Gel X Nails Tips & Tricks

Here I give you some pointers on how to get a better Gel X application. Enjoy!
Feel free to connect with me on Instagram! :)
I'm located in Fontana, CA.
To see more of my work find me on Instagram @Glam.Z.Nails.
Looking forward to connecting with you all!
Products Used:
Apres Gel X Nails in Coffin Long. The nail lamp and all the materials used to apply these nails are found in the website linked below. If you purchase the kit, it comes with everything you need to get started.
apresnail.com/collections/gel...
Recommended cuticle bit -- Medium Safety Bit from Amazon:
www.amazon.com/Pana-Safety-Bi...
Most of my polishes are from Mica Nail Supply they carry their own brand. They are located in Pomona, CA and as of now still don't have a website you can order from. But if you are local check them out!
1186 E Holt Ave Pomona CA 91767
My favorite top coat is from The Gel Bottle Inc:
www.thegelbottle.us/builder-g...
My Favorite Matte Top Coat is from Presto:
naillabostore.com/collections...

[@soulerheat]

thank you for the helpful tips! and i love the song you added at the end 🥰

[@rosies7262]

Why is this sooo relaxing to watch :) :) It must be the music and I think your voice too is very calm and gentle

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Rosie Sandberg Thank you so much 💕💕 So glad you enjoyed it!

[@Mary-es4nx]

💅🏾 Beautiful job. I received my kit the other day and did a full set yesterday morning. 💅🏾 Turned out well for my first time. Watching your videos has taught me a lot!!! Thank you!! 🤗

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Mary Vaughan Yey I’m so glad they help, Mary! It only gets easier as you keep doing them ☺️

[@saraha80]

Wow your work is immaculate! 😍💜

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Sarah A Thank you so much, I appreciate it!

[@victordemarco01]

Super helpful. Like a teacher.

[@CherryBlossomNailArt]

So helpful! Please make more videos of these 🥰

[@alexmiddleton7935]

Def the best gelx vid I’ve seen, this actually explains to work with it properly thank you!

[@ZamaraSanchez]

So glad you enjoyed it!! 💕

[@ZamaraSanchez]

I appreciate your lovely comment ☺️

[@MsJayrah]

Thanks for going through all the deets. Been looking for a video like this.

[@ZamaraSanchez]

My pleasure! Hope its helped! 💕

[@Katelstyled]

Thanks for the tips and tricks. Super helpful :)

[@linashinels]

Omg ur so good at explaining, thanks a lot for ur nice work

[@ZamaraSanchez]

My pleasure! Glad you enjoyed it! 💕

[@janinemoore1129]

such a great and informative tutorial thank you

[@katherineartiga4085]

Wow that’s gorgeous and such a helpful video . Thank you so much .

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Glad you enjoyed it! My pleasure!

[@genesisnicole9372]

Very informative!!! Thank you! I just bought my apres kit. Woth the long square tips and the xl chaun legend tips as well 🥰

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Yey! How exciting! Hope its going well! It takes.l a bit of practice but they are fun!

[@skippyjonjones7761]

I love your videos. You are really teaching and the nails are beautiful. 😁

[@ZamaraSanchez]

skippyjon jones Thank you so much!

[@MaiirasDay]

I need to learn how to make these this is def the year to learn!

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Indeed! Plus its so nice to be able to do your own nails! Saves so much money

[@GL1FE]

Amazing tips and tricks thank you so much 😊

[@luiperez2298]

Great tips thanks! N your set turned out beautiful 😍 do more Apres videos 🤗

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Lui Perez Thank you so much! Will do! Glad you enjoy them ☺️

[@fionakyndt7754]

Wow I love your videos, they are so informative. Please upload some more for us to watch. 😘😍❤

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Glad you enjoyed it! I took a break from nails but I should be back soon!! 🙌🏼

[@danadoozer9990]

THANK YOU! I've been using the apres nails on myself for a while now but I knew I was doing something wrong because they just weren't lasting long on my nails. I was not putting that extra gel at the bottom area of the nail, and I believe I was getting air pockets that were preventing the nails from adhering properly. I will try your method next time!

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Great! Hope it helped them stay longer!

[@marietrini7784]

Awesome 👏 advice, thanks 😊

[@kikibuzz25]

Great tips! Thank you

[@ZamaraSanchez]

My pleasure! Glad it was helpful!

[@almaquintero1105]

I love this video!! I really want to thank you for your tips and how in depth you are!! 😭 i Was having trouble with gel-x and my clients nails weren’t lasting for longer than a week or two.

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Alma Quintero You’re welcome! I learned a lot on youtube when I got started and I love being able to give back ☺️

[@saraurias1313]

How were you able to have nails stay longer than 2 weeks?

[@ZamaraSanchez]

@@saraurias1313 Its usually in the prep. @InsatiableNails on IG has some great classes she covers all of her tips and tricks

[@yasmeancakes]

Love!!!!

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Jazmin Timbol So glad you loved them Jazmin!

[@stkirstymaree3]

Thank you so much 😊

[@cindifunicelli6461]

I always have to buff before acetone too😊

[@ZamaraSanchez]

It’s just one of those things 😅

[@user-sn7ee4fk3g]

Hi good demo. If I'm allergic to acrylic nails can I go to gel way? thanks for all your help.

[@carlarenteria691]

What drill bit is the one you’re using to clean out the nails when done applying the tips? ☺️

[@montrealsworld5211]

Thank you 😊

[@TiffanyJosephsPhotography]

Thank you.

[@bonnienash7397]

ive been doing gel x /enailcouture etc. for a while & my cuticles always look the worst I cant get it right!! thx 4 the helpful advice!!

[@ZamaraSanchez]

My pleasure! Hope its helped!

[@laurenwilliams3674]

Hi! I’m new to gel x and i ran in to a new issue last night! My mom has curved/arched nail beds and i eventually gave up because i couldn’t get the tips to lay flat. As well, the biggest nail was a hair too small for her thumb so the natural nail was exposed on the sides. Any tips for what i can do to resolve this?

[@minaa423]

Did you use acetone to wipe the nail with the glitter line to make it matte ?

[@kathleenmackie6550]

Thank you 🥰

[@ZamaraSanchez]

My pleasure!

[@jennyayala4410]

love your work !! I have recently purchases my kit and have been doing some but one of my biggest problem is that they hurt. I don't know if it has to do with me sizing it wrong or with me having the lamp to close but I've heard that they shouldn't hurt. Any advice ? Thank you for your time.

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Jenny Ayala sorry for the late reply! Do they burn when curing? Or hurt days after? Curing is normal as gel has always had heat spikes. Just move the lamp away a few seconds and go back to curing. If they are hurting days after its probably incorrect sizing of the nail

[@JessicaReyes06]

Does it matter what primer and dehydrator you use? Because mine are always lifting and it’s because I don’t add enough gel but I don’t know if it’s also because of the primer and dehydrator

[@carlarenteria691]

omg thanks for the tips! Quick question, do they last longer if you put primer on the nail tip just like you did in the video? Help 😩 my clients nails have popped off a few times :( also do you use acetone or alcohol to clean them when you’re done buffing?

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Carla Renteria The primer helps, most importantly make sure all oils are removed from your clients natural nail. I use acetone when I eipe

[@mirnagreigeesper3623]

Please how we can remove the nail polish above the gel x and ca we make any nail polish above them

[@dyamondcaldwell7926]

How did you get your clients to try the new full cover soak off gel tips ?? Those that doesn’t anything about nails would think they are the plastic press Ons.

[@catina4082]

New subscriber thanks for tips

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Catina You’re welcome!!

[@daisyjuarezz3987]

Love this! How long do they last on your clients?❤️

[@dairyist]

Thank you for the helpful video! I'm not certified and I've been applying these Apres nails on myself for a year now. The hardest thing for me is to get the nail on straight! I like to use the sculpted ones and can't comfortably wear anything longer than the medium length. Every set I do, I'll need to redo at least one nail. Also, I notice that the topcoat will always dull down on me. I'm a Server so I'm kinda rough on my hands I guess. I have tried a lot of different brands and still haven't found one that stays shiny for an extended period of time. Any suggestions you might have would be greatly appreciated!!

[@ZamaraSanchez]

kel kel Hello! GelX is most def harder to apply on yourself. Just take your time and use a full size led lamp instead of the small one from Apres. It makes applying your own nails easier. As far as the top coat I use the one from TheGelBottle Inc. It is by far the best I have ever used.

[@corinaluna9584]

@@ZamaraSanchez I would love to buy from thegelbottle, but they only sell if you have a license, they do not sell to everyday consumers who do their own nails.

[@marisolgomez5579]

What bit is that and where did you buy it ?

[@NailsbyZylah]

Beautiful, what brand n color was the gold polish

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Good Morning! The brand is Vetro and it is their Gold Leaf collection. I cant remember the name 😕 I bought it long ago.

[@MorganLewis1]

This is so helpful! I know it's been almost two years since you made this video but I have a question! I'm getting so frustrated applying these on myself. No matter what I do, I have so many bubbles. I'm putting a ton of pressure on the nail when I cure, I prep properly, I have plenty of extend gel, I just don't get why they continue to bubble and are so quick and easy to pop off. Any tips??

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Hello! Glad you liked it!! Hmmm it could be many factors. Small bubbles are ok as long as there is gel all around them. You don’t want bubbles on the edges. Although we do need some pressure, you don’t need a ton. If you are having to apply too much, there might be an issue with sizing too. And if they are popping off, it could be a problem with gel getting on the cuticles when you are applying too much pressure.

[@leydimonserrat3509]

Does it give heat spikes ?

[@ilanaperez8727]

What color is the gold?

[@erikas3539]

Love your video and tips. So when I tried to remove mine I had them wrapped with regular acetone that is for natural and artificial nails for like 30 minutes and I still had a terrible time removing these. Should I be using 100% acetone ? Thanks

[@ZamaraSanchez]

You definitely want to use 100% acetone and if you have an efile use that to file them down first.

[@ym9230]

I e-file mine off with no problem.

[@operachef1]

I think I made the "not enough extend gel" mistake today, although I did end up having some squirt out the edges near the cuticle and I had to file it off. I just tried my first application and every single nail has bubbling. Do I need to immediately remove them? I don't want to get "greenies" because I left it too long.

[@ZamaraSanchez]

operachef1 I would remove and do them again. Gives you more practice and also safe

[@FoodieFran]

Love this! any advice for applying to yourself?

[@daliguti13]

I usually have someone (my teenage son who is never happy to help, LOL) help me hold light while I am doing the actual application. Be sure to follow all the steps and buff inside of nail tip.

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Your Fit Fran Hello! If doing them on yourself you def want to use a full size lamp. Thats always helped me and I place it on a book or something that will raise it so it can be easier to hold the nail and your finger under the lamp

[@MsClara-ud7uk]

@@ZamaraSanchez how long do you flash cure in a big LED light? x

[@ZamaraSanchez]

@@MsClara-ud7uk I do the same. 10 seconds for flash cure and then the full 60

[@elisefelix9677]

Hii! I was wondering what bit you we’re you using to clean around her cuticles? I checked the description and the one you linked looked different, sorry if I’m wrong! 🥰

[@ZamaraSanchez]

elise felix Hello! This one was from IG @Nails.Bits I dont think they have names just numbers. Hope that helps!

[@giovanarodriguez7353]

Hi!! I have a question? When I add the extend gel to the natural nail and I cure it why does it burn for like 3 seconds. By the way love your work!! ❤

[@kiwikitty220]

It is just a heat spike! Just remove your hand from the lamp and cure again. It could be thick too and thats why there may be a heat spike :)

[@Sus3i]

Love the shape and colour!! Question; can you get a simple colour change on gel x nails if they’re in good condition and have been on a little over two weeks? I don’t want a new set since they still look so good but The nail technician keeps telling me either to take them off and go back to natural nails or get a new set. How Accurate is this? Thank you :)

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Hello, it all depends on your nail tech. If they still look good, I keep them intact. I wouldn’t want to pay more lol Also, if you are wearing regular polish it might be possible to be done. However if you are wearing gel polish over gel x, I don’t think it would be a good idea to do a color change. She would have to file off the color to add a new one, which means taking a layer off the gel x making them thinner than they already are, possibly causing them to break.

[@ym9230]

I file the gel polish off and paint them over with no problem

[@CattyBoo23]

Thank you for this!! I appreciate it. A couple questions: So we don't need to buff the top of the nail before polish application and it will still stick ?? Do you use 100% acetone on top instead then? Also can you do a video on nail prep please. I've tried to get my natural nails as clean as possible but I can't seem to get all the dust off. Also do you reccomend using a manicure brush to clean off the nail plate or a lint free wipe ? Or is it same thing? & when you finish prepping the nail to wipe it off do you use alcohol or nail cleanser or acetone before putting dehydrator and primer? Sorry for all the questions but I'd really a appreciate if you reply 💖💖💖

[@ZamaraSanchez]

CattyBoo23 Hello!! Let me try to answer them all 😊 1. No need to buff, using acetone will make the nail tacky enough for polish. Correct, acetone is what is used with a lint free wipe. 2. For the dust, I use a big makeup brush (kabuki brush) then a lint free wipe with acetone to clean the nail and sides. You can use a manicure brush too I just never made it part of my process, it would be the same as wipe. 3. I always use acetone to clean the nail before dehydrator. No alcohol or nail cleanser although they do a similar thing. Hope this helps!

[@jessicalizeth526]

beautiful! love your work! i have a few questions about gel x nails! i purchased everything and everything seems fine.. but the nails lift and fall off after 1-2 days😭 how can i avoid this?

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Jessica Ramirez It can be different reasons. Have you been doing nails for some time? It might be the curing of the gel when you are putting them on. Make sure when you put the first coat on your natural nail dont cure longer than 30 seconds. And when placing nail extension on, use plenty of pressure making sure the lamp cures the cuticles very well

[@jessicalizeth526]

Zamara Sanchez yes i just started like 2 weeks ago.. im having so much trouble finding out why they lift😓

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Jessica Ramirez if you just started it might be the preparation of your actual nail. You need to make sure you clean up the cuticles well and remove all the shine from your nail. If any of the nail goes on cuticle they will lift

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Jessica Ramirez To be honest it took me a while to get my acrylics to not lift. So dont be hard on yourself. It takes time but its so rewarding when you get it down. Don’t give up keep going. I’ve been doing nails for 7 years now

[@jessicalizeth526]

Zamara Sanchez thank you so much for your advice💗

[@chaozinga]

Great tips!! 😍 I have the Kiara Sky's gelly tips. When I go to wipe them off with cleanser they turn white, do you have any idea why that happens? It's really weird. I always wipe the nails off with cleanser before I do the design so this feels so strange when it happens, It kinda feels like tape residue that I can scrape off 😳

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Linn Högberg Hello! Thats because the nails are made of gel, so you’re kind of melting them off already. The acetone melts them down very quickly. I would say try using less acetone :)

[@chaozinga]

@@ZamaraSanchez but there's no acetone in my cleanser, it's just isopropyl alcohol. That's why I think it's weird 😕

[@MyCrimsonMischief]

Linn Högberg It’s fine if it turns a little white it will turn back clear if you put topcoat on it

[@PEACEOUTO9]

Hi! I was wondering if I have to use the top coat the kit comes with or if I can use the top coat of the gel polish in using ?

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Victoria Summer Hello Victoria! If you are talking about top coat after your color polish, you do not need to use the one they send you. I use one from a different brand. I like it better

[@belindachan4541]

Hi! After you had applied extend gel on your nails. We have to shine the light for 30s to dry before applying the nails extension?

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Hello! Yes, you want to apply it on your natural nail first and cure. It’ll leave a sticky base and allow the nail tip with gel to adhere better

[@leanagutierrez494]

Hello, I have a question! Instead of using the exend gel. Can I use nail glue? BTW, these nails are gorgeous 😍

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Thank you! You definitely can. I have done it before. Doing it that way pretty much creates really nice press ons. It also allows you to pre make and decorate the nails before putting them on.

[@ym9230]

Beautiful set but I rebalance mine and they last 6 weeks.

[@Eva-sv6qc]

We can use CND sculpting gel with the tips????

[@ZamaraSanchez]

I would recommend sticking to the products included in the kit.

[@biancasosa8302]

When your using the apres nails what nail polishes can u use for them

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Bianca Sosa I use gel polish over them :) any brand should do

[@ginaprice5641]

What drill bit do you use please

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Hello! I can’t remember the name of this bit I got it a few years ago. Sorry! However I know that @InsatiableNails on instagram sells bit kits for Gel X and they are great 👍🏼 hope this helps point you in the right direction

[@jasminepender7531]

What’s the brand of the gold polish

[@ZamaraSanchez]

That would be Vetro 👍🏼

[@valeriecarrillo5698]

Hi, I hope all is well, I just saw your video and I love your work,I bought the kit some time ago but I’m not good at it, do you have your own shop.

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Valerie Carrillo Hello! Thank you ☺️ I don’t I do nails as a hobby and occasionally do a class here and there. What do you struggle with most with Gel X?

[@valeriecarrillo5698]

Zamara Sanchez Good morning, I have a hard time holding the nail and shining the light at the same time.

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Valerie Carrillo Is this to do a set on yourself or on someone else?

[@lindapowell4569]

How do you remove the gel x nails

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Hello Linda! The way I remove them is by cutting the free edge and filing down the enhancement with my electric file. You can also do this with a hand file 80 grit preferable. Once all the polish is off and the nail is thinned out, I wrap it with acetone and a foil and it comes right off after soaking for about 10 minutes. The key is to let the file do most of the work. Then the soaking is quick. This is also how I remove acrylic.

[@dancingstars123]

Do you push up the tip against the cuticle or do you lay the tip right before?

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Its right by the cuticle but not pushed up against it. You dont want it to tuck under since the lamp wont cure under there potentially causing lifting after it grows out

[@dancingstars123]

@@ZamaraSanchez Thank you for your help! :)

[@ZamaraSanchez]

@@dancingstars123 My pleasure! Happy Friday!

[@natashavorsatz9092]

Hi there. All the way from South Africa. My question or request is.... HOW DO YOU PAINT SO PERFECTLY 🥰. IM STRUGGLING BIG TIME. 😩

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Hello!! Wow South Africa, how awesome!!! For the painting, are you referring to the polish or the lines? For general polishing tips I would say, a very smooth nail is important. Also clean cuticles. Otherwise the polish will be all over. And always go with thin coats. Some polishes will need 2/3 even 4 coats before you get the coverage you are looking for.

[@jenn_ovo]

Am I able to use CND Brisa Gel in place of the extend gel?

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Hello, I wouldnt recommend it as their products are designed to all work together. Would it work? Probably, I just think the durability could possibly be compromised if I had to guess a worst case scenario.

[@jenn_ovo]

@@ZamaraSanchez Noted! Thanks for your reply!

[@isabel.guadalupec]

what nail drill bit are you using ?

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Isabel Cervera This is a drill bit I bought from @Nails.Bits on Instagram ☺️

[@isabel.guadalupec]

Zamara Sanchez thank you

[@itsdestinyguzman]

So she doesnt use base gel is it necessary?

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Hello! Do you mean the gel used before putting on colored gel polish? If thats the case, I don’t. When you wipe the gel x nail with acetone it gets sticky, and I apply my colors right over that.

[@MrGuzman72]

why does your get look like hard gel?

[@marietrini7784]

Why wipe it down with acetone and not alcohol? This video is of 2020 but now in 2021 I heard you can refill gel nails.

[@kelzthom8053]

Can you redo this without an efile?

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Absolutely. Just be extra careful not to get any gel on the cuticle and you’ll be just fine

[@tracyh.8877]

Can you use any primer or do you need apres brand?

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Good morning! They always say to use their brand, but if I had to guess...you’ll be just fine with any good brand primer 🙈

[@tracyh.8877]

@@ZamaraSanchez Thank you 😊

[@ZamaraSanchez]

@@tracyh.8877 My pleasure!

[@Fur_ball]

Will this work with non gel tips?

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Wendy Harrington I dont think so. Since its the gel to gel adhesion that makes them stay on

[@Fur_ball]

@@ZamaraSanchez thank you 😊

[@islandnailsbytania9034]

Hi There! I am a tech and thinking of investing in this system. What do you charge your clients for this service if I may ask?

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Hello, I know every region is different, however I personally would price them similar or more expensive than acrylic. Although they require slightly less work, the material itself is significantly more expensive and they last the same amount of time as the acrylic will. Hope this helps!

[@AnaRo_sales]

OMG I LOVE YOUR WORK....WHERE DID YOU GET THE GOLD POLISH FROM? I'M HERE IN LOS ANGELES @ZamaraSanchez

[@ZamaraSanchez]

Hello! Glad you enjoyed it! I got the Vetro at Skyline Beauty Supply its in LA 👍🏼 They’re super nice colors. I like that line a lot. Specially for the holidays it pops so nicely!

[@AnaRo_sales]

@@ZamaraSanchez how much do you charge for a gel x set?