GEL ARMORING

by Cristina Profir

ABOUT MASTERCLASS

The Gel Armoring technique provides extra strength and durability to natural nails without adding bulk. It's ideal for clients looking for a natural yet fortified manicure that protects weak nails from damage. The technique is versatile, suitable for both short and long nails, and keeps nails looking sleek and elegant.

PRODUCTS USED

Dehydrator

Bonder
Shield Rubber Base
Jelly Gel Medium
Gel in Bottle 
Shield Art Top

STEP BY STEP

1. Prep the nail. Apply Dehydrator and Bonder.

2. Rubber base application. Apply a thin, gripping layer of Shield Rubber Base, cure for 30s under UV/LED. You can do all 5 nails at a time. 

3. Build side walls. Use a detail brush (20/0) to build side walls with Jelly Gel Medium. Do one side at a time and flash cure. Then, do the other side and flash cure again. Flash curing is important to keep the gel in place and later reduce the need for filing. Cure the whole hand for 60s.

4. Build the apex. Apply a thin, slip layer of Gel in Bottle, do not cure. This will allow better control of the product. Follow with a build layer to create the apex. Cure each nail for 30s, then cure both hands for 60s.

5. Remove stickiness. Remove the sticky layer using a cotton pad soaked in Isopropyl alcohol cleanser.

6. Filing. File down to desired shape and length. Use a 180 grit file, as working close to the nail folds.
7. Apply Top. Apply SHIELD Art Top or your favorite SHIELD top, cure 60s

8. Remove thickness. Remove any thickness from the bottom with an e-file to avoid chipping from the free edge.