DIY gel nails: your new beauty obsession.

Looks
by Afterpay
May 26, 2023      6 min read

Who doesn’t love to flaunt their freshly done nails? But, you gotta admit, regular trips to the salon can leave a big hole in your wallet.


The good news is a fabulous new generation of DIY gel nail kits have landed, making it easy to get gorgeous nails without leaving the house.


Doing your own gel nails at home is ideal if you’re on a budget and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to get a professional finish without forking out the big bucks. Make it a party and invite some mates over – you can catch up on all the goss and get glam nails at the same time.

Doing your own gel nails at home - it’s easy! 

It’s not the nail-biting experience you might imagine. In fact, doing your own gel nails at home just takes the right tools and a bit of practice. 

DIY gel nail kits contain essentials such as:

  • An LED or UV lamp for curing (drying) the nail
  • Gel base coat
  • Gel top coat
  • Gel colours
  • Nail file
  • Nail buffer
  • Acetone nail polish remover

The best DIY gel nail kit is one with a lamp (if you don’t have one) because it’s essential for curing gel polish and of course, at least one nail polish colour you like (or a whole rainbow of them).

First, prep your digits. 

Even when you’re doing your own gel nails at home, the key to a long-lasting, flawless manicure is prepping your nails properly. Follow these simple steps to get your nails prepped and ready to go:

  1. Remove any old nail polish, and clean your nails with nail polish remover.
  2. Trim and file your nails to your signature shape.
  3. Soak your nails in warm water for a few minutes to soften the cuticles.
  4. Gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher.
  5. Exfoliate your hands using a gentle scrub to lift any dead skin.
  6. Apply a moisturiser to your hands and nails to keep them hydrated.

Now that your nails are prepped and ready to roll, it’s time to find the best DIY gel nail kit …

@gelous.co Gel Polish that lasts 2+ weeks for a salon-quality gel manicure at home. Get 10% off using the discount code ‘Gel10’ 💅🏼 #gelnails #gelnailsathome #manicure ♬ cupid - sio

DIY gel nails: long-lasting and fabulous.

We love DIY gel nail polish kits because they are a fab option if you’re after a durable, chip-resistant manicure. Available in various forms – including polish, semi-cured press-ons, creams or polygel – it goes on like traditional polish, but it’s also:

  • Long-lasting. Gel nail polish can last up to 2–3 weeks without chipping, peeling or fading.
  • Quick-drying. Gel polish is cured under a UV or LED lamp, which means it dries in seconds and is perfect for when you’re on the go. 
  • Chip-resistant. Gel polish is known for its durability and resistance to chipping, making DIY gel nail kits a great option if you want your manicure to last.
  • Versatile. DIY gel nail kits come in a range of colours and finishes, so you can choose a fitting shade for any occasion. The Gelous Pastels Polish Starter Pack includes dreamy pastel hues to brighten up the winter months.

Easy to remove. While gel nail polish requires a bit more effort to remove than traditional polish, it can still be removed easily with acetone-based nail polish remover.

Polygel nail kits: the new kid on the block

What is this new nail sorcery that combines acrylic and gel nails? Polygel nail kits are a total game changer, giving you long-lasting wear, chip resistance and total control over the length and shape of your nails. 

Polygel is a lightweight formula that can be applied on top of your natural nail for extra strength or sculpted into a nail extension, like a pliable acrylic nail cured under an LED or UV light. 

Think durability of acrylic nails (without the pongy chemicals) and the flexibility of gel nails. And great news for newbies: polygel is beginner-friendly, allowing for easy DIY sculpting and shaping. 


Semi-cured nails: a shortcut to DIY gel nails

Semi-cured nails are pre-made nails that are partially cured (60%) with a UV light to make application easy-peasy. Crafted from gel nail polish, their flexibility and stretch make them easy to fit all nail sizes. Imagine salon-quality gel nails at a fraction of the price in a fraction of the time.

If you’re time-poor but still want perfect nails without a salon visit, semi-cured gel nails are your new go-to nail solution. They’re available in a huge range of colours and designs, which you simply apply before curing under a UV light for a couple of minutes and you’re done. No filing or shaping required!

Nab a DIY gel nail kit today with Afterpay.

Giving yourself a salon-quality manicure at home is easier than you’d think! You can get gorgeous nails by prepping and choosing the right polish type for you, without leaving your house. What a time to be alive.

And with Afterpay, you can purchase the perfect DIY gel in four easy instalments. Why not give it a try and see the results for yourself?

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