Gel nail art brings another level of personalization and fun on top of your typical manicure. Gel nails are known for their high-gloss shine, but they can also be expensive and time-consuming, with difficult upkeep and damaging removal.
Many women try to do their gel nails at home to avoid the hassle and price tag of salon services. But things tend to get a little messy when you add gel nail art into the equation. Luckily, there is a solution for flawless, at-home gel nails with stylish designs!
Polish Pops is the healthy alternative to gel nails that you have been looking for. Our nail wraps are easy to apply, safe to remove, and last for up to two weeks. Plus, we have an extensive library of nail art, designs, and patterns that will have everyone complimenting your nails.
Shop now or keep on reading to get the full scoop.
“Love Polish Pops! Lavender Veil is my all time favorite natural color! So pretty, much prettier in real life!” - Zsanett
“How is it possible each set I put on I love more and more!” - Paige
“This set is so pretty! This set is a clear bright cherry red. I love the subtle red glitter hearts. I got them for Valentine's Day but they would be good for any time of the year.” - Heather
Why Gel Nail Art is So Popular
Gel manicures have been trending for years, but recently, gel polish nail designs have been getting more and more popular. Nail art lets you add some extra personality and flair to a classic set of nails. You can channel your individuality with a unique look that nobody else has.
From french tips to the uber-trendy tortoiseshell, gel nail art elevates the look of monochromatic nails, making them feel totally your own. You will be amazed by the diversity of nail art out there – and by the flood of compliments you’ll receive on a cool set of nails.
Can You Do Nail Art on Gel Nails At Home, Though?
With the high prices and annoying upkeep of salon gel manicures, many people wonder how to do a manicure at home. While it is possible to paint your nails and even do nail art on your gel mani at home, there are also drawbacks with this method: most notably, messy applications!
So, can you do nail art on gel nails? Definitely, but watch out for some common pitfalls.
The DIY Gel Nail Art Appeal
Women switch over to doing their nails at home for many reasons: price, scheduling, health concerns, and more. Gel nails at the salon can cost upwards of $50 per set (and that is before you add any nail art or fun designs)! So, switching to a DIY method is sure to save you money.
Plus, it can be hard for the busy modern woman to carve out a few hours to get to the salon, wait for a nail tech, and sit for a manicure. Doing your nails at home offers more flexibility and saves you countless hours in the long run.
And do not forget the health concerns associated with salon gel nails. Many salons use harsh chemicals and aggressive removal methods that can damage your natural nails and even cause skin sensitivity and other reactions. You have control over the products you choose at home.
Setting Your Expectations
You can certainly do art on your gel nails at home, but it is important to set your expectations wisely. It’s almost impossible to get the same level of precision and quality that you would see at the salon when you paint your nails yourself – especially when painting your right hand!
That is why choosing nail wraps from Polish Pops is a great alternative to trying your hand at gel nail designs at home. Our nail wraps and gel nails come in a wide variety of colors, from a rainbow of monochromes to designs, patterns, prints, and more. The best part? You do not need an art degree or a surgeon’s steady hand to make them look amazing!
How to Do Nail Art With Gel Polish: Step-by-Step Guide
Wondering how to do nail art with gel polish? You are in the right place. Let’s take a look at the steps you will need to execute gel nail art effectively at home.
Preparation Comes First
Prepping your nails properly is always a key step in making your at-home mani look amazing. You will want to trim and file your nails, use a cuticle stick to push your cuticles back, and wipe off your nails with an alcohol pad or remove any excess oils.
Do Your Base Coat
Gel nails begin with a clear base coat to cover your natural nail. Like all of the coats in a gel manicure, this base coat must cure under a UV lamp and fully set before the next coat is applied. The repeated painting and setting process is what makes gel manicures take so long.
Add Some Color
Which base color will you choose to make your design pop? Whether you opt for a timeless neutral or a bright seasonal hue, you need a polish color that will allow your nail art to shine. Remember, each coat needs to be cured under a UV lamp before moving on.
Come Up With a Design
The basics of how to do nail art with gel polish begin with thinking up a stylish design. Will you go for a preppy plaid, a flirty floral, or an animal print that shows off your wild side? Or maybe you will opt for a simple accent like a french tip or polka dots.
Whichever you choose, make sure to select an option that is within your skill level in terms of effectively painting it on.
Seal it in With a Top Coat
After you have painted on your design, add a clear top coat to seal it in. This will ensure that the design does not chip, flake, or peel. The top coat also adds your desired finish: typically, you will choose between matte or gloss. A high-gloss shine is most typical for gel nails.
Tips and What to Avoid With Gel Nail Art
For those exploring how to do nail art with gel polish, here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind as you embark on your DIY journey.
How Many Base Coats is Best?
The standard rule of thumb for base coats with a gel manicure is that you should use two or more coats of polish. Basically, you want to make sure the color is completely opaque. If you are using a lighter color, such as a pale pink or white, you may need three coats of polish.
Does Every Coat Need to Be Cured?
Every individual coat of gel polish needs to be cured and set under a UV lamp before the next coat can be applied. Many people ask, how long do gel nails take? The answer largely depends on how many coats of polish and what kind of designs you are doing. A light base color with a complex design can easily take over an hour at home or in the salon.
How Do You Ensure Clean Lines and Patterns?
There are a few different ways to get clean lines and patterns when you are first learning how to do nail art with gel polish. We recommend a long, thin striper brush used with light pressure on the nail. Do not press down too hard, or you may get a wobbly line and uneven or bubbly polish.
Some nail artists may even use tape to block off part of the nail and ensure a clean line. Just make sure that the tape is easy to remove and will not pull away previous coats of color.
Should You Mix Your Own Gel Colors or Just Use a Palette?
Mixing your own gel colors can be a great way to build custom shades. However, it is always best to mix only colors from the same brand. Never mix colors in the bottle: Instead, pour a drop or two out on a palette and mix with a toothpick to get the perfect blend.
Mistakes We See Beginners Make
When it comes to at-home gel manicures and nail art, one of the biggest mistakes we see beginners make is rushing the UV curing process. It is important to let each coat of gel polish fully set before applying the next coat, which can take a long time.
We also see beginners struggling with nail art due to using the wrong brushes. Typically, you will need to purchase special nail art brushes that are longer and thinner in order to achieve precise designs. Painting these finicky designs with your left hand can also be a big challenge.
So, can you do nail art on gel nails at home? The short answer is yes – but it may be a lot more difficult and time-consuming than you are anticipating. Perfecting nail art can take years and plenty of training, so do not be surprised if your first few attempts do not go to plan.
Introducing a Simpler Approach to Gel Nail Art at Polish Pops!
Good news: There is a better way to handle gel manicure nail art! Polish Pops brings you the fashionable, on-trend designs you’re looking for without the hassle of salon trips or DIY disasters. Get a professional-quality manicure in minutes with our flagship nail kit.
Why Polish Pops?
Polish Pops is a woman-founded business that believes everyone deserves a cute manicure – yep, even the busy moms, the hardworking career ladies, and the gym junkies. But we also understand that making it to the salon every couple of weeks is not always feasible, for your schedule or your wallet.
That’s why we invented a better way: Nail wraps and gel nail kits that look amazing, last for weeks, and cure in just 60 seconds. You can wave goodbye to wasting hours at the salon, throwing dollars down the drain, and stressing about peeling and lifting right off the bat.
How it Works
Applying your Polish Pops nail wraps is simple and easy. Just follow these four steps:
- Prep: Push back your cuticles and wipe off your nails with an included alcohol pad to remove any excess oils. This will make your Polish Pops last even longer!
- Stick: Select a wrap that is slightly smaller than your natural nail. It adheres like a sticker, so all you need to do is press it down. You can roll the cuticle stick over the sides to ensure the entire sticker is fully adhered.
- Cure: Trim off any excess length, and then cure the nail for 60 seconds under our LED light. Yep, just one cure for one minute. It’s that easy!
- File: Use our file to straighten and shape the edge of your nail. Then, admire your gorgeous new mani and wait for the compliments to come flowing in.
How long does a gel manicure last with Polish Pops? Our gel nail wraps last up to two weeks with a glossy shine and countless color options to suit your every mood. They are easy to remove, vegan and 14-free, and made for your busy life!
Some of Our Favorite Gel Nail Designs
With Polish Pops, gorgeous nail art does not require a trip to the salon. Check out some of our favorite gel nail designs right here:
- Show off your sassy side with leopard-print Queen of the Jungle
- Embrace the season of love with Flirt Alert
- Stay on-trend with the popular tortoiseshell Tortally Into You
- Channel edgy darkness with Black Magic
- Sparkle and celebrate with Feelin’ Bubbly
- Go all-out for glitter with deep blue Twilight Zone
We’re constantly adding new, exciting designs, too. So be sure to check back in with us on a regular basis or follow along on socials so you can be the first to try our latest and greatest styles!
Closing Thoughts on Gel Nail Art
Can you do nail art on gel nails? Absolutely, and it does not have to be difficult! While there are many pitfalls related to nail art with gel manicures, Polish Pops makes fun and functional nails incredibly easy. All you need to do is peel, press, cure, and admire. It’s as easy as that!
Choose from our incredible library of bespoke nail designs, glitter gel nail wraps, and regular colors for nails that match your mood. With our simple application process, your next mani will be a breeze. And with easy removal, you can switch out your mani whenever you want. The only question left is, which set will you choose?
