How to prep your nails for Gel Polish

A good preparation of your nails ensures that your manicure looks better and lasts longer. Read more to discover why this is so important and how to do this the right way!  

How to prepare nails for Gel Polish 

As often said: a good start is half the job! Of course, this also applies to the application of Gel Polish. Good preparation of your nails ensures that your manicure looks better and lasts longer. Find out why this is so important and how to do this the right way.

Why prepare your nails for Gel Polish? 

When Gel Polish does not adhere well, preparation - or lack of - is often the cause. It is very important to prepare your nails well, so that your Gel Polish will last longer. In addition, it ensures that your own nails remain healthy and reduces the risk of damaged nails. When your nails are properly prepared, you can also apply the Gel Polish more beautifully and tightly. Spending enough time preparing your natural nails has numerous benefits, so don't skip this step.

How to prep nails for Gel Polish step by step 

To properly prepare your nails, we have set up a short step-by-step plan. If you follow this, you will assure yourself of a beautiful manicure and significantly increase the wear time! 

Step 1: How to prepare cuticles 

Start with your cuticles. They are often forgotten, but taking care of your cuticles will help your manicure stay on more firmly and gives you good access to your entire nail bed. Use a Cuticle Pusher or the Prep & Remove Pusher to gently push back your cuticles. Do this with the flat side. Then, gently go under the cuticle with the pointed side to remove dead skin cells. This will provide more surface area to paint your nails and allow you to get closer to your skin. That way, it won't look like you have any outgrowth. You also avoid painting over the cuticle and lifting the Gel Polish, which makes it come off faster.

Pushing cuticles back with Prep & Remove Pusher


Step 2: How to shape your nails 

Choose the nail shape that suits you and file your nails into that shape. Whether that is rounded or more square, it is important to file from the side of your nail towards the center each time. This is the best way for your nail to maintain its strength.

Roughen your nails a bit with a soft file. This will ensure better adhesion. Be sure not to roughen too much to prevent your nails from becoming too thin.

Filing nails with Shape & Prep File


Step 3: How to clean nails 

One of the main reasons that your Gel Polish comes off, is that your nail bed is still too greasy or there is dirt in between. Therefore, don't forget to clean your nails first. This will ensure that they are grease-free and there is no residual dirt or dead skin cells.

The best way to clean your nails is to use Cleanser Wipes. These Wipes are moisturized and contain the product you need to properly prepare your nails for a Gel Polish manicure. Always do this step only after pushing back your cuticles and filing, so your nails don't get dirty again. 

Cleaning nails with Cleanser Wipes


Step 4: How to prep your nails 

When all your nails are clean and grease-free, we recommend you apply the Selfgel Prepper. This will provide extra adhesion between the nail and the Gel Polish. Allow the prepper to air dry completely. Make sure you definitely don't touch your nails now, so you have a good, clean base to apply the Gel Polish on. 

Applying Selfgel Prepper


Applying a base coat: is base coat necessary for Gel Nail Polish? 

After you've followed these steps, it's time to apply the Selfgel Peelable Base. You may be asking yourself, "Is a Base Coat still necessary after such good preparation?” The answer to this is yes!

The Base Coat is in fact the base layer for your Gel Polish manicure. This product attaches itself well to the nail. The colour, in turn, adheres to this Base Coat. In addition, the Base Coat ensures that your nails do not discolour, in other words, your nails are protected. It ensures a nice even nail, so the products stay in place. So you simply cannot miss your Base Coat!

Apply this product over the entire nail in a thin layer. Make sure not to touch the cuticles, but be sure to apply it to the top (free edge) of your nail. This step should not be cured under the lamp.

By the way, did you know that thanks to the Selfgel Peelable Base, you can peel off your Gel Polish after 15 days, without damaging your natural nails in the process? So easy! 

After applying the Base Coat, proceed to apply your favorite Gel Polish colour. This is applied in two thin coats and must be cured under the LED lamp. Then you finish your manicure with the Selfgel Finish that you also cure under the lamp. This layer ensures that your Gel Polish is protected and gives a beautiful shine for 21 days. After following these steps you can enjoy a beautiful manicure that lasts up to 21 days. 

Want to know more about applying and removing Selfgel Gel Polish Colour? Read our handy tutorial!

Get prepared with Selfgel base products 

Are you looking for quality products to do your Gel Polish manicure and preparation? Then be sure to check out our PN Selfgel collection.

Everything you need to start a full Gel Polish manicure, you will find in this Selfgel kit. When your supply of base products needs to be replenished or you want a new colour, you can always buy them separately.

We are super curious about your Selfgel manicure! Post your photos on Instagram or Facebook and tag us via @pn_selfcare or mention #pnselfcare. Then we'll be happy to share them! 

Our Products

Read more

Nail Care Starterpack: Essential Tips & Tricks

Find the Perfect Solution for Every Nail Situation: Discover Products that Work for You!

What is Selfgel?

Have you ever dreamed of nail polish that not only dries quickly but also remains beautiful for a long time? Look no further! Selfgel to the rescue - the ultimate solution for all your nail...

Trends of this Fall & Winter 2023

Get ready to rock this fall and winter with confidence in these trendy colours, including our new AW 2023 collection! We've put together this collection of stunning shades will blow your mind. Trust us, you won't...

Find your removal system: Soak off vs Peel-off

Are you constantly coming across terms like "soak off technique" or "peel-off technique" but have no idea what they mean? Are you tired of all the confusion and just want a simple DIY manicure without the hassle? Look no further! This blog post will clarify the differences between these two techniques, providing you with valuable insights and a clearer understanding.

Finding Your Own Nail Type: Greasy vs Dry & Brittle Nails

When it comes to taking care of your nails, it's essential to understand your nail type. Are your nails dry and brittle or are they greasy, shiny & smooth? Knowing this information can help you...

Nail Designs & Trends To Try For Spring 2023

Spring is in the air, and it’s time to switch up your nail game with some fresh new designs! This season is all about creativity and DIY nail art. So why not take this opportunity...

Get inspired for your wedding day by our gorgeous yet easy Bridal Nails!

This year’s newest trend in bridal nails is all about elegant and sophisticated nude shades. That’s why we launched three transparant and fabulous colours which can be used on their own, as a base for...

4 Valentine’s Day nail looks to apply at home

We created 4 easy red and rose Valentine's nail look with PN Selfgel colours for you to enjoy Cupid’s birthday.

Make your nails festival proof!

Discover the creative collab with this summer's coolest festival: WECANDANCE. Make your nails festival proof with one of our 2 iconic Nail designs.

How To Apply and Remove Nail Icon Nail Wraps

Nail Wraps are an easy way to get stylish, printed nails without all the hassle. Find out everything you need to know about applying Nail Wraps here!

How to take care of your feet at home

Give your feet some love and attention with a foot care routine at home! Get ready for summer with these tips. 

How to take care of your hands at home

You use your hands for almost everything. Give them the care they deserve. Discover our Hand Care range here! 

4 Mother’s Day beauty gift ideas

Discover the ultimate Mother's Day gift ideas with our curated selection. From luxurious manicure gift sets to thoughtful selfmade gifts, we've got you covered. Shop now and surprise your mom with a truly special present!

PN Selfcare in the press!

Tested and approved by Flair! The PN Selfcare Home Manicure kit was tested by Flair, a Belgian magazine. Among the other gel polish DIY kits, PN Selfcare came out extremely well. 

How to prep your nails for Gel Polish

A good preparation of your nails ensures that your manicure looks better and lasts longer. Read more to discover why this is so important and how to do this the right way!  

What is the difference between regular Nail Polish and Gel Polish?

Did you know that there is more than just classic nail polish? Discover the benefits of Gel Polish!

Our tips for strong, healthy and shiny nails

Discover how to get stronger, healthier nails using our PN Selfcare products. Find a range of fixes for your nail dilemmas.

What is the benefit of the PN Selfgel formula?

Do you know what ingredients are in your bottle of Gel Polish? Read more about it here!

How to apply and remove Selfgel

How to use the PN selfgel kit at home. Follow these 4 steps and see how easy it goes. You can do it!