How to Apply Gel Nail Polish
See how to apply Gel Nail Polish at home for long-lasting, salon-quality results.
Expert advice to prep, apply, and maintain your gel manicure for salon-quality results.
Use Gelous Base Coat, Colour Coat, Top Coat, and Gel Nail Lamp for guaranteed compatibility and best results.
Use Gelous Base Coat, Colour Coat, Top Coat, and Gel Nail Lamp for guaranteed compatibility and best results.
Push back cuticles, shape nails, and gently buff to create a dull, slightly rough surface. Dehydrate nails, then apply pH Bond and Nail Primer for ultimate adhesion.
Apply thin, even layers of polish, curing each for 60 seconds to ensure proper adhesion and durability.
Leave a small gap near cuticles and cap the free edge of every layer to prevent lifting and chipping.
Remove any Gel Nail Polish on your skin before curing to prevent reactions or allergies.
Use Rubber Base Coat or Builder Gel to protect and reinforce weak or flaky nails.
Wear gloves for cleaning and apply Cuticle Oil daily to keep nails hydrated and prevent peeling.
Everything you need to know about Gelous, from product information to application tips.
Gelous allows you to create DIY, salon quality gel manicures from the comfort of your own home.
Our Gel Nail Polish paints on like an ordinary nail polish, but after curing with our Gelous UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp it lasts two weeks or more without fading, peeling or chipping. You don’t have to worry about waiting for your nails to dry or smudging them afterwards - they are hard and perfectly dry once cured with the Gelous UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp.
For the perfect gel manicure, start with essential nail prep. Gently push back your cuticles, file your nails to your desired shape and give the surface a buff. Next, dehydrate your nails by wiping them with a Pure Acetone Wipe, or Nail Polish Remover, then apply pH Bond and Nail Primer if desired.
Once your nails are prepped, it’s time to apply your Gel Nail Polish. Start by applying a thin layer of Base Coat, followed by optional Builder Gel, then 2-3 Colour Coats, finishing with a Top Coat. Cure each coat for 60 seconds under the UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp.
After the final cure, the surface will be fully hardened—no smudging, no waiting—leaving you with a manicure that lasts longer, feels stronger, and shines like nobody’s business. Gel nail perfection, made easy.
Gelous Gel Nail Polish works by curing under specific wavelengths of light. When Gelous Gel Nail Polish is exposed to the 365+405nm wavelengths emitted by the Gelous Gel Nail Lamp, it undergoes a curing process that transforms the liquid gel into a strong, long-lasting coating. Our Gel Nail Lamp uses 30 dual-wave LEDs designed to last up to 50,000 hours, curing faster and more safely than traditional UV bulbs. Each formula is tailored to cure perfectly at these exact wavelengths, ensuring a smooth, effective, and safe application every time.
For full step-by-step instructions, view our Application Guides, Removal Guides, Storage Guides and more here.
For full step-by-step instructions, view our Application, Removal and Storage Guides.
When it comes to curing Gel Nail Polish, wattage isn’t everything. The most important factor is the wavelength your Gel Nail Lamp emits—not how many watts it uses.
While high wattage may sound impressive, it doesn’t necessarily mean better results. In fact, many brands exaggerate their wattage for marketing purposes. Anything above 24W can produce excess heat that may cause discomfort or damage to the skin.
What truly matters is that your lamp emits the correct curing wavelengths. For Gel Nail Polish to cure safely and effectively, it needs to be exposed to very specific UV light. That’s why the Gelous Gel Nail Lamp uses dual-wavelength technology (365+405nm)—two precise peaks that ensure your Gel Nail Polish cures evenly, thoroughly, and without heat spikes or under-cured patches.
Our Gel Nail Polish is formulated to cure perfectly under these wavelengths, working in complete harmony with the Gelous Gel Nail Lamp to deliver professional results while protecting your nails and skin.
Yes—to achieve a long-lasting, salon-quality gel manicure, it’s essential to use the complete Gelous system. This includes the Gelous Base Coat, Gelous Colour Coat, and Gelous Top Coat, each cured using the Gelous UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp.
Skipping key steps like the Base Coat or Top Coat, or trying to dry your nails without the Gel Nail Lamp, can result in poor performance and may even cause damage to your nails or skin.
Our Gel Nail Lamp uses 365+405nm dual-wavelength technology, meaning it emits two specific wavelengths of UV light to perfectly activate the photoinitiators in Gelous Gel Nail Polish. Each Gelous formula is carefully developed to cure at these exact wavelengths, ensuring safe, thorough, and even curing every time.
Although 365+405nm is a widely supported curing specification, we strongly advise against mixing brands—whether that's using other polishes with our lamp, or our polish with another lamp. Mismatched products may lead to incomplete curing, poor wear, or potential nail damage.
To get the best results and ensure safety, always use the full Gelous system—expertly formulated to work together.
Gelous Gel Nail Polish will last 18-24 months when stored correctly—see our Storage Guide for tips.
Each 10ml bottle provides roughly 66 manicures with one coat per manicure, 33 with two coats, or 22 with three coats, averaging about 40 manicures per bottle.
If you’re wondering whether to choose a UV or LED gel nail lamp, the truth is—they all emit UV light. This UV light is what cures gel nail polish, including Gelous Gel Nail Polish.
Older, traditional UV Gel Nail Lamps used replaceable UV bulbs, which cured slowly and needed frequent replacement. Modern LED Gel Nail Lamps and UV/LED Gel Nail Lamps, like the Gelous UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp, use advanced LED bulbs operating on the UV spectrum. The LED bulbs used in our Gel Nail Lamps are safer, last up to 50,000 hours and only take 60 seconds to cure each coat of your Gelous Gel Nail Polish!
So what’s the difference between UV, LED, and UV/LED lamps? The main difference is in naming—most modern lamps use LED technology, but some brands drop “UV” from the name due to misconceptions. At Gelous, we label our products as UV/LED Gel Nail Lamps so you know exactly what you’re getting: fast, safe, efficient curing tailored to Gelous Gel Nail Polish. Our lamps feature 365+405nm dual-wavelength technology, ensuring every Gelous formula cures thoroughly and evenly for salon-quality results at home.
Rubber Base Coat is flexible and ideal for thin or bendy nails, helping prevent lifting and smooth imperfections. Builder Gel is strong and rigid, perfect for adding structure, supporting length, and preventing breakage. Read our full guide to find the right option for you.
When applied and removed correctly, Gel Nail Polish won’t damage your natural nails. To keep nails healthy, avoid painting Gel Polish on your skin and resist picking at your polish, as this can peel away layers of your natural nail.
To ensure safe, thorough curing, always use the complete Gelous system: Gelous Base Coat, Gelous Colour Coat, and Gelous Top Coat, each cured with the Gelous UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp.
For best results, follow our Application Guide and Removal Guide, and use our Builder Gel and Nail Care products for added strength and protection.
Avoid gel manicures if your nails are extremely short or in poor condition (thin, dry, or split). Focus on strengthening them first with treatments like Cuticle Oil and moisturiser.
Stop using Gel Polish immediately if you experience sensitivity or irritation. This can be caused by damaged nails, Gel Nail Polish touching the skin, applying overly thick layers that under-cure, not curing for the full 60 seconds, or an allergy to the ingredients.
Yes they are. Sunburn or skin damage would only occur after around 75 minutes of continuous exposure to your Gel Nail Lamp—far longer than the recommended use per manicure.
All Gel Nail Lamps—whether UV/LED, LED, or UV—emit Ultraviolet-A (UVA) light to cure gel polish. Our UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp use advanced LED bulbs that produce this UVA light in a safer, more efficient way than traditional UV bulbs. They last up to 50,000 hours and cure each coat in just 60 seconds.
If you’d like extra protection, apply sunscreen 15–30 minutes before use—just as you would before heading outdoors.
Gelous Gel Nail Polish is 10-free and manufactured to meet strict European Commission Regulations. While most salon and at-home gel polishes contain Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate (HEMA) to create long-lasting, high-shine results, a small number of people may develop an allergic reaction. Symptoms can include redness, swelling, peeling, or itching. The likelihood of this happening is very low when Gelous products are used as directed.
To minimise risk, always:
If you ever believe you’ve experienced an allergic reaction, stop using gel nail products and consult your doctor.
We generally advise against giving children a gel manicure for several reasons:
While the ingredients in Gelous Gel Nail Polish are safe for pregnant women, it’s important to understand that all gel polish can cause reactions if it comes into contact with your skin. Because skin is often more sensitive during pregnancy, the risk of irritation can be slightly higher.
To help reduce any risks and protect your nails during pregnancy:
If you choose to use Gelous Gel Nail Polish during pregnancy, following these steps will help ensure a safe, comfortable, and long-lasting gel manicure.
To keep your gel manicure or pedicure looking fresh for longer:
You don’t need to redo your whole gel manicure if you get a small chip—chipped Gel Nail Polish can be repaired quickly at home.
This quick fix will blend seamlessly with your existing manicure, extending its life without starting over.
If you have a chip, but don't want to redo your whole manicure, this is fixable! Start by buffing off the shiny Top Coat completely then wiping the buffing dust with a Lint Free Wipe moistened with Nail Polish Remover.
If you are a new user of Gel Nail Polish, please don’t be disheartened if your first few manicures don’t last as long as expected. There are many tips and tricks to applying Gel Nail Polish that make the difference between a long-lasting application and an application that doesn’t last long enough (i.e. chips easily or peels). Often, new users of Gel Nail Polish make small mistakes during the application process that cause premature chipping or peeling. Once you've mastered your Gel Polish application, you'll enjoy flawless, long-lasting manicures time and time again. Practice really does make perfect!
Please be patient, read our Application Guide carefully, and take note of our tips and tricks.
Gel Nail Polish colours may appear differently on your screen than in person. While we strive to present colours as accurately as possible, exact replication on different digital displays is not possible. Variations occur due to differences in screen settings, lighting conditions, backgrounds, and skin tones.
Yes—your Base Coat and Colour Coat should remain a little sticky after curing. This tacky layer helps the next coat adhere properly. As long as you’re applying thin, even layers and curing for the full 60 seconds, both coats will be fully cured.
Your Top Coat, however should cure to a smooth, hard finish after 60 seconds under the Gelous UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp, leaving no stickiness behind.
It’s normal to feel some warmth during curing—this is caused by the chemical reaction as the Gel Nail Polish changes from liquid to solid.
If you have sensitive nails, the Gelous Gel Nail Lamp includes a Low Heat Mode. Press the 99S Low Heat Mode button to cure at 12W for 50 seconds, then 24W for 49 seconds, for a gentler curing process.
To minimise heat spikes:
This usually occurs when your Gel Nail Polish is stored incorrectly, the rim/neck is not wiped after use, it is used in the sunlight, or it is used too close to your UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp when it was turned on.
To fix this:
To avoid this in future, make sure to follow the storage instructions outlined on the individual product page.
Gel Nail Polish is naturally thicker than regular nail polish—especially formulas like Glitter Gel Nail Polish, Builder Gel and Rubber Base Coat.
To make your Gel Polish easier to manage:
Yes. You can place an order as a guest with no obligation to create an account. We do recommend that you create an account, as this allows you to check your order history, save your payment details, save your address details, save your wishlist and save your shopping basket.
It’s quick and easy to create an account. Just click here and follow the instructions on-screen.
Scroll to the bottom of the checkout page and click ‘Check out as guest’. You’ll still be able to use your Gelous account, but you’ll have the option to choose a different payment method such as Afterpay, PayPal, Zip, POLi, and more.
This is automatically sent to your email address when you place an order. If you haven’t received your order confirmation within 24 hours, please check your mailbox’s spam or junk folder. If you cannot find it, please get in touch with us at info@gelous.co with your order number. If you don't have your order number, please provide your shipping address, phone number and full name.
If you're in Auckland, you can! If you would like to order for pick-up, please select this in the 'information' step of the checkout process. We will send you an email when your order is ready. If you need your order earlier, please contact us.
Pick-up orders will be processed first thing the following business day and will be ready and waiting for you when you arrive. Please have your order number handy when you come to collect your order. This will start with #GLS followed by a number.
Once ready, you can pick-up from Gelous, 3A Whetu Place, Rosedale, Auckland, New Zealand.
You can purchase the full Gelous range at our Auckland store, where you’ll find complete displays of all Gel Nail Polish colours, Nail Art Supplies, Tools, and Accessories.
Our Auckland, New Zealand store is located at Gelous, 3A Whetu Place, Rosedale, Auckland, New Zealand with Afterpay, EFTPOS and cash facilities. We are open:
Spend over a certain amount for free shipping. To qualify for free shipping, your cart total must over the specified amount after any discount codes have been applied and before any shipping fees are applied.
Orders can be altered prior to processing. Please note that once your order has been assigned a tracking number or shipped, we're unable to make any changes. For alterations to be processed, our customer service team must first receive and confirm your request. If your order ships before we can review your email, we won’t be able to make any changes. To ensure faster assistance, please call us during our office hours. Products can be returned for store credit if they meet the guidelines in our Returns Policy.
Additional costs can be paid via any of our standard payment methods. Orders will not be shipped until any additional payments are received.
If you request to remove products from your order within one hour of it being placed, we are able to offer a full refund. A refund takes 5-10 business days to be processed.
You can email us at info@gelous.co to request to add, remove or swap products in your order.
Orders can be cancelled prior to shipment. For the quickest response and to avoid disappointment, please contact our customer service team by phone during office hours. Alternatively, you can email us at info@gelous.co with your order number. If you don’t have the order number, please include your shipping address, phone number, and full name. Please be aware there may be a delay in response via email, and we are unable to make any changes once your order has been shipped.
If you cancel within one hour of placing your order, you’ll receive a full refund. Refunds typically take 5-10 business days to process.
If you cancel before your order has been assigned a tracking number, we can offer store credit or a refund. Store credit takes 1-3 business days to process and is valid for 3 years. Refunds are processed within 3-7 business days.
If an address is input incorrectly or without appropriate detail, we take no responsibility or liability for the customer not receiving their product. If you contact us before your order is processed we will do our best to update this prior to shipment.
For address changes prior to shipment email info@gelous.co.
For address changes after shipment, check your tracking to find out which company your order has been shipped with and contact them directly for the fastest result.
You can apply your discount code after clicking 'checkout' from your cart.
You cannot use a discount code:
Join The Gelous It List, our exclusive loyalty program, and enjoy 10% off your first order. You'll also be the first to hear about sales and promotions, and start earning points with every purchase—redeemable for $10, $15, $20, or $30 vouchers.
Plus, take advantage of ongoing savings with our discounted Bundle Deals, including Starter Kits, Gel Nail Polish Bundles, Chrome Powder Bundles, Nail Decal Bundles, Cuticle Oil Bundles, Drill Bit Bundles and more.
Yes, Gift Cards are a form of payment. Simply enter the Gift Card code in the Gift card or discount code box and press Apply. Then enter the discount code and press Apply.
Each country has different recycling rules. See your local government website for more information:
Helpful links:
We’re making the switch to cardboard packaging for all of our products. A far more sustainable option than traditional packaging, this change helps to reduce our environmental footprint and contributes to a cleaner, greener future for all.
The most notable difference will be for our colour polishes, which will now feature ‘Colour Coat’ on the box, a circular window on top to showcase the colour and the polish name on the bottle. This greatly reduces our environmental impact during our production process by reducing the number of moulds required for each unique package and has a significant impact on waste.
All orders are protected with eco-friendly Geami WrapPak and FillPak and shipped in cardboard cartons or recycled courier bags.
Our courier bags are made from 100% recycled post consumer and post industrial plastic waste. Even the removable adhesive backing and the inner bag is made from recycled plastic! After use, these can be recycled where soft plastics are accepted.
Gelous supports the progression of the beauty industry by offering products that are vegan, cruelty free and non-toxic. Our Gel Nail Polish is 10-free which means it is free from common toxic nail polish ingredients including Toluene, DBP, Camphor, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Xylene, Parabens, Fragrances, Phthalates, animal testing & animal-derived ingredients.
We are certified vegan and cruelty-free by New Zealand Anti-Vivisection Society (NZAVS).
As a token of appreciation for our valued professionals, we offer an exclusive discount code that entitles you to 20% off on orders exceeding $300. If you're interested in taking advantage of this professional discount, complete the form here.
We offer wholesale rates dependant on purchase quantity and monthly spend. If you're interested in stocking Gelous Gel Nail Polish products in your retail store, online store or salon, complete the form here.
Learn everything from Gel Nail Polish application to nail art techniques & product care.
See how to apply Gel Nail Polish at home for long-lasting, salon-quality results.
Learn safe Gel Nail Polish removal to keep your nails healthy and in great condition.
Discover how to store your gel manicure products properly to keep them in top condition.
Follow our guide for smooth application, building structure, and creating a flawless apex.
Easily create marble, tortoiseshell and watercolour nail art with Blooming Gel.
Master crisp, even French tips using the Silicone Nail Stamper and French Nail Tip Guides.
Read our guide for flawless application of Chrome Powder, Nail Stickers, Rhinestones and more.
Vegan
Cruelty-Free
10-Free
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