How to Do Gel Nails at Home: A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide

Hey there! If you're looking to get salon-quality gel nails at home, you're in the right place. As someone who's been doing my own nails for a while now, I can confidently say that it’s not as hard as it seems — with the right products and a little practice, you’ll be able to create stunning gel nails that last for weeks. Let me take you through a simple step-by-step guide using Lourian Gel products, which I absolutely swear by.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

Before you dive in, make sure you have everything you need. Here’s what I always have on hand:

Lourian Base Coat (I prefer the Rubber Base Gel for extra flexibility)

Lourian Color Gel (today, I’m using the Cherry Blossom Pink for a soft, feminine look)

Lourian Top Coat (the shiny finish is my go-to)

Lourian UV/LED Lamp (don’t forget the essential tool to cure your gel layers)

Nail prep tools like a nail file, buffer, and cuticle pusher

Isopropyl alcohol (to wipe off the sticky layer at the end)

Step 2: Prep Your Nails

The first step to flawless gel nails is prepping your nails properly. Start by gently pushing back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher. I always use a wooden stick because it's gentle but effective. Then, file your nails to your desired shape — I like a soft square shape for a clean, modern look.

Next, buff the surface of your nails lightly. This is really important because it creates a smooth base for the gel to adhere to. Finally, wipe your nails with a bit of isopropyl alcohol to remove any oils or dust from filing.

Step 3: Apply the Base Coat

Now for the fun part! Apply a thin, even layer of Lourian Rubber Base Gel. I love this one because it’s perfect for creating a strong foundation that’s flexible and durable. It’s also ideal for those who have weak or brittle nails. Make sure to apply it in thin coats to avoid any bubbling or thick layers.

Once applied, cure the base coat under your UV/LED Lamp for about 30 seconds. I always make sure the lamp is positioned correctly so that it cures all sides of my nails evenly.

Step 4: Apply the Color Gel

Now comes the color! For today’s look, I’m going with Lourian Gel Color in Cherry Blossom Pink — it’s a soft, pretty pink that I feel works for just about any occasion.

Apply a thin layer of color gel to each nail, making sure to avoid the cuticles and edges. Be careful not to get too much product on the skin around your nails. If you’re using a darker color, you might need to apply two coats. After each layer, cure under the UV/LED Lamp for about 30 seconds.

Step 5: Apply the Second Color Coat (Optional)

If you feel like the first layer isn’t quite opaque enough (which happens with lighter shades), don’t worry! Just apply a second coat of Lourian Cherry Blossom Pink gel and cure it again. I usually go for two coats to ensure the color is nice and even.

Step 6: Seal with Top Coat

Once your color is set, it’s time to seal it with a top coat. I always use Lourian Top Coat for a beautiful, glossy finish that lasts. This top coat is also super durable, so your nails will stay shiny and chip-free for much longer.

Apply a thin layer of top coat over the entire nail, making sure you cap the edges to prevent any chipping. Cure the top coat under your lamp for 30 seconds.

Step 7: Wipe Away the Sticky Layer

Now that you’ve cured your nails, there’s one last step: wiping away the sticky residue (also called the "inhibition layer"). Take a lint-free wipe and some isopropyl alcohol, and gently wipe each nail. This leaves your nails with a smooth, shiny finish.

Step 8: Final Touch (Optional)

If you want to add a little extra sparkle, try using Lourian Glitter Gel! Apply a thin layer of glitter gel and cure it under the lamp. This gives your nails a gorgeous, subtle shine that’s perfect for special occasions.

And that’s it! With Lourian Gel products, you’ve just completed a salon-quality gel manicure at home. The best part? These nails can last for weeks if properly cared for. I’ve had mine last over two weeks without any chipping, which is pretty impressive!

Pro Tip: To remove your gel nails, simply soak a cotton ball in acetone, wrap it around your nails, and leave it for about 10–15 minutes. Then gently push the gel off with a cuticle pusher.

If you try this at home, let me know how it goes! I’d love to hear your thoughts and see your beautiful nails. 😊