TAMPA NAIL SALON

 3) BUFF YOUR NAILS

 nail tech buffing nails

 Source: Pexels

 Buffing your nails helps to make sure the surface is smooth for application, and primed to bond with the gel.

 4) CLEAN NAILS

 nail tech cleaning nails

 Source: Pexels

 Clean your nails thoroughly with rubbing alcohol or cleanser to allow the polish to adhere directly to your natural nail. Any impurities, such as remaining cuticle oil or dust particles, can cause the polish to lift prematurely.

 5) APPLY BASE COAT

 nail tech applying base coat

 Source: Pexels

 Now for your first layer of polish. Use a good gel base coat. This will ensure that the polish adheres properly and lasts as long as possible.

 Apply a thin coat over the whole nail, then cure each nail under a UV lamp or LED light to dry it. You’ll want to cure your base coat for at least 30 seconds to a minute before continuing to ensure that it has thoroughly dried.

 Also, make sure to seal the open edges, or cap the free edge, as this process is called. Capping the free edge means to paint over the edge of your nail so that this protective layer gives your nail a chip-free resistant finish.

 Ideally, this process should be done on each layer to ensure the strongest hold.

 6) APPLY GEL POLISH

 s&l gel polish

 Shake your polish well before application to ensure that the formula is properly mixed. Then, start on your color.

 Apply each layer in a thin coat all the way to the edges of the nail, being mindful not to stray onto the skin. You want to apply the gel polish as close to the cuticle as possible. If you do make a mistake, simply wipe off the stray polish before curing, so it does not dry and become harder to remove.

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 Nail technicians recommend at least two coats of color, but the more you do, the more opaque your application. Don’t worry if the first one looks streaky -- thin layers will do the job better than thick uneven ones.

 Cure your polish in between each coat, placing your nails under the lamp for at least 30 seconds each.

 7) APPLY TOP COAT

 nail tech applying top coat

 Source: Pexels

 Once your nail color is applied to your liking, apply a top coat to ensure that the color is sealed and to give your nails that characteristic shine. It is extremely important to cover the entire nail with a top coat, and cap the edges for a perfect seal.

 Cure your nails one last time, for at least a minute, so you can ensure that they are perfectly dried and sealed.

 Cure your nails one last time, for at least a minute, so you can ensure that they are perfectly dried and sealed.

 Sometimes gel will leave a tacky residue after curing, which you can simply wipe off with a cotton ball dipped in alcohol. Then you’re good to go!

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 GEL NAILS AFTER CARE

 applying cuticle oil

 Proper nail care ensures that your gel polish continues to look good for as long as possible, and keeps your skin and nails healthy.

 Apply cuticle oil daily while maintaining gel nails. That is, every time you wash your hands, in the morning and at night. Basically, whenever you notice your skin is dry.

 A good cuticle keeps the nails elastic and skin soft. Mediocre oils wouldn't penetrate and sit on top of the nails.

 How to apply gel polish on acrylic nails

 S&L Glitz and Glam set