Gather supplies: gel base coat, gel color polish, gel top coat, UV/LED lamp, nail file, buffer, cuticle pusher, lint-free wipes, alcohol or cleanser, and optional cuticle oil
Wash hands and remove any old polish
Push back cuticles and trim only if needed
Shape nails with a file
Lightly buff the nail surface
Clean nails with alcohol or cleanser to remove dust and oils
Apply a thin layer of gel base coat
Cure under the lamp for the recommended time
Apply a thin layer of gel color polish
Cure under the lamp
Repeat with a second thin color coat if needed, curing after each coat
Apply a thin layer of gel top coat
Cure under the lamp
Wipe off the sticky residue if your top coat requires it
Apply cuticle oil after curing
Avoid water, lotion, and heavy use of hands for a short time after finishing
Remove gel polish later by filing the top layer, soaking with acetone, and gently pushing off softened gel