Applying Gel Nails: Using Forms Like A Pro (2025)

Applying gel nails with forms can be a great way to get salon-quality nails at home. It may seem intimidating at first, but with the right tools and a bit of practice, anyone can master the technique. The process involves preparing your natural nails, applying nail forms to create the desired shape, curing the UV gel, and finishing with a top coat. This introduction will guide you through the basic steps and offer some tips for achieving beautiful gel nails.

Prepare your natural nails

Preparing your natural nails is an important step in the process of applying gel nails with forms. Here is a detailed guide on how to properly prepare your natural nails:

Start by removing any existing nail polish and trimming your nails to the desired length. Use a nail file to shape your nails according to your preferred style and smooth out any rough edges. This step ensures that your nails are at your desired length and shape before applying the gel nails with forms.

Next, focus on your cuticles. Use a cuticle pusher to gently push back the cuticles on each nail. This step is crucial as it creates a clean nail bed for the UV gel application. By pushing back the cuticles, you provide a neat foundation for the gel nails and ensure better adhesion.

After addressing the cuticles, it's important to remove any remaining shine from the nail plate. Use a buffer or a specific product, such as a white block, to gently buff the surface of your nails. This process helps create a matte finish and removes any excess dust or natural nail oils. Make sure to cover all the edges of the nail to achieve a uniform appearance.

Once your nails are shaped, and the cuticles are pushed back, it's time to clean your nails thoroughly. Use cleanser wipes or rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad to wipe each fingernail gently. This step ensures that your nails are free from any grease, residual dirt, or dead skin cells. It is important to perform this step after pushing back your cuticles to prevent your nails from getting dirty again.

Finally, apply a nail prep product, such as a prep/dehydrator, to your nails. This product will help dehydrate your nails and provide extra adhesion for the gel polish. Allow the prepper to air dry completely, and avoid touching your nails during this process to maintain a clean base.

By following these steps, you will effectively prepare your natural nails for applying gel nails with forms. This preparation will not only enhance the adhesion and longevity of your gel manicure but also ensure the health and well-being of your natural nails.

Choose the right nail forms

Choosing the right nail forms is crucial for achieving your desired nail look. Here are some tips to help you select the appropriate nail forms for gel nails:

Nail Form Types

There are various types of nail forms available, including dual forms, which are flexible, reusable plastic tools designed to help shape and form nail extensions. They offer a pre-shaped curve that mimics the natural arc of the nail, making it easier to achieve a consistent and natural-looking curve, especially for beginners.

Size and Shape

When selecting a nail form, ensure it is slightly wider than your natural nail. This prevents the gel from overflowing and allows it to adhere properly. Match the curvature of the form to your natural nail shape as closely as possible for a comfortable and natural-looking fit. If you can't find an exact match, opt for a slightly larger size, and you can always gently file the edges for a perfect fit.

Nail Length

Consider the length you want for your nails. If you prefer shorter nails, choose a thin viscosity gel, which will give you a thinner and flatter application. For longer nails, you may need a thicker application or choose a builder gel product, which will help build up the nail plate and give it a natural look.

Practice and Experimentation

Experimenting with different nail forms, such as flat and curved forms, will help you discover the best fit and style for your nails. Practice applying gel nails with different forms to find the ones that suit your needs and preferences. Remember, practice makes perfect!

Apply the base coat

Applying the base coat is a crucial step in achieving a flawless gel manicure. Here is a detailed guide to help you master this step:

Firstly, ensure your nails are clean and dry. It is important to start with a fresh, blank canvas to ensure the best adhesion and a smooth finish. If you have existing nail polish, remove it gently, and then trim and file your nails to the desired length and shape. You can create various shapes, such as round, square, pointy, almond, or oval, depending on your preference. After shaping, gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher to create a clean nail bed.

Once your natural nails are prepped, it's time to apply the nail forms. Select the appropriate size and shape of nail forms that best fit your nails. Align the curved edge of the form with the base of your nail and press down firmly to secure it in place. Repeat this process for all your nails. Using nail forms allows you to create the desired nail shape, whether square, oval, or stiletto.

Now, you are ready to apply the base coat. Choose a high-quality base coat designed for gel nail polish. Apply a super-thin layer of the base coat to your nails. Work in smooth, vertical strips, being careful to avoid applying the base coat to your surrounding skin. You can use a toothpick to wipe away any excess product from your cuticles. The key to a flawless base coat is to keep it as thin as possible.

After applying the base coat, you can dry your nails using an LED lamp or allow them to air dry. If you are in a hurry, curing under an LED lamp for 1-2 minutes is a quicker option. However, if time is not a concern, you can let your nails air dry for about 10 minutes. Some gel nail polishes may also come with a specific primer to use instead of a base coat. Always refer to the instructions provided with your chosen products.

Remember, the base coat is essential to creating a smooth canvas for your gel nail polish and promoting better adhesion. Taking your time with this step will ensure a more durable and long-lasting manicure.

Cure the gel under a lamp

Curing gel nails requires a special UV or LED lamp. The process, known as polymerisation, uses a specific type of light to seal and harden the gel nail polish, causing the molecules in the gel polish to bond together and form a solid layer of colour. This layer won't chip or wear off easily.

Before curing, it's important to apply the gel polish in thin, even coats, leaving a gap between the polish and the cuticle to prevent lifting. Remove any gel polish from your skin before curing to prevent reactions or allergies.

When curing gel nails with a UV lamp, you will need to cure each coat for 2-3 minutes. The exact curing time will depend on the type of lamp and your nail type. Be sure to follow the directions for your specific lamp. If your lamp doesn't have a timer, you can set a timer on your smartphone to help you keep track of the time.

If you are using an LED lamp, the curing time is much faster, usually within 30 seconds to 45 seconds per coat. Again, be sure to follow the directions for your specific lamp, as operating instructions may vary.

It is important to note that you must use a UV lamp with a UV-specific gel polish. Many products can be used for both UV and LED lamps, but some are LED-specific. Always check that your polish is compatible with your lamp to avoid under-curing, which can cause serious damage to your hands or nails.

File and shape your nails

Shaping your nails is an entirely optional step. If your natural nails' free edge does not fan out, you may not need to file it. However, filing your nails can improve their look and prevent them from splitting and breaking.

Before you reach for a nail file, decide on the shape you want. Common nail shapes include square, round, stiletto, mountain peak, oval, almond, and squoval. If you're unsure which shape to go for, you can opt for a natural shape by following the smile line of your nail. The smile line is the opaque line that forms at the end of the last bit of the nail plate connected to the nail bed.

When you have decided on a shape, it's time to start filing. If you are using a board hand file, place it straight against the sloping side of the nail and file in one direction. Be careful not to dig your file and move it back and forth, as this can permanently damage the connection between the nail and the nail plate. Filing in one direction will help your nails grow long and strong. If you need to take down length quickly, use a nail clipper, but for shaping, it is best to use a file.

If you are filing the free edge of the nail, you can use nail nippers to cut the corners of the nail diagonally. However, be careful not to cut off too much, as you can always file more if needed, but you can't put it back once you've cut it.

Frequently asked questions