Gel nail polish for beginners. Step by step lessons on how to draw simple, beautiful designs, video

What is gel polish, its types

Gel polish is a unique cosmetic product designed to cover nails. It is a hybrid combination of classic nail polish with modeling gel. At the same time, it retains only the best properties of the above-mentioned components.

Covering nails with gel polish provides their owners with the long-term effect of a beautiful and well-groomed manicure.

Color and design can last up to 4 weeks. This is explained by the presence of a dispersion medium in the composition of the drug, which forms a checkered film on the nails. Thanks to it, the gel polish adheres to the surface of the nail as well as possible and lasts for a long time. The uniqueness of gel polish coating is that it is great for natural nails and artificial nails (extensions).

Gel polish coating for beginners is one of the best developments in the beauty industry for nail care in recent years. Residents of Europe were the first to appreciate this product 15 years ago.

Nowadays gel polish is very popular both among famous beauty salon masters and among ordinary girls who want to get a beautiful manicure at home. In the popular environment, gel polish is called “shellac”. Since the pioneers in Russia were the Shellak CND brand.

Distinctive properties of gel polish:

1. High durability. It can stay on nails for 2 to 4 weeks. This is why it attracts a large number of fashionistas who want to wear a fresh manicure for a long time.
2. Nice composition. Most often, it contains hypoallergenic substances that reduce the risk of harm to the nail plate. Many brands take care of their customers and add useful strengthening and nourishing components to their composition.
3. Color saturation. Unlike regular polish, gel polish does not lose its pigmentation. When properly applied, the coating does not become cloudy, does not wear off, and is resistant to chips and scratches.
4. Ability to withstand household loads. Any girl has frequent contact with water, various detergents and household products. Gel polish, hardening upon application, creates a dense film on the nails that does not destroy the manicure.
5. Simple application technology. Gel polish is applied quickly, painlessly and dries for a short time under a special lamp. Anyone can create the perfect coating using gel polish.

Gel polish composition:

1. A photoinitiator is a molecular compound that absorbs UV radiation. Thanks to it, the gel polish dries quickly under the influence of ultraviolet rays.
2. A film former is a chemical component that provides a durable coating and prevents its destruction.
3. Thinners are esters, monomers that are used to maintain optimal consistency. So that the texture of the gel polish is moderately viscous and ensures tight adhesion to the nail plate.
4. Coloring pigments are organic or inorganic components. The density of the coating and the saturation of shades depend on them.
5. Various additives and fillers allow gel polish to strengthen and nourish nails.

According to the application system, there are three types of this product:

1. Single phase. To create a manicure, you only need a tube of colored pigment and nothing else. The coating is not permanent, great for strong natural nails. With the help of a single-phase gel polish coating, novice nail technicians can easily create a manicure.

   
   Single-phase gel polish coating is great for beginners.

2. A two-phase product implies the application of a top (fixing) coating after applying the color. Two-phase products are rarely found in beauty salons, as the effect leaves much to be desired.
3. Three-phase gel polish involves three stages of application. The first is the base coat, followed by the color pigment, and the final stage is the top coat. This system is the most reliable and in demand. Because the result is the most durable and practical manicure.

The importance of following the rules

The technology of applying gel polish includes several mandatory steps, each of which is important. The gradual application of gel polish will allow your nails to remain beautiful and attractive for a long time. To make your manicure pleasing to the eye for at least two weeks, you must follow the step-by-step instructions for applying gel polish. It is this that will help all materials to be applied well and retain their properties for a long time.

Instructions for applying gel polish include several steps:

• Preparatory. It consists of processing the nail plate, removing the cuticle and lightly sanding the surface of the plate to get rid of the natural shine and better adhesion to materials. This stage involves putting your hands in order.
• The main one, which involves the step-by-step application of all the necessary materials directly to the nails - in compliance with all stages of applying gel polish and related coatings.
• The final step is to apply a finishing coat, which will ensure the durability of the gel manicure, and remove the sticky layer (if any).

All stages of applying gel polish must be followed in order to get an excellent result. If the rules are not followed, the result may disappoint you.

After all, gel polish and the technology for applying all the necessary coatings require a certain sequence that cannot be violated.

Classification of gel polishes by texture

All gel polishes are divided into 2 main categories:

1. Reflective gel polishes. The main advantage is quick adhesion to the nail. Such tools are easy to use and easy for beginners to work with.
2. Non-reflective gel polishes. In addition to this drug, an activating substance is also required. This type of gel polish has a glue-like texture. To dilute it, a special spray is required. And you need to apply this gel polish with a professional gel brush.

Rating of gel polishes

How to choose gel polish

To cover nails with gel polish, beginners should focus on the following points when choosing a product:

1. Professional grade compounds. Such products contain fewer chemical components and more natural ones, which have a beneficial effect on nails.
2. A large number of professionals (beginners and professionals) give preference to well-known brands on the world market (Shellak CND, Beautix UV Gel, BOHEMIA APEX GEL), which have long been able to win the trust of girls. There is no doubt about their quality.
3. Price. Low price is not a guarantee of good quality. Most likely, this coating using gel polishes is suitable for beginners. Craftsmen interested in providing high-level services should pay attention to more expensive materials.
4. Color palette. It should be varied. So that you have plenty to choose the right shade from. But remember that bright colors require 2-3 layers. Accordingly, the product consumption will be greater.

5. Easy to apply gel polish and easy to remove from nails. A high-quality product will be evenly distributed over the entire surface of the nail and dry quickly under the influence of UV radiation. In addition, it should be removed even faster after its life cycle (from 2 to 4 weeks) using a special liquid.

How a novice manicurist can learn to apply gel polish perfectly for working in a salon

Selecting a coating gel system:

First of all, decide on the company of the material you want to use. Of course I will note that it would be great if you had several types. But at first, when you are just learning and perhaps still have a limited budget for purchasing, opt for a medium-dense composition.

I will definitely do a broad review of gel polishes, but a little later. Now I will share my experience of choice when I was just starting to work.

UV varnishes are divided into types (number of layers):

• 3 phases (Base, Gel Polish, Top);
• 2 phases (Gel Polish, Top);
• 1 phasers (Gel Polish).

I formed my first palette like this (I always choose 3-phase):

1. The first brand I purchased was Creator. Made in the USA. In terms of density, it is the golden mean, that is, almost universal. Each layer is baked for 2 minutes. Its price is quite economical. Since I didn’t have a lot of input, and besides, I was just studying, I decided that it suited all parameters as a training session. My first palette consisted of 10 colors. And I didn’t regret my choice. Combines with other brands, in case its base or top runs out at the wrong time for Gelish and vice versa.

2. The next brand is Fox. I added 15 more colors to my palette with neem. Manufacturer USA. This brand is suitable for thin nails, which is exactly what I was missing. By the way, on a normal type of plate it is also good to wear. Each layer is baked for 2 minutes. Doesn't fit well with other brands, wear depends on degreaser, wears better with those that leave stickiness rather than just evaporate. Its cost is higher than the creator's, but not significantly, it belongs to the premium class. Doesn't give the nail any special density, but lasts a long time.
3. To these I added a few shades of Blaze GelLaxy. I bought only 5 colors. It is very dense and thick, for compacted and normal nails. Each layer is baked for 2-2.5 minutes. It is also produced in the USA, it is one of the premium ones that appeared first, I could not help but buy it. Coating with Gelish system is possible.
4. The completion of my varied tablet was Gelish polishes. Belongs to the premium class. Made in USA. Universal, medium density allows you to cover any plate with it. The price is higher than average, but corresponds to its quality. Each layer is baked for 2 minutes.

5. As universal bases, I chose a base from Kodi (which usually requires 2 minutes for baking) and a primer with a sticky layer from Blaze. Excellent to wear and apply, guarantee perfect adhesion, I used them at the same time.

6. To remove the gel and dispersion layer I used Jerden Proff Gel Cleanser. They work perfectly and are inexpensive.

My strategy was simple: I needed to stay within the budget, start doing as many services as possible in order to earn money, develop and gain experience. Therefore, I chose a good quality gel polish, bought system products for it (bond, top, base) in several basic colors. I started studying and working. At the same time, I also bought materials for extensions, but I didn’t skimp here, I chose expensive ones that matched the price with quality. This is how I realized my goals. As soon as the work of a manicurist began to generate income, I replenished my supplies with new products + systems for them. All this isn't cheap, so buy some foundations and a couple of shades, adding to them over time. So I created for myself a varied palette suitable for everyone, which was full of colors.

How to present the palette of your gels to your clients? - to do this, make a tablet; you should not constantly unwind the gels, this spoils them.

Tip: It will be economically beneficial for you if you distribute your palette by cost. For the client, this is another point of concern, so you will show care to each client, both to those who can afford expensive brands and to people with modest means. Feel free to explain the price difference, but do it correctly. For example, say that the varnish, the coating of which is the cheapest and is not inferior in quality, is almost the same as the expensive one, but the purchase price is slightly lower, although there is still a difference in the coating - this is shine and brightness. This approach works, clients will be satisfied, and your capabilities in diversity as a master will once again impress them.

How I choose gel polish, my methods:

1. The first thing I pay attention to is the smell. A quality product smells pleasant or neutral, but if the smell is too poisonous and reminiscent of plastic, you most likely will not be satisfied.
2. I look at the composition. The question here is not density, but consistency, it should be uniform (if it is one tone or pearlescent, the sparkles may settle - this is normal), further, there should be no lumps, it should be optical, so pay attention to how the gel flows by brush. IMPORTANT: remember, gels tend to stagnate, they also have an expiration date, so be careful and do not buy stale ones. Try to make purchases in well-known professional cosmetics stores, there are a large number of visitors there, so they do not have time to stagnate.
3. Consider the tablets, how this composition lay down as an example. Usually in stores they are covered by the consultants themselves.
4. Personally, I like American-made gels best.
5. Try to buy base, top, bond (primer) separately for each gel. But I had universal ones.

What is required for a manicure besides gel polish?

To apply gel polish to your nails, beginners need the following tools:

1. Hand sanitizer. It disinfects hands, nails and cuticles.
2. Primer (base) – it degreases the nail plate, ensures tight adhesion of the natural surface of the nail to the gel polish, thereby extending the life of the manicure.
3. Base coat (first layer) – evens out the nails and hides their minor imperfections. It also prepares the surface of the nails for applying the main color.
4. Colored gel polish.

5. Top coat is the final stage in manicure. The top protects nails from external environmental influences, from chips and scratches.
6. Special lamp for drying. The main task of the lamp is to dry the gel polish as quickly as possible. It all depends on its power and variety.

1. Matching nail files. They allow you to carefully process your nails and create the desired shape (almond, oval, square, soft square and others).
2. Buff is one of the types of nail files. It is used at the initial stage of manicure and for removing gel polish.
3. Tools for removing cuticles. These include: special gels for softening and removing cuticles, orange sticks, tweezers, manicure scissors.

4. Cuticle oil. To make the skin along the nail look well-groomed and neat, cuticle oil must be used during the manicure process. It should be rubbed in with massage movements until completely absorbed.
5. Nail degreaser. It removes the sticky layer after using gel polish.
6. Gel polish remover, foil and cotton pads. With the help of these media, gel polish is removed quickly and painlessly. The solution is applied to a cotton pad, which must be pressed tightly to the nail and wrapped with foil on top. After 10-15 minutes, the old layer of gel polish can be easily removed from the nails with an orange stick.

Lesson No. 5: How to properly coat clients’ nails with gel polishes

In the client's understanding, a manicure service is hygienic cleaning + coating.
You will be faced with the fact that making an appointment for a manicure will constitute just such a complex, since the thirst for beauty never leaves women and gel polish allows housewives to forget about unpainted nails even with difficult work. We have already successfully learned how to make a salon-quality manicure and pedicure, so this lesson will be devoted exclusively to covering nails with gel polish systems. The online lesson material will teach you:

• Sequences of actions when working with gel polish systems (different brands);
• Proper preparation of the nail plates of the hands and feet, without harm to them;
• Select the necessary tools and tools;
• How to apply the gel so that it lasts for a long time;
• How to apply each component;
• How to quickly assemble flower sets;
• What you need to know so that the client is satisfied with the coating.

To cover your client's nails with gel, you will need:

1. coating system (degreaser, base, pigment (gel polish), top);
2. liquid for removing the dispersion layer (if necessary, if required by the system);
3. ultraviolet lamp with timer for convenience;
4. orange stick;
5. file 180/240 (if you did not give the free edge a shape at the time of manicure);
6. buff for the natural surface of the nail (180/240);
7. cotton swabs or pads;
8. a thin manicure brush for painting (made of synthetic fibers, they interact perfectly with the gel, unlike natural ones) and decorating materials;
9. cuticle oil;
10. hand cream.

Types of nail plates - and their corresponding gel structure:

Nails are different in structure, as is the density of the gels, so each plate has its own. To ensure that the coating you make is worn for a long time and not damaged, match the gel and the plate, then the result of the wear will also be ideal. If you talk to your client, she will tell you that different professionals she used, using different brands, gave different results. It is a mistake to think that the same gel suits everyone. It's all about the density of the nail.

The normal type of nail plate is neither thin nor thick, rarely flakes, quickly recovers and grows, it is a pleasure to work with this type. It has a light, uniform, but not transparent pinkish tint, which means that there is a sufficient amount of vitamins in the body, and the diet contains mainly health benefits. It does not require any special nuances; standard approaches are ideal for it. It will wear well on gels of all densities, including glitters.

The thin type of nail plate is brittle and bends when touched with any force. It has a translucent, uneven color with a pink or beige tint. Most likely, this condition is due to vitamin deficiencies and weakened immunity. You should not use too hard gels for this type of nail; it is better to use medium-dense or soft ones. Since nails bend, they are easier to separate from the coating from the slightest touch (for example, when washing dishes, if you help remove leftovers from the plates with your nail), as a result the nail will be broken and the coating will be chipped. But if you take a gel that slightly follows the movements of the nail, then its wearability will be 2 times better.

Dense nail plate - strong, usually grow quickly, bend with difficulty. They have a pink color along the plate and a slight yellowness along the free edge. Sometimes such compaction is caused by hormonal imbalances, but this is not a fact; perhaps this is a normal condition of the nail. All thick and medium-density gels are suitable for such nails, but soft ones that replicate flexibility - no, they do not last long in interaction with this plate.

Master class on applying a single-color manicure with gel polish

The trend in 2022 is manicure in pastel shades. Such as beige, powdery, pale pink. This color scheme is perfect for gentle and sophisticated natures.

A classic red manicure will never go out of style.

It is ideal for self-confident and self-sufficient women. And most importantly, it will be appropriate at any time of the year and in any environment, be it everyday work or a relaxing vacation.

Technology for creating a monochromatic manicure with gel polish:

1. It is necessary to disinfect your hands with an antiseptic.
2. Next comes the removal of the old gel polish coating using a special solution, cotton pads and foil.
3. Correcting the shape of the free edge of the nails using a file and a buff.
4. Having previously removed dust from the surface of the nails, you need to generously moisten a lint-free cloth and thoroughly wipe your natural nails with a degreaser. Especially in the cuticle area. You will need one napkin per hand.
5. For more reliable adhesion of materials, it is necessary to apply a primer. You only need the right amount of the drug so that moisture does not remain on the surface of the nail. The primer should evaporate following the movements of the brush.
6. Applying the base should begin with your thumbs. This will save a significant amount of time during the procedure. The consistency of the base must be stretched from the cuticle to the free edge of the nail.
7. Fix the coating in an ultraviolet lamp for at least 30 seconds.
8. Next, you should evenly distribute the first thin layer of colored gel polish over the entire surface of the nail. Paying special attention to the sides of the nail plate and the end of the free edge.
9. Fix the coating under UV radiation for at least 1 minute.
10. Using the same scheme, it is necessary to apply a second layer and then seal it under ultraviolet rays.
11. After applying the color, you need to alternately cover all the nails with top coat (finish coat) and dry them under the lamp. For best results, it is recommended to apply the top in two layers.

12. At the end of the procedure, use a degreaser to remove the sticky layer with a lint-free cloth.

Main advantages

There are many reasons why women are actively interested in learning how to do a manicure with gel polish. Saving time and money is not the least important thing. How long do you wear regular polish? Three or four days, a week? And this is provided that you do nothing. Gel products may take longer to apply than usual, but the results are worth it. They:

• Easy to apply. Using a regular brush helps to distribute the varnish evenly.
• Harden quickly. You don’t have to worry about accidentally touching the coating, smearing it or scratching it right after your manicure.
• Does not weigh down the nails. Thanks to the application in a thin layer, you won't feel it at all.
• Looks impressive on short nails. There is no need to build anything up. It is enough to give the desired shape. The rest is up to gel polish.
• Maintains shine for a long time. Your nails will sparkle as if you just came from a nail specialist even after two weeks.

Master class on applying multi-colored manicure with gel polish

French manicure, or French in other words, has been popular for many years. Due to the organic combinatorics of the natural shade of nails with white color, you get a neat, beautiful manicure that is ideal for girls and women of any age.

French adds femininity to the image of its owner and emphasizes the length and beauty of her nails.

Step-by-step instructions for creating a French manicure using gel polish:

1. The first stage is preparing the nail plate. It is necessary to process the free edges of the nails, remove the cuticle using auxiliary tools, and degrease the surface.
2. Apply primer and dry under lamp for at least 30 seconds.
3. Apply a thin base coat and dry for at least 1 minute.
4. Apply the main color (light beige, light pink) to the entire surface of the nails and dry under a lamp for at least 1-2 minutes. It is recommended to apply 1-2 layers.

5. Using a thin brush for nail art, you need to draw a crescent line on the tip of the nails and dry it in a lamp for 1-2 minutes. Cover in 1-2 layers. If you can’t handle a brush, you can use stencils to create a French manicure.
6. Fixing the design with a top. Dry under lamp.
7. Removing the sticky layer using a degreaser.
8. Applying nourishing cuticle oil.

Original ideas for nail designs

Here are a few examples of current drawings made with gel polish, which can become the basis for your training.

Mixing shades

This design can be made by any novice craftswoman.

Manicure made with mixing gel polishes

• Prepare your nails according to the basic rules of manicure and apply the first layer of the main shade.
• Dry the surface under a lamp or in a chamber. If you need to make the shade brighter, repeat the procedure.
• Choose a second color. Apply it not to the entire plate, but, for example, only to the right side, filling part of the nail.
• Dry the gel polish. If you want to brighten the color, apply a second coat. At this time, you can make an original monogram using the wet gel using a brush or dots and adding additional color as desired.
• Finally, apply glass beads in any shape. Dry the coating and secure with a base coat.

Volumetric drawing in the form of flowers

The initial stages of a gel polish manicure are similar to the classic options.

Volume manicure

• After applying the main color, we begin to create a 3D design using acrylic powder, which is sold in specialized departments. Choose several shades to make the flowers bright.
• Using a thin brush, pick up a small ball of powder and gently place it on the nail plate.
• Wait until the gloss turns into a matte state. Start using your brush to form the petals of the flower. The shape of the petals can be round, elongated, with a torn edge. It depends on the flower: chamomile, lily, cornflower.
• Carefully continue to form the flower in a circle. To begin with, you can apply only one volumetric design in the center of the plate.

A voluminous manicure with flowers can be done without sculpting using velvet sand:

Classic jacket with monograms

Manicure with monograms

• We perform French manicure according to the standard scheme, choosing a white color or a bright shade as a base.
• Before the base coat, apply gel polish of a contrasting shade, for example, white on a transparent base, and draw a jacket in any shape: a classic crescent or original curls or dots. This design can be done on all nails or selectively.

There are many methods for nail design using gel polish. Fashion changes and offers new options. By learning simple drawings, you can diversify your manicure. Gel polish will strengthen the plate, and the manicure will last a long time.

More interesting articles:

How to apply simple patterns and designs to gel polish

The main tool for creating designs on nails are special brushes.

They are:

• in the form of a fan;
• wide flat with an even or oblique cut;
• thin with different lengths of pile;
• dots;

Popular ideas:

1. Web. After coating with colored gel polish, beginners should polish the nail and using a thin brush, you can safely draw patterns that represent a spider’s web. The main thing is to initially collect a minimum amount of material, and then add little by little as you go.

2. Monograms. The design is created using a single-color gel polish and a brush, convenient for a beginner in size. After the base, you need to put a little dark gel polish on your brush, black will look most expressive, and draw monograms in the shape of semicircles. To get an elegant design on each nail, you can make monograms in different colors rather than one. If desired and in the mood, you can add rhinestones, sparkles, and stickers.
3. To create roses on your nails you will need: dots, several colored gel polishes and a thin brush. After drying the base layer, you need to cover your nails with the main color of gel polish and seal the result under the lamp. When it dries, you can draw roses.

Gel polish coating for beginners with designs and patterns is always relevant. Roses will lift your spirits in the spring and summer. And cobwebs and monograms will add zest in winter and autumn.

Step-by-step preparation of nails for coating at home

Before coating, you must get rid of the materials on the plate (varnish, gel polish, acrylic), do a manicure (shape the nail, trim the free edge, remove the cuticle) and prepare the nail for a new coating.

Trim manicure

This type of manicure is called regular, classic or edged. It is done using tweezers and scissors.

Algorithm of actions:

• remove the remains of the previous material from the nail plate;
• place the nails in a bath with warm water and an emollient cosmetic, such as bath foam;
• When your nails have steamed a little, you can start manicure;
• first you need to push back the cuticle along the perimeter of the nail plate (with a spatula or an orange stick);
• then remove dead and rough skin with thin scissors or tweezers.

After this, you need to dry your hands and shape the free edge. Some people do this before steaming, so as not to provoke delamination of the plate. After this, you can apply polish, gel polish or extend the nail plate (optional).

European

European manicure is different in that when it is performed, the cuticles are not cut or removed. For beginners, you can do this manicure at home once a week.

Execution sequence:

• you need to remove the coating from the nail plate;
• dry file off the free edge and side parts of the nail, giving it a shape;
• oil or softening gel is applied to the cuticle;
• cuticles are pushed back with an orange stick;
• the plate is polished with a soft buff.

This manicure is suitable for men, women and those with thin and delicate skin. The less you trim the cuticle, the less it grows.

Hardware

For this type of manicure, a special automatic device with many attachments is used. All of them have different abrasiveness and are used to remove old coating, free edges and cuticles. Such a manicure should be done by a master, because inability to do so can cause injury to the nail and soft tissues.

How to apply decor to a manicure with gel polish

Popular techniques for performing nail designs:

1. Rhinestone inlay is part of the image of a charming and gentle girl. Rhinestones are glued in a chaotic manner naturally onto the uncured surface of the nail, coated with gel polish. The decor hardens under a UV lamp and at the final stage is filled with a finishing coat to ensure the durability of the manicure. Rhinestones can be complemented with patterns and designs.

2. Rubbing. This is a special finely ground powder for nail art. It is rubbed onto the already lamp-dried nail surface. The result is a natural shine effect. A manicure with this design will fit perfectly into a festive look.
3. Broken glass. The effect is created using a small piece of multi-colored foil, which must first be cut into small pieces of the desired shape. They should be carefully distributed over the nail plate. You can make an unusual pattern or mosaic out of them. This design is suitable for everyday life.

Gel polish coating for beginners has a lot of advantages. These include: attractive appearance, durability and protection from household defects. In order for the coating to be perfect, you need to choose only high-quality tools and materials, as well as a good, powerful lamp. In this case, a manicure will always please the eye.

Yana Luzan

Website : https://yana-luzan.ru/.

Price : 12,990 rubles with discount, 13,990 without discount. There is an installment plan from Tinkoff for 6 months.

“High-speed build-up and repair in 1 drop using top forms”

During the course, you will learn how to do a manicure without top filing; you will receive a book as a gift, which contains all the lessons in detail. Suitable for beginners without work experience.

Advantages:

• The author has been doing manicures for 16 years and has created two brands of gel polishes.
• Checking homework.
• Along with the course, a printed book on manicure is included as a gift with free delivery throughout Russia.
• Certificate upon completion of training.
• 10% discount on products from the author's brand.
• As a gift, video tutorials “Safe removal of material” and “Speed. Where does the time go?".

Training program:

1. Learn to choose the right files.
2. You will learn how to work with upper forms and what mistakes there are.
3. Learn to work with gels.
4. Get acquainted with the types of brushes, learn how to choose and care for them correctly.
5. Learn to choose cutters and work with them.
6. Find out which clamps are needed for specific cases.
7. Study the growth, direction and proportions of the nails.
8. Get acquainted with the 1-drop modeling technique.
9. Learn to work with problematic nails: curling and ingrown nails.
10. Learn to add length using top shapes.
11. Learn how to do nail repairs in 1 drop.
12. Master aquadesign.