DIY nails at home - how I grow my NATURAL nails LONG with hard gel

Hi friends! Life has been kinda wild so I haven't been around, but in this video I'm showing you how I do my nails at home. These are my natural nails that I grew long using hard gel. I walk you through how I do them, step by step. I hope you enjoy and thank you for being here :)
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Some products mentioned:
Cuticle remover www.amazon.ca/...
Cuticle pusher (not the exact one I have) www.amazon.ca/...
Dehydrator www.amazon.ca/...
Primer kiarasky.com/p...
Files nailcareer.com...
Rubber base gel www.amazon.ca/...
Hard gel www.amazon.ca/...
Red gel polish (not sure if this is the exact colour, but it's the right brand) www.amazon.ca/...
Top coat www.amazon.ca/...
E-file www.amazon.ca/...
UV/LED lamp (not the exact one I have) www.amazon.ca/...
Hand salve ewww.amazon.ca/...
Cuticle oil
OPI - www.amazon.ca/...
Sally Hansen - www.amazon.ca/...
Makartt nail kit (I got my polygel and the nail brush I was using for the hard gel in a kit similar to this one)
www.amazon.ca/...
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Downtown Glow by Ghostrifter Official & Devyzed
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[@juliechristie2105]

Hiya, a little bit of advise, don't wash or even wet your hand before you put any product on as natural nails soak up water and it can take up to an hour or more before they are dry enough. It can cause lifting, or even stop product from setting properly on your nails. Your better doing a dry manicure and using alcohol based product to remove dust etc. The finished nails are gorgeous. X

[@michellefrate]

Thank you for the great advice! I'll definitely only use alcohol to clean the nail surface before applying product now 😊

[@erinlosik4597]

@@michellefrate it’s perfectly fine to use water just make sure you use rubbing alcohol or 100% acetone to remove the moisture, but at that point the water is unnecessary as the acetone and alcohol remove the dust at the same time as removing oils

[@michellefrate]

@@erinlosik4597 thank you!!!

[@sheluvssmokedupeyes1]

There’s a nail tech I can tell you the difference between acrylic and gel is you can actually wash your hands before you apply gel products because gel is not as porous as acrylic

[@biancanitu6354]

Hey Hey! First pf all, your nails look amazing in the end. I've been doing nails for the past 2 years and actually I have a little bit of advise from past experiences. Before applying the gel in the cuticle area (basically before doing the "fill" part) put a thin layer of gel on the entire nail and over that uncured gel put the small blop of gel. It makes it so much easier to self level and in the end you may not even need to file much, just gently buff the nail and you are good to go. Also, for the lifting part it's not actually that hard you just need the tip of your drill to be where the lifting ends, if you file along that, the lifting will just fly out by it's own, you just need to file after to have a smooth surface before applying any product. I really hope you see this and try them, maybe they help you :) Good luck and keep up the great work! You're doing amazing!

[@michellefrate]

Thank you so much for your comment!! I’ve tried the thin layer method but maybe I need more practice with it! I’ll try it the next time I do my nails because you’re right, I might need to file less :) as for filing the lift, thanks for the tip, that’ll be so helpful ❤

[@deinellyoung7769]

Thank you for the video. I cannot handle the smell of acrylic at all. I switched to the hard gel and started doing my nails and home and I will never go back to a salon. It is so nice to do my nails whenever I feel like it, like when I have insomnia and I can't sleep.

[@michellefrate]

It’s so nice to be able to do it at home, I agree! It’s a great pass time as well since it usually takes me a few hours 😅 thanks for watching 😊

[@akc1373]

Came across this video randomly but I loved how you explained things you learned yourself and through your own experiences, that was sweet and clear❤️ loved the nails ! ❤

[@michellefrate]

Thanks sooo much 🥹❤ I'm so happy you enjoyed!

[@existing..6235]

your nails are beautiful! that pink color suits you very well and the red is just striking. thanks for sharing

[@michellefrate]

Thank you so much! 🥰

[@merriehansen5818]

These turned out so beautiful!!❤

[@michellefrate]

Thank you so much 🥹

[@JofromItaly]

I've been doing extensions (myself) for several years, but now I'm growing my matual nails out using the overlay method, like you. It's great!

[@michellefrate]

That’s awesome!! I commend you for doing your own extensions, I find that really hard. I really like using my own natural nails as the extension so if one breaks I tend to shorten them all to start over

[@JofromItaly]

@@michellefrate I fix them with polygel if they break and then do a builder gel overlay on top. Try that and see if it works.:)🙂

[@michellefrate]

@@JofromItaly that’s a really good idea!!! I’ll have to try that :)

[@emilyflanery7264]

I’m so glad I found your channel! I love doing my own nails (I’m too picky for a salon lol 😂).

[@michellefrate]

Omg thank you so much!! Same 😂 i prefer to be able to fix things myself 😅

[@zeehuss7275]

omg these are the prettiest hands and nails I've ever seen

[@michellefrate]

Omg this is the nicest compliment I’ve ever received 😭😭 thank you 🥰

[@Batty_0666]

I've been trying to grow my nails out for over 8 months now. I have noticed they are significantly healthier now & they do grow faster than before. Problem is, because of genetics, my nails are forever gonna be paper thin. Which is fine. That's what hard gels are for. Problem with that is I can't figure out how to prevent the gel from peeling off literally the next day to a few days after application. It's honestly defeating the purpose of using gel in the first place bc I know that stuff is literally supposed to last until you take it off yourself. 😂 I think I bought a bad batch tbh. No matter how many tutorials I follow step by step, this vid being my favorite! I've seen this one line 10 times.. I still get peeling. No lifting. But it just will peep right tf off even without lifting. So eventually I'm moving on to acrylic dip powder as soon as I possibly can. 🤷🏻‍♀️ The process seems way easier even if it is more time consuming to do. Idc about time. I care about my nails growing and staying long! 😂 I'm over the gel!

[@michellefrate]

Thank you!! Honestly the gel itself might be the issue, if you're doing all the prep right and curing properly, maybe try switching gels? I'm using a different brand of rubber base right now because kodi was unavailable on amazon when I needed to repurchase, but kodi is better than the one I currently have. sometimes the product is the only problem!

[@Batty_0666]

​@@michellefrateI definitely did some more research. Even went back and watched all the good tutorials lol. I genuinely think it's the brand of gels I have. 😂 I can't remember the name but I definitely won't repurchase. I will try out the Kodi brand!

[@mirandasamoluk3960]

Bestie ur nails are insane also I will be buying all of this

[@michellefrate]

OMG this makes me so happy LOLL 🤍🤍 I’ll help u if ever u need help

[@emileelawrence157]

IBD makes a base coat with primer built in. It works really well. Love your nails! This is the shape I want for myself.

[@michellefrate]

Thank you so much!!

[@d.s.28]

Stunning nails.Very helpful

[@michellefrate]

Thank you!!

[@peche7]

your nails are beautiful!! my nails tend to break once they get too long. i'm gonna think about starting with hard gel

[@michellefrate]

Thank you!! If you'd like something easier, you can even start with a structure gel (brand gelish on amazon) it does on like a nail polish but adds some strength :) that's how I started

[@neve2507]

Loved ur natural nails and how u keep them, i tried to do the same thing on my own but one day my nail came off and under was mycosis and now i have 6 nails that are sick and im still in pain about losing my long nails, but i find your video really helpful and maybe ill do as u do and ill be more lucky✧

[@michellefrate]

I’m so sorry to hear that!! I wish you health and hopefully you’ll have the long nails you want again soon 🥰

[@mentorwithtutor4968]

Great video with very detail explanation! 😊

[@michellefrate]

Thank you!!

[@РазрывШаблонов-к7м]

Love your nails 😍🥰

[@JJ-sd8yr]

So informative!!! WE LOVE

[@michellefrate]

TYSM 🥹

[@dcox1030]

How long did this take in real time? I’m self taught too and I love working with gel. The time it takes me to do myself is so annoying thought! I’m thinking of switching to acrylics..

[@michellefrate]

This took me about 3 hours! It's definitely annoying, which is why I don't do it every two weeks I try to push it to three. I've never worked with acrylic but I know it can be hard because you have a time limit to work with before it cures. It might be easier to work with a polygel if you're using the same type of gel I am? Otherwise, no harm in trying acrylic! I've always wanted to I'm just so used to gel already

[@MsBiz888]

❤❤❤ Your nails are beautiful, very good job! Is it possible to skip the hard gel step and just paint my nails with gelpolish after using the primer? This will allow my nails to grow with the original hard gel. By doing this, I can avoid having to constantly refill with hard gel, saving me time and money. When the hard gel reaches the tips of my nails, can I simply refill the entire nail again with hard gel?

[@michellefrate]

Thank you!! ❤you definitely can just paint your nails without refilling them with hard gel but I wouldn't recommend waiting until the hard gel grows out completely before refilling. This is because this will make your nails uneven in thickness if you just have a thicker coating near the end of your nails, which won't look the best, but also your nails without the hard gel will be weaker and having that bulk at the end of your nails can maybe make them break more easily. If you prefer not using hard gel at all, that's fine! You can just use gel polish. if you're going to use hard gel though, filling them is important. I hope that helps!

[@tinavolpe3639]

The video I had no idea I needed🤩

[@michellefrate]

11 year old me is so proud 😭

[@pinamanzanillo2533]

Love this !!!❤

[@michellefrate]

Thank youuuuu ❤

[@mariannalacrosse2886]

Your nails look beautiful. I have tried hard gel for my nails and it never stays . It always cracks days after I get them done doesn’t last 5 days . I wear gloves when washing dishes and yard work .So either it’s not applied correctly or bad product or allergy to it . Thanks for sharing .

[@michellefrate]

Thank you! I’d recommend looking at some videos about how to properly prep your nails before putting hard gel on your natural nails :) maybe it’s the products or the prep you’re doing

[@tothemoonandback8571]

Great job and gorgeous natural nails! I also wear the not quite almond/thinner type oval. I find that shape suits me best but don't keep mine quite as long as yours. I only use rubber base to strengthen as it doesn't require buffing...2-3 coats of it with no-wipe top coat and I'm good to go. Try using a carbide type gel removal bit as they take off gel alot faster. Also put oil on 1st as it is thinner than the salve for better absorption of both products. Keep up the great content!

[@michellefrate]

Thanks so much for the tips! Thats honestly a great way to keep your nails strong without all the maintenance of what I do and super easy ❤

[@phimeanheng851]

Hello, what’s the product that was on ur nails

[@o0gothique0o37]

They look so good

[@michellefrate]

Thank you so much!

[@chloejay8791]

Hey nail friend ! I love using IBD gel. We have the same nail drill too 😁

[@michellefrate]

Twins!! I really like the IBD gel and that container is going to last forever LOL

[@chloejay8791]

@@michellefrate Yes! I’ve had mine for months lol. I hope they never stop making it. Its also great for encapsulating nail art. The clarity is like no other lol

[@michellefrate]

Oh that’s a great idea!! I haven’t tried that but maybe I will soon :)

[@chloejay8791]

@@michellefrate i recommend! ☺️

[@sukhithapa544]

I have noticed ibd gel burns. Is it only me or do u feel the same way?

[@prettynailsuncut]

Newbie here. Your nails are beautiful. Thank you for sharing.👌💜

[@michellefrate]

Thank you so much!!

[@planning_with_patches5860]

How do you shorten your nails with builder gel. I've just started using builder gel and they are getting too long. Your nails look great.

[@michellefrate]

Thank you! I'll maybe one day do a video on it. If I want to take off only a bit of length I'll file them down with a hand file and then reduce the thickness by filing on top of the nail. If I want to shorten them completely, I'll take off most of the length with my e-file and then again file on top of the nail to reduce the bulk. Then I shape after all that

[@planning_with_patches5860]

@@michellefrate 😊 Thanks

[@itslowtide4690]

Can you help me? I’d like to grow out my natural nails. Recommend a rubber base gel and top coat? And primer/dehydrator if needed? Thank you 🙏🏽 ❤

[@michellefrate]

Hi of course! The only rubber base and top coats I've used are from Kodi and I really like them. You can try looking up other ones on Amazon (that's where I found Kodi, or go to Kodi's website). For a dehydrator, you can literally buy any, a dehydrator just removes oils from your nail. You can even use acetone to do the job instead of buying a dehydrator. For primer, I use the Kiara sky gelly tip primer, which works really well. You definitely want a good primer but dehydrator isn't as important. I hope this helps 🥹

[@amanda-pp5tt]

wait do u think it’s possible to do this w only rubber base gel then polish on top ?

[@michellefrate]

Yes! I've done it :)

[@Marites495]

😍Beautiful nails

[@michellefrate]

Thank you!

[@РазрывШаблонов-к7м]

Nails 🔥🔥🔥

[@sjyoungbloodsj]

GORG!!! New subbie🎉

[@michellefrate]

Thank you so much!!! Welcome 🤗

[@jeepc41]

Really Nice Job 👍

[@michellefrate]

Thank you so much ☺️

[@Guambeautii22]

Love this! How do you clean the brush after used?

[@michellefrate]

Thank you!! You mean the brush I used for the hard gel? I wet a piece of paper towel with rubbing alcohol and wipe the brush clean :)

[@Guambeautii22]

@@michellefrate thank you!!

[@donnawanna9833]

You need to file along the edges of the file, to remove sharp edges.

[@michellefrate]

Thank you! I did do that, my files are not brand new. I just didn't show it in this video

[@melaniagheorghe9256]

better than a tehnician, they are so bad latelly! good for you!

[@michellefrate]

Wow thank you so much!

[@GoaWay...]

It will last you THREE WEEKS?!!😳 Mines only last like a week and a half because my nails grow out kind of quickly. So I have to do mine due to all the new growth showing. ☹️

[@michellefrate]

That’s understandable!! Depending on the colour, I’ll either leave them for 3 weeks or 2 if the growth is really obvious because mine also grow pretty fast

[@nicollebustos3271]

How long does it take you to fully do?

[@michellefrate]

It depends! If I dont take off any length but want to just remove the design, fill and then paint my nails then it can take around 2-3 hours but depending on how much work I need to do or if I want to do a design it will take longer

[@michellefrate]

Happy spooky season 👻🎃

[@miranduri]

Super gorgeous.

[@michellefrate]

Thank you!!

[@jasminshade7883]

What can I use to get grow my nails thick like yours

[@michellefrate]

Hi! Unfortunately, the thickness of our nails all has to do with genetics and so we can’t change that :( the only reason my nails are thick is because I use hard gel on them. if you prefer not to use hard gel like I do, I’d recommend getting gel manicures to add at least a bit of structure to your nails. Or you can even buy a structure gel (from the brand gelish) and use it as a nail polish but it’ll add some strength to your nails. I hope that helps!

[@skorpion8057]

❤❤❤

[@louripp1533]

Can you do pedi blogs pla?

[@rebeccarodriguez9912]

You’re nails look so strong. I have weak brittle nails. What do you do?

[@michellefrate]

They're strong because of the hard gel on top! My nails under the hard gel are thinner and would break long before I get to this length if it wasn't for the hard gel I use in my video. I'd suggest using a structure gel in a bottle (brand gelish from amazon) to help you if you want something easy to start witth

[@itsacarolbthing5221]

Don't use acetone with any kind of gel. It doesn't clean it properly and it just doesn't work. Isopropyl alcohol at 70% is all you need. I do this process and i use th IBD hard gel too.

[@michellefrate]

Absolutely! If I said I use acetone to clean that was a mistake. I only clean on gel with 70% alcohol :) thanks for watching!

[@3veeeeee]

Meanwhile me who only uses nail polish and remover👁️👄👁️

[@michellefrate]

No shame in whatever works for you!! I also used to paint my nails with regular nail polish but couldn't grow them super long without using hard gel on top 😅

[@pepsichivs6162]

Hard gel is still classed as an extension....so technically they are not your "natural nails" even though you may have grown your natural nails to full length of the gel underneath....but they are not natural...you are seen filing down the growth from the nail bed and refilling....this is not done to natural nails???? Perhaps you need to change the description for this

[@michellefrate]

I understand, thanks for the comment! I don’t extend the length of my nails with the hard gel. So the length is natural, but yes the strength is not natural.

[@katphyre]

An extension, by the definition of the word, means you're adding length. So either sculpted nails or nail tips. If she doesn't extend the length it's called an overlay because the product is only laying over the top of her natural nail. Extensions add length and strength. Overlays just reinforce.

[@itsacarolbthing5221]

Your nails are beautiful. I wish I could wear that shape, but it just doesn't suit me. Square is my shape. That red is gorgeous!

[@michellefrate]

Thank you so much! Sometimes I wish I could do square but I find this shape looks best on my hands ❤️

[@connectwithyourdeck]

So helpful especially the part about filling them I am constantly getting that wrong and I butchered myself again!! Could you do a video on how you shape your nails and also measure from smile line to tip so we can see length!

[@michellefrate]

Thank you! It's definitely something you have to be careful with and it takes practice :) I can definitely do a video about shaping my nails and I can measure them for you

[@Pink-mandarina]

I found your video very,interesting and hope,your will have more nails,contents on your channel

[@simi_videos]

Gorgeous nails 💅

[@michellefrate]

Thank you!!

[@Bigb00bs_umchileanywaysso]

A tip to not get cut from the edge of a file is to use an old file and file the edge of a new file until it become dull and won’t cut your skin anymore.

[@michellefrate]

Absolutely! A great tip :)

[@marinariquelme4081]

To not cut your self with the file is to rub your new file edges on to an old file and you should be good and that also apply's to your mandrill run it on an old hand file 3 seconds on top and 3 seconds under and your good to go

[@michellefrate]

Yes, thank you! My files were not new when I filmed this so I already scored them prior to filming

[@sickxnailz]

so satisfying!!! 🥰 how long did this take u in real time? just curious

[@michellefrate]

Thank you!!! Usually when I have to fill and paint my nails (and I don't do a design) since it's just one simple colour, this usually maybe takes me 3 hours. I haven't been doing my nails for super long it's been a few years, but I take my time and it used to take me much longer. If I'm doing a design it might take a bit longer (maybe 4 hours??) and it also depends on how much filing I have to do (especially if I want to shorten my nails which I didn't do in this video). I try not to feel bad about it since I always pick a day I dont have many plans to do my nails and it's self care for me in a way 🥰

[@sickxnailz]

@@michellefrate that’s really good!! yeah that’s good that you don’t feel bad, a lot of people do but it’s an art that’s really time consuming

[@michellefrate]

@@sickxnailz absolutely!!

[@asboukcomfortable1670]

I've got long bendy natural nails. I use Nailtek 2 nail strengthener to stop my nails ripping and tearing! 💅 need to be 💅 💅 strong! Also a good tip is to apply under the nail tip and nail sidewalls. I use Silcare Flexy 2 in 1 basecoat & topcoat, its very shiny and protective of my gel nail polish! UK 🇬🇧 7.1.24

[@newjersey3992]

Beautiful nails! I noticed you lived in Canada lol, do you speak french too? Can you make agressive nail tapping videos?

[@lenny_00]

Gorgeous nails! Thanks for the tips ❤️❤️

[@RR-tk6kf]

У вас очень красивые ногти 😍😍😍

[@anniekhachmanyan5903]

My nail tech uses the kodi and that stuff if at it’s prime time if freshly opened and not left over time is INTENSE when you put it under the light. My nails last and look AMAZING!

[@michellefrate]

I LOVE the kodi base so much, the best base I've ever used

[@viva_violet]

Is this hard gel the same as builder gel? it seems like the same consistency. i have bottles of builder gel but haven't came across a tub like that yet in my country so wondered if they were the same thing. I am also doing my nails like this at home and i loved your video! edit: after seeing this video i searched for builder gels and came across this exact one shipped from USA so i'm guessing they are the same, i might splurge on the tub for myself :) how long would a tub like that last you?

[@michellefrate]

Yes, hard gel is builder gel! There's all kinds out there with different consistencies, polygel is also builder but it's much firmer :) thank you so much for watching! Also that IBD tub is so large, I've had it for almost two years now and there is still plenty inside, it will definitely last a few more years! So worth it to buy if you do your own nails

[@doorzzz1]

Your nails are beautiful Strong healthy

[@michellefrate]

Thank you!

[@doorzzz1]

​@michellefrate you're welcome. Is your Natural nails very strong?

[@michellefrate]

@@doorzzz1 I'd say they're about average with no product on them. But to grow them this long I need the gel, otherwise they'd chip or break too easily

[@doorzzz1]

@michellefrate are you going to make new videos in the future? Last video you made was a year ago. My nails are Pretty strong 💪

[@michellefrate]

@@doorzzz1 I’m thinking about it! It’s not my job or anything so I don’t want to pressure myself to do it. But maybe soon

[@maddy-nq1jh]

new fav nail youtuber lol ur nails r GORGEOUS such a great video :)

[@michellefrate]

thank you so much!! 🥰

[@brittanakenlock9216]

U need a quality course bit to remove your products fastest less burn anti clock wise

[@michellefrate]

Do you have recommendations?? :)

[@laurramer]

what shade and polish is the pink gel you had in the beginning? i love that color

[@michellefrate]

Thanks! It’s actually the brand gelish (I get it from Amazon) and it’s their structure gel in the shade cover pink. It’s very thick so if you get it, I recommend working in thin layers :)

[@RajKumar-ht6wj]

I love your beautiful nails ❤

[@michellefrate]

Thank you! ❤