How to Apply Gel Polish

Does the process of applying gel nail polish seem too long, technical and expensive? What if we could change all that? Manucurist's green revolution has made applying gel polish quick, easy & clean! Here you'll discover the many benefits of Green Flash™ gel polish and all the tips and tricks you need for a perfect manicure that lasts. 

Green Flash™ LED polish is the perfect hybrid between regular nail polish and traditional gel polish. As easy to apply and remove as regular nail polish, it doesn't damage your nails and it lasts up to 10 days. Unlike traditional gel polish, all the controversial ingredients (endocrine disruptors, CMR, sensitising monomers, hydroquinone...) have been replaced by more natural alternatives that are less harmful to your health. An innovative formula packed with benefits!

What we love about gel polish is that, unlike regular polish that chips off easily after a few days, it lasts brilliantly and looks stunning, even after days of wear. With Green Flash™, long-lasting colour and a 'gel-effect' shine are guaranteed (for up to 10 days). As a bonus, you have the reassurance that comes with using a quality product made from 84% plant-based ingredients,free from monomers and methacrylates and therefore non-allergenic and safe for those with gel allergies.

Combined with a base coat and a top coat, Green Flash™ LED polish goes on in 3 quick and easy steps for high-shine nails that can withstand shocks and external aggressors. Perfect for nails that are prone to breaking easily. When it comes to removal, have no fear: Green Flash™ can be removed like regular nail polish, in just 1 minute, using an acetone-free remover. What could be easier?

Green Flash™ LED gel polish is vegan and up to 84% plant based.

Another clear benefit of Green Flash^™ gel polish is its immaculate finish, comparable with a professional manicure. Even when applied at home, this type of LED polish offers the same high-quality result as a salon manicure - in less than 30 minutes. No more time constraints, appointment bookings or travelling to salons.  Thanks to our  Green Flash™ kits, you get to decide where, when and how your manicure is done. 

Simply follow our 3-step application - base coat, colour and top coat - curing each  coat of polish under an LED lamp so that the surface of the nail becomes smooth and shiny with an ultra-professional finish. With a little practice and some good advice, you'll pick up the technique in no time.

Then you'll be unstoppable as you experiment with  colours  and effects: French manicures, nail art, gradients,  glitter and more besides. Give free rein to your creativity and mix things up by playing around with colours and styles without worrying about damaging your nails.

Although the initial investment may seem high, it quickly pays for itself. Manucurist Green Flash™ kits contain all the products you need for your manicure routine, including an LED lamp, and they pay for themselves in just a few uses. 

Once you have all the right tools, there'll be no need to travel to and from a salon to have your gel polish applied and removed. While regular polish would need several weekly touch-ups, Green Flash™ LED polish  has long-lasting staying power, which allows you to save money in the long term without compromising on the quality  of the product or the end result.

Have we convinced you of the benefits of Green Flash™ LED polish over regular polish and traditional gel polish? Great! Let's get down to business and find out how to successfully apply your next colour. 

From the equipment you need to step-by-step instructions and nail care advice, you'll discover all the secrets of our Green Flash™ routine.

The must-haves you need to apply your Green Flash™ gel polish include:

• a nail priming emery board

• a Green Flash™ Base Coat

• the Green Flash™ colour of your choice

• an LED lamp

• a Green Flash™ Top Coat

You can complete your toolkit with a few 'nice to haves':

• a cuticle remover

• a cuticle pusher

• some gentle acetone-free nail polish remover

• a Green Flash™ corrector pen

• some Green Oil 

Often neglected and yet an essential way to ensure your nail polish lasts, nail prep is a vital step. Regular nail care is the best way to maximise the staying power and success of your manicure.

1. Start by applying a few drops of cuticle remover to soften your cuticles before pushing them back gently with a cuticle pusher for a neat and tidy nail contour.
2. Then file the surface of your nails to create a smooth, even base. The nail priming emery board helps to slightly open the nail plate to allow the base coat to better adhere. Rub gently in the direction of growth, avoiding back-and-forth movements that could weaken the nail. 
3. Just before applying your polish, clean your nails with a  cotton pad soaked in gentle nail polish remover to remove any oil, dust or polish residue, which can cause your polish to chip prematurely. A clean nail guarantees a successful polish application!

Nail prep is an essential step before applying your gel polish and guarantees your colour will last longer.

For more information about nail prep, see our special article here.

Just like a regular manicure, Green Flash™   polish is applied in 4  very thin coats   and each step needs to be  cured  under an LED lamp for a fixed time.   The  curing times  are pre-programmed into Manucurist's LED lamps to ensure your colour lasts for as long as possible. It is important to follow this curing step. Even if your coats of polish seem a little sticky after curing, be patient and don't put your nails back under the lamp or you risk wrinkling your polish. Also, make sure that all your nails are exposed to the light of the lamp so they dry evenly.

The Base Coat is the first coat you apply to your nail before the colour. Its role is twofold: it protects your natural nail from the polish pigments, preventing it from turning yellow, and  it helps the gel polish to better adhere to the nail. In short, it is essential to ensure a long-lasting, flawless manicure. Make sure you cure it under the LED lamp for the time shown before applying your colour.

For an even application of your Green Flash™ colour, we recommend the following routine: 

Start by lightly shaking the bottle of polish to mix up the pigments. Then put a small amount of polish onto the brush, taking care to remove any excess on the edge of bottle so as not to overload the brush.

Apply a thin  coat  of colour in three brushstrokes: one in the middle of the nail and then two at the sides. This method will help you to cover the nail evenly without too much polish accumulating in one place. Make sure you don't touch the cuticles or side edges of the nail to avoid smudging. If necessary, you can use the Green Flash™ corrector pen  to correct any mistakes. Cure under the lamp for the time shown and repeat these steps for your second  coat of colour. 

The secret to even application lies in the thinness of the coat. If your coat of polish is too thick, this can cause bubbles to appear and lead to uneven drying under the LED lamp. Remember to cap each nail by gently running the brush over the  nail tip without adding any polish. This will prevent premature flaking and help the colour last longer.

Applying Green Flash™ Top Coat  helps to seal in the colour and adds a brilliant shine to your manicure. It forms a protective layer that prevents chipping and extends the life of the polish. To further customise the end result, opt for a matte finish with our Matte Top Coat (this Top Coat does not need to be cured under an LED lamp).

The final step for a perfect finish: apply a few drops of Green Oil to your nails and cuticles to nourish and deeply hydrate them. Feel free to massage this nourishing oil in daily to prevent dryness and split cuticles and to help your gel polish last longer.

Now you're ready to apply your Green Flash™ gel polish 'like a pro'. If in doubt, you'll find the full routine on video. And don't forget you can remove Green Flash™ in just one minute! This makes it easy to experiment with colour without the risk of damaging your nails.
Your dream manicure awaits!

You'll find the Green Flash™ routine on video here.

Gel polish does not damage your nails when it is formulated without methacrylate monomers and applied and removed properly. Damage is caused by improper use. For example, removing polish with a nail drill or an acetone-based remover can damage your natural nail's top layer, making it weaker and thinner. To avoid damaging your nails, we recommend you use a gentle, acetone-free remover that preserves the nail's natural oily film. In addition, allow your nails to breathe between gel polish manicures to avoid them becoming dehydrated and brittle. Take regular care of them using a nourishing oil and moisturising and strengthening treatments to keep your hands feeling healthy and looking good.