TL;DR

This guide teaches you how to do your own gel nails at home like a pro. You'll learn the key steps for both Solid Gel Polish and BIAB (Builder in a Bottle) application, the essential tools in a nail kit, critical prep steps, common mistakes to avoid, and our top tips for a perfect, durable finish. With the right gel nail polish at home technique, salon-quality nails are totally achievable.

Part A: Applying Ambedo Solid Gel Colour

1. Prep is Everything: Gently push back and trim cuticles. Lightly buff the nail surface to remove shine and create adhesion. Cleanse with alcohol wipes to remove all dust and oils.
2. Apply a Thin Base Coat: Apply a thin layer of Ambedo Vitamin-e Base Coat (or Peel-Off Base Coat if you want a super quick removal process!), ensuring you cap the free edge. Cure under your lamp for the full recommended time (check lamp instructions).
3. Apply Your Colour: Using Ambedo Solid Gel Polish, apply a very thin layer of colour. It's better to do three thin coats than one thick one. Avoid getting gel on the skin. Cure thoroughly between each coat.
4. Seal with Top Coat: Apply a generous (but not flooding) layer of Ambedo Fibreglass-Infused Top Coat, capping the free edge for a sealed, glossy finish. Cure for the full time (60 seconds).
5. The Final Cleanse: After the final cure, wipe each nail with a lint-free wipe soaked in alcohol to remove any residue and reveal the high-gloss shine.

Part B: Applying & Shaping Ambedo BIAB Gel

1. Nail Prep (as above): Complete steps 1-2 from the Solid Gel guide. A perfect foundation is non-negotiable.
2. Apply the BIAB In Different Ways:

• As a Base Coat: 
  Apply one thin, even layer of Fibre Base BIAB across the entire nail.
  Cure under LED lamp 60–90 seconds.
  Apply colour or topcoat as desired then cure under LED lamp for 60-90 seconds.
• As a Builder Gel:                                                                                Apply the gel starting from the middle of the nail, then make short back-and-forth Z strokes evenly distribute the fibre gel, creating a natural fuller nail appearance and excellent flow-out that is easy to control for beginners.

• Skipping Prep: Oils or shine on the natural nail will cause lifting. Never skip the buff and cleanse.
• Applying Layers Too Thick: Thick layers won't cure properly, leading to soft gel, heat spikes, and early chipping. "Thin to win" is the golden rule.
• Flooding the Cuticle: Getting gel on the skin is the #1 cause of peeling. Leave a tiny gap (about the width of a hair) around the cuticle and sidewalls.
• Peeling Off Your Gel: It's so tempting, but peeling damages your natural nail layers. Always remove gel properly with acetone soak-off. NOTE: If you use Ambedo Peel-Off Base Coat, you can peel off your gels without damage. Just note that Peel-Off Based gels will not last as long as the Vitamin-e Base Coat (3-5 days vs 3-4+ weeks).
• Undercuring: Always cure for the lamp's full recommended time. Undercured gel can cause allergies and won't last.

• Work in a well-lit (not full sunlight though! Remember that the sun's UV rays are far stronger than any nail lamp, and will start setting your gels from within their open capsules) and low-dust area.
• If you get gel on your skin, use a small brush dipped in cleanser to wipe it away before curing.
• Always cap the free edge of the nail with every layer (base, colour, top) to seal the colour and prevent water ingress and chipping.
• Keep your lamp's LED plate clean for maximum light output.
  

About the Author: This guide was crafted by the Ambedo Beauty expert team, combining years of experience in professional nail product development with countless hours of at-home testing. Our mission is to make professional-grade nail care accessible, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.

Published on: 29 January 2026