybux
337,658
They are very convenient and no need for a brush, you can use it straight from the tube
You mean just squeeze it on the nail and shape with your fingers? I've never not seen a brush used. Interesting!
 

Lewa

Team Owner
Joined
Mar 26, 2010
Messages
7,560
Reaction score
Reactions
76,030 1,800 815
78,925
Alleybux
526,546
They are pretty! I do the dip too at the moment. I’ve even bought the sheer one and just use my regular polish over it. I have a lot lol. Yes it gets better over time.
 

Ms. PrettyMac

General Manager
Joined
Sep 5, 2012
Messages
2,326
Reaction score
Reactions
11,446 328 52
13,591
Alleybux
67,268
Looks good! I did mine over the weekend. I bought a kit for less than $20. Im going to eventually add more. I want to get to encapsulation, thats what I used to get done.
 

SupremeBitch

Young and Pruned
Joined
Nov 23, 2012
Messages
290
Reaction score
Reactions
3,987 40 5
4,263
Alleybux
3,750
You did good! I wanted to try doing my own acrylics but knowing me I would buy all the sh!t and quit halfway through so I just ordered press ons instead lol.
 

MzTeaze

QueenSupreme
Joined
Nov 6, 2009
Messages
11,251
Reaction score
Reactions
58,294 1,366 276
65,984
Alleybux
155,524
Your nails look great. It takes a couple of tries until you get comfortable.

But once you get comfortable,you can save a tons of money.
 

FinallyLoggedIn

Team Owner
Joined
Nov 16, 2018
Messages
27,874
Reaction score
Reactions
336,065 9,100 3,943
424,235
Alleybux
806,797
Aaww. It looks nice! You did a great first time job tbh!

I do my own gel nails with LED lamp. Been wanting to step up to builder/poly gels, but not willing to spend on all the kit yet.
I started out doing gel at home. It’s a lot quicker but I’m addicted to tips now
 

AnjeeBanjee

Gratuitous
Joined
Jan 2, 2016
Messages
15,037
Reaction score
Reactions
104,832 2,308 964
118,850
Alleybux
122,263
Good job op (y)

Will you share your buy links/ amazon links?

I have an led/ uv lamp on my amazon list along with some chrome powders

I want to judge how much is too much to pay for a lamp

I’m considering a grinder but don’t want to damage my nails

I currently use sally Hanson over the counter gel polish

I have 1 gal acetone & A pack of clips for soaking off nails

also is there a YouTuber you get instructions from?

My plan is to not return to the salon/ expense post covid

lol at nobody checking- risk it all at the salon :LOL:
 

FinallyLoggedIn

Team Owner
Joined
Nov 16, 2018
Messages
27,874
Reaction score
Reactions
336,065 9,100 3,943
424,235
Alleybux
806,797
Good job op (y)

Will you share your buy links/ amazon links?

I have an led/ uv lamp on my amazon list along with some chrome powders

I want to judge how much is too much to pay for a lamp

I’m considering a grinder but don’t want to damage my nails

I currently use sally Hanson over the counter gel polish

I have 1 gal acetone & A pack of clips for soaking off nails

also is there a YouTuber you get instructions from?

My plan is to not return to the salon/ expense post covid

lol at nobody checking- risk it all at the salon :LOL:
I can post a buy list. I didn’t want to post one if no one cared specifically what I purchased. I didn’t watch a tutorial. I always watch the tech when they do my nails so I did it off memory. I can list my steps. I wanna say my uv lamp was like $18. I gotta double check. If it wasn’t it was $25.

Grinders are ok. Just use a softer tip, you can’t go wrong unless you use the rough tip.
 

AnjeeBanjee

Gratuitous
Joined
Jan 2, 2016
Messages
15,037
Reaction score
Reactions
104,832 2,308 964
118,850
Alleybux
122,263
Thanks op. I’m definitely interested. Wow here I was ready to pay over $50 for a light.
 

Fabulous Foxxx

~Bright-Eyed&Bushy-Tailed
Joined
Aug 18, 2009
Messages
47,321
Reaction score
Reactions
261,211 7,397 4,510
280,781
Alleybux
959,330
Great job!! Nice color, pretty complexion!

ETA Im doing gel full covers, you don’t have that option in the poll!
I prefer to be able to design them while not on my hand, I like art on them.
 
Last edited:

anangelxo

I don't fix typos.
Joined
Jul 18, 2016
Messages
6,460
Reaction score
Reactions
76,072 2,720 1,089
87,411
Alleybux
349,588
They look great! I tried DIY acrylic once and it was terrible, lol. I learned how to do my own polygel so I'll wear that sometimes but I generally just stick to my natural nails.
 

Jalina

MVP
Joined
Jan 5, 2019
Messages
766
Reaction score
Reactions
4,067 63 8
5,928
Alleybux
39,228
You did great! Im sure it will take a lot less than 2 hours with practice and $350 is not that bad. It’s a smart investment!
 

BeautyNUniq

General Manager
Joined
Feb 21, 2013
Messages
4,961
Reaction score
Reactions
38,627 731 208
44,239
Alleybux
480,515
I admire y’all that have the patience to do your own nails. I went to my nail tech over the weekend and got a new full set. She’s young and black- so I like supporting. Plus, I was tired of my fingers looking like little sausages.
 

FinallyLoggedIn

Team Owner
Joined
Nov 16, 2018
Messages
27,874
Reaction score
Reactions
336,065 9,100 3,943
424,235
Alleybux
806,797
Buy List:
  1. Nail Glue - $12 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08576X37C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  2. Acetone Free Polish Remover - $9 -
  3. Acrylic Powder - $18 -
  4. Acrylic Monomer - $18 -
  5. Chrome Nail Powder - $18 -
  6. Case - $27 -
  7. Coffin Nails (Use as tips or full cover) - $18 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L4J7L42/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  8. Spring/Summer Nail Polish 6 pc Set - $17 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L4J7L42/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  9. Grey/Pink Nude Nail Polish 6pc Set - $23 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XFCDW64/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o03_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  10. WEARING -> Modelones 16-color Nail Polish Set (w/ Base & Top Coat) - $40 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QL5GN34/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o03_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  11. Modelones Acrylic Powder Brush (the glitter moves)- $21 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WJ5HJ79/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o03_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  12. Matte Nail Polish Topper (for 2) - $10 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07N9HXC2K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o03_s04?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  13. Electric Nail File - $26 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HK2XDM4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o03_s05?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  14. UV Lamp (don't remember it costing that much lol) - $44 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JGG5CH4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o03_s05?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  15. Nail Buffers - $14 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PF8TM9P/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_image_s05?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  16. Thick Nail Clipper - $15 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D2863XZ/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_image_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  17. Soak-off Clips - $9 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XDK6KMC/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  18. Polish Remover Pads - $7 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TBJLKQT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  19. HIGHLY RECOMMEND -> Gellish Essentials Set - $35 - https://www.amazon.com/Gelish-Fanta...keywords=gelish+nourish&qid=1589899573&sr=8-4


Steps:

1. Washed hands
2. Soak-off anything on my nail. I put the polish remover on the pads and then put it on my nails then apply the soak-off clips.
3. Trim and shape nails. I keep my natural nails short. I don't like stuff getting between my nail and my tips. I just use a simple emory board on the edges of my nails and sponge on top. Sponge is fine grit. I have ridges and that gets rid of them. I try to use a soft metal tip on the electric shaper to shave down my cuticles. That doesn't hurt.
4. Washed hands again (filing dust) and applied polish remover to dry out the nail.
5. Apply glue on tip and then on my nail. I pick out all 10 nails before starting and put them in rows of 2. I do my thumbs last. Pinky first. Least dominant hand first. It makes it easier.
6. I cut down the nails to my desired length. Then I file the coffin shape back into them (takes some time).
7. I wipe my nails down, again with polish remover to get the dust off. Here is where I would apply the pH bond after the polish remover.
8. Small bowl with powder aside a small bowl with a LITTLE monomer. Dip the brush in the monomer and pat then pat the brush in the powder until I can see a little flat pink gel blob.
9. I put the blob right over the crease between my nail and the fake one and smooth it out in both directions. You gotta move fast here.
10. Once all nails have acrylic on them, I take a course, flat nail file and shape the nail with an electric buffer. This takes the longest time if you were sloppy with the acrylic application. I take a sponge after I'm done and smooth down my shaping.
11. Gel base on thumbs & cure in UV lamp, then other fingers.
12. Gel color on thumbs & cure in UV lamp, then do other fingers.
13. Gel top coat on thumbs & cure in UV lamp, then do other fingers. The reason I always do my thumbs first is because I've had experience with it sloping to one side when I do the whole hand at once.
14. Some top coats require you to wipe with polish remover afterwards.
 

FinallyLoggedIn

Team Owner
Joined
Nov 16, 2018
Messages
27,874
Reaction score
Reactions
336,065 9,100 3,943
424,235
Alleybux
806,797
Great job!! Nice color, pretty complexion!

ETA Im doing gel full covers, you don’t have that option in the poll!
I prefer to be able to design them while not on my hand, I like art on them.
I put it in the poll lol The tips I own are full covers, but I don't use them as such. I might try it.
 

AnjeeBanjee

Gratuitous
Joined
Jan 2, 2016
Messages
15,037
Reaction score
Reactions
104,832 2,308 964
118,850
Alleybux
122,263
MVP - Op, you are, for laying it out like this! Thank and Bless you! :heart:

Buy List:
  1. Nail Glue - $12 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08576X37C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  2. Acetone Free Polish Remover - $9 -
  3. Acrylic Powder - $18 -
  4. Acrylic Monomer - $18 -
  5. Chrome Nail Powder - $18 -
  6. Case - $27 -
  7. Coffin Nails (Use as tips or full cover) - $18 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L4J7L42/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  8. Spring/Summer Nail Polish 6 pc Set - $17 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L4J7L42/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  9. Grey/Pink Nude Nail Polish 6pc Set - $23 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XFCDW64/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o03_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  10. WEARING -> Modelones 16-color Nail Polish Set (w/ Base & Top Coat) - $40 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QL5GN34/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o03_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  11. Modelones Acrylic Powder Brush (the glitter moves)- $21 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WJ5HJ79/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o03_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  12. Matte Nail Polish Topper (for 2) - $10 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07N9HXC2K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o03_s04?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  13. Electric Nail File - $26 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HK2XDM4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o03_s05?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  14. UV Lamp (don't remember it costing that much lol) - $44 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JGG5CH4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o03_s05?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  15. Nail Buffers - $14 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PF8TM9P/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_image_s05?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  16. Thick Nail Clipper - $15 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D2863XZ/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_image_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  17. Soak-off Clips - $9 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XDK6KMC/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  18. Polish Remover Pads - $7 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TBJLKQT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  19. HIGHLY RECOMMEND -> Gellish Essentials Set - $35 - https://www.amazon.com/Gelish-Fanta...keywords=gelish+nourish&qid=1589899573&sr=8-4


Steps:

1. Washed hands
2. Soak-off anything on my nail. I put the polish remover on the pads and then put it on my nails then apply the soak-off clips.
3. Trim and shape nails. I keep my natural nails short. I don't like stuff getting between my nail and my tips. I just use a simple emory board on the edges of my nails and sponge on top. Sponge is fine grit. I have ridges and that gets rid of them. I try to use a soft metal tip on the electric shaper to shave down my cuticles. That doesn't hurt.
4. Washed hands again (filing dust) and applied polish remover to dry out the nail.
5. Apply glue on tip and then on my nail. I pick out all 10 nails before starting and put them in rows of 2. I do my thumbs last. Pinky first. Least dominant hand first. It makes it easier.
6. I cut down the nails to my desired length. Then I file the coffin shape back into them (takes some time).
7. I wipe my nails down, again with polish remover to get the dust off. Here is where I would apply the pH bond after the polish remover.
8. Small bowl with powder aside a small bowl with a LITTLE monomer. Dip the brush in the monomer and pat then pat the brush in the powder until I can see a little flat pink gel blob.
9. I put the blob right over the crease between my nail and the fake one and smooth it out in both directions. You gotta move fast here.
10. Once all nails have acrylic on them, I take a course, flat nail file and shape the nail with an electric buffer. This takes the longest time if you were sloppy with the acrylic application. I take a sponge after I'm done and smooth down my shaping.
11. Gel base on thumbs & cure in UV lamp, then other fingers.
12. Gel color on thumbs & cure in UV lamp, then do other fingers.
13. Gel top coat on thumbs & cure in UV lamp, then do other fingers. The reason I always do my thumbs first is because I've had experience with it sloping to one side when I do the whole hand at once.
14. Some top coats require you to wipe with polish remover afterwards.
 

PisceanPower

General Manager
Joined
Aug 9, 2017
Messages
1,006
Reaction score
Reactions
11,940 812 74
17,414
Alleybux
33,681
I’ve done builder gel on paper forms, acrylics, and poly gel. My current fav is the Orly builder in a bottle. You literally just brush it on like nail polish and cure it. So easy.

My only weakness is shaping. I love almond nails but they are one of the hardest to shape.
 

AnjeeBanjee

Gratuitous
Joined
Jan 2, 2016
Messages
15,037
Reaction score
Reactions
104,832 2,308 964
118,850
Alleybux
122,263
Got my list ready

thanks for the tip about best order to do nails in

does the monomer blob need to be cured?
How long do your nails last?
 

Chrysanthemum

A Woman/Chrysler
Joined
Nov 18, 2014
Messages
9,446
Reaction score
Reactions
32,177 1,007 832
34,392
Alleybux
28,000
i bought acrylic nails a while ago and used just the glue and they popped off pretty quick when i did. finally just decided to buy monomer an all that and i just did my nails tonight. i bought a huge bulk pack of nail files and i already had an electric drill. i don't like the thought of dehydrating my nails for them to last longer so i don't do that. i had 2 nails that i didn't do well so i re-did them. i also buffed the nail. i haven't painted them yet and hopefully by me leaving them to set overnight this will be more successful. i'll check in the am and paint them. i hope they last at least a week usually nails barely last 2 days on me even if i don't do dishes so a week would be AMAZING.

also i had monomer/ that blob all over my hands lol

do ya'll have any tips to get the acrylic/monomer off your brushes? i'm thinking soak it in polish remover but i just wanna know if anyone does anything different.
 

UniquelyGemini

Established
Joined
Sep 17, 2008
Messages
37,602
Reaction score
Reactions
141,781 6,198 1,771
160,836
Alleybux
2,424,398
I can't see a pic, but Asians also typically use cheap ass products and that's why nails break or you have lifting. When i get my nails done they last a month at least.


V.(why doesn't it let me spell out V@lentino) makes AWESOME products and thankfully you don't need a license to purchase. His products are also used in nail salons and I LOVE his neon colors. I love the pink and yellow. That yellow had my hand popping, but he has tons of colors, affordable, he has sales, and you can buy a collection if you want. If I start doing my own nails I will use his prodcts. I wanna try that milky (nut colored) white one day.( that is what they were calling them. Nut nails or something cause the color looks like cum or something. It's actually American white. Clear and white powder mixed together.)
 
Last edited:

vnatural29

VNatural
Joined
Jun 15, 2014
Messages
450
Reaction score
Reactions
1,686 16 2
2,420
Alleybux
535
Buy List:
  1. Nail Glue - $12 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08576X37C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  2. Acetone Free Polish Remover - $9 -
  3. Acrylic Powder - $18 -
  4. Acrylic Monomer - $18 -
  5. Chrome Nail Powder - $18 -
  6. Case - $27 -
  7. Coffin Nails (Use as tips or full cover) - $18 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L4J7L42/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  8. Spring/Summer Nail Polish 6 pc Set - $17 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L4J7L42/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  9. Grey/Pink Nude Nail Polish 6pc Set - $23 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XFCDW64/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o03_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  10. WEARING -> Modelones 16-color Nail Polish Set (w/ Base & Top Coat) - $40 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QL5GN34/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o03_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  11. Modelones Acrylic Powder Brush (the glitter moves)- $21 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WJ5HJ79/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o03_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  12. Matte Nail Polish Topper (for 2) - $10 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07N9HXC2K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o03_s04?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  13. Electric Nail File - $26 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HK2XDM4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o03_s05?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  14. UV Lamp (don't remember it costing that much lol) - $44 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JGG5CH4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o03_s05?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  15. Nail Buffers - $14 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PF8TM9P/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_image_s05?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  16. Thick Nail Clipper - $15 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D2863XZ/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_image_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  17. Soak-off Clips - $9 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XDK6KMC/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  18. Polish Remover Pads - $7 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TBJLKQT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  19. HIGHLY RECOMMEND -> Gellish Essentials Set - $35 - https://www.amazon.com/Gelish-Fanta...keywords=gelish+nourish&qid=1589899573&sr=8-4


Steps:

1. Washed hands
2. Soak-off anything on my nail. I put the polish remover on the pads and then put it on my nails then apply the soak-off clips.
3. Trim and shape nails. I keep my natural nails short. I don't like stuff getting between my nail and my tips. I just use a simple emory board on the edges of my nails and sponge on top. Sponge is fine grit. I have ridges and that gets rid of them. I try to use a soft metal tip on the electric shaper to shave down my cuticles. That doesn't hurt.
4. Washed hands again (filing dust) and applied polish remover to dry out the nail.
5. Apply glue on tip and then on my nail. I pick out all 10 nails before starting and put them in rows of 2. I do my thumbs last. Pinky first. Least dominant hand first. It makes it easier.
6. I cut down the nails to my desired length. Then I file the coffin shape back into them (takes some time).
7. I wipe my nails down, again with polish remover to get the dust off. Here is where I would apply the pH bond after the polish remover.
8. Small bowl with powder aside a small bowl with a LITTLE monomer. Dip the brush in the monomer and pat then pat the brush in the powder until I can see a little flat pink gel blob.
9. I put the blob right over the crease between my nail and the fake one and smooth it out in both directions. You gotta move fast here.
10. Once all nails have acrylic on them, I take a course, flat nail file and shape the nail with an electric buffer. This takes the longest time if you were sloppy with the acrylic application. I take a sponge after I'm done and smooth down my shaping.
11. Gel base on thumbs & cure in UV lamp, then other fingers.
12. Gel color on thumbs & cure in UV lamp, then do other fingers.
13. Gel top coat on thumbs & cure in UV lamp, then do other fingers. The reason I always do my thumbs first is because I've had experience with it sloping to one side when I do the whole hand at once.
14. Some top coats require you to wipe with polish remover afterwards.


Thank you for posting this.
 

Chrysanthemum

A Woman/Chrysler
Joined
Nov 18, 2014
Messages
9,446
Reaction score
Reactions
32,177 1,007 832
34,392
Alleybux
28,000
i decided to get some nail primer because my nails popped off super fast. hopefully that will help them stay on longer. i do have a super smooth nail bed but i don't want to rough up my natural nails in favor of temporary acrylics. so we'll see how this next experiment goes once the stuff gets here.
 

Ilykeggs

Team Owner
Joined
May 29, 2014
Messages
10,730
Reaction score
Reactions
88,662 3,272 684
96,453
Alleybux
13,404
I was doing my own gel nails for a while but I over drilled my nails and they got badly damaged. I had to let them grow out while cutting off the damage. My nails are back strong and healthy and now I'm scared to damage them again
 

DarlinNiki

Prince's Favorite Muse
Joined
Apr 15, 2007
Messages
12,634
Reaction score
Reactions
49,064 663 296
55,575
Alleybux
465,468
I was doing my own gel nails for a while but I over drilled my nails and they got badly damaged. I had to let them grow out while cutting off the damage. My nails are back strong and healthy and now I'm scared to damage them again

What about gel nails instead? Less filing.
 

Similar Threads

News Alley

The Lounge

General Alley

Top Bottom