1. Prepare the nail
Ensure the nails are fully prepped before beginning. A clean, thoroughly prepared nail plate is essential for creating a long-lasting manicure. An acid primer isn’t generally required; however, for clients with oily nail plates or those prone to lifting, you may wish to lightly etch the nail plate and apply one if needed.
Once prep is complete, use a lint-free wipe and Prep Solution to cleanse the nail plate and remove any remaining dust or debris.
2. Apply Rubber Base
Every Glosselle Hard Build manicure begins with a base coat. For most clients, we recommend our Rubber Base—an essential step for achieving a strong, long-lasting HEMA-free manicure.
Apply a thin, even layer to the nail, then cure for 60 seconds.
3. Prepare for Hard Build
Once fully cured, wipe the nail with Prep Solution to remove the surface shine. This creates a clean, matte surface for the Hard Build to grip onto.
4. Apply Hard Build
Begin with a thin slip layer, working from close to the cuticle and covering the entire nail evenly.
Without curing, place a small bead of Hard Build in the upper third of the nail. Keep the product nice and thin around the cuticle area to avoid any unnecessary bulk and create a seamless grow-out. Then gently guide the product down the centre of the nail and along each side.
Next you want to use your liner brush to slightly refine any areas of the gel.
Then turn the client’s hand upside down and allow gravity to help the product self-level and form a natural apex. Before curing, turn the hand back over and check the structure from every angle.
Once you’re happy with the shape, cure for 90 seconds low heat mode.
5. Remove inhibition layer and refine surface
Remove the tacky inhibition layer using Prep Solution. If needed, gently buff the nail to smooth and refine the surface.
(Please note: If you wish to apply additional layers of Soft Build, ensure that you remove the inhibition layer after each application using a lint-free wipe and isopropyl alcohol. Due to the slightly more moisturised consistency of our formula, the surface may feel tacky; however, this does not mean the product is not fully cured)
If you’re applying gel colour, the nail is now ready for colour application.
6. Apply Shine Top Coat
For a plain Hard Build manicure, remove any remaining dust with a lint-free wipe before applying an even layer of Shine Top Coat.
Cure for 60 seconds.
7. Perfect the free edge
Once fully cured, use our Stainless Steel File Plate with a disposable 180-grit file to perfect the free edge and create your desired shape.
Leaving this step until the end saves time and helps to create a strong, clean and beautifully crisp finish.
8. Finish with Cuticle Oil
Complete the manicure by applying Glosselle Cuticle Oil to gently hydrate and nourish the skin, leaving the cuticle area beautifully conditioned.
