What gel to use for nail extensions at home. List of necessary things for nail extensions. What kind of lamp is required for drying?

Not so long ago, many girls, whose nails are not durable, often flake and break, could only dream of a beautiful manicure on short nails. Extension technologies have made it possible for everyone who dreamed of long beautiful nails, intricate patterns and designs to finally make their dream come true. Modern methods Nail extensions allow you to carry out this procedure not only in salons, but also at home. It is enough just to buy accessories for this procedure and master the extension technology. One such technology is gel nail extensions. Nail extension gels allow you to create artificial nails of any length and shape, correct them, and work both in the salon and at home. The gel nail extension technique has many advantages, such as:

The extension process does not take long.
Hypoallergenic material.
The material hardens under the influence of ultraviolet lamp radiation, which makes it possible to adjust the shape of the nail until the desired result is achieved.
The gel does not have a negative effect on the natural nail plate.
The material does not have a pungent odor.
Nails extended with gel look natural.

Types of gels for nail extensions

Materials for gel nail extension are divided into several types. We are talking about UV gel, biogel and Led gel. Gel nail modeling systems are divided into one-, two- and three-phase.

In a single-phase system, the modeling process is carried out by a universal tool that combines functions responsible for the strength of fastening of the extended nail on a natural plate, as well as for modeling the artificial nail itself.
The two-phase extension system is based on the use of two types of gel, the first of which is responsible for fixing the artificial nail on the nail plate, and the second for its modeling.
The three-phase system involves the use of three types of gels: the first to ensure adhesion of the future nail to the nail plate, the second to form the artificial nail itself, and the third to protect the nail from external factors and give it proper smoothness and evenness.

It is quite difficult to answer unambiguously the question of which gel for nail extension is the best, or which extension system (one-, two- or three-phase) to choose. Each extension master has his own preferences, focusing on the quality of the result and the cost of materials.

How to choose gel for nail extension?

The technology of gel nail extension is so popular that many brands are engaged in the production of gels for this procedure. The choice is so great that it is not easy to decide which gel to choose, especially for beginners. So what are the best extension gels? In order to decide on the choice of material for building, you need:

Find out as much information as possible about the brand whose gels you like. Such large manufacturers like KODI PROFESSIONAL, have their own website where you can find any information you need about the gel.
Pay attention to whether the gels you have chosen have instructions with recommendations for their use.
Look for reviews on the use of materials you are planning to purchase.
Decide what exactly you expect from the gel, which one you need: colored or transparent, how many gels you need and so on.

Based on these selection criteria, you can purchase good gel for building up.

What is needed for gel nail extensions?

Before you begin the extension process, it is important to make sure that everything necessary tools to carry out this process. List of what materials are needed for gel nail extensions:

Tips or forms, depending on the method of extension, which we will discuss below.
UV lamp. This equipment is necessary for the job. Without it, the gel will not harden and nothing will work.
Directly gel for extensions.
Disinfectant.
Sticky layer remover.
The pressure of nail files or buff.
Orange stick.
Flat brush.
Primer.
Polishing pad.
Tweezers.
Glue for tips, if they are used as a method of extension.

This entire tool for gel nail extensions can be purchased either individually or in ready-made (basic) sets, which contain everything a novice master will need. Experienced craftsmen often use ready-made kits, replacing or expanding the number of materials and tools in them if necessary.

Step-by-step instructions for gel nail extensions

Gel nail extensions are carried out step by step as follows:

Natural nails are treated with an antiseptic. The surface of the nails must be completely dry before starting work.
An orange stick is used to push back the cuticle.
Natural nails are filed. If the extension is carried out using tips, then the nails are filed to the selected shape of this tool.
A buff removes gloss from the surface of the nails.
The nails are again treated with an antiseptic.
The size of tips or forms is selected, depending on how the extension will be carried out.
The gel is applied to the tips or mold, and the shape of the nail is modeled.
The resulting nail is dried in a UV lamp.
The sticky layer is removed.
When everything is ready, the cuticle is treated with emollient oil.

By following this sequence, you will get an impeccable result of gel nail extensions. Gradually you will gain the necessary dexterity and experience, and the building process will take less time.

Gel extensions on tips

Nail extensions are carried out in two ways: with tips and with the help of forms. Gel nail extensions on tips are carried out as follows:

Before starting the procedure, hygiene procedures are carried out, the nails are treated with an antiseptic.
Nails are filed to the chosen tip shape.
The buff removes glossy shine from the surface of the nails.
Tip size is selected for each nail. First, the nails are re-treated with an antiseptic.
A little glue drips into the tip hole area. The tips are pressed tightly against the nail for at least ten seconds.
Using tongs, the tips are given the desired shape, and the edges are carefully trimmed with a nail file.
The surface of the new nail is treated with a buff.
A primer is applied to the surface of the natural nail plate.
After the primer has dried, gel is applied to the tips. It dries in a UV lamp. Reapply and re-dry.
The sticky layer is removed.
The surface is degreased and coated with a finishing agent.
Nails are dried in a lamp. The sticky layer is removed again.
The cuticle is treated with oil.

Gel nail extensions on forms

Gel nail extensions on forms are done in two ways: on upper and lower forms. The lower forms are attached to the nail from below. The initial stages of the process are similar to extensions using tips. The nail is hygienically treated, the cuticle is pulled back, and the surface of the plate is degreased. The following steps follow:

Extension to lower forms involves the formation of an S-shaped bend. For extensions to the upper forms, this stage is not needed, because the shape of the nail already turns out beautiful and natural.

The above step-by-step instructions can be used both for self-building (on your own) and in working with clients. The process of modeling artificial nails into tips and forms cannot be called complicated. Many girls master these techniques and successfully use them at home. The maximum duration of this process is slightly more than three hours, but gradually, acquiring dexterity and using high-quality materials, the master works noticeably faster. The result of his work is durable, beautiful, natural-looking nails with the design chosen by the client.

Shared

It often happens that when a woman decides to purchase a kit for doing her own nail extensions, she not only gets a pleasant hobby that allows her to save on trips to the beauty salon, but also a way to earn money at home. Nail extensions are a sought-after and popular service, since a flawless manicure is one of the prerequisites for creating the image of a well-groomed woman. It is best to purchase the necessary tools and materials as a complete set, in which case during the extension process all the necessary tools will be at hand.

Of course, to purchase a complete set of nail service technicians, you will need to allocate a considerable amount from your budget. Even for home use, you should purchase professional products that have proven themselves in the cosmetic market. But it should be taken into account that a one-time extension procedure requires a very small amount of consumables, and high-quality tools can last for many years.

Therefore, when planning to purchase a set of tools and materials for self-extensions, you need to pay attention to well-known manufacturing companies that create safe and reliable accessories for long-lasting manicure.

Purchasing cheaper analogues may turn out to be unsafe and not such an economical solution in the long run.

Let's look at the basic tools for nail extensions, which you won't be able to do without.

Abrasive files

To decorate the free edge of the nail plate, special files must be used. On each file, the manufacturer indicates the number of grits, which indicates the size of the abrasive grain used to coat the tool.

The greater the amount of grit indicated on the file, the finer the abrasive coating on it.

A manicurist’s suitcase should have at least five different files with different amounts of grit, since during the extension procedure, different designs of the nail plate or hardened gel are required.

Using a file with an abrasiveness below 180 is unsafe for a natural nail

Abrasive files for processing the nail plate before and during extensions are made from the following materials:

glass;

ceramics;

polyurethane.

You should forget about metal abrasive files like a bad dream. They contribute to the delamination of the nail plate and its injury.

Some home craftsmen use such a novelty in the cosmetic industry as an electric file for grinding and polishing to process and design nails.

The electric file runs on one AA battery and is sold with a variety of attachments.

File-bar buff for polishing the nail plate

Buff is a special polishing nail file, made in the form of a three-dimensional bar with an abrasive coating. It is used to design both natural and artificial nails.

The buff allows you to polish the surface of the nail plate and thereby ensure the safety of further manipulations

With the help of this tool, the nail is deprived of flaws and roughness, which is a very important condition for multi-layer fantasy extensions. To work, you need to have several polishing blocks with different amounts of abrasive fiber.

Careful processing before applying special extension materials guarantees durability and flawless results.

Wire cutters

Professional steel nippers are essential for atraumatic removal of hangnails and cuticles. Sometimes a trimmer or nail scissors are used instead, but the use of these tools can injure the capillaries located close to the nail plate.

Nippers should have comfortable handles, as any careless movement can cause injury during nail treatment.

Brushes for applying gel to the nail plate

The main working part of a professional manicure brush is the hair bundle. It can be made from natural sable or squirrel fur, or maybe from synthetic material. Experienced professionals advise purchasing brushes made exclusively from natural hairs, since the result of the nail extension procedure directly depends on the quality of the brushes used.

Along with professional brushes, you must also purchase a product for cleaning them after each extension procedure.

Types of brushes that should be in a manicurist’s arsenal:

with a narrowed hair bun;

with thinned ending;

double-sided with a thin elongated beam;

with a beveled edge of the beam;

with a wide and flat working surface of the handle.

Photo gallery: brushes for nail extensions

Professional appliances are highly functional and equipped with a fan and dryer

When choosing a nail extension tool such as a gel polymerization lamp, you need to understand that cheap devices are often unsafe to use and can cause excessive or uneven heating of the nail plate. This is fraught not only with poor quality of the extension result, but also with possible burns.

Experts advise to purchase LED devices, since ultraviolet ones work on fluorescent lamps that require constant replacement due to burnout of the phosphor.

Nail scissors

Manicure scissors used in the case for nail extension are of two types:

with straight pointed tips - used to decorate a natural nail plate, to give it the desired shape;

with smoothly rounded tips - used to eliminate the hard cuticle that prevents the extension procedure.

The blades of a professional tool must converge at one point, this guarantees the safety of its operation.

Nail scissors are made of medical steel, nickel or zinc. The highest quality tools are considered to be made of medical steel. They hold an edge much longer and are not subject to corrosion.

Pusher

The pusher is a special miniature spatula made of orange wood and is designed to move the cuticle away from the nail plate. But besides this function, the pusher can also be used as a tool for drawing, fixing rhinestones and sequins, as well as for correcting minor defects in the process of building extensions.

Sometimes nail artists are called pusher scrapers, which is also true

The pusher can be made of both medical steel and plastic. For beginning craftsmen, experts recommend wooden disposable sticks.

Cutter

A cutter (guillotine) is used to cut tips or nail plates lengthened with gel. A high-quality tool provides a perfectly even and neat cut, which affects appearance manicure

A cutter is sometimes also called a cutter or guillotine

Beginners are often advised to use guillotines with rubberized handles to minimize the risk of injury. This tool is an extremely durable device for nail extensions, since a dull blade can be easily replaced with a new one without replacing the cutter itself.

Brush for removing nail plate products

Filing the nail plate is a mandatory step in nail extensions. Of course, those days when a nail artist would mercilessly file off half of a natural nail are long gone. But a little gentle treatment before applying extension compounds is still necessary.

During the filing process, dust is formed, which consists of many tiny particles of the nail plate. It prevents the uniform application of subsequent materials, so it must be removed.

A miniature brush perfectly removes dirt and dust from the nail plate.

Hand roller

A roller is required to facilitate the work of the master while building or applying a design to the nail. Of course, you can use a rolled towel instead, but it is better to purchase a foam roller in a washable cover. Its cost is low, but it really makes the work of a nail technician easier.

The cost of the roller is very low

Lint-free wipes

Lint-free wipes are used for the following manipulations:

disinfection of manicure instruments;

removing all types of nail polish;

removing the sticky layer from the surface of the nail plate;

eliminating the fatty layer before applying modeling gel to the nail.

Non-toxic, safe materials are used to make lint-free wipes

Lint-free wipes are absolutely necessary for performing high-quality nail extension procedures at home. It is strictly forbidden to replace them with cotton pads!

Paint brushes

Making designs on the nail plate is the highest aerobatics in the nail industry. At first, this technique for decorating extended nails seems incredibly complicated to beginners, but in reality it all depends on practice and the brushes used.

Brushes for painting on the surface of nails are:

dots (or dot brush);

brush for small details;

fan brush for creating textures;

a brush called a petal;

dagger brush.

Photo gallery: brushes for painting on nails

Unfortunately, acid-free primers are not as effective at bonding between dissimilar surfaces.

Acidic primers are better at etching the surface of the nail plate, resulting in the formation of microscopic scales. It is to them that the artificial material clings, which makes the extension procedure more professionally performed. There is an opinion that acid primer contributes to thinning of the nail.

Most often, acid primer is used for acrylic extensions.

Dehydrator

The dehydrator is applied to the nails immediately before using the modeling gel and performs the following functions:

effectively removes fats and dirt from the surface of the nail plate;

has an antiseptic effect;

restores acid-base balance;

prevents cuticle infection.

Thanks to the use of such a product, the risk of developing pathogenic microflora under artificial material is minimized, and gel or acrylic materials last much longer. Sometimes a dehydrator is replaced with a degreaser, which is somewhat cheaper, but experienced professionals do not recommend doing this. The degreaser does not disinfect the surface of the nail plate; it only removes the top layer of fat. In addition, this product does not guarantee a smooth surface of the nail when doing extensions.

The Bond ruNail dehydrator does not contain fragrances or dyes, and its price is quite affordable.

Bonder with gel texture

The bonder is a sticky base for the modeling gel; it is used to provide additional adhesion between two dissimilar materials. Its use guarantees the strength of the completed extension and durability in operation.

The bonder also prevents delamination and flaking of the artificial material, improving the quality and appearance of the final result.

Bonder, like other products, is applied to the nail using a small brush.

Beginners often think that bonder and primer are similar and interchangeable products, however, this is far from the case. These nail extension accessories have completely different functions and different chemical compositions.

Bonder is used only after primer, and never vice versa! It cannot be used in conjunction with gel polishes.

An ultraviolet or LED lamp is used to dry the bonder, and the drying time for a particular product is always indicated in the instructions.

Tips

Tips are thin plates designed to imitate a natural nail and fixed to the stratum corneum using a bonder. They are characterized by high elasticity and density of the material, which makes them easy to work with.

Tips can be transparent, painted or with a pattern already applied that imitates the design self made

Using tips, you can carry out extensions even on very short nails; the free edge of the natural nail plate may be completely absent. In addition, it is in this way that extreme length extensions are performed, which is in demand by sophisticated manicure connoisseurs. The disadvantages of this method of nail extension include the slightly unnatural appearance of the manicure; you definitely won’t be able to pass off such nails as your own.

The length and unusual shape of the nails emphasize the beauty of the design.

Forms for nail extensions

For extensions, special forms can be used, which come in two types:

soft, or disposable - made of thin durable plastic or thick paper and require precise individual fit. The disadvantages include the risk of creasing during the build-up process;

hard reusable ones - have a higher cost, which pays off due to the reliability and ease of use of extended nails. Using them, you can eliminate the risk of deformation and leakage of the modeling gel.

Extension on forms is usually carried out after training on tips, since this method is considered simpler

Glue for fixing tips

Glue for fixing tips - cyanoacrylate has a non-toxic, safe composition; its chemical formula does not contain substances that cause allergic reactions. This material comes in high and low viscosity. Depending on the type of glue used for extensions, you should calculate the time required for the tip to reliably stick to the treated surface of the natural nail.

Polymerized cyanoacrylate has high biological compatibility and is not harmful to health if used correctly

This glue is also very convenient to use for correcting broken or damaged nails. Having hardened, it tolerates mechanical stress or interaction with liquids well. In addition, it is used for fixing rhinestones and nail art decorations on the nail plate.

It is worth purchasing glue for fixing tips from well-known manufacturers, since they often contain vitamin A and panthenol, which strengthen the nail.

The average drying time of the adhesive is 20 to 40 seconds.

The glue provides a high degree of adhesion of decorative elements to the surface of the nail plate

Disinfector

The disinfectant is perhaps the most important element of the nail extension kit. Without it, the procedure cannot be carried out, since pathogenic microorganisms, if they get under the artificial nail plate, can destroy the natural nail and lead to serious infection.

The most convenient form of disinfectant to use is a fine spray

The disinfectant can destroy a huge number of pathogenic bacteria, microbes and fungi. In addition, a liquid disinfectant removes microscopic particles of fat, dust and dirt from the surface of the nail, which are the main reason for the delamination of extended nails.

Disinfectants produced in the form of a fine spray must be sprayed from a distance of 20–30 cm, having previously protected the respiratory tract with a mask.

The disinfectant is also available in the form of a gel or liquid. In this case, it is more convenient to use them with lint-free wipes.

Base

The base is a transparent gel-like coating that enhances the adhesion of the base to decorative elements. It has many advantages, including the following:

has many shades of pastel colors;

smoothes imperfect nails, giving them an aesthetic appearance;

when using several layers, it gives additional strength to the entire extended nail plate;

contains ingredients to strengthen natural nails;

protects the nail surface from aggressive effects on the stratum corneum of varnishes and decorative elements;

increases the period of flawless appearance of the performed manicure;

gives a glossy finish;

Prevents chips, scratches and cracks.

There is a type of base for nail extensions, to which colored glitter or multi-colored cosmetic dust is added.

The base is easily distributed over the surface of the nail plate, instantly filling all the unevenness of the relief and providing a smooth and uniform surface structure. It should be applied using drip technology, quickly and evenly spreading the product over the nail with a special brush.

Sculpting gel for modeling

Sculpting or building gel is used to model artificial nails during the extension procedure. Some varieties of this gel acquire a solid form under the influence of light and heat, and some with the help of a special catalyst. The latter type of sculpting gel is quite difficult to work with; it is used mainly by experienced specialists.

Apply the sculpting gel to the nail plate with a special brush with dense and thick bristles.

A high-quality building gel is able to independently level its surface, which is achieved due to the unique texture of the product. After polymerization, the gel becomes hard and acquires a high level of strength. Working with this material is quite difficult, since it requires experience and knowledge of the architecture of the nail plate, so first it is better to practice on special simulators.

Practicing with this realistic simulator will help you acquire the necessary skills.

As a rule, the modeling gel is easily filed, and its bluish tint after polymerization acquires transparency and a glossy shine.

Cleanser or preparation for removing the sticky layer

Cleanser is necessary to remove the sticky layer from gel polish and usually consists of water and alcohol with a small addition of perfume. A sticky layer in the form of a film is formed on the surface of the designed nail due to the application of several layers of extension material. It is also used to remove oily shine from the surface of the nail plate, but this is not its main function.

Gel polish and clinser must be from the same line of the same manufacturer

Some novice nail artists sometimes decide to save money and buy regular nail polish remover without acetone instead of a professional cleaner. Experts do not advise doing this, since the liquid can cause the gel to become cloudy and the result of the extension in this case will not please anyone.

If you still don’t have a real clinser at hand, you can prepare a replacement at home. To do this, you need to mix pure water and alcohol in one container in a ratio of 70:30, where the first value is water, and the second is alcohol. Without using a clinser, it is impossible to obtain a smooth, neat and glossy surface of the coating.

In addition to its main functions, the product can also be used to disinfect professional brushes.

Finishing gel or top coat

The finishing gel is applied to the nail plate last and is the final stage in the formation of the artificial nail structure. This product, like the modeling gel, is polymerized using an ultraviolet or LED lamp.

The main task topcoat is to preserve and fix all previous layers

Finishing gels are available in matte and glossy versions, with and without a sticky layer. If you use a top coat as a fixer for the entire result of nail extension and decoration, then there is no need to use a degreaser.

A thick texture topcoat can be used as a corrector to eliminate defects that occur during the nail extension process.

Cuticle oil

The cuticle is a compacted roller that surrounds the nail plate and protects it from the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the growth area. In fact, the edges of the cuticle are a collection of dead cells that provoke the appearance of hangnails that seriously injure the nail area.

High-quality cuticle oil should not only perform a moisturizing function, but also have a disinfecting and antifungal effect. To soften dry and rough skin, sometimes you need to apply several layers of cuticle oil.

Cuticle softening oil is applied for 15–20 minutes, and then rough skin is removed using tools

It is better to choose products with additional vitamins, essential oils and nutritional plant ingredients. Such care will have a beneficial effect on the condition of the nail plate and accelerate its growth. Light rubbing movements while applying oil to the skin will also help improve the condition of your nails.

Cuticle oil can be replaced with a mixture of apricot kernel, bitter almond and avocado oils. Of course, the oils must be natural and only cold-pressed. The disadvantages of such a replacement compared to professional means can only be attributed to the appearance of a more intensely expressed fatty layer on the nail plate.

Nail extensions are both a fun and rewarding process. With a full set of high-quality tools and materials, the procedure will be easy and not burdensome. The safety of the products used also plays an important role, so you should listen to the advice of professionals and purchase accessories for extensions from well-known manufacturers.

Nail extensions allow you to get nails of any length in a matter of hours. Many girls resort to the services of a salon, but you can get beautiful nails at home. We will tell you step by step how to properly extend nails with shellac and gel, what they are.

Basic Rules

To get a beautiful finish, you need to do a manicure first, then all you have to do is follow our recommendations. Before applying nail extensions, you should treat the entire surface of the natural nail. It is necessary that there is not a single section, otherwise it will cause peeling. Should not be done very long nails, since you will get tired of adjusting them. A specific stencil must be used before applying the gel.

First, apply the gel to the upper half of the nail and lengthen the shape using a stencil to the desired size. Next, the extended nails are dried under a lamp for one minute.
The second layer of gel should cover most of the area, leaving about three millimeters near the cuticle area. We also dry the new layer under a lamp.
We carefully remove the stencil and take a manicure file, giving the necessary shape to future nails. The third layer of gel should be applied to the middle of the nail plate and distributed in all directions so that a “bump” appears. It allows you to create an arch of the nail. Now the hand should be turned palm up and held in this position for about 30 seconds. To consolidate the effect, dry your nails for three minutes in an ultraviolet lamp.
All that remains is to apply one more layer of gel. It should be applied with a thin ball, but before that you should use a file to make the remaining shape of the nail. Next, apply a special product using a nail file and dry. To prevent your manicure from turning yellow in the future, you can coat it with ultraviolet light on top. After completing the procedure, you can apply regular hand cream to the skin near the nail plates. Try to ensure that your hands do not come into contact with water for about an hour after the procedure, otherwise this may have a bad effect on the quality of the work performed.

If over time you still notice the detachment of the first ball, this may indicate the presence of pregnancy or the use of potent medications. In this case, everything depends solely on the individual characteristics of the female body.

Many girls wonder how to grow their nails at home. Of course, this skill requires training, but if you do not have the opportunity to enroll in courses, you can take video training. Master classes tell in detail how to grow nails, so you can handle this task. To get started, get all the necessary tools, nail files, gel, primer, top, forms and an ultraviolet lamp.

Nail extensions can also be done on tips or use the acrylic extension technique. In any case, familiarize yourself with various techniques, and choose the most optimal for yourself. Any extension begins with a manicure. Choose a form and start the process. Then dry your hands thoroughly, because the build-up should be done on dry hands.

Nail extension includes several stages: preparation of the nail plate, gel application and nail shaping, as well as design. Before you extend your nails, you need to decide on a design.

Toenail extensions are becoming especially popular, and no wonder. After all, building can completely change the shape of the nails and give them a fresh look. Moreover, the gel protects natural nail from breakage, which means that you can go for a long time with an impeccable pedicure. Often girls get their toenails done when they are going on vacation. Indeed, on vacation there is absolutely no time to take care of your nails, and it is easier to take care of them in advance. The most commonly used extension is the French pedicure.

Many girls prefer nail extensions with biogel or acrylic. Today we offer to consider gel nail extension with step by step instructions, photos and videos for beginners. Extending nails using tips with step-by-step instructions will allow you to quickly get beautiful, long nails at home.

Step-by-step instruction

gel nail extension step-by-step instruction with the photo recommends starting with a regular manicure. All nails should be the same shape and length, the polish should be removed from them, the cuticle should be pushed back with an orange stick or a special spatula. Now you need to polish the nail coating with a buff, using a brush to remove dust.

When applying nail extensions using tips, the step-by-step instructions recommend degreasing your nails with a primer or other product, using lint-free wipes or a brush. After carrying out such a procedure, it is forbidden to apply cream to your hands or wash them - now your nails should not come into contact with anything other than the materials necessary for extensions.

If you are extending your nails using forms, then each of them should be carefully but tightly bent to the nail so that it holds well and does not fall off.

So, the preparatory work is completed. Now let's get started with nail extensions using gel. The step-by-step instructions suggest applying the ultraviolet gel as the next step. It should be applied in small portions, starting from the base of the nail plate, distributing it evenly along the entire length of the nail. Next, you need to dry your nails under a special lamp and reapply the gel. This time the gel is applied to the required length of the nails being extended. To obtain the same length of all nails, it is recommended to use special marks made on disposable forms. The gel applied along the entire length is dried again using an ultraviolet lamp.

After all the nails are done and well dried, you need to carefully remove the paper forms, being careful not to damage the new coating. Next, using a nail file, the shape of the nail is adjusted. That's all, actually - nail extension using gel is completed. Such step-by-step instructions will help every girl, even those inexperienced in matters of nail art, to do the right and beautiful manicure.

Using gel for nail extensions allows you to even out the surface, giving the nail a beautiful shine without causing irritation to the skin around the nail and cuticle. The technology of creating false nails at home allows you to get beautiful nails that look like natural ones, spending a few hours on it. How to do gel nail extensions, step-by-step instructions with photos will help you figure it out.

Types of nail gel

Step-by-step building includes several phases that you need to know before gel nails. The three-phase variety includes three components that differ in their functionality. The materials used for the first layer are responsible for the safety of contact between the nail plate and the artificial coating, creating maximum adhesion. The second one models the body of the nail. The third layer creates strength, protecting the nail from the negative effects of external factors, providing a smooth and shiny surface.

Gel nail extensions, step-by-step instructions with photos using a two-phase system, happen differently. One of the components is necessary for modeling and adhesion, the second is responsible for the final strength of the nail. The single phase system uses a versatile material like acrylic and has all the properties you need while providing strength, styling and grip at the same time.

Extension methods

Before you build gel nails, you should decide on the available methods for the procedure. Extension is carried out using forms and tips. Nail extensions using tips are artificial nails that differ in size, color and shape. They are glued to the natural nail plate and covered with extension gel. Ultimately, the tip becomes part of the resulting nail. This extension option is suitable for everyone; you can use it even with very short nails.

Carrying out extensions on forms (upper or lower) is carried out somewhat differently. With this method, a special plate is attached to the nail, onto which the gel will subsequently be applied. After the extension is completed, the form can be easily removed from the nail. The main advantage of this method is the high naturalness of such a manicure, and extensions made in this way are much easier than when extensions are made using tips.

Materials for nail extensions must be chosen of high quality, because they are the key to the success of creating a high-quality manicure. When looking through the list of extension gels, you need to choose those that do not contain harmful substances.

Nail gel

When choosing what to use for extensions, special attention should be paid to the gel, because this is the main material in this technology. Under the influence of an ultraviolet lamp, the gel tends to harden. This base is often called a living polymer, due to the fact that it does not suppress normal biological processes in natural nails, giving them the opportunity to breathe.

Such materials for nail extensions have many advantages:

the gel is not capable of causing skin irritation;
due to the gel, the nail surface is leveled, the nails acquire a natural appearance and begin to shine;
The gel applied to the surface of the nail is able to level itself, spreading in the desired direction along the nail plate.

Tips for building

Tips intended for nail extensions are plastic templates that are glued to the surface of a real nail using special glue. Next, using special grinding and a file, the boundaries between the artificial and natural nails are aligned.

You can reduce the length of the tips using special tweezers, and if it is necessary to adjust their shape, it is recommended to use a nail file. It is extremely important that the tips you choose are elastic, can withstand certain loads and fit perfectly into the shape of your natural nail. Today, the most popular shapes are oval and square nails.

Nail cleaner

You should also always remember that before sticking tips on your nails and applying gel, you must use a cleaner. This substance is a special degreaser intended for natural nails. With its help, you can clean your nails and disinfect them before starting modeling. Also, using a cleaner, you can remove the sticky layer from your nails after the gel has dried.

These are the basic, but not all, materials that you will need for nail extensions.

If you decide to get a pedicure, gel polish is a better base. It lasts much longer than a regular surface, and most importantly, it allows you to create a unique and interesting design. Nowadays, decorating nails with stones is becoming especially fashionable; in combination with monochrome gel polish, stones will look great if you decorate your big toe nail with them. Moon manicure is not inferior in popularity, especially since experts offer girls different types of holes. You can make a regular standard one or choose a curly one, you can leave the natural color of the nail or cover it with contrasting gel polish.

If your nails are not as naturally strong as you would like, you can purchase a pedicure gel. The gel is saturated with protein and calcium and imparts all its properties to the nails, reducing layering. Moreover, this cover is perfect for vacation. I am not afraid of salt water or the scorching sun. No matter how hot the temperature is, the bio gel will not lose its appearance or become cloudy. In order to apply bio gel, you need a UV lamp, because without it the gel simply will not dry on the nails. Bio gel is otherwise called fruit acid, so you can find it in the store under that name.

Acrylic is a mixture of liquid and powder. We suggest looking at acrylic nail extensions, video lessons for beginners, and step-by-step instructions that will allow even a beginner to figure it out. There are two methods: creating nails using forms and using tips. On forms, the nail plate is created directly from polymer materials. This technology has a number of advantages, namely: material strength, protection from negative influences environment, long-term wearing of nails (up to 4 months).

Minuses

Before you extend your nails with acrylic, you need to know about some of the disadvantages that this material has. Video lessons on acrylic nail extensions for beginners will help you learn that a material such as acrylic is toxic and has an unpleasant odor.

As you can see in the photo, the starting materials you will need are: acrylic itself, a liquid that increases the adhesion of the artificial nail to the natural one, a nail file, a brush, a degreaser and a solvent. You can buy this at any specialty store. The purchased materials will last you for a long time, so the money spent can pay for itself extremely quickly.

Extension on forms

If you are a beginner, then before you extend your nails with acrylic, you should stock up on forms. This method is simpler. Before starting extensions, you must wash and disinfect your hands. Get a manicure and trim your nails with a file. Using a grinder, go over the entire length of the nail, removing dust from the nail plate and around it. Apply a special cleanser and wait until it dries completely.

Attach the form and glue its ends together, thereby creating the future nail. Next, pour the liquid into the container and dip the brush into the monomer. We squeeze the brush well from the liquid so that it is almost dry. Now use a brush to pick up a ball of camouflage powder. In appearance it should resemble a hedgehog. If the ball turns out to be wet, then you will not be able to work with it; the acrylic will simply spread over the entire nail.

Wait until the ball is completely saturated with liquid, then apply it to your mold. Now you need to roll it out over the cuticle area and the entire shape, retreating a millimeter from the cuticle itself. We create the required nail shape. That's all, we do all the nails in the same way, dry the nails in an ultraviolet lamp, and cover the top with a final coat.

Nail extension with glue powder consists of three main stages. In total, the procedure takes no more than an hour; the total duration of the manicure depends on the complexity of the final painting.

Main stages

Nail extension with glue powder is carried out in 3 main stages.

At the first stage of the extension, the master prepares the nails by attaching tips (artificial nails) to them. It should be noted that such manicure technology always involves the use of tips, it is not carried out on natural nails.
The second stage of the manicure involves applying special glue to the tips and dipping the nail plate into powder. This action must be repeated several times until the nail acquires sufficient density, after which an activator should be applied to its surface, which will fix the layers of powder, while making the nail smooth.
At the final stage, the master carefully adjusts the shape of the nail plate and files off excess powder.

After completing these three steps, you can begin drawing.

Nail extensions with fabric allow you to extend nails with flax, silk or fiberglass (fabric that looks like silk and is made from fiberglass). various shapes and length. The principle of the technique lies in the fact that a tip (plastic nail) is glued onto your own nails, onto which layers of fabric are glued.

Benefits of the procedure

Nail extensions with fabric allow you to extend nails of various shapes and lengths with flax, silk or fiberglass (fabric that looks like silk and is made from fiberglass). The principle of the technique lies in the fact that a tip (plastic nail) is glued onto your own nails, onto which layers of fabric are glued.

Benefits of the procedure

Nail extension with fabric has a number of advantages, thanks to which it can be used as an independent method of nail extension. The main advantages of the technique include the following points.

Nails extended using the fabric method are quite impact-resistant and elastic.
It is very easy to repair a damaged nail - a new layer of tissue is simply attached to the crack.
The procedure can be carried out using various fabrics - extensions with fiberglass, linen, silk, depending on the client’s wishes.
Thanks to the presence of a variety of colors and textures of fabrics, you can get different designs on your nails, which allows you to eliminate the need to constantly use a coating.
Nail extensions using fabric covering are as hypoallergenic as possible and are almost incapable of causing an allergic reaction.

Is it acceptable to combine acrylic and gel when doing nail extensions? Most clients are afraid of this type of mixing of materials. However, in reality there is nothing wrong with this - it will not affect the quality of the extended nails at all.

general information

The combination of acrylic and gel has been used by craftsmen for a long time, because the chemical basis of these two materials is completely identical, they are both polymer. The main thing in this case is adhesion to the nail plate (of one or another material). And the combination of different materials affects the quality of the finished nail.

If you like gel nail modeling (or it is used because of problem nails), but you want to do acrylic modeling, then the master lays out the gel base and the nail plate. In this case, the background can be made of acrylic, after which acrylic modeling is added and the nail is sealed with gel or acrylic.

In this case, nail crimping is mandatory. The same sequence of work is used when creating a French manicure - in any type of combination, the materials will interact perfectly with each other.

The extension kit depends on the technique of execution: on tips or on forms, single-phase system or three-phase. We have prepared a list of everything you need.

You have already decided to grow your nails yourself. Now you need to purchase all the materials and tools. The quality of the coating, durability and appearance depend on them. The set for building depends on the technique of execution: on tips or on forms, single-phase system or three-phase. And so that you do not buy unnecessary items, we have prepared a list and useful tips. Today website will tell you what you need to buy for nail extensions.

Types of extensions

Nail lengthening can be done using various techniques. One of them is more modern and time-consuming, and the second is more suitable for beginners in manicure.

On forms: special paper, plastic or iron molds are installed with markings, on which a layer of gel or acrylic is applied. Then sawdust is produced. As a result, we see a beautiful long nail that looks as natural as possible.
On tips: A tip - a plastic form - is glued onto the natural nail. Gel or acrylic is applied to it. An option for quick extensions, as it does not require sawdust.

After choosing a technique, you need to decide on the material to work with. It can be acrylic, gel, biogel.

Gel systems are:

three-phase: To cover you need a base, modeling gel, top coat.
single-phase: one product does all three steps.

Before extensions, you must do a manicure:

Classic edged.
Hardware.
Combined.

The set of tools also depends on his choice.

What is needed for extension. List

We will step by step consider the necessary equipment, tools and materials for each technique.

Manicure

Choose one of the manicure techniques. What do we need for each of them?

Edged:

file for natural nails 180-240 grit;
cuticle softener;
pusher or orange stick;
nippers or scissors: strong sharpening of the tool is required;
buff: choose the finest grain, for example, from 300 grit.

Hardware:

router: you can choose a budget machine, for example, Nail Drill or Lina;
nozzles: needle or flame, cylinder, ball, buff.

Combined:

apparatus;
cutters: needle or flame, cylinder;
nippers or scissors;

At this stage, we did a manicure and prepared the nail plate for coating, as we polished the shiny layer with a buff.

Modeling and coating

We decide on the coating material.

Acrylic: acrylic powder (colorless, camouflage, colored), liquid, design materials, top.
Three-phase gel (biogel) system: base gel, modeling gel, color gel, design materials, finishing gel.
Single-phase gel (biogel) system: single-phase gel, materials for design, top for design.

Additional tools and equipment for all techniques:

clinser or degreaser: you can use formic alcohol;
acid primer or ultrabond;
curing lamp: UV, hybrid, LED;
lint-free wipes;
brushes

We choose one of the techniques to perform extensions.

On forms: forms made of foil paper, plastic or metal. File 100-180 grit and buffer for sawdust.
On tips: tips, glue, tip cutter. If the modeling is not done very carefully, you can file the shape a little using a 100-180 grit file and a buff.

The hybrid lamp dries the material faster and is suitable for all types of coating. Ice lamps do not dry all types of gels.
For beginners, it is recommended to apply extensions using single-phase gel forms.
Lint-free wipes should not leave small hairs: check this property in advance.
Brushes should preferably be used natural hair, for example, speakers.
Keep your cuticle removers sharp. If it is insufficient, a torn edge will appear, which, as it grows back, takes on an unaesthetic appearance.
Get cutters for the device with a diamond coating. These are sold in medical equipment stores, sometimes they are supplied to the departments with manicure accessories.

Have you already tried to grow nails with the help of our tips? Share the result in the comments!

Having learned this craft, you can easily create a delightful manicure on your hands, even without the help of a qualified master!

An artificial nail is a plastic plate of a certain shape. To get this plate, two materials are used: gel and acrylic. Both materials are quite durable. The difference between them is the way they freeze.

What you need for nail extension

First you need to decide on the nail design, as well as the technique. Regardless of the choice of material (acrylic or gel), a lamp for nail extension is required. The UV device crystallizes the gel: without a lamp, the gel simply does not harden. In the case of acrylic build-up, the lamp is used at the final stage of drying.

For a simple design for home use, you can purchase a lamp of no more than 9 W. It will do its job perfectly, provided that the material is transparent.

If you plan to carry out any complex nail design using a large number of colored varnishes, then you need a powerful UV lamp - up to 36 W.

So, when the main element of the procedure - the lamp - has been purchased, you need to buy the remaining tools and materials for home extensions.

What you need for nail extensions:

gel or acrylic;
forms or types;
primer – a means that helps ensure reliable adhesion of the artificial material and the natural plate;
glue;
dehydrator - nail plate degreaser;
the basis;
monomer and acrylic powder in the case of acrylic extensions;
construction gel in case of gel extensions;
top – finishing product.
cuticle spatula;
brushes for applying forming material;
file with a hardness of 80 grit for acrylic or 100 grit for gel;
tweezers.

In order not to buy all the materials and tools separately, you can purchase a ready-made kit for nail extensions. There is everything you need to carry out a full procedure.

In addition, it is necessary to purchase hand and tool disinfectant. For example: bacillol, cutasept. This is necessary to prevent infection from entering the skin. And the natural plate also contains many bacteria. If they are not eliminated before coating, then natural nails will deteriorate under the gel cover, where air does not enter.

Acrylic nail extensions

Acrylic crystallizes in a slightly different way: after mixing the monomer and powder. Acrylic hardens faster. Its main advantage: clear lines and graceful shapes. This material is plastic, so it easily lends itself to any shape.

Advantages of acrylic:

good strength;
smoothes out all irregularities and defects;
prevents nails from growing into the skin;
easy to correct after mechanical damage;
can be easily removed not only with a special solution, but also with a liquid containing acetone.

Disadvantages of acrylic coating:

sharp unpleasant odor containing harmful impurities;
the occurrence of allergic reactions;
wear only on your hands, as acrylic pedicures can injure the skin with hard, sharp edges.

Another disadvantage of acrylic is that it has a cloudy structure. Therefore, acrylic nail extensions are not suitable for all types of nail designs.

This material is quite toxic, so craftsmen do not recommend using this material at home. Another thing is the salon, where there is a powerful exhaust hood to remove all harmful odors.

gel nail extension

The gel contains extracts from coniferous tree resins. This eliminates possible allergic reactions, as is the case with acrylic. In addition, gel nail extensions are an excellent prevention of fungal infections. After all, the crystallization process occurs through UV radiation, which kills all possible microbes. It is this factor that is decisive in its application by masters.

Benefits of the gel:

elastic coating, but inferior in strength to acrylic;
allows air to pass through to the natural nail;
natural look;
long-term result.

Disadvantages of gel coating:

once chipped it cannot be repaired;
more expensive procedure;
Removing the gel is accompanied by painful sensations.

The gel in a liquid state is applied to a special form, and then hands are placed under a UV lamp so that the material hardens. Which gel for nail extensions is better? It is better to use a three-phase gel, which provides three functions:

strength;
clutch;
modeling.

The gel must have the following basic characteristics:

Viscosity. The product should not be too liquid so as not to spread, and not too thick so that it can be easily modeled.
Freezing. The product should crystallize quickly enough under the influence of a lamp without the use of additional means.
Lack of odor is an important characteristic. Toxic fumes may cause an allergic reaction.
Certificate of quality. To get a quality manicure at home, you need to choose products from well-known, trusted brands.

Nail extension technologies at home

There are two main extension technologies:

for tips;
on forms.

With the help of tips, the extension process is carried out very quickly. Form extensions require much more time, but the result is very neat and long-lasting. Basically, masters prefer the first method.

Nail extension on tips

First, you need to decide on the shape of the nail, for which you select the appropriate type of tips.

There are such forms:

classic - oval;
almond-shaped;
square;
stylet;
Bridget;
age;
pipe

Technique for performing the procedure:

Prepare instruments by thoroughly disinfecting them.
Lay out the tips and select the appropriate width for each nail.
Adjust the plates to the desired shape.
A hygienic manicure is performed: the cuticle is treated, the natural plate is filed.
Natural nails are degreased with a dehydrator and also disinfected.
Glue is applied to natural plates with a special brush at the joint, carefully distributing the product in an even thin layer.
Apply the tip to the glue, carefully joining it to the natural plate. An important point: the tip does not lie on the entire nail surface, but on its edge!
The plate is lightly pressed and held for several seconds so that it adheres well to the natural fabric. This is done with each nail.
After 1.5-2 minutes, the glued plate is covered with a primer if the extension is planned using a gel.
The brush is placed under a UV lamp and held there for 2 minutes. You should not overexpose it under the lamp, otherwise the nail plates will become fragile and the manicure will not last long.
Next, the working material – gel or acrylic – is applied to the prepared plates. First, the natural nail is covered with gel, and then smoothly transferred to an artificial plate.
In order for the result to be flawless, you need to learn how to evenly distribute the gel over the entire nail surface so that the transition boundaries are not visible. An important point: in the center of the nail the thickness of the gel is greater, and moving towards the free end it becomes thinner.
Dry the gel under the lamp.
Apply another layer of working material, but this time stepping back from the cuticle by 1-2 mm. Dry again under ultraviolet light.
After the gel hardens, the plates are carefully removed.
The resulting extended nails are trimmed with a nail file, adjusting to the desired shape.
Decorative coating is performed with gel polish, using either a solid shade or nail art with a pattern. This will depend on the skill of the craftswoman.

Tip technology is easy and fast. But first you need to observe this procedure in the salon, and then learn at home. After 1-2 trial procedures, as a rule, you get a delightful manicure!

Form nail extensions

Forms for nail extensions are patterns that help create the perfect shape. This technology is somewhat more complicated than the previous one, and also requires certain professional skills. However, learning this technique is worth it - because the nails are very natural and beautiful.

Step-by-step instruction:

Nails are prepared: the cuticle is pushed back, the outer layer is cut off and the natural plate is degreased.
The edges of the plate are filed and then disinfected.
The form is bent in a certain way and placed under the natural nails with the adhesive side.
Next, the working material is applied, similarly to the previous technology: there is more gel in the center, and less at the edges.
Apply a second layer of gel, drying each time under a lamp.
While the material is soft, it can be easily adjusted using tweezers. For example: slightly bend on the sides to get the most natural and elegant nails.
After the gel or acrylic has completely hardened, the forms are removed. Next, if necessary, the artificial plate is adjusted and decorative painting or a plain coating is performed.

The procedure is complicated by the correct installation of forms and also requires appropriate skills. This technology requires more time - 3-4 hours, but the result is amazing!

Toe nail extensions

Artificial pedicure is gaining more and more popularity among modern women. This becomes especially true in the summer. After all, open shoes require flawless feet, and often the natural plates on the feet rarely please their owner. The most common causes of bad toenails can be:

tight shoes;
artificial material of shoes and tights;
excessive sweating of the feet;
fungus;
unkempt, cracked skin of the fingers.

Nail extensions with gel polish will help correct these problems and save the girl from the complex of wearing open sandals. For pedicures, as a rule, gel is used.

Benefits of gel pedicure:

well-groomed feet for a long time;
prevention of fungal infections;
protection from dust and germs;
the possibility of frequently changing the decorative coating without harming the nails.

It is strictly forbidden to build up if there are problems with the nail plate: fungus, yellowing, delamination, mechanical cuts. Also, artificial pedicure is not recommended while taking antibiotics and chemotherapy.

The pedicure extension procedure is similar to the procedure on the hands. Toenails grow slower than fingernails, so during the summer season only a couple of treatments will be required.

Care for extended nails

In order for a beautiful manicure to last 3-4 weeks in its original form, it requires appropriate care:

Do not wet your hands during the first 24 hours after the procedure. You can wash and shower, but visiting the pool and sauna is not advisable. Liquid and temperature changes make the gel brittle.
Protect your hands from mechanical damage and excess moisture. Housework should be done with rubber gloves.
Take care of the skin of your hands and cuticles by rubbing in a nourishing cream daily.
Overgrown nails can be “revitalized” by covering them with regular colored varnish. This will give them shine.
Corrections should only be made with a nail file; cutting the gel plates with scissors is strictly forbidden, as this will permanently damage their shape.
To perform a hygienic manicure on artificial nails, you should not steam. Softening the cuticle can be done using oil.
If the extensions were carried out using acrylic, then under no circumstances should you use nail polish remover. This substance contains acetone, which causes yellowing and brittleness of the plate.

No matter how beautiful your extended nails look, you still need to take a break from this procedure from time to time. After extensions, they look lifeless and dry. After all, in the process the protective layer of the plate is removed, and the access to oxygen is blocked for a long time. The health of natural nails must be monitored, otherwise the patients will have to take a very long time to restore.

Contraindications for extensions

Can pregnant women get nail extensions? Definitely not! After all, the process uses very toxic materials, which evaporate and enter the body of the expectant mother. Toxic fumes have a very negative effect on the embryo and can even cause developmental delays.

You should also not resort to the procedure in the first year after childbirth. Extended long nails also pose a threat to the baby. It is very easy to scratch thin baby skin. Therefore, the best option would be to wait out the pregnancy and lactation stage for the expectant mother, and then go to the nail salon again!

There are also other contraindications to the procedure:

fungus;
mechanical damage to natural plates;
wounds and scratches around the nail;
viral infections;
excessive sweating of the extremities;
herpes;
heart and blood diseases;
diabetes;
thyroid diseases;
hormonal disbalance;
allergy to the components of the procedure;
stress and mental illness;
pregnancy and lactation.

If there is a temporary skin infection, you should first get rid of the problem and then start doing a manicure. But there are serious diseases in which a girl should categorically prohibit herself from this procedure. Such contraindications include heart disease, as well as other problems in the functioning of internal organs.

Having such contraindications, a girl should not be upset, because the main beauty is health and well-being! A beautiful manicure can be achieved through regular hand care and a quality lifestyle.

It’s possible to quickly grow your nails even at home! This will significantly reduce the time and financial costs of going to an expensive salon. The main thing: the desire to comprehend this science and a little patience. Well-groomed hands are business card girls. Therefore, you should never be lazy to pay due attention to your nails.