Why spend a fortune each month going to a nail salon, when you can do your own gel manicures at home for a fraction of the price? Easy and fun!
I’ve always been nail polish-obsessed. Growing up, it was all about discovering and trying the new nail trends. Everything from matte nails to crackle polish to blues and burgundies so dark they looked black (but weren’t). I would paint my nails several times a week to match different outfits and use up hours of my own time to make sure they dried – even more frustrating when I would go to zip up my pants or fall asleep and they’d still smudge.
As a teenager and into my early 20’s, I would go to a little nail salon down the street from my house at least 2-3 times a month. I spent about $30 on a gel manicure, and made small talk with the staff while I waited an hour or two for them to complete the process on my nails. I loved how much longer shellac lasted than regular polish, but it was certainly a pricey experience. Then I discovered the beauty of gel manicures at home!
Product Details
UV lamp | top & base coats | neutral gel colors | cuticle trimmer and pusher | gel removal clips
The process of an at-home gel manicure is as simple as reciting the alphabet.
Let me give you some step-by-step instructions to make it as easy as I can, because I can assure you that the minute you’ve finished reading this post, you’ll want a UV light and shellac colors for yourself! In fact, I’ve raved about this process so much that my mom got a lamp, my sister purchased one for her best friend, and one of my childhood besties got one! And if you follow my steps diligently, you won’t cause any damage to your nails, and they’ll look fantastic!
Application
Make sure you’ve pushed and cute your cuticles, filed your nails, and cleaned the surface with non-acetone nail polish remover.
Use the base coat and apply a light coverage to your nails, then put them beneath the lamp for 60 seconds.
Apply the first coat of color and make sure you don’t lather it on too think. Dry them under the UV light for 2 minutes.
Repeat the last step for the second coat of color, and only apply a third if you find it completely necessary. The lighter the coats, the longer the color lasts.
Finish with the top coat and leave under the lamp for 3 minutes.
Your nails will bee 100% dry and ready to go. You don’t need to wait or be careful with them. They won’t smudge or crease or crackle, and they can last for up to a month if you take good care of them!
Removal
Lightly buff the top of your nails with a nail board.
Soak small bits of cotton balls in 100% acetone and place over your nails. Either wrap in aluminum foil or place into removal clips for 30 minutes to soften the gel.
Remove your nails from the foil or clips and you should notice the polish is peeling around the edges and nail-beds.
Use the curved side of a stainless steel cuticle pusher to scrape the remainder of the shellac off your nails.
File with a nail board and then buff.
Swipe your nails with non-acetone nail polish remover and wash your hands.
Apply a lotion or vitamin-e oil to maintain the strength of your nails!
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Lina Melo says
I’m going to try this, I don’t like to spend too much money to get my nails done!
Besides, your nails look amazing and very professional!
Stephanie Whitman says
I don’t either. In fact, I like to save money in any way I can. This has saved me hundreds of dollars over the years, along with a ton of time. I even did my bridesmaids’ nails (and mine) for my own wedding!
Madison Fichtl says
Ohh I need to try this! I hate spending the money every month at the salon.
xo,
Madison | Madison-Fichtl.com
Stephanie Whitman says
Girl YES. You gotta try it and let me know what you think!
Tanvi Rastogi says
Gel manicure does not agree with my nails unfortunately. It is such a time saver though, because it lasts longer.
❥ tanvii.com
Stephanie Whitman says
Hmm I wonder why! I’ve never had any issue with the shellac, itself. The only time there’s been a challenge was when I didn’t remove the product properly. Hopefully you’ll get a chance to give it another go in the future!
Carrington Barfield says
I NEED to try this!! I always feel like such a weird girl because I literally hate having to go get my nails done at the nail salon. Definitely going to give this a try, your nails look PROFESSIONAL quality!
Xx,
Carrington
Stephanie Whitman says
I totally understand where you’re coming from! I think you’d love using these products at home. You’ll save money, you don’t need to change out of your pajamas, and you can pamper yourself all at once!
Katie Buller says
This is so useful! I definitely need to try this out – going to the salon is just so expensive!
Stephanie Whitman says
WAY to expensive, if you ask me. This has been totally cost-effective in the long run, and it’s so much fun to have my girlfriends over to do their nails now that I’ve learned to do them properly!
Lina Melo says
I’m going to try this, I don’t like to spend too much money to get my nails done!
Besides, your nails look amazing and very professional!
Stephanie Whitman says
I don’t either. In fact, I like to save money in any way I can. This has saved me hundreds of dollars over the years, along with a ton of time. I even did my bridesmaids’ nails (and mine) for my own wedding!
Lee says
Ive never been able to get at an home gel manicure that looks good; but your nails look fantastic, so i think i need to try this one out!
Stephanie Whitman says
It takes a little practice, but once you’ve got the process down, it’s totally worth it!
Tonya Morris says
You make it look so easy! I can never do my own nails, but you’ve definitely inspired me to try!
Stephanie Whitman says
I had a really hard time with it for a while, as well. However, when it comes to shellac – it applies a lot easier than regular nail polish and dries prettier – creating a more professional appearance, even from home!
Rach says
I didn’t even think it was possible to get gel manicure at home! This would save me lots of money haha. Thank you for the step by step tutorial!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Stephanie Whitman says
Oh gosh, yeah! It’s totally life-changing haha! I love being able to do it all from home after a long day of work. I sit down with a fun bev, put on a show, and do my nails. Talk about great self-care!
Morgan says
I’m constantly wanting to change my nail colors and should definitely invest in a system like this!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m the type of person who would switch up colors every day depending on the outfit, if I could! Now I kinda can if I really want to. It’s so much less expensive and less time-consuming to do it from home!
Tanvi Rastogi says
Gel manicure does not agree with my nails unfortunately. It is such a time saver though, because it lasts longer.
❥ tanvii.com
Stephanie Whitman says
Hmm I wonder why! I’ve never had any issue with the shellac, itself. The only time there’s been a challenge was when I didn’t remove the product properly. Hopefully you’ll get a chance to give it another go in the future!
Rach says
I didn’t even think it was possible to get gel manicure at home! This would save me lots of money haha. Thank you for the step by step tutorial!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Stephanie Whitman says
Oh gosh, yeah! It’s totally life-changing haha! I love being able to do it all from home after a long day of work. I sit down with a fun bev, put on a show, and do my nails. Talk about great self-care!
Morgan says
I’m constantly wanting to change my nail colors and should definitely invest in a system like this!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m the type of person who would switch up colors every day depending on the outfit, if I could! Now I kinda can if I really want to. It’s so much less expensive and less time-consuming to do it from home!
Delia Atenea says
Stephanie you make this look so easy! I’ve debated about buying all this stuff in the past. I think I’m gonna give it a shot. Hopefully my nails come out as pretty as yours!
Stephanie Whitman says
You definitely should – and let me know what you think when you do! It’s been such a great option for me now that I’m trying to save my pennies every which way I can!
Carolyn says
This is a great tutorial! I love having my nails done, but the price can be a deterrent. This is a great way to still get your nails done without having to spend money each time. You made this look like I could actually do it haha!
Stephanie Whitman says
Haha! Practice makes perfect. I used to really struggle with doing my nails, but honestly gel looks way better than regular polish in the long run anyways. So this routine has come in handy in more ways than one!
Jerrieal Small says
Love this! Now that I have a baby I need to cut back on some of my extra expenses I would spend on my self. I get dip every2 weeks and it cost $40 😳. Seeing the numbers really made me want to save that money. This post is great!
Kiara Carniewski says
I’ll be saving myself the trip to the salon and take off my current gel manicure at home! Thank you so much for sharing how you can easily make this work without the extra cost. Awesome tips 🙂
Stephanie Whitman says
Oh yeah, absolutely! It’s been a total lifesaver, learning how to do all this from home. It also saves me so much money!
Gita says
I used to be solely on the gel board, but I quit bc it was messing up my nails big time. Now I only do it when I go on long vacations. I think one of the problem was removal. If a technician is not good/ not patient with removal, they can really mess up your nails. I think one of the extra benefit of doing it at home is that you can take more time and not hurry through it.
Stephanie Whitman says
I definitely think that if someone isn’t careful or doesn’t remove them properly, they can harm your nails. However, I’ve found that taking the time to learn the process and do it intentionally has created zero damage to my nails or the skin surrounding!
Kileen says
Love this post babe! SO helpful, especially when I can’t make it to the salon!
Kileen
cute & little
Stephanie Whitman says
Plus WAY less expensive than trying to get it done professionally 😉
Indya | The Small Adventurer says
I’m not going to lie: I’m pretty blown away by this! I actually didn’t know you could do this at home. I used to LOVE getting my nails done, but now that I work with food I can no longer do that. However, I could totally give myself a gel manicure at home during my days off, then take it off before I go back to work!
Stephanie Whitman says
OMG girl you’ve GOTTA try this for yourself. I totally understand not wanting to have a lot of nail polish on when you work with food – it comes off so quickly. But gel lasts for WEEKS if you do it correctly. Plus it’s a lot less expensive than a salon, and you can give yourself a full manicure in less than an hour this way!
Christa says
As much as I’d love to go for a professional manicure, I can’t ever justify the expense. This post gives me the confidence to try it at home!
Stephanie Whitman says
Right? It can be SO pricey and with a regular manicure, the polish never lasts more than a day or so (for me). The at-home gel option has been a total time and money-saver!
Summer says
Yessss! So good! So, I’ve been using Sensationail’s at-home gel kit and I love it. I need to check out what you’re using, too! I love how it’s much more intentional and affordable to do it at home. P.S. Your photos are too fun!
Stephanie Whitman says
I’ve gotta try those gel polishes. I’m curious to see how other brands compare to Gellen – since this is the only line I’ve tested so far!
Jerrieal Small says
Love this! Now that I have a baby I need to cut back on some of my extra expenses I would spend on my self. I get dip every2 weeks and it cost $40 😳. Seeing the numbers really made me want to save that money. This post is great!
Stephanie Whitman says
Exactly! I was spending INSANE amounts going to the salon so frequently, and with this process I’m saving money and time PLUS finding a way to treat myself without leaving the house.
Gita says
I used to be solely on the gel board, but I quit bc it was messing up my nails big time. Now I only do it when I go on long vacations. I think one of the problem was removal. If a technician is not good/ not patient with removal, they can really mess up your nails. I think one of the extra benefit of doing it at home is that you can take more time and not hurry through it.
Stephanie Whitman says
I definitely think that if someone isn’t careful or doesn’t remove them properly, they can harm your nails. However, I’ve found that taking the time to learn the process and do it intentionally has created zero damage to my nails or the skin surrounding!
Lizzie says
I love that you can do it at home! The results look amazing – so professional! Definitely want to try these out 🙂
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
Stephanie Whitman says
It might take a bit of time to practice, but once you’ve got it down, it’s SO easy and takes hardly any time. I like to do them right before a photoshoot day and it’s so nice that there’s no wait time for the drying process.
Laura says
I’m definitely going to need to get this for myself! Gel manicures cost so much and if it’s that easy to do them at home, I might as well try!
xo, Laura
Stephanie Whitman says
They really can cost a LOT if you regularly update your nail color and go back for removal. I’ve saved hundreds of dollars this way!
Annie says
This sounds like such a great idea to save money. Do you know how safe the UV light is? I know it’s in short bursts, but since I have to be very careful of UV rays when I go outside (I’m at a high risk for skin cancer), do you think this would be safe for me do? Thank you!
Stephanie Whitman says
Great question! Paolo Boffetta, the director of cancer prevention at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York says, “Being exposed to such a low dose, for only a few minutes, on only a small percent of the total surface of the body — we don’t have any data on that, because the risk would be so small that it would be almost impossible to detect it. Being outside on a very sunny day will make a much bigger difference, in terms of the amount of exposure people get compared to this sort of thing.” Check out this article for more information!
Monica says
So helpful to see your tips for applying and removing a gel manicure! I have had the worst time removing gel in the past and I also end up pulling it off, which I know is terrible for my nails!
Stephanie Whitman says
Ahh I know how hard it can be to stop yourself from pulling the shellac off (I’m guilty)! But if you follow the removal steps, it’s actually pretty simple, and I haven’t seen any issue with my nails!
Laura says
I’m definitely going to need to get this for myself! Gel manicures cost so much and if it’s that easy to do them at home, I might as well try!
xo, Laura
Stephanie Whitman says
They really can cost a LOT if you regularly update your nail color and go back for removal. I’ve saved hundreds of dollars this way!
Annie says
This sounds like such a great idea to save money. Do you know how safe the UV light is? I know it’s in short bursts, but since I have to be very careful of UV rays when I go outside (I’m at a high risk for skin cancer), do you think this would be safe for me do? Thank you!
Stephanie Whitman says
Great question! Paolo Boffetta, the director of cancer prevention at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York says, “Being exposed to such a low dose, for only a few minutes, on only a small percent of the total surface of the body — we don’t have any data on that, because the risk would be so small that it would be almost impossible to detect it. Being outside on a very sunny day will make a much bigger difference, in terms of the amount of exposure people get compared to this sort of thing.” Check out this article for more information!
Hillary Conheady says
Ah this is so awesome!!! I’ve got to try this ASAP!!
Monica says
So helpful to see your tips for applying and removing a gel manicure! I have had the worst time removing gel in the past and I also end up pulling it off, which I know is terrible for my nails!
Stephanie Whitman says
Ahh I know how hard it can be to stop yourself from pulling the shellac off (I’m guilty)! But if you follow the removal steps, it’s actually pretty simple, and I haven’t seen any issue with my nails!
TianShanae says
I need this! I hate going to the salon to my nails done. This would be so convenient for me.
Stephanie Whitman says
I used to really enjoy the process, but I didn’t enjoy spending all that money. Now I can pour a glass of wine, stick on my favorite show, and relax while I pamper myself after a long day!
Emily says
Love that little graphic you created – makes it so much easier to remember how to apply & remove!
Stephanie Whitman says
That’s what I was hoping for! I have friends who come to me regularly to ask about the times under the lamp and the removal process. This makes it a bit simpler!
Natalie says
What a cool kit!
Stephanie Whitman says
It’s actually not a kit. Everything was purchased separately and I taught myself how to apply and remove the products. Hope you get a chance to read through!
Hillary Conheady says
Ah this is so awesome!!! I’ve got to try this ASAP!!
Stephanie Whitman says
You definitely do. It’s totally life-changing. Such a time and money-saver!
Lily says
I love doing my own nails! I haven’t tried doing at-home gel though. Might have to try it out soon.
Sarah Lindner says
I wish I had the skill or patience to paint my own nails! Yours look so pretty!
xoxo Sarah
Stephanie Whitman says
This really doesn’t take any patience considering there’s no “dry time.” Just a few minutes for each nails and TA-DA! All done!
Jasmine Vargas says
I use to love doing my own nails. But gel never really lasted long on my nails because it would chip. That’s why I switched to dip powders. BUT I do love gel on my toe nails.
Lily says
I love doing my own nails! I haven’t tried doing at-home gel though. Might have to try it out soon.
Stephanie Whitman says
You definitely gotta try it. Way less time-consuming and so much fun!
Erin says
I use this exact same light but found a dif brand of polish that stays on longer that I’m a total fan of! Has saved me SO much money.
Jasmine Vargas says
I use to love doing my own nails. But gel never really lasted long on my nails because it would chip. That’s why I switched to dip powders. BUT I do love gel on my toe nails.
Stephanie Whitman says
Wow! I’ve never ever had gel polish chip, only regular nail lacquer. I wonder what would happen if you tried gel polish at home with your own UV light!
Erin says
I use this exact same light but found a dif brand of polish that stays on longer that I’m a total fan of! Has saved me SO much money.
Stephanie Whitman says
Oooh what brand do you use? Now I’m curious. I’ve only ever tried Gellen and I totally love it, but I’m open to other options too!
Sarah at Ponder Trail says
This is so neat, Stephanie! I love your photos and how you broke down the whole process. I’ve never tried gel nails, but they look so pretty. That last photo of you is super cute! 🙂
Sarah at Ponder Trail says
This is so neat, Stephanie! I love your photos and how you broke down the whole process. I’ve never tried gel nails, but they look so pretty. That last photo of you is super cute! 🙂
Stephanie Whitman says
You definitely need to try them out at some point. Life-changing haha! It’s so much less time and money!
Taylor Mobley says
I will never go back after learning how to do this at home a few months ago! It’s so easy and I can do it on the fly when I need to. Not to mention saving money!
Stephanie Whitman says
RIGHT? It’s the best EVER. I love how it takes so much less time and saves me crazy amounts of money!
Azanique Rawl says
I’ve never thought about doing my own gel manicure but this makes it look so easy! I should totally try 🙂
-xo, Azanique | https://www.lotsofsass.com
Stephanie Whitman says
Oh girl you will never go back once you try this at home. SO much more affordable and so much LESS time-consuming!
Deborah says
I LOVE gel manis and I love doing my own nails! You make it look so much easier than when I do it though haha!
Stephanie Whitman says
Hahah! Well it’s taken a lot of trial and error and practice, but now I think I’ve got it down!
Lavenda says
I love a good Gel mani! Wow you are making it look so easy thank you so much for sharing! I hope you have such a great day babe!
xoxo,
Lavenda
Anna English says
I’m the worst at painting my own nails, but you make this look super easy!
Kenzi || Life of a Sister says
This is perfect! I love how simple you make it look! I definitely need to try this.
Renee || Getting Fit Fab says
I’ve always wanted to learn how to do my own gel manicures, but never thought much about it. I’ll have to try this the next time I need my nails done for something.
Cathy says
Love this at home process. That heater is so cool, I need to get one for myself!!
XOXO
Cathy
Nailil says
This is so helpful! I always wondered how to remove gel polish at home!
Xx, Nailil
thirtyminusoneblog.com
Laura Leigh says
This is so incredibly helpful gal! Really appreciate you putting this together and going into such detail. Will save me lots of time and money for sure! Also, as always, your Pinterest graphics are amazing!
xo Laura Leigh
http://www.louellareese.com
Jessica says
Thank you so much for sharing all of this valuable information. I have always wanted to do these at home!
Becky says
I almost never go get my nails done anywhere (sometimes I’ll splurge at a salon and do my toenails). I use Jamberry but I bought a gel system to do a clear top coat and I love it! It lasts so long and looks so shiny and pretty!
Alyssa says
Oh you’re so brave! I can’t even paint my nails with regular polish!
Sarah Lindner says
I wish I had the skill or patience to paint my own nails! Yours look so pretty!
xoxo Sarah
Carrington Barfield says
I NEED to try this!! I always feel like such a weird girl because I literally hate having to go get my nails done at the nail salon. Definitely going to give this a try, your nails look PROFESSIONAL quality!
Xx,
Carrington
Katie Buller says
This is so useful! I definitely need to try this out – going to the salon is just so expensive!
Stephanie Whitman says
WAY to expensive, if you ask me. This has been totally cost-effective in the long run, and it’s so much fun to have my girlfriends over to do their nails now that I’ve learned to do them properly!
Madison Fichtl says
Ohh I need to try this! I hate spending the money every month at the salon.
xo,
Madison | Madison-Fichtl.com
Stephanie Whitman says
Girl YES. You gotta try it and let me know what you think!
Kiara Carniewski says
I’ll be saving myself the trip to the salon and take off my current gel manicure at home! Thank you so much for sharing how you can easily make this work without the extra cost. Awesome tips 🙂
Stephanie Whitman says
Oh yeah, absolutely! It’s been a total lifesaver, learning how to do all this from home. It also saves me so much money!
Emily says
Love that little graphic you created – makes it so much easier to remember how to apply & remove!
Stephanie Whitman says
That’s what I was hoping for! I have friends who come to me regularly to ask about the times under the lamp and the removal process. This makes it a bit simpler!
Natalie says
What a cool kit!
Stephanie Whitman says
It’s actually not a kit. Everything was purchased separately and I taught myself how to apply and remove the products. Hope you get a chance to read through!
Lizzie says
I love that you can do it at home! The results look amazing – so professional! Definitely want to try these out 🙂
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
Stephanie Whitman says
It might take a bit of time to practice, but once you’ve got it down, it’s SO easy and takes hardly any time. I like to do them right before a photoshoot day and it’s so nice that there’s no wait time for the drying process.
TianShanae says
I need this! I hate going to the salon to my nails done. This would be so convenient for me.
Stephanie Whitman says
I used to really enjoy the process, but I didn’t enjoy spending all that money. Now I can pour a glass of wine, stick on my favorite show, and relax while I pamper myself after a long day!
Summer says
Yessss! So good! So, I’ve been using Sensationail’s at-home gel kit and I love it. I need to check out what you’re using, too! I love how it’s much more intentional and affordable to do it at home. P.S. Your photos are too fun!
Stephanie Whitman says
I’ve gotta try those gel polishes. I’m curious to see how other brands compare to Gellen – since this is the only line I’ve tested so far!