I am starting to get into doing my own nails, both to save money, and also just because I am finding that I enjoy it! I am waiting on my builder in a bottle to come, so I can put a protective layer on my nails, no matter what I end up doing. Thanks for sharing! I really enjoy your channel! 😊
I agree with you Denise Star nails are amazing I love working with their products I’ve been using their gels for 26yrs with no issues at all I love the strength and shine✨✨✨
Omg ! I was just thinking about you today !!!!!! And here you are commenting on my video ! How are you ???? I hope you are doing ok ? Thank goodness you commented !
Great video! I always get so many questions and comments of people scared to use gelpolishes and all because they think it damages the nail. But it really is the nail artist or nail tech that can damage nails, not the products :)
And speaking as a "civilian" (non-nailtech), very often, that untrained person is themselves! LOL! I know, 'cause I have jacked myself up, being impatient when removing a perfectly good acrylic set! 😜
I love this technique I have gotten addicted to doing hard gel overlay. Little bumps in the road for me as I work on getting better at e-filling off old product though.
I do this to my nails too, but I do a 'small apex' haha because mine are longer now, it works wonder. I used to build mine, but with time they grew up and they were breaking too much in my job, so I did this and love it ❤❤
That looks really nice. I’m going to do this from now on as I have week nails and one the splits at the top as it grows. This is going to be great to try ❣️❣️❣️
I revisited this video as I had saved it. After years of watching you I finally bit the bullet and I’m doing poly gel and regular gel girl I love it. Don’t know if I’ll ever go back to acrylic and I’ve been using acrylic for 40 years LOL
Omg ! Wow that’s a huge step you took ! I love builder gel . I’m starting to like polygel much better now . It does take some time to master polygel . Learning to sculpt with polygel and paper forms takes time . I see all the pretty glitter acrylics on UA-cam ..... then I think of the smell and I just can’t handle it most of the time . I don’t know how they do it . It makes me get migraines if I work with it too long . So glad you made the switch . ❤️❤️❤️❤️
. Denisejohn65 - Nail Ed I love acrylics but when I wear my nails super short they always separate always. I have a friend that’s a nail tech and she told me poly gel sticks very well so I gave it a go and it’s working. I don’t know why but I like to put a clear gel over the top so beautiful. Finally
Thank you so much...I have been trying to find a way just to put a gel overlay on my natural nail since my nails are so thin and flakey...this gives me 💡 idea's!
Can I just say bless you my love!! Lol. This old bird over here continues to learn from you. As an acrylic chick I always learn something new about gels. I appreciate you so much. 😍😍😍
Mary you are such a sweetie ! Thank you . Yes , we are always learning new things dispute our ages . The mind is like a sponge and we need to absorb all we can and be open to new techniques . I hope things are going well for you . ❤️❤️
Thank you for posting this video. I have a question. When applying the hard gel overlay do you need to moisten the brush with something? Or just apply gel directly?
I discovered builder gel at my local nail salon, but the girl that did my nails convinced herself that she had to file my nails down so harshly that my natural nails are bending. Now I have to start over so learning how to do this on my own will be very helpful.
Omg !! You never ever have to do that much filing of the natural nails fo gel or even acrylic . Get a new tech !! Get a soak off builder gel overlay on those nails now to keep them hard . Gelish has a great kit . Do you want the link ? I will get a link to my prep video too . It’s with a efile , but you can do it by hand gently .
Thank you for explaining what a hard gel set is actually for and how beneficial it can be for the nails. I have been doing polygel sets and need a break but didn't want to revert back to acrylic or just leave my nails weakened. Again thank you #liveandlearn
This is a great video, thank you. I just have one question. How thick do you recommend an average overlay be? I will be applying nail polish over the top of the overlay to my medium length natural nails.
They look so pretty and healthy. I have been trying to grow my nails long for a few years now,but they always break after they get a certain length. Friends have suggested a gel overlay. I have never used gel, not even gel polish LOL. I finally decided to get a starter kit, just to polish my nails. Will the overlay like you just showed in your video help my nails ?
Will this be suitable to work for work that don't accept nail polish / acrylic. My nails are so weak that I'm worried they're going to snap and break as I wear acrylics now and feel as thou I still need something. Also can you get this infilled? Xx
Yes , this is clear and it will help your nails grow . You will still need to fill every 2 to 3 weeks . You will love it and never want to wear acrylic again . You should see how freakin long my real nails are now !
Here’s a link to the brushes . Inexpensive , but great quality . I have several extras for later . But the one I’m currently using has lasted 4 years so far ! US $1.70 24％ Off | 1pc Professional Nail Brush 2-way Nail Art Acrylic UV Gel Brush Liner Drawing Carving Crystal Handle Pen Women Nail Art Tool a.aliexpress.com/_dTmw2Ig
Hi! I love this video and you have really helped me in narrowing down the expensive first shopping trip of hard gel nails! I was wondering how you know if the hard gel has a base in it? I'm looking into the 'Lily Angel' hard gel for the affordability but I'm unsure if I should invest in the gelish base and top coat or if I won't need one? Thank you so much for your time and education, I truly do appreciate it! I hope you have a lovely day xx
Question, I’m thinking of doing this over my nails for protection but want to just use regular nail polish on top. Is it okay to to use nail polish remover to change that up every couple of days or will that mess with the gel? I don’t want to have to remove the gel that often
Gracias por la dedicación que das a tus videos. Como he comentado en otros de tus videos, ya es hora de aprender. Pero tengo mucho levantamiento cuando se trata de gel o se me craquea. Adicional tengo una duda. ¿Ésta vez sellaste cutículas, osea diste un limado ?
Usas primer y nail prep? Para el overlay tambien preparas las cutículas, recuerda que el gel no se adhiere bien en las uñas naturales y por eso se liman. Yo uso nail prep, primer y un bonder (despues de haber dejado la uña preparada) y despues uso el builder gel, no tengo levantamientos.
Any soft gel should be flexible. Hard gels are what I prefer , and they are not too flexible . Soft structure gels are all flexible. Gelish has a structure gel I use sometimes ..... and Orly has a soft builder called Orly Gel FX Builder . Both can be found online , Amazon , eBay . Hope this helps .
Hello Denise, love your channel. Can you please tell me what lamp you use to cure? I bought star nails gel after seeing you use it and I had to buy a separate uv lamp. I have a sun 5x which is supposed to be led/uv but it wasn’t curing them. Thank you
Oh my why would you do that ? I have all kinds of uv/led lamps and they all cure my Star Nails gel . I reviewed so many lamps . I have a whole playlist . I currently use the sun5 , the sun5 plus , sun4 , and a new one I just reviewed for everyone . It was a personal pick from me . I even use Madam Glam’s lamp too . If you use that old style uv lamp it’s going to take you forever to do a set . Because if will take 3 minutes to cure the gel . Send me a link to the lamp you are using so I can see it and read about it . What wattage is it ? How many lights in it ? Does it have a low heat mode ? You can also send me an email with the info too . denisejohn65@gmail.com
Oh yes , of course, you definitely can use any regular nail polish over gel overlays . I love to use regular nail polish too . It makes the nails look less bulky . ❤️
My nails get thin from doing gel polish and having them buffed every time I do, I’m looking into hard gel..I heard that it doesn’t soak off so it can only be removed by filing down, but I was wondering if it’s then possible to do the overlay and then just keep filling it And then be able to do gel polishes on top without worrying about my natural nails being mistreated ? Thank you for an informative video!
You can definitely do gel polish over a gel overlay . No problem . But soaking off gel polish every 2 weeks is not good . It can be very drying to the skin around the nails and weaken the nails . It needs to be filed off . Learning how to file it off without filing the natural nail is key . Learning how to use a efile correctly helps . Even if you just do gel polish , the base layer needs to be applied thicker or maybe 2 layers of base , then color , then top coat . When filing off gel polish you should be able to tell when you reach the base layer and or hard gel overlay and don’t remove that , just fill it and do your gel polish .
Hi there I just found your channel and I LOVE it but I have a question- The links you provided in this video for the builder gel both lead to the same one, even though they are suppose to be different gel. Can you please provide me the direct link to purchase your favorite? Thank you
@@Denisejohn65NailEd Yes it was the opaque rose or opaque nude! Is that still the builder gel you use currently? Also- the link for the black gel brush isn’t working either
All you have to do is type the products on google and they show up lol it’s really not that hard to find them I already found everything she used without the links she provided
You could . Just remember , if it’s a hard gel it’s not soak off . You have to file off . Hard gels are mostly used for overlays and for constructing nails . Hard gels are stronger and more durable than soft gels . Hard gel - file off Soft gel - soak off
Hi I enjoyed your video! I am new to acrylics and I started using nail dip and my nails are so ruined! I want to strenghthen my natural nails so I want to try the gel overlay. Can you use dip over gel overlays? How do you remove the gel overlay? When they say "soak off" are they referring to acetone removal? Can you file gel overlays off if you don't have an efile? Do they have a peel off base that can be used? Do you have any more videos on this topic? Thank you so much.
I don’t use acrylic very often at all . Why are your nails ruined ? Did you over file them or are they thin from too many soaks in acetone ? Products don’t ruin nails on their own . There is no need to use dip over builder gel . The builder gel is enough on its own . There is a hard builder gel and it cannot be soaked off. It must be filed off . Then there is soft / soak off builder gel. That can be soaked in acetone to get it off. You can file off both builder gel and soft / soak off builder gel . Then there is Polygel . It is a mixture of a type of acrylic mixed with builder gel . It is very thick , like a paste . Polygels are mostly soak off , but some are not . It should say on the label . If you are only wanting a overlay on your natural nails . You should use a soft soak off builder gel . You don’t need to remove the gel. You fill it every two to three weeks. When you remove it every two weeks you are either filing too much of your nail off or over soaking your natural nails and drying them out. You don’t do that . You need to be filling these nails every 2 to 3 weeks. I recommend a set from Gelish . It can be purchased on eBay . It’s good quality . I have several videos on natural nail overlays. I do them all the time. You will need a lamp to cure the gel . Here’s the link to the kit www.ebay.com/itm/194866802711?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=f9es8dtitiq&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=v3PBxzI0QKi&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY Here’s a few of my playlists that may be helpful ua-cam.com/play/PLWgEMPXY2lxpA57lQgVX5dxSm5iiNF-jA.html ua-cam.com/play/PLWgEMPXY2lxqgf_pG_EvkFvCAlKUvtj1i.html
@@Denisejohn65NailEd Thank you so much for all the info! My nails are weak anyway and the dip seemed to make them worse. I didn't even use acetone very much.
I've been doing my own nails for years, but have just recently gotten interested in doing a gel overlay to keep them strong. I have naturally strong nails, but when they crack, it's always at the smile line. What is a good one to use to prevent this for someone who isn't a professional?
I use to use clear polish or base coat over my bare nails snd add that every day for a week when I don’t have fakr nails. Works veru good as well and is way less work. Good for growing out your nails. After a week and I don’t apply fake I start the proces again
I did just this last night! I didnt know it was a thing but I did tips a few weeks ago and HATED THEM! I knew I wanted the builder but at my natural length nothing super long. I wanted it as long as my real nail and I type all day. I needed to NOT get another broken naile, I filed them all to that nails length weeks ago now they grew back and I love this!
I have long natural nails and get dip powder. Can I do an overlay first followed by the dip powder? I have noticed my nails grow long but they are not as strong.
Why would you want dip powder over your gel overlay ? You wouldn’t need it . A gel over is just a strong as dip . Gel is better for nails in my opinion . All dip powder is , is just acrylic powder . Dip makes nails look to overly thick . Also , if you are always soaking off dip powder it’s bad for your nails . Acetone soaks are very drying and not good . A gel overlay can just be filled in ever 2- 3 weeks . I never do acetone soaks . If I remove product , I use a efile .
Hey Denise, my thumbnails and one pointer nail are getting thick and yellow from what I assume is nail fungus. I'm too sick to take the oral fungus medication but nothing else I've tried is helping. Do you have any suggestions on what I can use to get rid of it? Thanks!
Well , I have read that you can use Tea Tree oil or Vick’s Vapor Rub . They say to apply it morning and at night before bed . They also say it takes a while to see any difference . Probably it will take at least 6 - 8 months for improvement is my guess .
Mimi Pool Try oregano essential oil on, around and under them. Oregano is a hot (very hot) oil so it needs to be used with a carrier oil, like your cuticle oil.
She’s definitely right! I used rubbing alcohol followed by tea tree oil when I first started seeing signs on my toenails. I also did a pure apple cider soak once a week on just my toes. It was gone before I knew it. I was recently told by dermatologist that you can use benzoyl peroxide wash. That definitely work wonders as well. Hydrogen peroxide sprayed or soaked on the affected area is great too.
What I don’t like about using gel nail vanish is I have file my natural nails so that the base coat and rest of the layers of gel polish can grip onto my nails. If I use the gel hardener will I still have to file down my natural nails. Or can I just apply the gel hardener file that and then apply my polish’s ?
There’s also a calcium fortified capping gel you can use too . Here’s the link rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F152878190592
I got their capping gel from amazon. Been using it regularly for like a year and a half on my pretty long nails. I love it. It does heat spike if you put too much in at once but generally small layers I don’t have any issues with. So I tend to do 1-2 thin layers then another to build more of an apex. That way the heat spike doesn’t bother me as much.
@@Denisejohn65NailEd Thank you so much I have heard of this before on some one else's channel but I never have been able to find it. 🙂 Thanks for all your informative videos
It goes in this order Prep work Clean with alcohol Dehydrator Primer Base ( if it’s not in the builder gel ) * you should use a base with polygel as well Do your Builder gel or polygel
So is the purpose of an overlay to protect the nail? I guess I don’t fully understand what an overlay is and why salons near me offer a full set and an overlay for liquid gel or poly gel manicures. What does it do?
An overlay will protect your natural nails and they will grow. But you still need fills . A set of nails in any medium , whether builder gel , polygel or acrylic , is creating nail extensions , making your nails longer .
@@Denisejohn65NailEd so an overlay protects the nail, but a regular full set doesn't? I'm just interested in understanding the difference and what I'm paying for. I also noticed overlay is cheaper
I think it’s fine to use as an overlay too . My preference is gel . Basically no filing with an overlay . It goes on so smooth . My only thing is , I do not like doing soak offs with acetone . A lot of people remove their acrylic with acetone soaks . I file off all my gel and even acrylic , ( when I wear it ) products . I find doing a lot of soak offs is very drying and damaging to the nails . A trick is to file most of the acrylic off , then soak the thin layer off . It’s cuts down on the time spent in acetone .
Hi there - would a CND lamp work to cure this hard gel overlay? I think my CND lamp is supposed to cure the BRISA gels, so I can't imagine why it wouldn't work for this gel but I am no expert on gels! Thank you for your awesome videos. I am pretty much a natural nail technician but I really do enjoy watching your creative process!
Enter Me 😘 I am in love with this video and your tips, tricks & techniques! Being a fellow nail tech, my favorite product to use is hard gel - you are such an inspiration to why I decided to switch careers at 30 and go from being a litigation paralegal to pursue my dream and do nails and nail art full time ❤️ I would be honored to be entered into your giveaway ❤️
Sounds like you are not prepping your nails correctly , or using Dehydrators and primers. You have to apply the gel in layers. About three layers and each layer you have to add a little bit more gel to it then you cure it , clean off the tacky Layer and file it.
You should always prep your nails , add a dehydrater , primer and base gel if the base is not already inside the builder gel . The builder gel I use is Star Nails international in the video and the base is inside the Gel already .
The times that I've had, hard gel nails, the technicians did the nail prep, base coat, 2 layers of hard gel cured each time, and the top coat. There was no gel overlay on my natural nail. Did they do it wrong?! *All* the videos I've watched on hard gel on natural nails started with an overlay. That said, the hard gel nails lasted at least a month. But I'm curious if the technicians did my hard gel nails wrong?!
@@Denisejohn65NailEd maybe I misunderstood what you said. The nail techs did not do an overlay. The gel was applied directly to my natural nail. Are you saying that it is standard practice to do it (i.e. no overlay for hard gel) that way? Thank you :)
I don’t understand what you are saying then . You explained in your first comment a gel overlay . Then you say you didn’t have gel on your natural nails . It sounds to me like you had Gel on your nails 😳 Ok , a hard gel overlay on the natural nail starts out with 1. prep natural nails , clean with alcohol 2. Dehydrate 3. add a primer 4 apply a base gel , cure base , ( if the gel you are using requires it ) *my hard builder has the base in it already 5. Apply the hard builder gel ( or soak off builder gel - whatever you choose ) cure 6. Apply the second layer of hard builder gel . Apply it thicker and float it , creating a slight apex . Cure 7 . If you feel you need another layer of hard builder gel for added structure and thickness , add a 3rd layer of the hard builder gel . Cure 8. Clean tacky layer off , 9. File , shape and buff 10. Top coat if you like with a shiny top coat
@@Denisejohn65NailEd I said that the techs did *not* do a gel overlay. Let me explain: 1. They did a full manicure 2. Applied a base coat 3. Applied hard gel polish from jar then cured 4. Applied second coat of hard gel polish from jar and then cured 5. Applied top coat and cured There was never an overlay prepared from a builder gel. Everything was applied directly to my natural nail; not to an overlay. Since all the videos (including yours) show that an overlay was applied on top of the natural nail before the gel polish was applied, I was curious if the nail techs I had been to, did the hard gel polish the "wrong" way. Hope you understand now. Either way, thanks for replying :)
There is no such thing as a hard gel polish . There is gel polish , only . Gel Polish is soak off . ( meaning it’s soft ) gel polish is always soak off . Hard builder gel refers to a builder gel that is not a soak off . Hard = not soak off Soft = soak off You don’t need to have a hard or soft builder gel overlay on your nails before applying a gel polish . ( whether it hard or soft builder ) Gel polish can go right over your natural nails . Gel polish application includes prep , dehydrater, primer , base , and usually 2 layers of color and a top coat . I just always wear a hard gel overlay on top of my natural nails . Its helps them grow and stop from breaking . It’s not required for you to wear gel polish .
I just tried the Gelish one in the little pot. I did 2 layers and it peeled off 😮😮😮 and I suppose to use a base coat gel between each layer???? SOMEONE HELP PLEASE lol this is awful
Amen Denise I ALWAYS SAY it’s not the product that ruins your nails, it’s the nail tech applying it.
Yes ... and using that efile roughly !
I am starting to get into doing my own nails, both to save money, and also just because I am finding that I enjoy it! I am waiting on my builder in a bottle to come, so I can put a protective layer on my nails, no matter what I end up doing. Thanks for sharing! I really enjoy your channel! 😊
Thank you so very much and welcome
to my channel ❤️
I just got done doing my overlay with their capping gel! Love the product. So so easy to work with.
I don’t have that , but I’m going to be buying some very soon .
I agree with you Denise Star nails are amazing I love working with their products I’ve been using their gels for 26yrs with no issues at all I love the strength and shine✨✨✨
Omg ! I was just thinking about you today !!!!!!
And here you are commenting on my video ! How are you ???? I hope you are doing ok ? Thank goodness you commented !
Great video! I always get so many questions and comments of people scared to use gelpolishes and all because they think it damages the nail. But it really is the nail artist or nail tech that can damage nails, not the products :)
Yes for sure . I wish people would understand that . I think it’s mostly people who have had a bad experience with a untrained nail tech .
And speaking as a "civilian" (non-nailtech), very often, that untrained person is themselves! LOL! I know, 'cause I have jacked myself up, being impatient when removing a perfectly good acrylic set! 😜
Oh no ... be very careful .
I need to dive into gels soon. Tfs 💞 your nails look nice ❤️
Thanks you . Yes you sure do !
beautiful! Just removed my last mani, and will do this before applying a new one! You're a peach, Denise!
Thanks Pam and so are you !
I did this before my last use of polygel and it worked great. 💗💗💗
Yes ma’am ❤️❤️
Totally agree with you.It is wrong removal that damages the nail and not the products.😘
Yes ma’am . 🙌🏻
I love this technique I have gotten addicted to doing hard gel overlay. Little bumps in the road for me as I work on getting better at e-filling off old product though.
I do this to my nails too, but I do a 'small apex' haha because mine are longer now, it works wonder. I used to build mine, but with time they grew up and they were breaking too much in my job, so I did this and love it ❤❤
Sounds great ! Yes , the longer the nail is , it sound have a little bit more of an apex . You are smart ! ❤️
@@Denisejohn65NailEd Thank you very much ❤❤
That looks really nice. I’m going to do this from now on as I have week nails and one the splits at the top as it grows. This is going to be great to try ❣️❣️❣️
Thank you . I suggest 3 layers .
I revisited this video as I had saved it. After years of watching you I finally bit the bullet and I’m doing poly gel and regular gel girl I love it. Don’t know if I’ll ever go back to acrylic and I’ve been using acrylic for 40 years LOL
Omg ! Wow that’s a huge step you took ! I love builder gel . I’m starting to like polygel much better now . It does take some time to master polygel . Learning to sculpt with polygel and paper forms takes time . I see all the pretty glitter acrylics on UA-cam ..... then I think of the smell and I just can’t handle it most of the time . I don’t know how they do it . It makes me get migraines if I work with it too long . So glad you made the switch . ❤️❤️❤️❤️
. Denisejohn65 - Nail Ed I love acrylics but when I wear my nails super short they always separate always. I have a friend that’s a nail tech and she told me poly gel sticks very well so I gave it a go and it’s working. I don’t know why but I like to put a clear gel over the top so beautiful. Finally
Thank you so much...I have been trying to find a way just to put a gel overlay on my natural nail since my nails are so thin and flakey...this gives me 💡 idea's!
Yes , overlays will keep your natural nails strong and prevent breaks .
New sub wow I am shocked I love it u got straight to the point and I loved it very helpful
Thank you very much !
Can I just say bless you my love!! Lol. This old bird over here continues to learn from you. As an acrylic chick I always learn something new about gels. I appreciate you so much. 😍😍😍
Mary you are such a sweetie ! Thank you . Yes , we are always learning new things dispute our ages . The mind is like a sponge and we need to absorb all we can and be open to new techniques . I hope things are going well for you . ❤️❤️
@@Denisejohn65NailEd thank you as long as I can enjoy what I love I'm good! Nails will always be in my blood! And your videos lift me up 😍
Yes ma’am ! Love me some nails ❤️
They look healthy,great and beautiful👏🏻👏🏻
Thank you !
Thank you for posting this video. I have a question. When applying the hard gel overlay do you need to moisten the brush with something? Or just apply gel directly?
No , only Moisten the brush with builder gel.
do you need a topcoat after applying overlay?
I discovered builder gel at my local nail salon, but the girl that did my nails convinced herself that she had to file my nails down so harshly that my natural nails are bending. Now I have to start over so learning how to do this on my own will be very helpful.
Omg !! You never ever have to do that much filing of the natural nails fo gel or even acrylic . Get a new tech !!
Get a soak off builder gel overlay on those nails now to keep them hard . Gelish has a great kit . Do you want the link ? I will get a link to my prep video too . It’s with a efile , but you can do it by hand gently .
ua-cam.com/video/lqMJoj4-A0M/v-deo.html
Thank you for explaining what a hard gel set is actually for and how beneficial it can be for the nails. I have been doing polygel sets and need a break but didn't want to revert back to acrylic or just leave my nails weakened. Again thank you #liveandlearn
Thank you for watching ❤️
Yes! I just finished doing my overlay and they came out nicely 🤗🙌 #havenailsagainLOL
That looks really good great job
Thank you
They look fantastic!😍
Thanks Anna .❤️
Im new to gel and your huge inspo thx
Thank you very much . That’s a very nice thing to say . I hope you learn to love gel like I do ❤️
This is a great video, thank you. I just have one question. How thick do you recommend an average overlay be? I will be applying nail polish over the top of the overlay to my medium length natural nails.
Do 3 layers ... build your apex
@@Denisejohn65NailEd Thank you! I was starting to think I'd never get an answer to that question :D
Thanks Denise. Good info.
Yes ! ❤️ Thanks for watching
Beautiful overlay Denise! 💕
Thanks Chase ☺️
. Denisejohn65 - Nail Ed of course! 💕
Did you cure one last time before wiping with alcohol?
They look so pretty and healthy. I have been trying to grow my nails long for a few years now,but they always break after they get a certain length. Friends have suggested a gel overlay. I have never used gel, not even gel polish LOL. I finally decided to get a starter kit, just to polish my nails. Will the overlay like you just showed in your video help my nails ?
Yes , it sure will !
Will this be suitable to work for work that don't accept nail polish / acrylic. My nails are so weak that I'm worried they're going to snap and break as I wear acrylics now and feel as thou I still need something. Also can you get this infilled? Xx
Yes , this is clear and it will help your nails grow . You will still need to fill every 2 to 3 weeks . You will love it and never want to wear acrylic again . You should see how freakin long my real nails are now !
the brush looks very comfortable, what brand is it?
It’s not branded . I have been using these brushes forever . They last ! Here’s a video
Gel Brushes / I Use This BRUSH For Builder Gels / You Asked
@@Denisejohn65NailEd thanks for the reply.I learned from you alot!
Here’s a link to the brushes . Inexpensive , but great quality . I have several extras for later . But the one I’m currently using has lasted 4 years so far ! US $1.70 24％ Off | 1pc Professional Nail Brush 2-way Nail Art Acrylic UV Gel Brush Liner Drawing Carving Crystal Handle Pen Women Nail Art Tool
a.aliexpress.com/_dTmw2Ig
Great idea as my nails are thin & tend to split easily. I find that if I inch my way into the lamp, the heat spike isn't as bad or doesn't happen.
Hi! I love this video and you have really helped me in narrowing down the expensive first shopping trip of hard gel nails! I was wondering how you know if the hard gel has a base in it? I'm looking into the 'Lily Angel' hard gel for the affordability but I'm unsure if I should invest in the gelish base and top coat or if I won't need one? Thank you so much for your time and education, I truly do appreciate it! I hope you have a lovely day xx
Question, I’m thinking of doing this over my nails for protection but want to just use regular nail polish on top. Is it okay to to use nail polish remover to change that up every couple of days or will that mess with the gel? I don’t want to have to remove the gel that often
Yes , because it’s hard gel .
Make the nail polish remover has no acetone in it.
Gracias por la dedicación que das a tus videos. Como he comentado en otros de tus videos, ya es hora de aprender. Pero tengo mucho levantamiento cuando se trata de gel o se me craquea. Adicional tengo una duda. ¿Ésta vez sellaste cutículas, osea diste un limado ?
Usas primer y nail prep? Para el overlay tambien preparas las cutículas, recuerda que el gel no se adhiere bien en las uñas naturales y por eso se liman. Yo uso nail prep, primer y un bonder (despues de haber dejado la uña preparada) y despues uso el builder gel, no tengo levantamientos.
TFS I try to keep builder gel or a hard gel on my nails or my hair will tear them where the nail bed ends.
Great idea to keep them strong for sure .
This is brilliant!
Is this tequnique good for someone who has hands in water and gloves all day?
Yes
@@Denisejohn65NailEd Thankyou! Can it also be done with a neutral color?
Oh yes ,definitely
Can you recommend a flexible hard gel? Is this one flexible. I bought Mia formagel. It’s not bad just not flexible enough for me.
Any soft gel should be flexible. Hard gels are what I prefer , and they are not too flexible . Soft structure gels are all flexible. Gelish has a structure gel I use sometimes ..... and Orly has a soft builder called Orly Gel FX Builder . Both can be found online , Amazon , eBay . Hope this helps .
Thanks Denise 😘
Thank you for watching ❤️
Hello Denise, love your channel. Can you please tell me what lamp you use to cure? I bought star nails gel after seeing you use it and I had to buy a separate uv lamp. I have a sun 5x which is supposed to be led/uv but it wasn’t curing them. Thank you
Oh my why would you do that ? I have all kinds of uv/led lamps and they all cure my Star Nails gel . I reviewed so many lamps . I have a whole playlist . I currently use the sun5 , the sun5 plus , sun4 , and a new one I just reviewed for everyone . It was a personal pick from me . I even use Madam Glam’s lamp too . If you use that old style uv lamp it’s going to take you forever to do a set . Because if will take 3 minutes to cure the gel . Send me a link to the lamp you are using so I can see it and read about it . What wattage is it ? How many lights in it ? Does it have a low heat mode ? You can also send me an email with the info too . denisejohn65@gmail.com
Very pretty natural nails!
can u use normal nail polish from like opi over the gel or do u need the special ones that are compatible with the gel
Oh yes , of course, you definitely can use any regular nail polish over gel overlays . I love to use regular nail polish too . It makes the nails look less bulky . ❤️
My nails get thin from doing gel polish and having them buffed every time I do,
I’m looking into hard gel..I heard that it doesn’t soak off so it can only be removed by filing down, but I was wondering if it’s then possible to do the overlay and then just keep filling it And then be able to do gel polishes on top without worrying about my natural nails being mistreated ?
Thank you for an informative video!
You can definitely do gel polish over a gel overlay . No problem . But soaking off gel polish every 2 weeks is not good . It can be very drying to the skin around the nails and weaken the nails . It needs to be filed off . Learning how to file it off without filing the natural nail is key . Learning how to use a efile correctly helps .
Even if you just do gel polish , the base layer needs to be applied thicker or maybe 2 layers of base , then color , then top coat . When filing off gel polish you should be able to tell when you reach the base layer and or hard gel overlay and don’t remove that , just fill it and do your gel polish .
@@Denisejohn65NailEd Thank you! I’ve always been afraid of e-files but I will try!
You need to be very careful and watch professional nail tech videos on how to use them .
Hi there I just found your channel and I LOVE it but I have a question- The links you provided in this video for the builder gel both lead to the same one, even though they are suppose to be different gel. Can you please provide me the direct link to purchase your favorite? Thank you
I can’t ever remember what the color was . Do you remember ?
@@Denisejohn65NailEd Yes it was the opaque rose or opaque nude! Is that still the builder gel you use currently? Also- the link for the black gel brush isn’t working either
All you have to do is type the products on google and they show up lol it’s really not that hard to find them I already found everything she used without the links she provided
They look great! Thanks for sharing! ♥ Jenny
Thank you for watching ❤️
Hi! I just bought a Gelish Clear Hard Gel, can I use this as a base and top coat?
You could . Just remember , if it’s a hard gel it’s not soak off . You have to file off . Hard gels are mostly used for overlays and for constructing nails . Hard gels are stronger and more durable than soft gels .
Hard gel - file off
Soft gel - soak off
Hi I enjoyed your video! I am new to acrylics and I started using nail dip and my nails are so ruined! I want to strenghthen my natural nails so I want to try the gel overlay. Can you use dip over gel overlays? How do you remove the gel overlay? When they say "soak off" are they referring to acetone removal? Can you file gel overlays off if you don't have an efile? Do they have a peel off base that can be used? Do you have any more videos on this topic? Thank you so much.
I don’t use acrylic very often at all . Why are your nails ruined ? Did you over file them or are they thin from too many soaks in acetone ? Products don’t ruin nails on their own .
There is no need to use dip over builder gel . The builder gel is enough on its own .
There is a hard builder gel and it cannot be soaked off. It must be filed off .
Then there is soft / soak off builder gel. That can be soaked in acetone to get it off. You can file off both builder gel and soft / soak off builder gel .
Then there is Polygel . It is a mixture of a type of acrylic mixed with builder gel . It is very thick , like a paste . Polygels are mostly soak off , but some are not . It should say on the label .
If you are only wanting a overlay on your natural nails . You should use a soft soak off builder gel . You don’t need to remove the gel. You fill it every two to three weeks. When you remove it every two weeks you are either filing too much of your nail off or over soaking your natural nails and drying them out. You don’t do that . You need to be filling these nails every 2 to 3 weeks.
I recommend a set from Gelish . It can be purchased on eBay . It’s good quality .
I have several videos on natural nail overlays. I do them all the time. You will need a lamp to cure the gel .
Here’s the link to the kit
www.ebay.com/itm/194866802711?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=f9es8dtitiq&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=v3PBxzI0QKi&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Here’s a few of my playlists that may be helpful
ua-cam.com/play/PLWgEMPXY2lxpA57lQgVX5dxSm5iiNF-jA.html
ua-cam.com/play/PLWgEMPXY2lxqgf_pG_EvkFvCAlKUvtj1i.html
@@Denisejohn65NailEd Thank you so much for all the info! My nails are weak anyway and the dip seemed to make them worse. I didn't even use acetone very much.
Will putting this overlay on natural nails help them grow?
I've been doing my own nails for years, but have just recently gotten interested in doing a gel overlay to keep them strong. I have naturally strong nails, but when they crack, it's always at the smile line. What is a good one to use to prevent this for someone who isn't a professional?
Very pretty 👍👍💞
Thank you very much . ❤️
I use to use clear polish or base coat over my bare nails snd add that every day for a week when I don’t have fakr nails. Works veru good as well and is way less work. Good for growing out your nails. After a week and I don’t apply fake I start the proces again
That’s a great idea if people don’t want to use gel or have artificial nail enhancements . Thanks for watching . ❤️
. Denisejohn65 - Nail Ed yes or when they don’t have gel and a lamp it is a very easy way
Yes it is .
I did just this last night! I didnt know it was a thing but I did tips a few weeks ago and HATED THEM! I knew I wanted the builder but at my natural length nothing super long. I wanted it as long as my real nail and I type all day. I needed to NOT get another broken naile, I filed them all to that nails length weeks ago now they grew back and I love this!
Glad you love it !
I have long natural nails and get dip powder. Can I do an overlay first followed by the dip powder? I have noticed my nails grow long but they are not as strong.
Why would you want dip powder over your gel overlay ? You wouldn’t need it .
A gel over is just a strong as dip . Gel is better for nails in my opinion .
All dip powder is , is just acrylic powder . Dip makes nails look to overly thick .
Also , if you are always soaking off dip powder it’s bad for your nails . Acetone soaks are very drying and not good . A gel overlay can just be filled in ever 2- 3 weeks .
I never do acetone soaks . If I remove product , I use a efile .
im gonna try
What kind of brush are you using to apply the gel?
Here’s the link to the gel brushes I use
Gel Brushes / I Use This BRUSH For Builder Gels / You Askedua-cam.com/video/63w6KUIUlfw/v-deo.html
Hey Denise, my thumbnails and one pointer nail are getting thick and yellow from what I assume is nail fungus. I'm too sick to take the oral fungus medication but nothing else I've tried is helping. Do you have any suggestions on what I can use to get rid of it? Thanks!
Well , I have read that you can use Tea Tree oil or Vick’s Vapor Rub . They say to apply it morning and at night before bed . They also say it takes a while to see any difference . Probably it will take at least 6 - 8 months for improvement is my guess .
@@Denisejohn65NailEd hmmm Vicks.Interesting.
Mimi Pool Try oregano essential oil on, around and under them. Oregano is a hot (very hot) oil so it needs to be used with a carrier oil, like your cuticle oil.
She’s definitely right! I used rubbing alcohol followed by tea tree oil when I first started seeing signs on my toenails. I also did a pure apple cider soak once a week on just my toes. It was gone before I knew it.
I was recently told by dermatologist that you can use benzoyl peroxide wash. That definitely work wonders as well. Hydrogen peroxide sprayed or soaked on the affected area is great too.
Thank all so much for sharing your suggestions ! ❤️❤️
What I don’t like about using gel nail vanish is I have file my natural nails so that the base coat and rest of the layers of gel polish can grip onto my nails. If I use the gel hardener will I still have to file down my natural nails. Or can I just apply the gel hardener file that and then apply my polish’s ?
Where can we purchase the gel from I'd love to have that brand but can't find it
You can find it on eBay ... here’s a link
rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F153350479949
There’s also a calcium fortified capping gel you can use too . Here’s the link
rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F152878190592
I got their capping gel from amazon. Been using it regularly for like a year and a half on my pretty long nails. I love it. It does heat spike if you put too much in at once but generally small layers I don’t have any issues with. So I tend to do 1-2 thin layers then another to build more of an apex. That way the heat spike doesn’t bother me as much.
@@alexandriagonzales8676 thanks for that information that helps alot 👍
@@Denisejohn65NailEd Thank you so much I have heard of this before on some one else's channel but I never have been able to find it. 🙂 Thanks for all your informative videos
Do you have to use a primer for hard gel?
You don’t have to , but it helps .
It goes in this order
Prep work
Clean with alcohol
Dehydrator
Primer
Base ( if it’s not in the builder gel ) * you should use a base with polygel as well
Do your Builder gel or polygel
@@Denisejohn65NailEd what is the difference between primer and base?
Primer prepares the nail for application of gel and or gel base . Base acts like a sticky layer for gel to adhere to .
So is the purpose of an overlay to protect the nail? I guess I don’t fully understand what an overlay is and why salons near me offer a full set and an overlay for liquid gel or poly gel manicures. What does it do?
An overlay will protect your natural nails and they will grow. But you still need fills .
A set of nails in any medium , whether builder gel , polygel or acrylic , is creating nail extensions , making your nails longer .
@@Denisejohn65NailEd so an overlay protects the nail, but a regular full set doesn't? I'm just interested in understanding the difference and what I'm paying for. I also noticed overlay is cheaper
What are your thoughts on acrylic over lay on natural nails
I think it’s fine to use as an overlay too . My preference is gel . Basically no filing with an overlay . It goes on so smooth . My only thing is , I do not like doing soak offs with acetone . A lot of people remove their acrylic with acetone soaks . I file off all my gel and even acrylic , ( when I wear it ) products . I find doing a lot of soak offs is very drying and damaging to the nails . A trick is to file most of the acrylic off , then soak the thin layer off . It’s cuts down on the time spent in acetone .
Hi there - would a CND lamp work to cure this hard gel overlay? I think my CND lamp is supposed to cure the BRISA gels, so I can't imagine why it wouldn't work for this gel but I am no expert on gels! Thank you for your awesome videos. I am pretty much a natural nail technician but I really do enjoy watching your creative process!
These are UV gels and will only cure in a dual lamp -- Uv/ led lamp . They will not cure in a LED lamp . Check to see what kind of lamp you have
Enter Me 😘 I am in love with this video and your tips, tricks & techniques! Being a fellow nail tech, my favorite product to use is hard gel - you are such an inspiration to why I decided to switch careers at 30 and go from being a litigation paralegal to pursue my dream and do nails and nail art full time ❤️ I would be honored to be entered into your giveaway ❤️
I'm trying to figure out what I'm doing wrong. IBD Hard gel keeps flaking off my nails after a week or so. Did I get a bad batch?
Sounds like you are not prepping your nails correctly , or using Dehydrators and primers. You have to apply the gel in layers. About three layers and each layer you have to add a little bit more gel to it then you cure it , clean off the tacky Layer and file it.
@@Denisejohn65NailEd I'm using dehydrator, then ibd primer, cure, then the gel cure.
@@Denisejohn65NailEd are you not supposed to use either? Just gel straight on to your nails?
You should always prep your nails , add a dehydrater , primer and base gel if the base is not already inside the builder gel . The builder gel I use is Star Nails international in the video and the base is inside the Gel already .
Can you apply gel or regular nail polish over the gel overlay?
. Denisejohn65 - Nail Ed why not?
Oh my , I’m so sorry . I must not have read that correctly . Yes , you certainly can .
. Denisejohn65 - Nail Ed 😀😀 thank you!
My IBD gel does not apply as easy as polish like that.
Do you need to cure this get?
Yes , you need to cure this gel .
Wait .you can use Gels and no lamp needed?
There Is Power In The Name Of Yeshua she did use a lamp several times in between but she doesn’tshow it on camera. Listen to her narration.
Thank you .
Great video! Do you have another channel too?
No I don’t
You don't apply a base coat after the primer? :O
No because Star Nails International is a one phase gel . It has the base in it .
Have you ever applied tips over your overlay?
Yes and it works too . I do like forms better tho .
The times that I've had, hard gel nails, the technicians did the nail prep, base coat, 2 layers of hard gel cured each time, and the top coat. There was no gel overlay on my natural nail.
Did they do it wrong?! *All* the videos I've watched on hard gel on natural nails started with an overlay.
That said, the hard gel nails lasted at least a month. But I'm curious if the technicians did my hard gel nails wrong?!
Everyone does a hard gel overly a little different . That sounds fine . Only they should be able to fill it if its truly a hard gel .
@@Denisejohn65NailEd maybe I misunderstood what you said. The nail techs did not do an overlay. The gel was applied directly to my natural nail. Are you saying that it is standard practice to do it (i.e. no overlay for hard gel) that way? Thank you :)
I don’t understand what you are saying then . You explained in your first comment a gel overlay . Then you say you didn’t have gel on your natural nails . It sounds to me like you had Gel on your nails 😳
Ok , a hard gel overlay on the natural nail starts out with
1. prep natural nails , clean with alcohol
2. Dehydrate
3. add a primer
4 apply a base gel , cure base , ( if the gel you are using requires it ) *my hard builder has the base in it already
5. Apply the hard builder gel ( or soak off builder gel - whatever you choose ) cure
6. Apply the second layer of hard builder gel . Apply it thicker and float it , creating a slight apex . Cure
7 . If you feel you need another layer of hard builder gel for added structure and thickness , add a 3rd layer of the hard builder gel . Cure
8. Clean tacky layer off ,
9. File , shape and buff
10. Top coat if you like with a shiny top coat
@@Denisejohn65NailEd I said that the techs did *not* do a gel overlay. Let me explain:
1. They did a full manicure
2. Applied a base coat
3. Applied hard gel polish from jar then cured
4. Applied second coat of hard gel polish from jar and then cured
5. Applied top coat and cured
There was never an overlay prepared from a builder gel. Everything was applied directly to my natural nail; not to an overlay.
Since all the videos (including yours) show that an overlay was applied on top of the natural nail before the gel polish was applied, I was curious if the nail techs I had been to, did the hard gel polish the "wrong" way. Hope you understand now.
Either way, thanks for replying :)
There is no such thing as a hard gel polish . There is gel polish , only . Gel Polish is soak off . ( meaning it’s soft ) gel polish is always soak off .
Hard builder gel refers to a builder gel that is not a soak off .
Hard = not soak off
Soft = soak off
You don’t need to have a hard or soft builder gel overlay on your nails before applying a gel polish . ( whether it hard or soft builder )
Gel polish can go right over your natural nails .
Gel polish application includes prep , dehydrater, primer , base , and usually 2 layers of color and a top coat .
I just always wear a hard gel overlay on top of my natural nails . Its helps them grow and stop from breaking .
It’s not required for you to wear gel polish .
I just tried the Gelish one in the little pot. I did 2 layers and it peeled off 😮😮😮 and I suppose to use a base coat gel between each layer???? SOMEONE HELP PLEASE lol this is awful
Do proper nail prep ...
EFILE DRY MANICURE Nail Prep Instructions For Acrylic , Gel & Polygel / Done Safely !ua-cam.com/video/lqMJoj4-A0M/v-deo.html
.... and yes ... if your gel does not have a base in it , you should use one . Only use it after you apply your primer
My natural nail undrrneath still catches things no matter what. Please do a video how to correct this PLEASE 🥺
You got gunk under your nails
So what ! Don’t like it , don’t watch ! I’m sick of people like you ! You got gunk under your 2 inches of make up
Girl. Your cuticles 😭
Watch till the end … they’re fine .
You have bad luck with your thumbs Denise.
Oh boy I sure do .... sigh .... ☹️