Want Good Looking Nails? Do ‘Em Yourself With Gel X!

Many of us have been there; you’re about ready to head out with friends and you notice your nails aren’t looking their best. Scary, I know. But…I have a solution for any nail dilemma; meet your new best friend: Gel X.

Gel X, a full coverage soft gel extension system by Aprés Nail, is definitely the way to go for your nails, even over acrylic! Not only does Gel X provide a more natural look and feel, but it also requires less maintenance and lasts longer on your nails. Unlike acrylic, Gel X doesn't have a strong chemical smell and won't damage your natural nails during the removal process. Gel X is more flexible and won't crack or chip as easily as acrylic. With Gel X, you can enjoy the benefits of durable, long-lasting, light weight, nails without sacrificing their health or appearance. Gel X is also something you can easily learn to do yourself at home and can save you lots of money in the long run.

What is Gel X? Gel X is a full cover nail tip that is applied using gel glue that can only be cured under a UV or LED nail lamp. 

In order to start your Gel X journey, you need to do nail prep. Firstly, on washed hands, I would start with cuticle softener then let your nails sit for about 15-30 seconds. Step two would be to push the cuticles back with a cuticle pusher, then go in with an e-file [with a cuticle bit] and start getting rid of the dead skin on the nail plate. Then, you should change the e-file bit to a sanding band bit in order to buff the natural nail. After that, remove the nail dust and wipe down each nail with an alcohol wipe. Lastly, you need to dehydrate and prime the nails; all of these steps help to ensure the nails retain. 

Now that your nails are cleaned and prepped, you’re ready for the application process. First, you need to find the correct nail tip size for you, making sure it fits perfectly side wall to side wall. Next, you would etch or file the inside of the nail tip, this ensures that the nail tip sticks well to the nails due to the rough, gritty texture. Before applying the tips, put a thin coat of the gel adhesive on each nail and then let them cure under a lamp for 60-90 seconds. After you're done curing your natural nails, you can begin applying by adding a small bead of gel adhesive to the nail tips only on the area you etched. You then place the tips on your nails and press down with firm pressure, then “flash cure” for 15 seconds. After those 15 seconds are up, you cure all nails, fully, for 60 seconds under your nail lamp.

Once fully cured, you shape and buff your nails to your liking. After that, the rest is up to you to paint and customize your nails to whatever you want or desire!