What you need for gel polish: starter kit, tools and materials. Gel polish lamp

Do you want to have beautiful and well-groomed nails, but don’t have the time or money to visit a salon? Then do your own gel polish manicure. This unique coating does not harm the nail plates and is long-lasting. Manufacturers offer a wide selection of shades for classic or bright manicure. Everything you need for the job is included in special starter kits for covering nails with gel polish, which come with a minimum number of products or extended ones.

Beginner's starter kit

Beginners should not rush to buy everything at once. This is especially true for those girls who want to cover their nails only for themselves and their friends. To carry out the first procedures, only the most necessary materials and tools will be enough. Gradually, you will be able to purchase other little things that will make the process easier.

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You can find ready-made gel polish kits on sale. What does it include? This is usually the minimum list of materials needed to get started.

• Lamp (UV or LED).
• Degreaser and disinfectant (2 in 1).
• Base coat (base).
• One or two colored gel polishes.
• Finish coating (top).
• Sticky layer remover.

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When purchasing, you should pay attention that there are gel polish kits for covering nails with and without a lamp. But this is not the entire list of what may be useful. To perform a manicure you will need good scissors or tweezers, a pusher or orange sticks, files of different hardness, and cuticle oil. Lint-free wipes, buff and primer will also help you perform the procedure efficiently. It is better to purchase all kinds of decor (rhinestones, stickers, foil, ribbons, glitter, powder, rubbing) as needed.

Cost and consumer reviews

The price of starter kits depends on the brand and the number of products included. You can purchase them in online stores and salons that sell manicure products. The cost of some sets is given in the table:

When purchasing a starter kit, you do not need to worry about the compatibility of the products; they are guaranteed to fit together. In addition, the price for the set is lower than the cost of goods purchased separately.

Here are some reviews from girls about using starter kits:

• Kristina, 29, Vologda: “I bought a set for beginners from Bluesky. The cost is low, corresponding to a two-time visit to the salon. I mastered the technique quickly, gel polishes are easy to apply. I wear it for 2 weeks, then I want to change the color.”
• Evgeniya, 31, Moscow: “I prefer original Shellac CND gel polishes. I bought the “Standard” set. It contains everything you need for a classic manicure. The lamp is comfortable, colored varnishes can be purchased separately.”

Complete list of materials for gel polish

• Lamp.
• Files.
• Buffs.
• Manicure scissors (nippers).
• Pusher (orange stick).
• Brushes.
• Degreaser, dehydrator, disinfectant.
• Primer.
• Lint-free wipes.
• Cotton pads.
• Base.
• Gel polish.
• Top.
• Paints and pastes for painting.
• Liquid for removing the sticky layer.
• Decor (depending on requests).
• Cuticle oil.
• Coating remover.
• Foil (or special clips).
• Sterilizer for processing instruments.

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Perhaps the most diverse on the list is the decor. It can be done using a variety of materials. Therefore, some craftsmen constantly replenish their collection of decorative elements. And the most expensive tool, of course, is the lamp. Next, we will consider in more detail what is needed to cover nails with gel polish.

Accessories

The manicure set includes the following accessories:

• case with fixation of tools;
• Charger;
• instructions for use of the device;
• disks with drawings;
• set for nail extension;
• manicure bath;
• armrest for manicure;
• brushes for nail design;
• palette for mixing gels;
• corrector for manicure.

Files and buffs

There is no such thing as too many abrasive tools - this is what a good master believes. For a beginner, you can stick to the usual types of files. They must be clearly differentiated according to their functional significance.

To correct the shape of the nail, you can use files No. 60-80. To file off gel polish, you will need a rougher surface with an abrasiveness of No. 100.

The procedure requires the use of a buff. It removes the keratin layer and makes the nail matte. This tool has a very soft and fine abrasive. As a rule, it has the shape of a volumetric rectangle. There is an abrasive on each long side. The buff should only polish the nail and not file it. When purchasing, you should pay attention to the rigidity of the material. For brittle and thin nails, a buff with a coating of 500 grit or more is ideal. For thick and hard plates, a tool with an abrasiveness of 300-400 grit is suitable.

Pros of manicure sets

Advantages of classic manicure sets:

• operation does not depend on the current source;
• when choosing a set, you can carefully consider the tools;
• long service life with proper use;
• are cheaper than electric models;
• you can use different techniques for applying varnish;
• The result of a manicure depends largely on the artist.

Advantages of electrical devices:

• no softening procedures are required; dry treatment does not cause injury to the nails;
• used for working with natural and artificial nails, as well as for pedicure;
• high speed of manicure creation;
• give nails an oval, square, rounded, elongated shape;
• ease of operation, time saving;
• painless procedure;
• removal of calluses and corns;
• simplified manicure procedure through additional functionality: nail polish dryer, vacuum cleaner, massage attachments.

Nail clippers and scissors

Any coating of nails with varnish requires a preliminary manicure. Without it, your fingers will look sloppy and unkempt. What do you need for a gel polish manicure? Scissors or tweezers for trimming cuticles. They should fit comfortably in the hand, be of high quality and well sharpened. This will minimize the risk of skin trauma. The tip of the blade should be slightly bent. This will help guide the tool along the cuticle and trim it without interrupting the process.

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If a manicure is done not only for yourself, then it is important to sterilize the instruments in a special device.

Peculiarities

All girls want to look well-groomed, spending a minimum of time and money. Well-groomed hands are the responsibility of any self-respecting lady. Gel polish provides nails with beauty and care and has a number of advantages:

• Easy to use. If you know how to apply regular polish, applying gel polish does not cause problems.
• Durability of the coating. There is no need to renew your manicure every 3-4 days. If you follow the technique, gel polish will last 2-3 weeks.
• Large selection of colors and designs.
• Glossy shine and visual volume. A real salvation for women with weak nails.
• Does not injure the nail plate, as extensions do.

Gel polish palette

Pushers

This is a tool that looks like a small flat spatula. It is necessary to push back the cuticle, which will prepare it for circumcision. Metal pushers have been popular for a very long time. But today they are already being replaced by orange sticks. They do their job well and have a number of advantages. The sticks do not rust, do not need sharpening or sterilization - they can be thrown away after use. Orange pushers contain essential oils that have antiseptic properties. The tips are thinner, which greatly simplifies the work and makes it less painful and traumatic. In addition, the sticks are inexpensive.

Exploitation

Recommendations for caring for your manicure set:

• Once a year, lubricate tools with a mechanism (nippers, clippers, scissors), this will ensure the harmonious and smooth operation of manicure accessories.

Distribute the oil evenly over the entire internal surface of the devices, carefully remove any remaining residue with a napkin.

• Use tools only for their intended purpose. Do not use cuticle nippers to trim nails.
• After use, immediately place all manicure accessories in a case or case, be sure to cover them with protective caps.
• If there are wounds on the skin, do not use power tools until they have healed. This causes skin irritation.
• When testing the use of an electrical device, you should be extremely careful. Use soft discs and attachments with minimal grain size, and perform the manicure procedure at low speed.
• Before you try a manicure set, watch several master classes, read articles, visit a salon to see how to correctly carry out the procedure.

• Do not wash instruments with water, as this will lead to corrosion. If you accidentally get your manicure accessories wet, dry them immediately with a hairdryer.
• The tools should be placed on the table so that their cutting edges are directed upward. It is advisable that manicure accessories be placed on a dry cloth napkin or paper towel.
• After using tools, clean scissors, cuticle and nail cutters, abrasive files, buffs, and remove visible dirt.

If you use a special brush for cleaning, make sure that it does not touch the cutting edge; incorrect movement can lead to damage to the mechanisms.

• After use, disinfect instruments with alcohol or special compounds. Disinfect the attachments of an electrical device after each use, this will protect your hands from infection.

If necessary, instruments are sterilized.

Brushes

What do you need for gel polish? For beginners, these tools will be useful if you want to paint your nails. They will also be useful if the jar of gel polish does not come with a brush. Usually it is not in large bottles, in containers with paint and paste.

When purchasing, you need to pay attention to the material of the pile. Usually, the finest acrylic or nylon bristles are used for artificial brushes. They are soft and easy to use. These brushes are inexpensive and last almost indefinitely with normal care. Natural hair is usually made from squirrel or sable wool. This brush is very pleasant to work with. But it is expensive, has a shorter service life and requires careful maintenance.

Problems

Problems of mechanical manicure set:

• the manicure procedure can be painful;
• the inner layer of the nails will not be processed;
• It takes a lot of time to process nails;
• difficulty polishing and cutting heavy, thick, artificial nails;
• Difficulties arise in removing corns and calluses.

Disadvantages of electrical devices:

• nozzles require constant sharpening, so their service life is lower than that of mechanical devices;
• inconvenient to transport, take up a lot of space;
• operate on recharge, so they are most often used stationary;
• high price.

Nail treatment products

Beginners are often lost when they come to the store, because they do not yet know what is needed to cover their nails with gel polish. All kinds of liquids are of great importance.

A degreaser, as the name implies, is necessary to remove the greasy layer and all kinds of contaminants from the surface of the plate. This step should not be skipped, as it improves the adhesion of the gel to the nail. Typically, the degreaser is made from alcohol, which is an excellent antiseptic. Therefore, you don’t have to purchase a disinfectant in a separate bottle.

A dehydrator serves a different function. It is necessary for faster evaporation of the degreaser and removal of excess moisture, which can cause the varnish to peel off.

There is also a primer. It significantly improves the adhesion of the artificial material to the nail. As a result, the duration of manicure wear increases.

Files

Nail artists consider the nail file to be the main manicure tool and treat it with special trepidation. Some people collect entire collections of nail files, and half of them simply serve as decoration for their workplace.

Despite the fact that the files are inexpensive, there is absolutely no need to buy everything at once. A basic set for a beginning manicurist should be equipped with the following types:

• soft files for natural nails (150-240 grit);
• buffs for polishing nails;
• a special double-sided file for ingrown nails if you do a pedicure.

Straight files are considered universal; boomerang files and other original shapes can be purchased after you’ve already gotten your hands on a classic manicure tool.

The same applies to the material used to make the files. Metal ones are the most reliable, but it is better for a novice craftsman to start working with glass or ceramic ones. They act softly and sparingly.

Base coat

Most modern gel polishes are three-phase. But you can find two-phase and single-phase ones. In the first case, you will need a base, colored varnish and top coat. The second contains a pigmented base and fixer. You cannot exclude anything from this list, otherwise you will end up with a poor-quality manicure. If the varnish is single-phase, then the base and top are not required.

The most important component in the process of creating a gel polish coating is the base. It must be of high quality, so you cannot skimp on it. There are several types of base. The liquid is easily distributed in a thin layer. A thicker base allows you to hide defects and level the plate. Rubber has increased elasticity. Therefore, it prevents the varnish from peeling and cracking.

Functions

Functions of manicure devices:

• exfoliation and removal of rough skin, calluses;
• painless and quick cuticle removal;
• trimming and giving nails the desired shape and length;
• grinding and polishing of nail plates;
• cleaning nails, giving them shine.

Electrical appliance capabilities:

• Smooth speed adjustment allows you to quickly select the desired mode for performing the operation, but if you accidentally press the toggle switch, you can damage the skin near the nail.
• Nail dryer is a cosmetic product that is used to make nail polish more stable. The varnish fixer forms a thick film that withstands environmental influences.
• Hand baths are beneficial for cuticles and nail plates. Moisturizing, paraffin, softening and nourishing hand baths are popular. They can be used in beauty salons and at home.

Color gel

What do you need for a gel polish manicure? Of course, the color coating itself. When choosing it, you need to pay attention to several parameters.

The method of application is of the greatest importance. Three-phase varnishes last the longest. Single-phase ones cannot provide long-term wear of the coating. But they are suitable for beginners as training material.

Consistency matters too. A high-quality gel should be thick, but not too viscous. When applying it, no lumps, stripes or unevenness in color should form. Also, the bristles should not come out of the brush.

Some masters believe that you can save money on colored gel by purchasing a product from a no-name brand. The main thing is that the base and top are of high quality.

Kit for shellac at home: assemble it yourself or take a ready-made one

A ready-made set for shellac at home will be more useful than products purchased at random for performing a manicure. The kits contain all the compositions from the same series, they match each other. Compatibility reduces the risk of allergies and the rapid appearance of coating defects.

The kits have other advantages:

• low price, which differs depending on the completeness of the kit;
• a small amount of funds, it’s easy to spend them before the expiration date and don’t mind throwing them away if they don’t fit or you’ve lost the desire to do a manicure yourself;
• as a rule, the consistency of the compositions is thick, which will allow a beginner to complete the design faster and with better quality;
• the usual absence of a sticky layer on the base, varnish and top coat, which also simplifies working with them;
• the ability to choose the color of the coating;
• saving time, since you don’t have to look for the products you need for a manicure;
• In addition to the necessary items, bulk kits often also include design stickers, stencils, and glitter.

The shellac machine, that is, the lamp, can be purchased either as a set or separately. It is better to take a device with a power of 36 W or higher, it dries the coating fairly quickly and does not harm the nails.

There is no equipment for performing manicures in sets. But if you want to buy it, beginners should choose simpler and cheaper devices. They cope with their task at home, and are not suitable only for the flow of clients in the salon.

To remove the coating, take the softest cutter with a red notch; using a “ball” for sanding the skin will be accessible and safe. An expensive professional device provides a cleaner manicure only if it is in capable hands. Otherwise, it is easy for them to injure their nails.

Shellac equipment may not include a manicure machine. Processing and preparing nails for coating is done manually using a file, scissors or cuticle nippers, buff, orange sticks, remover or soaking in warm water. All of these items may or may not be included.

But it is better to take scissors and wire cutters separately. The ones that come in kits are often blunt and awkward.

Trim manicure kits

What can be replaced

Instead of a shellac manicure kit, you can purchase all the necessary products separately. It is important that they do not conflict with each other, that is, at least the base, varnish and top coat should be taken from the same company and line. It is advisable to use a primer, especially for problem nails on which the manicure does not last long.

If your hands are sweaty and your nail plate is wet, you will need a dehydrator. The degreaser can be replaced with ethyl alcohol or a liquid containing it; even manicurists do this. A must-have product is shellac solvent.

There is no way to replace the lamp for drying the coating; the choice can only be between its types - UV, LED or hybrid. For beginners, the best option is the first one. An ultraviolet lamp dries any coating, is cheaper, and you can change the light elements in it when they fail. It is worth choosing models with a timer, this will make it easier to control the polymerization time and avoid harmful effects on the nails.

Watch the video on how to choose a lamp for manicure:

Top

If the manicure is performed using a three- or two-phase system, then the top coat is needed for gel polish. What is it? It is a clear gel that gives a durable coating when cured. The top has several functions. This is a fixation of the color layer, prolongation of the manicure wear period and a decorative effect.

Finishes come with or without a sticky layer. The first type needs to be treated with a special agent. When using the second one, this need disappears. A top without a sticky layer can be used if, for example, you need to apply a design on top.

If you need to further strengthen the nail and protect the manicure from mechanical damage, then you should give preference to a rubber topcoat.

Some finishing coatings have decorative properties. Finishes with matte, velvety and wet (super-glossy effect) are very popular. There are tops with glitter and shimmer. Also in demand are “Cat’s Eye” finishes, which locally produce an exquisite shimmer under the influence of a magnet.

Manufacturers of manicure sets

BaByliss

The brand's products include hair dryers, curling irons, multi-stylers, and hair care cosmetics. The company's products meet professional requirements.

The only company in the world that produces professional hair dryers with a motor, the service life of which is more than 2 thousand hours.

HoMedics

Products include massagers, blood pressure monitors, manicure and pedicure sets, cosmetic mirrors, and photoepilators. The brand occupies a leading position in the world in the category of health and relaxation products.

The company's manicure and pedicure sets are equipped with the necessary mechanisms (attachments, tools) to carry out high-quality work; electric devices are highly powerful.

The products are functional and reliable, therefore, if the operating rules are followed, they will last a long time. The products are certified according to international standards and meet all requirements.

Medisana

A German company that has been working on the production of beauty and health products for 30 years. The office is located in Mackenheim in Germany. The brand's products are presented in 45 countries: the USA, Canada, Russia.

The company's devices help quickly monitor health status and are safe to use. The price corresponds to the quality of the goods.

Scarlett

A Russian company that produces small household appliances, beauty and health equipment. It is popular in Russia, the CIS countries, the Baltics and Eastern Europe.

The products are designed for the average consumer; they are reliable equipment that will last for many years with proper use.

Supra

Products include multicookers, televisions, vacuum cleaners, and refrigerators. Supra presents equipment for manicure and pedicure, which is distinguished by functionality, good equipment, and convenient packaging for storing tools.

Acceptable ratio of prices and quality of goods. The products meet the necessary criteria and a guarantee is provided for the goods.

TouchBeauty

This American company develops and produces beauty products, collaborating with Asian designers who develop ergonomic designs.

Products include manicure and pedicure sets, electric nail dryers, cosmetic sets, and facial cleansing and massage devices. Manicure sets are functional, with excellent equipment and good appearance, at an affordable price.

The products are made of plastic, stainless steel metal elements, and abrasive attachments are used for attachments. The products have the necessary quality certificates.

Zinger

A group of German companies that has been operating in the field of haberdashery products since 1998. Holding includes the following companies:

• ZINGER and VIPER - a company that offers manicure and pedicure sets, provides the opportunity to purchase tools separately.
• VVM Belgium (Belgium), INFINITY (Belgium), QUEEN (Korea) are companies whose products include combs and mirrors.
• DANCE (France), INFINITY (Belgium) – a company that produces hair accessories (clips, elastic bands, crabs).

The company works with retail and wholesale outlets, provides constant promotions and discounts, and the necessary quality certificates.
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Decor

For a beginner, you can buy one element for the first procedure. The main thing is not to get confused in all the variety of decor presented. These are rhinestones, stones, bouillons, sequins, ribbons, foil, film, stamping, glitter, sand, kamifubuki and much more. With all this you can create a unique manicure that looks like a work of art. To start, you can try working with rhinestones, glitter or water-based stickers. They are very easy to work with, but the effect they give is amazing.

Application

Mechanical manicure accessories are used according to the following principle:

• First, the nails are given the required length, the base for the future shape is made with tweezers, then the nail plate is filed with a file, and hangnails are removed using cosmetic scissors.
• The edge of the nail is polished, the cuticle is peeled off and removed with a trimmer, after which the entire surface of the plate is polished. Next is applying varnish.

An electrical device is powered by a network, battery or battery, which powers the mechanism. The operating principle is as follows:

• The nail plate and cuticle are alternately treated with different attachments. The first procedure is recommended to be carried out at low speed.
• The nail sanding and polishing attachment is then used, and the cuticle attachment is used to remove rough skin and calluses.
• After cleaning your nails with a brush, you can paint them with varnish.

Tools and remover

For beginners, it is better not to file off the gel polish, but to soak it. Liquids containing acetone are suitable for this. Thanks to it, the artificial material peels off from the nail and is easily removed with an orange stick. You will also need cotton pads. They are moistened in a special liquid and applied to the nails. After this, you need to wrap them in foil or put special clips on your fingers.

What is included in the electric manicure set?

The electric manicure set includes a rechargeable machine and special attachments:

• The cuticle lifter should not penetrate too deep into the skin. Processing is carried out from one edge to the other and back.
• Large cone-shaped nozzle - for grinding calluses and rough skin. The nozzle moves carefully over the required area.
• Cylindrical nozzle – designed for caring for toenails.
• Small discs - designed for filing and giving the desired shape. For thin nails, a disk with a fine notch is used, for thick nails, a disk with a coarse notch is used.
• Cone-shaped nozzle - designed to remove rough skin and work with ingrown nails. Used from the outside inwards to the base.
• Polishing and grinding disc – gives a beautiful shine.
• Discs for removing rough skin from feet with a rougher surface and palms with a less rough surface.

Lamps for gel polish

There are several types of curing lamps. These are ultraviolet, gas-light and cold cathode. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

• UV lamp (ultraviolet). This is the very first variety that appeared on the nail service market. Today there are a variety of models: both cheap and expensive. They differ in design, functionality and power. Particular attention must be paid to the last criterion. There are lamps of 9, 18, 36 and 54 watts. The higher the power, the faster the varnish polymerizes. For home use, 36 watts will be enough. In such a lamp, the layer dries in about 2 minutes. Among the disadvantages, we can note the negative effect of UV radiation on the visual organs. It also dries out your nails and skin a little. In addition, with frequent use, the light bulbs quickly burn out.
• LED lamps. Their main advantage is the quick drying of the gel. They usually cure it in 30 seconds. Unlike UV lamps, they are somewhat more expensive, but the diodes last longer. For home use, you can purchase a compact model with a power of 6 watts. This will be enough for high-quality drying. Such lamps have a significant drawback - they do not polymerize all gel polishes.

• CCFL lamps. These are combined models that dry absolutely all gels. For this, 1 minute of exposure is usually enough. Unlike UV lamps for gel polish, these do not dry out the skin. In addition, they are durable and have low power consumption.

Malfunctions

The most common manicure equipment repair services:

• sharpening nail clippers;
• sharpening nail clippers;
• sharpening the pusher (scraper);
• sharpening nail scissors;
• correction of the shape of the cutting blades;
• replacing the spring of the pliers;
• repair of nail clippers;
• polishing manicure tools;
• repair of a manicure vacuum cleaner;

Tool sharpening:

• Darkening of the blade of the scissors indicates that the scissors need to be sharpened. The procedure for diamond sharpening occurs in this way: the backlash is removed, the edges of the cutting blade are bent inward, and the tips of the scissors are sharpened.
• Sharpening nail clippers involves adjusting the springs and removing rust, lubricating the joints of the handles, after which the inside of the tool is sharpened. For wire cutters to work well, their nose must be sharp.

The main problems that arise during the operation of manicure tools:

• Incorrect operation of tweezers, as a result of which they tear the skin. This problem occurs due to improper use or storage of the tool. In this case, it may be necessary to reduce the cutting edge of the nail clippers.
• Breakage of the mechanism spring occurs due to frequent bending and straightening of the tool. In this case, the part will need to be replaced. If the spring is attached to a handle with a screw connection, remove the screw.

If the mechanism is attached with a rivet, you will have to knock it out or drill it out.

• Tight movement of nail clippers after sharpening. This problem arises due to the abrasion of the rod connecting the components of the tweezers. If you notice tightness when closing the sharpening points, contact your specialist with a request to develop the mechanism until it moves easily.
• The formation of rust on tools is the result of improper use of disinfectants: a rusty coating forms in hard-to-reach places, pitting corrosion occurs on the blades of pliers and scissors.

If rust has formed on the surfaces, the instrument must be returned for repair; the use of faulty accessories is strictly prohibited.

The best lamp manufacturers

Experts note that the best lamps for gel polish are mainly produced by American companies. These are CND, OPI, Gelish and Harmony. Their models are prestigious, high quality, modern, beautiful and durable. For these qualities you will have to pay a considerable amount.

More budget models can be purchased for both home and salon use. They are produced by Russian-Chinese brands. These are RuNail, JessNail, Polaris and Planet Nails. They do not have a big name, but they are also of high quality.

So, in this publication we told you what you need for gel polish. For the first time, it is enough to purchase only the essentials. Everything else can be purchased as needed. In order not to be disappointed in the procedure, it is better to give preference only to high-quality tools and materials. Over time, it will become clear what you can save on and what you can’t.

Characteristics

Characteristics of mechanical sets:

• number of tools and equipment;
• tool materials (steel, glass, plastic, metal);
• device size;
• color of instruments;
• accessories (case, nail tray, instructions for use).

Characteristics of electric manicure sets:

• number of nozzles (from 2 to 10);
• material (silicone, diamond coating);
• power (1500-5000 rpm);
• size of devices;
• color of instruments;
• power supply method (battery, accumulator, network);
• accessories (case, charger).

Nail Edge Tools

We looked at what you need for manicure and cutting cuticles. But to process the free edge of the nail, a file and a buff (polisher) are used. Files come in different shapes and degrees of abrasive (hardness). For natural nails, you need a glass tool with a fine abrasive coating, and to work with artificial material, coarse files are used.

Buffs are needed to treat the surface of the nail in order to cut off the glossy layer, so the coating will adhere better. Popular filing areas are used only for sharpening strong nails that are not prone to peeling.