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Nail Your Gel Mani At Home
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Nail Your
Gel Mani
At Home
Think you can only get gorgeous gel nails from a pro? Think again! We’ll show you how to achieve a salon-quality manicure from the comfort of your home.
BY GELISH
07.16.25

There’s something undeniably satisfying about leaving the salon with a fresh set of glossy gel nails. But with busy schedules, discerning beauty lovers are turning to at-home gel manicures—and the good news is, it’s easier than ever to get professional-looking results even when doing them yourself. Thanks to innovations in gel polish technology and a few expert tips, you can master the art of the at-home mani while keeping your nails looking fresh, chip-free, and healthy.

It’s All in the Prep

Nail pros will tell you one thing for certain: A long-lasting gel manicure always starts with proper nail prep—which means don’t jump straight into applying base coat. Rather, begin by pushing back your cuticles with a pusher, an orangewood stick, or even your own fingernails in a pinch. File your nails so they’re smooth and there aren’t any jagged edges. Then, with a very light hand, gently buff the surface of your nails. Keep in mind, this is just to remove the shine; you don’t want to file into your natural nail, otherwise you could cause damage to the nail plate. Finally, thoroughly wipe each nail with Nail Surface Cleanse to remove oil and debris. This step is often skipped in DIY manicures, but it makes a huge difference in how long your gel lasts. Leaving the oils and dust on your nails keeps the base coat from properly sticking, resulting in premature lifting.

It’s All in the Prep

Apply Like a Pro

When it comes to applying gel polish, less is more. It may feel like using thick coats of gel will ensure a sturdy base, but that’s actually quite the opposite: You run the risk of undercuring with heavy layers of gel, which can cause lifting and peeling. Instead, multiple thin coats, cured completely, will garner the best results. Start with a thin coat of Gelish base coat, and be sure to cap the free edge—that means swiping the edge of your nail with the brush. This creates a seal that will help prevent chipping. Follow with two thin coats of the Gelish Gel Polish color of your choice, capping the free edge each time, and curing after each layer. Finish with a Gelish top coat for that high-shine appearance.

Use the Right Tools

Having the right tools and products on hand can make or break your results. First, it should go without saying that high-quality products from a reliable source should always be your go-to—no matter how appealing those brands on TikTok may look. It’s also important to know the right products and tools to use given your level of experience. Some products simply won’t perform as well for you at home as they will for a trained professional in a salon—and understanding that is half the battle. Opting for the best products for you is what will give you those salon-quality results. For example, Gelish Foundation is the trusted favorite base gel for its long-wear and non-damaging results. But, Gelish Quick Release Base Nail Gel produces the same results, yet removes 25% faster—which makes quite a bit of difference when you’re removing your gels at home.

Likewise, having a reliable LED light is key to achieving a proper cure—and thus a professional-looking mani. A must-have for DIYers and beginners alike is the new Gelish Go Kit, which includes everything you need for a full gel application. One of the best parts is that it comes with the Pocket LED Light, a compact, rechargeable LED lamp that cures your Gelish Gel Polish in just 45 seconds. It’s small enough to toss in a bag, but powerful enough to work with all your gel products, including Soft Gel and PolyGel Brand. The coolest part? The light twists open to accommodate longer nails and even toes, making it super versatile for all kinds of at-home nail sessions.

Use the Right Tools

Finishing Touches

Once you’ve applied your gel top coat and cured your final layer, swipe your nails with Nail Surface Cleanse to remove the tacky layer and reveal a glossy finish. Apply a little Nourish with Hyaluronic Acid Cuticle Oil and admire your work—you just pulled off a salon-level mani, no appointment necessary!

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