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(If you want to skip the introduction and get straight into what items you need for doing your nails at home, skip to the section titled What You Need To Start)
Introduction
There’s nothing better than getting a fresh, new manicure. Having your nails done just feels so good and gives you an extra boost of confidence. There is freedom in getting new designs, changing colors, and having different shapes and sizes. It isn’t just nail polish, it’s a form of expression.
But most people who like getting their nails done also know that it can be a struggle. Every few weeks you have to book an appointment and get the money together to pay for the nails. Not to mention spending money on gas and wasting hours at the salon. It can be a lot!
Have you ever been getting your nails done and thought, “ Hey this looks pretty easy. I could probably do this myself”?
Well, good news – you can!
You don’t have to be a really good artist or a professional painter. Anyone can do it!
With the right products, you’ll have nails like a pro in no time! Once you start doing your gel nails at home you’ll never want to go back to the salon.
It will change your life. Seriously!
You will save so much time, so much money, and have no limits on how creative your nails can be. Nothing can beat that.
Today I am going to show you all the products you’ll need to get salon-quality gel nails at home.
3 Benefits Of Doing Your Nails At Home
It saves you money
The first reason is pretty simple. It saves you a ton of money!
These days, even the most simple gel manicure can cost around $40 at the salon. And if you want multiple colors, a design, a sticker, or even a bead, it’s going to cost you extra. Some salons even charge extra for getting the ring fingernail a different color than the other nails.
Let’s not forget that you also have to get in the car and drive to the salon. Gas is not cheap!
All that for a manicure that doesn’t even last longer than a few weeks. By the time 2 or 3 weeks have gone by, you’ll be back at the salon doing the whole process all over again.
You can easily avoid all of this by doing your nails at home!
With just a few items, you can build your own salon. It’s a small price to pay for savings that will last you years!
You Have Freedom
Isn’t it the worst when you need to get your nails done in a hurry but can’t get an appointment for months?
Some salons take walk-ins, but you will have to wait anywhere from 30 minutes to more than an hour just to be seen. Anyone who is busy or has other responsibilities just doesn’t have time to wait around that long.
Luckily, doing your nails at home takes the waiting game out of it. Whenever you’re ready to do them, just pull out your equipment and start working.
Also, doing your own nails takes around the same amount of time it takes to get them done at a salon.
It Could Make You Money
So, not only is it a good way to save money, but you can make money doing it too? That is correct!
Nail care is a big business! Think about how many people you know that constantly need their nails done. Almost everyone you see has some type of manicure!
As mentioned before, there’s not always availability in salons. If someone needs their nails done in a hurry, you could do them right out of your own home!
This can range anywhere from a great side hustle to a full-blown business.
What You Need To Start
Every item linked on this list can be purchased directly from Amazon. Some products are not linked because they are cheaper at a local store.
There are so many different brands and companies out there. It can sometimes be hard to know which one to purchase from. Don’t worry, this list is here to help you.
The items listed below are the most quality and cost-effective options. This way you’ll have a good idea of what you’ll need.
Remember, this is just a guide to help you know what to look out for. Of course you should feel free to try out different products if you want, too! This is all about finding what works best for you.
6 Must-Have Items For DIY Gel Nails
- UV/LED Lamp $40- This lamp is amazing for gel nails! It is fast drying, durable, and easy to set up. All you do is plug it in and it’s ready to go. It also comes with a guide, which tells you how long each coat needs to dry. Great for beginners!
- Beetles Color Gel Polish $16- All your gel polish needs will be fulfilled with this kit. It comes with 20 different colors, a base coat, a shiny top coat, and even a matte top coat. Bonus!
- Base Coat and Top Coat $6- If you purchase the Beetles Color Gel Polish Kit mentioned above, then you don’t even need to worry about this part. It‘s already included in the kit! However if you ever need a refill or if you use a different brand of color polish, then this base and top coat are perfect!
- Nail Clippers and Nail File $1- You will need both nail clippers and a nail file in order to cut, file, and shape your nails. These can be found just about anywhere, but for the best price visit Walmart or other supercenters.
- Acetone $2.50- 100% pure acetone is what you will use when it’s time to remove your gel manicure. It is the fastest and healthiest way to remove your polish without damaging the nails. Get the Onyx Professional nail polish remover from Walmart for the cheapest price.
- Cotton balls $1- Soak the cotton balls in acetone and put them on your polish to remove the gel. A 100 count of cotton balls cost only $0.96 at Walmart. You can buy a good cotton ball pack from just about anywhere though!
And that’s it! Those few products are all you need to get started. Isn’t that amazing?
Look at it this way. That is less than $70 for years worth of product. You’d spend that amount at a salon in a couple of months.
More Items To Advance Your Home Salon
If you’re just looking for the basics, then the list above has everything you need to get started. You’re all set to go!
But if you’re wanting to be a little more advanced, then there are a few extra supplies you may want to add to your kit.
Again, keep in mind that these are completely optional and are not necessary to get a DIY professional manicure. They just make the process a bit easier and are good add-ons as you become more advanced.
6 Extra Gel Nail Products To Add To Your Wishlist
- Removal Kit $12- Many people just use foils to soak off their gel polish. No problem! But foils can be frustrating if they get messy or fall off. This kit is less messy, easier to use, and stays put. It comes with 420 cotton squares, nail clips to keep the cotton in place, and an acetone dispenser.
- Cuticle Oil $8- Moisturizing cuticles is important if you want to keep your nails looking fresh and healthy. This oil is a great option because it comes as a brush pen, making it mess-free and portable. Plus it is made of jojoba oil which is extremely good for strengthening nails. The vanilla scent smells great!
- Nail Art Brushes $5- This 20-piece nail art set comes with brushes of all different shapes and sizes. It also includes some dotting pens. Perfect for putting unique designs on your nails.
- Clear False Nail Swatch Sticks $7 – These really make you feel like you’re at the salon. It comes with 100 plastic nail swatches that you can test your polish on.
- Nail Drill Kit $25- This drill will be a huge help to you when you’re ready to buff off your top coat, smooth out your nails, and remove dead skin from cuticles. The kit comes with a drill and 13 different removable drill bits.
- UV Protection Gloves $8– I love a beautiful new set of nails, but I also want to keep my skin looking beautiful and young for as long as possible. Make sure to keep your hands protected! Slip these gloves onto your hands before your manicure to protect them from UV rays.
Even with these few additional items added, the price of this DIY kit is still way better than going to a salon.
Overall, doing your nails at home is more cost-effective, more convenient, and gives you more freedom. What more could you ask for?
So whether you’re a complete beginner, or a little more advanced, these few items are all you need to give yourself a salon-quality manicure at home.
Do you have any favorite products you use to do your manicure at home? Comment down below and share!
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Everything is very open with a very clear description of the challenges. It was really informative. Your site is very helpful. Many thanks for sharing!