Achieving a flawless and long-lasting gel polish overlay starts with proper nail preparation. Prepping the nails correctly not only ensures a smooth application but also helps in preventing lifting, chipping, and other issues that can compromise the durability of your manicure. Let's dive into a step-by-step guide on how to prepare your nails for a gel polish overlay for a professional and polished look.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin, gather all the necessary supplies for nail preparation. This includes a nail file, cuticle pusher, nail buffer, lint-free wipes, nail cleanser or alcohol, and Foxxi All About That Base Hema Free Base coat.
Step 2: Remove Old Polish
Start by removing any existing nail polish using an acetone-based nail polish remover. Ensure that your nails are clean and free of any residue before proceeding to the next step.
Step 3: Shape and File Nails
Use a nail file to shape your nails to your desired length and shape. File the edges gently to smooth out any rough edges and create a uniform canvas for the gel polish overlay.
Step 4: Push Back Cuticles
Gently push back your cuticles using a cuticle pusher or orange stick. This helps to create a clean and neat nail bed for the gel polish application.
Step 5: Buff the Nail Surface
Use a nail buffer to gently buff the surface of your nails. This step helps to remove any shine or oils from the nail plate, allowing the gel polish to adhere better and prevent lifting.
Step 6: Cleanse the Nails
Take a lint-free wipe or cotton pad soaked in nail cleanser or alcohol and thoroughly cleanse the nail surface to remove any dust, oils, or residue from the previous steps. This step is crucial for ensuring optimal adhesion of the gel polish.
Step 7: Apply Foxxi All About That Base, High Tack HEMA Free Base Coat
Apply a thin, even layer of Foxxi All About That Base, High Tack HEMA Free Base Coat to each nail, making sure to cap the free edge. The base coat helps to create a smooth surface for the gel polish overlay and promotes better adhesion and longevity of the manicure.
Step 8: Cure Foxxi All About That Base, High Tack HEMA Free Base Coat
Place your nails under an LEDUV lamp and cure the for a minimum of 60 seconds. Proper curing is essential for ensuring that the base coat sets and adheres securely to the nail.
Follow the steps above and then complete your gel overlay with gel colour, art, if you like! & then our Foxxi Super Shine HEMA FreeTop Coat.
With these simple steps, you can effectively prepare your nails for a gel polish overlay that not only looks stunning but also lasts longer without chipping or lifting. Nail preparation is key to achieving a professional finish and ensuring that your gel manicure stays flawless for days to come.