How to use GelCare

Your manicure and pedicure with the GelCare System in just a few steps. Find out everything you need to know about applying and removing the gel at home here.

How to use

Step 1. Prepare your nails

Gently push back your cuticles and remove any excess skin from the nail plate. Lightly buff the nail surface with a 240-grit buffer. Then cleanse with the GelCare Prep & Finish Cleanser for optimal gel adhesion.

Step 2. Apply primer

Apply a small amount of GelCare Primer along the outer edge of the natural nail, avoiding contact with the skin, and leave to air-dry for a few seconds. The primer improves adhesion and helps your colour last longer.

Step 3. First colour coat

Apply a very thin layer of GelCare nail polish and cap the free edge of the nail. Even with opaque shades, this first coat should still look slightly sheer. Remove any polish from the skin and cuticles, then cure for 60 seconds under the LED lamp. Your thumb often sits at an angle to the light, so cure it separately if needed.

Step 4. Second colour coat

Apply a second very thin coat and repeat the process. Leave the slightly tacky layer between colour coats on the nail, as it helps the next coat adhere. For a more intense colour, you can repeat the process a third time.

Step 5. Seal with top coat

Finish with a thin layer of GelCare Top Coat, capping the free edge of each nail. Cure for 60 seconds under the LED lamp. The top coat gives you a long-lasting finish with intense shine.

Fertige plantPRO Maniküre Rot

Step 6. Cleanse the finish

After curing, a slightly tacky layer will remain, which is completely normal. Soak a cotton pad with the GelCare Prep & Finish Cleanser and gently wipe over each nail to reveal the full shine.

*The tacky layer forms as the gel polish cures and is needed for the different layers to adhere to each other. Only remove it once you have finished applying all coats. Even when the polish is fully cured, it will still feel slightly damp because of this layer.

Bitte beachte

Preparing your nails, applying the primer thinly and capping the nail tips at every step are key to a long-lasting result and easy removal.

How long GelCare lasts depends not only on following the instructions carefully, but also on the health and condition of your nails. Just like your skin, your nails are unique.

If any product gets onto your cuticles during application, make sure to remove it before curing, for example with a manicure stick.

Depending on your speed and experience, application can take 20–45 minutes.

GelCare was developed as a system, so for the best results we recommend using all of its products together.

Removal

So entfernst du GelCare

We recommend removing it from one hand first, then the other. Ideally, complete steps 1–3 for all fingers on one hand at once, then work finger by finger for steps 4 and 5. Removal may feel a little tricky the first time, but with practice you'll quickly get the hang of it.

How to remove GelCare

We recommend removing it from one hand first, then the other. Ideally, complete steps 1–3 for all fingers on one hand at once, then work finger by finger for step 4. Removal may feel a little tricky the first time, but with practice you'll quickly get the hang of it.

Step 1. Buff the top coat

Lightly buff the top coat with a 100-grit buffer or coarser, focusing on the centre of the nail. Only remove the shiny surface and take care not to buff the natural nail. Work one hand at a time.

Nagellackentferner wird mit Hilfe von PROclips eingeweicht

Step 2. Let the remover soak in

Thoroughly soak each cotton pad with GelCare Gel Remover, as using enough product is key to successful removal. Place the cotton pad on the nail, secure it with a nail clip and leave to soak for 10–15 minutes.

Maniküre wird mit Hilfe von Rosenholzstäbchen entfernt

Step 3. Gently lift the gel

Remove the nail clips and carefully lift the softened gel with a manicure stick. Never pull it off forcefully or scrape. If any residue remains, repeat the process, then wash your hands thoroughly.

Step 4. Aftercare

To finish, gently massage a rich cream or nourishing product into your nails and cuticles. Repeat as needed until your nails and cuticles feel soft, supple and deeply nourished.

Care for nails & cuticles

Treatments, serums and oils to add more care to your routine.

Entdecke Nagelpflege

Want to know more?

Find answers to all your questions about GelCare here.