Step-by-Step Gel-x Nail Guide

Sick of sitting in nail jail every couple of weeks? Welcome to the club.

Allow me to introduce my newest obsession: Gel-X

If you love the look of perfectly sculpted nails but don’t want the damage or bulk of acrylics, Gel-X nails is about to upgrade your life. They’re lightweight, durable, and give you that salon-level finish right at home.

What Are Gel-X Nails?

Gel-X is a soft gel extension system that uses pre-formed nail tips made entirely of gel. Instead of gluing on plastic tips and layering acrylic, you adhere the gel tip/nail to your natural nail with gel adhesive and cure it under UV/LED light. The result: a seamless, natural-looking extension that’s thinner, lighter, and healthier for your nails.

What You’ll Need (Linked My Personal Favorites)

• Click here for a full kit to get started!

• Gel-X nail tips (choose your preferred length/shape)

• Gel adhesive (builder gel or extend gel)

• Nail file + buffer

• Nail dehydrator & primer

• UV/LED nail lamp

• Cuticle pusher

• Nail clippers/scissors (for shaping tips)

• Top coat (gel)

• Isopropyl alcohol + lint-free wipes

Perfect kit for beginners!

Step 1: Prep Your Natural Nails

Why it matters: Proper prep is everything—without it, your nails will lift or pop off quickly.

1. Wash hands thoroughly.

2. Trim your cuticles gently as you would a normal manicure. I like to soak in warm water as I go to make it easier.

3. Cut your natural nails short.

4. Lightly buff the surface.

5. Wipe nails with alcohol to remove dust and oils.

6. Apply a dehydrator and primer. This is a MUST!

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t skip buffing! A smooth-but-not-shiny nail surface helps the gel adhere better.

Step 2: Size & Shape the Tips

1. Match each Gel-X tip to your nail bed. The tip should fit sidewall-to-sidewall without squeezing.

2. If needed, lightly file the edges of the tips for a custom fit.

💡 Pro Tip: Go slightly bigger instead of smaller. Filing down a tip that’s too wide is easier than forcing a too narrow one.

Step 3: Prep the Inside of the Tips

1. Lightly etch/buff the inside of the tip where it will contact your nail using a nail file or e-file.

2. This creates a “grip” for the gel adhesive.

💡 Pro Tip: Most Gel-X kits come with pre-etched tips—if yours don’t, this step is non-negotiable.

Step 4: Apply Gel & Adhere the Tips

1. Apply a thin layer of base gel on your natural nail and cure it (base layer).

2. Add a small bead of gel inside the tip (on the etched area).

3. Place the tip on your nail at a 45° angle, pressing down slowly to avoid bubbles.

4. Hold the tip in place and flash cure under the small lamp for at least 30 seconds until secure.

5. Once all nails are done, fully cure each hand for 60 seconds.

💡 Pro Tip: If you see bubbles, immediately lift and reset the tip before curing—it won’t fix once it’s hardened.

Step 5: Shape & Finish

1. File and shape the edges if needed.

2. Buff the surface lightly for polish application.

3. Apply a base gel and cure for 90 seconds.

4. Apply 2-3 coats of gel color and cure for 60 seconds each.

5. Apply gel top coat and cure for 120 seconds.

Removal Tips

One of the best things about Gel-X is the damage-free removal:

• Soak nails in acetone (use foil wraps or a soak-off bowl) or use this nail glue remover I swear by!

• Gently lift softened tips with a cuticle pusher.

• Buff remaining gel and moisturize with cuticle oil.

A miracle worker!

Final Thoughts

Gel-X nails give you the best of both worlds—salon-worthy extensions that feel natural and lightweight. Once you get the hang of the application, you’ll save money and time while keeping your nails healthy!