How To Do Gel X Nails at Home (Step-by-Step Tutorial + Pro Tips with Amazon Products)

If you've ever spent over $80 at the nail salon for Gel X nails, only to have them lift after a week… same, girl. But here’s the good news — you can absolutely do Gel X nails at home with salon-quality results and on a budget.

In this post, I’m breaking down how to do Gel X nails at home, step-by-step — using affordable nail tools and products from Amazon. I’ll walk you through the full process: from nail prep to top coat, with pro tips I’ve learned along the way to help your nails last longer, look cleaner, and stay snatched. I’ve taught myself how to apply gel-x nails back in 2020 and I have experimented with a thing or two to perfect them over the last 5 years! Follow the steps below, follow along my video, and practice to have the cutest DIY nails that last 4 weeks.

Let’s get into it.

✨ What Are Gel X Nails?

Gel X nails are a type of soft gel nail extension that cover the entire nail from base to tip — kind of like press-ons, but they’re cured under a UV/LED lamp, which makes them stronger and longer-lasting.

Unlike acrylics or dip powder, Gel X is less damaging to your natural nails and easier to soak off when it’s time to remove them. Perfect if you're trying to grow out your nails or want a cute, long-lasting mani at home. After wearing Gel X nails over the last 5 years, my natural nails are still very healthy. 

💅 What You’ll Need (All Amazon Finds)

Everything used in this tutorial is affordable and available on Amazon:

🛍️ PRODUCTS:

🔁 Step-by-Step: How To Do Gel X Nails at Home

Step 1: Cut and File Your Natural Nails

Trim your natural nails to your preferred length. You want them short (but not too short) so the tips can adhere properly. Lightly file the surface of the nail to remove shine.

Step 2: Cuticle Prep

Use a cuticle remover and gently push back your cuticles. This makes the nails look cleaner and prevents lifting later on.

Pro tip: Removing excess dead skin from the nail plate ensures better product adhesion. DO NOT go overboard here 

Step 3: Fit Your Gel X Nail Tips

Match each Gel X tip to your nail size. If it doesn’t fit perfectly, use a file to reshape the sides of the tip for a snug fit. KEY is to make sure they fit sidewall to sidewall with no gaps. If there are gaps, the nails will lift. Lay the nails out in order.

Step 4: Etch the Underside of the Tips

Use a drill or buffer to lightly etch the inside of the nail tip where it will touch your natural nail. This helps the glue adhere better. 

Also etch the outer cuticle edge of the tip so it blends seamlessly into your natural nail line.

Step 5: Clean and Prep the Nail Plate

Wipe each natural nail with an alcohol pad or nail cleanser to remove oils.

Then apply:

  • PH Bond (dehydrator)

  • Protein Bond (2 layers per nail)

Only do one nail at a time to keep things clean and controlled.I recommend starting with your non-dominent hand to get the harder part over with first.

Step 6: Apply Nail Glue and Cure

First, apply a thin layer of gel nail glue on your natural nail and cure it under your lamp for 30 seconds.

Next, apply glue inside the etched Gel X tip. Use a small bead and pool it near the cuticle edge.

Apply the tip at a 45-degree angle starting at the cuticle, pressing down gently to avoid bubbles.

Cure under the goose-head lamp for another 30 seconds.

Repeat this process one nail at a time. Finally cure under the big lamp for 1-2 minutes.

Step 7: Shape and Refine

Once all nails are applied, file to your desired shape — almond, coffin, square — you name it.

Use a fine drill bit or buffer around the cuticle edge to soften the blend.

Step 8: Clean Up + Buff

Apply a little acetone around the cuticle edge to dissolve any remaining glue and smooth out the cuticle edge so it blends in seamlessly. Buff the surface of the nail to remove shine before painting.


Step 9: Paint and Finish

Apply your base coat, gel polish color, and top coat, curing each layer for 1 minute before applying the next layer. 


✨ Pro Tips for Long-Lasting Gel X Nails

  • Always etch the inside of the nail tip — this makes the false nail look natural and blend in with your real nail.

  • Cure one nail at a time to get the cleanest bond.

  • Use a fine drill near the cuticle to blend for a salon finish.

  • Don’t skip the protein bond — it's the secret to long wear.

  • Apply a little acetone around the cuticle edge.

🧼 How Long Do Gel X Nails Last?

With proper prep and application, your DIY Gel X nails can last 2–3 weeks without lifting. Just be gentle with your hands and wear gloves when cleaning.

🛍️ Where To Buy Affordable Gel X Nail Kits

You don’t need a $100 kit to get started. Everything I used in this tutorial is affordable and available on Amazon. I’ll link my full kit below 👇

📹 Want to Watch the Full Tutorial?

Watch the full step-by-step Gel X nail tutorial on my YouTube channel, where I show you how to do every step with pro-level detail — even if you're a beginner!

💬 Final Thoughts

Doing Gel X nails at home doesn’t have to be intimidating or expensive. With the right tools and a little practice, you can get the same results you’d expect at a salon — for a fraction of the price.

If you try this at home, tag me on Instagram or TikTok @krity_s — I’d love to see your nail looks!

📌 Pin this for later or share it with your DIY nail bestie 💅

Thank you for reading!!

XOXO,

Krity 

*I get a commission for purchases made through links in this post*