Essentials for beautiful gel nails at home
Discover all the essential products you need for your gel nails. Whether you’re a beginner or already experienced, Essentials is the perfect place to start if you want a long-lasting result. You’ll find everything from prep and building to finish and removal.
Explore our selection of Base Coat, Top Coat, Primer, nail files, cleansers and gel removers, all designed to help you achieve a beautiful salon look at home.
The most important products for your gel nails
When working with gel nails, having the right core products is key. They help your nails last longer and look their best. Here’s an overview of which products are important and the order you would typically use them in.
Which essential products do you need for gel nails?
For a beautiful and long-lasting result, you’ll need:
-
Prep: A Dehydrator (PH-Bond) and a Primer help ensure that the natural nail is clean and ready to bond with the gel product. A Cleanser is used to remove dust and impurities.
-
Base: A Base Coat creates the first tacky layer for Gel Polish or Builder Gel to bond to.
-
Finish: A Top Coat seals your nail look and adds shine or a matte finish.
-
Tools: Nail files are necessary for shaping and preparing the nails, as well as for removing gel layers during removal.
-
Removal: A Gel Remover or Magic Remover is important when you want to change your look or remove your gel nails.
The difference between Base Coat, Top Coat and Primer
These three products are fundamental for your gel nails, but they each serve different purposes in the process.
What is the difference between Base Coat, Top Coat and Primer?
-
Primer: Applied to the natural nail after prep with Dehydrator, which removes moisture and natural oils. The Primer improves the adhesion of the subsequent gel layers and reduces the risk of lifting.
-
Base Coat: The first gel layer you apply after the Primer. It creates a strong bonding layer between the natural nail and your Gel Polish or Builder Gel. Base Coat is cured in a UV lamp and creates a tacky surface that helps the next layers adhere.
-
Top Coat: The final gel layer in your application. It seals the entire nail look, protects against scratches and gives a beautiful, long-lasting finish – either glossy or matte. Top Coat is also cured in a UV lamp.
What is the difference between Top Coat No Wipe Shine and No Wipe Matte?
The range includes two popular Top Coat variants, both of which are 'No Wipe'. This means they do not leave a tacky layer after curing in the lamp, so you don’t need to wipe the nails with Cleanser at the end.
-
Top Coat No Wipe Shine: Gives your nails a glossy finish. Choose this when you want a classic, shiny look.
-
Top Coat No Wipe Matte: Gives your nails a matte finish with a soft, velvety surface. Choose this when you want a different and more understated look.
Choosing a nail file for gel nails
The right nail files make a big difference when shaping and removing gel nails. Different grit levels have different uses.
Which nail file should you use for gel nails?
Nail files come in different grit levels, indicated by numbers. The lower the number, the coarser the file. You’ll need:
-
Nail file 100/180: This file has a coarser side (100) and a slightly finer side (180). The coarse side is effective for filing down gel products, for example during removal or when shaping Builder Gel. The finer side is ideal for refining the shape and smoothing out unevenness.
-
Nail file 180/220: With a finer grit, this file is suitable for shaping the natural nail, mattifying the surface of the natural nail before applying gel, or perfecting the gel layer. It is gentle yet effective for the final details.
You should always use the finest file that can do the job in order to protect both the nail and the surrounding skin.
Removing gel nails at home
When you want to remove your gel nails, it’s important to do it correctly and gently.
How do you safely remove gel nails at home?
Safe gel nail removal requires the right products and a careful process. Here are the basic steps:
-
File off the Top Coat: Start by gently filing the surface of your nails to remove the Top Coat layer. Use a 100/180 nail file for this. Be careful not to file into the natural nail.
-
Apply Gel Remover: After breaking the Top Coat seal, you can apply Gel Remover. This can be done by soaking lint-free pads with Gel Remover and wrapping the nails in foil, or by using Nailster’s Magic Remover, which is applied directly to the nail.
-
Leave the remover to work: Leave the remover on for approximately 10-15 minutes (check the specific instructions for your product). The gel layer will begin to loosen.
-
Gently push it off: Use a cuticle pusher to gently push the loosened gel off the nail plate. Avoid scraping hard, as this can damage the natural nail. Repeat the process if there is still a lot of gel left.
-
Care for your nails: Once all the gel has been removed, you can lightly buff the nails and apply nail oil to moisturise and care for both nails and cuticles.
