Opinions of home DIY UV Gel Nail Systems please

annika53

I started doing also gel nails at home. First I messed something up but then I learned more and now I do my always at home. The problem was that I bought wrong type of products that did not fit with my curing lamp. What I didnt know was huge difference between gels and their requirements for lamps. I found this post here that should be read before buy any products: shinybeauty.net/nail-techniques/uv-and-led-lamps-for-gel-nails

SRH_2

Lots of great responses already but just wanted to add my two penneth

I bought a really cheap nail UV lamp from eBay (ignore any of the big brands that tell you you have to buy their expensive lamps - a UV lamp is a UV lamp).

I started off by going to a salon for CND Shellac, watched what they did and watched a few tutorials on YouTube.

I initially bought CND Shellac on Amazon but when the pennies were short tried Bluesky Shellac and found I much preferred it (far less thick, better colours, half the price).

Products such as acetone are really cheap online or from Sallys. But the one thing I don't skimp on is CND CuticleAway. That, combined with gentle use of a metal cuticle pusher, prepares your nailbed really well for Shellac.

I also fully admit to not soaking the polish off. By around two weeks wear the polish usually starts to lift a little. I find it easier to simply (gently) peel the polish off. Less messy and seems to be less damaging to my nails. I wouldn't be without my Shellac nails now and cost-wise actually spend less than on normal polish as it lasts so well.

AbbieCadabra

another 2p from me

i'm glad i went for an LED lamp instead of UV, quicker, no replacement bulbs required & no damaging UV rays (no matter how small the risk).

i tried Bluesky as a cheaper option to the known brands (this was before i'd read about copycats from China, some comply with the legislation on ingredients, some don't). based on one application, i thought it was ok. however, after using genuine Harmony Gelish polish, it just doesn't compare quality & longevity wise.

Bluesky was uneven coverage/application & only lasted around 10 days. Gelish, no application issues, some colours require 3 coats, all depends on the colour. Wear - over 3 weeks with no chips/lifting, nothing (& that's with about 6 hours per week in a swimming pool). I only change it due to re-growth.

i buy cheap 100% acetone from tesco & add a few drops of cuticle oil so it's not as harsh on the skin/nails. cleanser is mainly Isopropyl Alcohol & can be found online, no need for a brand. i've bought loads of glitter off ebay, some hits, some misses but i know better what i'm looking for now (chunky, fine, holographic, iridescent...). also got a set of brushes for nail art/glitter application. no need for mixing bowls/dappen dishes, i just use a piece of kitchen foil or a suitable plastic lid off something.

i've learnt a great deal from the Nail section on SalonGeek.com, it's a forum for professionals but they do have a consumer area for general queries (but they can't help if you're using professional products as an amateur with no training, which seems fair enough to me!). I've also discovered a product that you can add to normal nail polish, which turns it into gel polish! it's only just on the market but is getting very good reviews, my normal polish stash can now be revived!

empressemma

Hi, what's the product that turns ordinary polish into gel polish please?
Also, can I ask... What's the best gel to do diy nail extensions? I used to use the rio quick dip acrylic extension system, but would rather use a gel. I bought a uv lamp of eBay, and will probably buy a set of bluesky gels for when I don't want the extensions, but still love the look of a white tip extension. The gel kit I bought is rubbish, but it was dirt cheap. So if someone can please recommend a gel, I'd appreciate the help.
Many thanks, Emma

Mini_Lover

Abbiecadabra - I might purchase the Sensationail kit and switch to Harmony as this is what is used in my salon. Does it cure ok? My only problem is removing it, tin foil never seems to work for me. Any tips?

AbbieCadabra

sorry, can't help with extensions.

MegaMix turns normal polish into gel, can also use mica pigments, info on the website. my 1st pot turned up yesterday, but it will be a couple of weeks before i have a 'play' with it yet.

the sensationail led cures gelish with no problems. i use the foils, inside rubber goves then into hot water. you might find some tips on other removal methods on the sensationail facebook page

jackstini

Agree LED lamp much quicker, plus no UVA or UVB rays

For those that worry about not being able to paint nails well, it is loads easier with gel polish. I can only speak for Sensationail as that's all I have used, but no matter how many time you go over it you can't leave brush marks! You can push it around the nail towards cuticles for a neat edge too. Just do any clean up with a cuticle stock before you put them under the lamp

xbrenx

I got some of these which work very well. My only problem is that I'm impatient and tend to scrape the polish off which in turn leads to very brittle nails. So don't rush it and you'll be fine.

helcat26

I am delighted with these home gel nails kits
I bought a starter kit (top coat, base coat, 2 colours, remover, cleanser, lamp and foil pads) on Ebay for £58.
It was the CCO brand of nail colours.
It was easy to apply- as a previous poster has said - easier than normal nail varnish as it does not set until cured so you can remove slips and the colour evens out when cured so no brush strokes. I was a bit alarmed at first as it was all still tacky at the end, but read online then used the cleanser which removed stickiness and finished the process.
Nails looked great really shiny and professional. They lasted 2 weeks with some really hard wear. ( I had to clear out a house garage and garden following an elderly relative moving- lots of hot water, bleach and scrabbling around in dirt). After 2 weeks I had to remove them because my nails had grown a couple of millimetres. When I had Shellac done professionally they lasted 1 week before chipping so I was impressed.
Removal- the worst bit- I was determined not to pick as all the stuff I read said this was what wrecked nails. It took me 20 mins of soaking in remover applied to the foil wraps with the cotton wool inside. After 1 go it crumbled but it took 2 goes to get it all off and the nails needed buffing. Thumbs seem more difficult but it can be difficult to wrap the foil around the thumb
So I have now had 8 weeks, 4 gel manicures and 2 pedicures and am very pleased. I have had a little flaking on 2 nails but they were always prone to splitting before. Overall I have got longer stronger better looking nails.
Top tips:
1. Do not fork out for CDD cuticle oil it is just almond oil
2. put cuticle oil on your nails as they grow not just in between
gel applications
3. Be patient with a good film or TV programme giving you plenty of time for removal.
4. Do not watch said film on a tablet unless you can pause with your nose!

dippy3103

Has anyone else found these home kits leave your nails in poor condition? Mine have peeled non stop since I used one. Or is it just my nails? X