How to Apply Nail Tips at Home

How to Apply Nail Tips with Rubber Base Coat

Select the Nail Tip that is the closest match to your natural nail. A well-fitting Tip should cover your nail from sidewall to sidewall without touching your skin or cuticle.
If you’re between sizes, choose the larger Nail Tip, and lightly file the sides or cuticle area with the 180 grit side of the Nail File for a perfect fit.
Smooth any rough edges with the same side of the Nail File, then brush away any dust with the Dust Brush.
Repeat for each nail, bearing in mind that your dominant and non-dominant hands may need different sizes.
Gently push back any cuticles that have grown over the nail bed using an Orangewood Cuticle Stick or Cuticle Pusher. This provides a clean, even surface for the Gel Nail Polish to stick to, while giving your nails a longer and neater appearance. If you haven't used Cuticle Remover you can also use the curve of your Nail File to push cuticles back.
Alternatively, if using an E-File Pen, you can use the Cuticle Ceramic Drill Bit or Cuticle Diamond Drill Bit to gently push back and remove cuticles. Work on level 1 with light pressure, keeping the bit moving in a single direction to avoid damage.
If needed, use Cuticle Nippers to carefully remove loose or dead skin around the cuticle area. Do not cut living skin.
If using an E-File Pen, follow with the Cuticle Polisher Diamond Drill Bit to gently smooth and exfoliate the area. Keep the speed at level 1, apply light pressure, and move the bit in a single direction to prevent damage.
If your nails need shortening, trim with Nail Clippers.
Using the fine 180 grit side of your Nail File, file your nails to the desired shape, making sure the edges of each nail are smooth.
Using the fine 180 grit side of your Nail File, gently buff the entire surface of each nail. Make sure the whole nail appears dull from the buffing, paying particular attention to the sides of your nails and around the cuticles. This is where lifting may occur if not buffed correctly.
If using an E-File Pen, you can alternatively use a 240 Grit Sanding Drill Bit. Use light pressure, keep the bit moving, and work in a single direction to avoid heat buildup or thinning of the nail.
Brush buffing dust away with the Dust Brush.
Wash your hands and dry them thoroughly.
Put on the Anti-UV Gloves to shield your hands from UV exposure. Alternatively, apply sunscreen to your hands 15–30 minutes before completing the next steps. Avoid getting sunscreen on your nails and wipe off if you do.
Use a Lint Free Wipe moistened with Gel Nail Polish Remover, or a Pure Acetone Wipe, to thoroughly clean your nails, including under the nails and around the cuticles. This removes dust and oils while dehydrating the nail.
If using pH Bond, apply a thin coat to your nails and air-dry for 60 seconds.
Do the same with Nail Primer. Apply a thin coat to your nails and air-dry for 60 seconds.
Press the power button on the Rechargeable Nail Tip Lamp to turn it on. It will default to the 45 second setting.
Apply a thin, even layer of Rubber Base Coat inside the Nail Tip, covering the area that will sit over your natural nail. Paint a small bead at the inner base of the Nail Tip to ensure full coverage right where the Nail Tip meets your natural nail.
Position the Nail Tip just above the cuticle at a 45° angle, then slowly press it down so the Rubber Base Coat spreads evenly across your natural nail, without air bubbles. Hold firmly at the free edge end of the Nail Tip. If any product seeps out from the sides or cuticle area, do not cure. Remove the Nail Tip, clean off the excess, and reapply using less Rubber Base Coat.
Place your finger under the head of the Rechargeable Nail Tip Lamp to activate the hands-free sensor. Hold the Nail Tip firmly in place at the free edge, keeping your finger flat to prevent slipping. Make sure the LED light fully covers where the Nail Tip meets your natural nail, then hold for 10–15 seconds without adjusting the Tip.
Once all Nail Tips are applied, cure all five fingers together for 60 seconds under the Gelous UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp.
Using the fine 180 grit side of your Nail File, file the Nail Tips to your desired length and shape.
Using the same Nail File, or 240 Grit Small Sanding Drill Bit, file around the edge of your Nail Tip to blend it into your natural nails for a seamless finish.
Using the same Nail File, or 240 Grit Small Sanding Drill Bit, lightly buff the Nail Tip surface.
Remove buffing dust by dusting your nails with the Dust Brush, then wiping each nail with a Lint Free Wipe moistened with Gel Nail Polish Remover, or a Pure Acetone Wipe.
Paint Rubber Base Coat over the Nail Tip and where it meets your natural nail to blend further.
Then continue your gel manicure as usual, outlined in the Gelous Gel Nail Polish Application Guide.

Select the Nail Tip that is the closest match to your natural nail. A well-fitting Tip should cover your nail from sidewall to sidewall without touching your skin or cuticle.
If you’re between sizes, choose the larger Nail Tip, and lightly file the sides or cuticle area with the 180 grit side of the Nail File for a perfect fit.
Smooth any rough edges with the same side of the Nail File, then brush away any dust with the Dust Brush.
Repeat for each nail, bearing in mind that your dominant and non-dominant hands may need different sizes.
Gently push back any cuticles that have grown over the nail bed using an Orangewood Cuticle Stick or Cuticle Pusher. This provides a clean, even surface for the Gel Nail Polish to stick to, while giving your nails a longer and neater appearance. If you haven't used Cuticle Remover you can also use the curve of your Nail File to push cuticles back.
Alternatively, if using an E-File Pen, you can use the Cuticle Ceramic Drill Bit or Cuticle Diamond Drill Bit to gently push back and remove cuticles. Work on level 1 with light pressure, keeping the bit moving in a single direction to avoid damage.
If needed, use Cuticle Nippers to carefully remove loose or dead skin around the cuticle area. Do not cut living skin.
If using an E-File Pen, follow with the Cuticle Polisher Diamond Drill Bit to gently smooth and exfoliate the area. Keep the speed at level 1, apply light pressure, and move the bit in a single direction to prevent damage.
If your nails need shortening, trim with Nail Clippers.
Using the fine 180 grit side of your Nail File, file your nails to the desired shape, making sure the edges of each nail are smooth.
Using the fine 180 grit side of your Nail File, gently buff the entire surface of each nail. Make sure the whole nail appears dull from the buffing, paying particular attention to the sides of your nails and around the cuticles. This is where lifting may occur if not buffed correctly.
If using an E-File Pen, you can alternatively use a 240 Grit Sanding Drill Bit. Use light pressure, keep the bit moving, and work in a single direction to avoid heat buildup or thinning of the nail.
Brush buffing dust away with the Dust Brush.
Wash your hands and dry them thoroughly.
Put on the Anti-UV Gloves to shield your hands from UV exposure. Alternatively, apply sunscreen to your hands 15–30 minutes before completing the next steps. Avoid getting sunscreen on your nails and wipe off if you do.
Use a Lint Free Wipe moistened with Gel Nail Polish Remover, or a Pure Acetone Wipe, to thoroughly clean your nails, including under the nails and around the cuticles. This removes dust and oils while dehydrating the nail.
If using pH Bond, apply a thin coat to your nails and air-dry for 60 seconds.
Do the same with Nail Primer. Apply a thin coat to your nails and air-dry for 60 seconds.
Press the power button on the Rechargeable Nail Tip Lamp to turn it on. It will default to the 45 second setting.
Apply a thin, even layer of Rubber Base Coat inside the Nail Tip, covering the area that will sit over your natural nail. Paint a small bead at the inner base of the Nail Tip to ensure full coverage right where the Nail Tip meets your natural nail.
Position the Nail Tip just above the cuticle at a 45° angle, then slowly press it down so the Rubber Base Coat spreads evenly across your natural nail, without air bubbles. Hold firmly at the free edge end of the Nail Tip. If any product seeps out from the sides or cuticle area, do not cure. Remove the Nail Tip, clean off the excess, and reapply using less Rubber Base Coat.
Place your finger under the head of the Rechargeable Nail Tip Lamp to activate the hands-free sensor. Hold the Nail Tip firmly in place at the free edge, keeping your finger flat to prevent slipping. Make sure the LED light fully covers where the Nail Tip meets your natural nail, then hold for 10–15 seconds without adjusting the Tip.
Once all Nail Tips are applied, cure all five fingers together for 60 seconds under the Gelous UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp.
Using the fine 180 grit side of your Nail File, file the Nail Tips to your desired length and shape.
Using the same Nail File, or 240 Grit Small Sanding Drill Bit, file around the edge of your Nail Tip to blend it into your natural nails for a seamless finish.
Using the same Nail File, or 240 Grit Small Sanding Drill Bit, lightly buff the Nail Tip surface.
Remove buffing dust by dusting your nails with the Dust Brush, then wiping each nail with a Lint Free Wipe moistened with Gel Nail Polish Remover, or a Pure Acetone Wipe.
Paint Rubber Base Coat over the Nail Tip and where it meets your natural nail to blend further.
Then continue your gel manicure as usual, outlined in the Gelous Gel Nail Polish Application Guide.

How to Apply Nail Tips with Sticky Tabs

Select the Nail Tip that is the closest match to your natural nail. A well-fitting Tip should cover your nail from sidewall to sidewall without touching your skin or cuticle.
If you’re between sizes, choose the larger Nail Tip, and lightly file the sides or cuticle area with the 180 grit side of the Nail File for a perfect fit.
Smooth any rough edges with the same side of the Nail File, then brush away any dust with the Dust Brush.
Repeat for each nail, bearing in mind that your dominant and non-dominant hands may need different sizes.
Press a small piece of Blu-Tack or a Sticky Tab onto each Nail Stand Piece to secure it.
Press the sized Nail Tip firmly into the blue-tac so it sits flat and stable.
Then apply your Gel Nail Polish as usual, outlined in the Gelous Gel Nail Polish Application Guide.
Gently remove the Nail Tips from the Blu-Tack.
Next, you need to prep your nails. Apply a small amount of Cuticle Remover to each cuticle and allow it to quickly soften overgrown skin.
Gently push back any cuticles that have grown over the nail bed using an Orangewood Cuticle Stick or Cuticle Pusher. This provides a clean, even surface for the Gel Nail Polish to stick to, while giving your nails a longer and neater appearance. If you haven't used Cuticle Remover you can also use the curve of your Nail File to push cuticles back.
Alternatively, if using an E-File Pen, you can use the Cuticle Ceramic Drill Bit or Cuticle Diamond Drill Bit to gently push back and remove cuticles. Work on level 1 with light pressure, keeping the bit moving in a single direction to avoid damage.
If needed, use Cuticle Nippers to carefully remove loose or dead skin around the cuticle area. Do not cut living skin.
If using an E-File Pen, follow with the Cuticle Polisher Diamond Drill Bit to gently smooth and exfoliate the area. Keep the speed at level 1, apply light pressure, and move the bit in a single direction to prevent damage.
If your nails need shortening, trim with Nail Clippers.
Using the fine 180 grit side of your Nail File, file your nails to the desired shape, making sure the edges of each nail are smooth.
Using the fine 180 grit side of your Nail File, gently buff the entire surface of each nail. Make sure the whole nail appears dull from the buffing, paying particular attention to the sides of your nails and around the cuticles. This is where lifting may occur if not buffed correctly.
If using an E-File Pen, you can alternatively use a 240 Grit Sanding Drill Bit. Use light pressure, keep the bit moving, and work in a single direction to avoid heat buildup or thinning of the nail.
Brush buffing dust away with the Dust Brush.
Wash your hands and dry them thoroughly.
Use a Lint Free Wipe moistened with Gel Nail Polish Remover, or a Pure Acetone Wipe, to thoroughly clean your nails, including under the nails and around the cuticles. This removes dust and oils while dehydrating the nail.
Optionally, apply a thin coat of pH Bond and air-dry for 60 seconds to improve adhesion. Skip Nail Primer when using Sticky Tabs—it can create too much buildup and affect how well the tab bonds to your nail.
Choose the Sticky Tab that best covers your nail bed without overlapping onto your skin or cuticle.
Peel and apply directly to your nail, lengthwise or sideways, depending on your nail shape.
Press down firmly to ensure a secure hold. For longer wear, you can warm the Tab slightly with a hair dryer for 5–10 seconds and rub the Sticky Tab into the nail as much as possible.
Peel away the Sticky Tab backing.
Place the Nail Tip slightly away from the cuticle at a 45° angle. Gently push it toward the cuticle and along the nail until the Tip is fully secured onto the Sticky Tab. Press down to fully secure.

Select the Nail Tip that is the closest match to your natural nail. A well-fitting Tip should cover your nail from sidewall to sidewall without touching your skin or cuticle.
If you’re between sizes, choose the larger Nail Tip, and lightly file the sides or cuticle area with the 180 grit side of the Nail File for a perfect fit.
Smooth any rough edges with the same side of the Nail File, then brush away any dust with the Dust Brush.
Repeat for each nail, bearing in mind that your dominant and non-dominant hands may need different sizes.
Press a small piece of Blu-Tack or a Sticky Tab onto each Nail Stand Piece to secure it.
Press the sized Nail Tip firmly into the blue-tac so it sits flat and stable.
Then apply your Gel Nail Polish as usual, outlined in the Gelous Gel Nail Polish Application Guide.
Gently remove the Nail Tips from the Blu-Tack.
Next, you need to prep your nails. Apply a small amount of Cuticle Remover to each cuticle and allow it to quickly soften overgrown skin.
Gently push back any cuticles that have grown over the nail bed using an Orangewood Cuticle Stick or Cuticle Pusher. This provides a clean, even surface for the Gel Nail Polish to stick to, while giving your nails a longer and neater appearance. If you haven't used Cuticle Remover you can also use the curve of your Nail File to push cuticles back.
Alternatively, if using an E-File Pen, you can use the Cuticle Ceramic Drill Bit or Cuticle Diamond Drill Bit to gently push back and remove cuticles. Work on level 1 with light pressure, keeping the bit moving in a single direction to avoid damage.
If needed, use Cuticle Nippers to carefully remove loose or dead skin around the cuticle area. Do not cut living skin.
If using an E-File Pen, follow with the Cuticle Polisher Diamond Drill Bit to gently smooth and exfoliate the area. Keep the speed at level 1, apply light pressure, and move the bit in a single direction to prevent damage.
If your nails need shortening, trim with Nail Clippers.
Using the fine 180 grit side of your Nail File, file your nails to the desired shape, making sure the edges of each nail are smooth.
Using the fine 180 grit side of your Nail File, gently buff the entire surface of each nail. Make sure the whole nail appears dull from the buffing, paying particular attention to the sides of your nails and around the cuticles. This is where lifting may occur if not buffed correctly.
If using an E-File Pen, you can alternatively use a 240 Grit Sanding Drill Bit. Use light pressure, keep the bit moving, and work in a single direction to avoid heat buildup or thinning of the nail.
Brush buffing dust away with the Dust Brush.
Wash your hands and dry them thoroughly.
Use a Lint Free Wipe moistened with Gel Nail Polish Remover, or a Pure Acetone Wipe, to thoroughly clean your nails, including under the nails and around the cuticles. This removes dust and oils while dehydrating the nail.
Optionally, apply a thin coat of pH Bond and air-dry for 60 seconds to improve adhesion. Skip Nail Primer when using Sticky Tabs—it can create too much buildup and affect how well the tab bonds to your nail.
Choose the Sticky Tab that best covers your nail bed without overlapping onto your skin or cuticle.
Peel and apply directly to your nail, lengthwise or sideways, depending on your nail shape.
Press down firmly to ensure a secure hold. For longer wear, you can warm the Tab slightly with a hair dryer for 5–10 seconds and rub the Sticky Tab into the nail as much as possible.
Peel away the Sticky Tab backing.
Place the Nail Tip slightly away from the cuticle at a 45° angle. Gently push it toward the cuticle and along the nail until the Tip is fully secured onto the Sticky Tab. Press down to fully secure.

How to Apply Nail Tips with Rubber Base Coat

Follow along as we show you how to size, prep, apply, and cure your Nail Tips using Rubber Base Coat for a professional, long-lasting result.

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How to Apply Nail Tips with Sticky Tabs

Watch how to apply Nail Tips using Sticky Tabs, from sizing to pressing on, for a quick, no-lamp finish you can remove whenever you're ready.

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How to Remove Nail Tips with Rubber Base Coat

Use Nail Clippers to shorten the length of the Nail Tips to make removal easier.
Use the 100 Grit side of the Nail File or the E-File Pen to buff off the Gel Polish colour and thin the Nail Tips.
Soak a Lint Free Wipe in Gel Nail Polish Remover, place it over your nail, and secure with a Manicure Removal Clip. Alternatively, use a Pure Acetone Wipe—peel back the centre plastic, place your finger under the wipe, fold the sides in, then fold the bottom up to enclose.
Leave on for 15 minutes, then remove.
Gently slide the Gel Nail Polish Removal Tool under the softened product and pull it in the direction your nail grows, from just above the cuticle to the free edge. If it doesn't come off easily, you may need to soak your nails for longer.
Lightly buff your nails with the fine 180 grit side of the Nail File or the 240 Grit Sanding Drill Bit to remove any remaining bits of product and smooth the nail plate.
Wipe your nail clean with a Lint Free Wipe moistened with Gel Nail Polish Remover or a Pure Acetone Wipe.
Apply Cuticle Oil to your nails and surrounding skin to nourish.
When you're ready to reapply Nail Tips, start from the beginning as laid out above, and continue as usual.
Alternatively, if you wish to grow your Nail Tips out, you can simply use the E-File Pen or Nail File to remove colour and thin the Tip, then backfill with Rubber Base Coat or Builder Gel and continue your manicure as usual. If using Builder Gel, you will need to apply a Base Coat prior.

Use Nail Clippers to shorten the length of the Nail Tips to make removal easier.
Use the 100 Grit side of the Nail File or the E-File Pen to buff off the Gel Polish colour and thin the Nail Tips.
Soak a Lint Free Wipe in Gel Nail Polish Remover, place it over your nail, and secure with a Manicure Removal Clip. Alternatively, use a Pure Acetone Wipe—peel back the centre plastic, place your finger under the wipe, fold the sides in, then fold the bottom up to enclose.
Leave on for 15 minutes, then remove.
Gently slide the Gel Nail Polish Removal Tool under the softened product and pull it in the direction your nail grows, from just above the cuticle to the free edge. If it doesn't come off easily, you may need to soak your nails for longer.
Lightly buff your nails with the fine 180 grit side of the Nail File or the 240 Grit Sanding Drill Bit to remove any remaining bits of product and smooth the nail plate.
Wipe your nail clean with a Lint Free Wipe moistened with Gel Nail Polish Remover or a Pure Acetone Wipe.
Apply Cuticle Oil to your nails and surrounding skin to nourish.
When you're ready to reapply Nail Tips, start from the beginning as laid out above, and continue as usual.
Alternatively, if you wish to grow your Nail Tips out, you can simply use the E-File Pen or Nail File to remove colour and thin the Tip, then backfill with Rubber Base Coat or Builder Gel and continue your manicure as usual. If using Builder Gel, you will need to apply a Base Coat prior.

How to Remove Nail Tips with Sticky Tabs

Soak your nails in warm water with a few drops of dishwashing liquid for 10–15 minutes. You can also add a few drops of oil to help loosen the adhesive further.
Gently lift the Nail Tips from the sides using an Orangewood Cuticle Stick, working slowly around the edge. If they’re not coming off easily, soak for longer and try again.
To remove any remaining Sticky Tab residue, roll the Orangewood Cuticle Stick over the area to lift it away.
Give your nails a final wipe with a Lint Free Wipe moistened with Gel Nail Polish Remover to remove any last traces of adhesive and leave the nail surface clean and ready.

Soak your nails in warm water with a few drops of dishwashing liquid for 10–15 minutes. You can also add a few drops of oil to help loosen the adhesive further.
Gently lift the Nail Tips from the sides using an Orangewood Cuticle Stick, working slowly around the edge. If they’re not coming off easily, soak for longer and try again.
To remove any remaining Sticky Tab residue, roll the Orangewood Cuticle Stick over the area to lift it away.
Give your nails a final wipe with a Lint Free Wipe moistened with Gel Nail Polish Remover to remove any last traces of adhesive and leave the nail surface clean and ready.

How to Apply Nail Tips

How to Apply Nail Tips with Rubber Base Coat

How to Apply Nail Tips with Rubber Base Coat

How to Apply Nail Tips with Sticky Tabs

How to Apply Nail Tips with Sticky Tabs

Nail Tips Application Tutorials

How to Apply Nail Tips with Rubber Base Coat

How to Apply Nail Tips with Sticky Tabs

How to Remove Nail Tips

How to Remove Nail Tips with Rubber Base Coat

How to Remove Nail Tips with Rubber Base Coat

How to Remove Nail Tips with Sticky Tabs

How to Remove Nail Tips with Sticky Tabs

Nail Tips Removal Tutorials

How to Remove Nail Tips with Rubber Base Coat

How to Remove Nail Tips with Sticky Tabs

How to Apply Nail Tips

How to Apply Nail Tips with Rubber Base Coat

How to Apply Nail Tips with Rubber Base Coat

How to Apply Nail Tips with Sticky Tabs

How to Apply Nail Tips with Sticky Tabs

Nail Tips Application Tutorials

How to Apply Nail Tips with Rubber Base Coat

How to Apply Nail Tips with Sticky Tabs

How to Remove Nail Tips

How to Remove Nail Tips with Rubber Base Coat

How to Remove Nail Tips with Rubber Base Coat

How to Remove Nail Tips with Sticky Tabs

How to Remove Nail Tips with Sticky Tabs

Nail Tips Removal Tutorials

How to Remove Nail Tips with Rubber Base Coat

How to Remove Nail Tips with Sticky Tabs

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