Ocibel manicure protocols
Different Application Protocols
Every Step, Protocol and Tip for a Perfect Manicure
Discover every precise step to achieve gorgeous nails, whether you’re a beginner or a professional. With Ocibel’s detailed protocols and high-quality products, you can create a flawless manicure with ease!
Our Protocols:
The Importance of Following the Right Protocol
Beautiful nails have become a must-have. Nail art is constantly evolving, transforming nails into true works of art. But to achieve a flawless result, it’s essential to follow a precise process.
With our detailed advice and protocols, you’ll be able to achieve a perfect manicure, even with no prior experience. Here you’ll find all the essential techniques:
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UV gel application
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Gel polish application
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One-phase gel application
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Acrylic application
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False nails
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Removal techniques
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Good hygiene practices and nail preparation
⇒ View the one-phase gel application protocol for false nails
⇒ View the 3-step application protocol for false nails
⇒ View the acrylic application protocol for false nails
⇒ View the gel polish application protocol for false nails
Protocol for applying UV gel false nails with a French manicure (one-phase)
Step 1: Nail preparation
This step is essential to ensure that the tips and UV gel adhere properly.
Before any manicure, your nails and hands must be clean, disinfected and dry. You must also remove all traces of nail polish.
1a. Disinfect your hands and push back your cuticles. Using a cuticle pusher, gently push the cuticles back towards the skin to expose more of the nail plate.
Tips: Remove any small pieces of dead skin on the surface of the nail. Otherwise, the gel may not adhere properly to a greasy surface such as skin.
1b. Using a nail buffer, gently buff until the nail’s natural shine has disappeared.
Tips: Do not file too much, to avoid damaging the nail.
1c. Remove dust from the nails with a manicure brush or makeup brush (e.g. a clean blush brush).
1d. Cleanse the nails with a lint-free cellulose pad soaked in cleanser.
Step 2: Applying the tips
This step is optional if you do not wish to lengthen your natural nails or if you are using nail forms.
2a. Choose tips that fit the size of your natural nails.
Tips: If none of the sizes fit your nails, choose a larger tip and file it to fit your nail. If the tip is too small, it will not stay in place.
2b. Apply glue to the well of the tip, then attach it to the edge of your natural nail, holding it firmly in place for 7 seconds.
Tips: There should be no bubbles between the natural nail and the tip. If there are bubbles or the tip is not properly attached, use a tip remover to remove it and apply it again.
2c. Cut the tip to the desired length with a nail tip cutter.
2d. File the seam with a 180/100-grit banana file until it blends into the natural nail.
Tips: Avoid filing the natural nail. This step is essential for removing the seam between the nail and the tip, so the tip is no longer visible once the gel has been applied.
2e. Smooth out any imperfections left by filing with a nail buffer.
2f. Remove dust from the nails with a manicure brush or makeup brush (e.g. a clean blush brush).
2g. Apply a thin coat of primer to the natural nail and let it air-dry.
Tips: Primer prepares the nail surface, helping products adhere better and making your manicure last longer.
Step 3: Applying the base gel
3a. Using a brush with a small amount of one-phase gel, apply a thin coat of gel like nail polish over the entire nail surface (including the tip).
Tips: For the gel to adhere perfectly, it must be applied evenly over the entire nail surface (including the tip), especially along the sides. Be careful not to let the gel run onto the skin. If it does, remove it with a stick or brush. Tip: Apply the gel by pressing the brush against the nail, as if you were working the gel into it.
3b. Cure (dry the gel) under a UV lamp for 2 to 3 minutes or under an LED lamp for 60 seconds (if using LED gel). Tips: Since this layer of gel is very thin, you can apply it to all the nails on one hand before placing them under the UV or LED lamp.
Tip: It is perfectly normal if a sticky layer of uncured gel remains. Continue with the application without removing it.
Step 4: Applying camouflage gel (optional if using colored gel)
4a. Apply a coat of camouflage gel over the entire nail surface.
4b. Cure (dry the gel) under a UV lamp for 2 minutes or under an LED lamp for 60 seconds (if using LED gel). If necessary, apply a second coat of UV camouflage gel.
Tips: You can cure each nail for a few seconds under the lamp between applications to set the gel. Once all the nails on the hand are done, cure under a UV lamp for 2 minutes or under an LED lamp for 60 seconds (if using LED gel). For your manicure to last, DO NOT cleanse the nail or touch the sticky layer of uncured gel.
Step 5: Applying the French manicure (optional if using colored gel)
5a. Using a brush, apply white French gel to the edge of the nail in your desired shape.
Tips: To prevent the gel from running, cure each finger for 5 seconds.
5b. Once all the fingers are done, place your hand under the UV lamp for 2 minutes or under an LED lamp for 60 seconds (if using LED gel).
Step 6: Applying UV/LED construction gel
6a. Pick up a generous amount of construction gel on the brush. Apply the gel over the entire nail surface. It will become smooth after a few seconds because it is self-leveling.
Tips: Apply the gel down the center of the nail, from the cuticle (without touching it) to the tip. Place the brush at the top of the nail (by the cuticle), spread the gel to the right, stopping just before the skin, then move down to the tip of the nail. Repeat on the other side.
Tip: The brush should not press down on the gel; it should simply glide over the surface without pressure. To do this, hold the brush parallel to the nail.
The apex
You need to create an apex on the nail, meaning that the stress area (where the tip is attached) should have a thicker layer of gel. This creates the apex.
6b. Pick up a small bead of gel on the brush and place it where you want the apex to be.
6c. Wait a few seconds for the bead of gel to settle.
6d. Check the shape of the nail. When the gel has formed an apex rather than a bead, hold your hand in front of the lamp for 15 seconds, then under the lamp for 10 seconds (20 seconds for the thumbs).
6e. Repeat these 3 steps on each finger.
6f. Cure under a UV lamp for 2 minutes or under an LED lamp for 60 seconds (if using LED gel).
Tips: The gel must not touch the skin. If any gel gets on the skin, remove it with a wooden cuticle stick. A thin layer of uncured gel should remain.
6g. Cleanse (remove the uncured layer of gel) with a lint-free cellulose pad soaked in cleanser.
6h. File with a 180-grit file to smooth the gel and remove any bumps. This step lets you shape the nail and smooth out any unevenness.
6i. Use a nail buffer to remove any roughness and filing marks, only on the front and sides of the nails.
6j. Remove dust with a manicure brush.
Step 7: Applying colored gel (if using colored gel instead of a French manicure)
7a. Apply a first thin coat of colored gel, then cure under a UV lamp for 2 minutes or under an LED lamp for 60 seconds (if using LED gel). Do not cleanse the sticky layer.
7b. Apply a second thin coat of colored gel, then cure under a UV lamp for 2 minutes or under an LED lamp for 60 seconds (if using LED gel). Do not cleanse the sticky layer.
Step 8: Applying the finishing gel
8a. Using a brush, apply a thin coat of one-phase gel and wait until the surface is completely smooth. Tips: Do not press the brush down; let it glide over the nail surface without pressure. The coat should be thin but smooth.
8b. Hold your finger in front of the lamp for 5 seconds, then under the lamp for 15 seconds.
8c. Repeat these 2 steps on each finger.
8d. Hold your hand in front of the lamp for 5 seconds, then under a UV lamp for 2 minutes or under an LED lamp for 60 seconds (if using LED gel).
8e. Wipe the nail with a lint-free cellulose pad soaked in cleanser.
8f. For a glossier finish, you can apply a thin coat of UV top coat and cure it under a UV lamp for 2 minutes or under an LED lamp for 60 seconds (if using LED gel). Do not cleanse with cleanser.
8g. Wash your hands.
Tips: For a perfect finish, apply a little nourishing cuticle oil around the edges of the nail and gently massage the cuticles in circular motions.
Warning: Do not leave gel pots open or brushes under UV/LED lamp light or in direct sunlight, as this will render them unusable.
Protocol for applying UV gel false nails with a French manicure (3-step)
Step 1: Nail preparation
This step is essential to ensure that the tips and UV gel adhere properly.
Before any manicure, your nails and hands must be clean, disinfected and dry. You must also remove all traces of nail polish.
1a. Disinfect your hands and push back your cuticles. Using a cuticle pusher, gently push the cuticles back towards the skin to expose more of the nail plate.
Tips: Remove any small pieces of dead skin on the surface of the nail. Otherwise, the gel may not adhere properly to a greasy surface such as skin.
1b. Using a nail buffer, gently buff until the nail’s natural shine has disappeared.
Tips: Do not file too much, to avoid damaging the nail.
1c. Remove dust from the nails with a manicure brush or makeup brush (e.g. a clean blush brush).
1d. Cleanse the nails with a lint-free cellulose pad soaked in cleanser.
Step 2: Applying the tips
This step is optional if you do not wish to lengthen your natural nails or if you are using nail forms.
2a. Choose tips that fit the size of your natural nails.
Tips: If none of the sizes fit your nails, choose a larger tip and file it to fit your nail. If the tip is too small, it will not stay in place.
2b. Apply glue to the well of the tip, then attach it to the edge of your natural nail, holding it firmly in place for 7 seconds.
Tips: There should be no bubbles between the natural nail and the tip. If there are bubbles or the tip is not properly attached, use a tip remover to remove it and apply it again.
2c. Cut the tip to the desired length with a nail tip cutter.
2d. File the seam with a 180/100-grit banana file until it blends into the natural nail.
Tips: Avoid filing the natural nail. This step is essential for removing the seam between the nail and the tip, so the tip is no longer visible once the gel has been applied.
2e. Smooth out any imperfections left by filing with a nail buffer.
2f. Remove dust from the nails with a manicure brush or makeup brush (e.g. a clean blush brush).
Step 3: Applying the UV/LED base gel
3a. Using a brush with a small amount of base gel, apply a thin coat of gel like nail polish over the entire nail surface (including the tip).
Tips: For the gel to adhere perfectly, it must be applied evenly over the entire nail surface (including the tip), especially along the sides. Be careful not to let the gel run onto the skin. If it does, remove it with a stick or brush. Tip: Apply the gel by pressing the brush against the nail, as if you were working the gel into it.
3b. Cure (dry the gel) under a UV lamp for 2 minutes or under an LED lamp for 60 seconds (if using LED gel).
Tips: Since this layer of gel is very thin, you can apply it to all the nails on one hand before placing them under the UV or LED lamp. Tip: It is perfectly normal if a sticky layer of uncured gel remains. Continue with the application without removing it.
Step 4: Applying UV/LED camouflage gel (optional if using colored gel)
4a. Apply a coat of camouflage gel over the entire nail surface.
4b. Cure (dry the gel) under a UV lamp for 2 minutes or under an LED lamp for 60 seconds (if using LED gel). If necessary, apply a second coat of UV camouflage gel.
Tips: You can cure each nail for a few seconds under the lamp between applications to set the gel. Once all the nails on the hand are done, cure under a UV lamp for 2 minutes or under an LED lamp for 60 seconds (if using LED gel).
For your manicure to last, DO NOT cleanse the nail or touch the sticky layer of uncured gel.
Step 5: Applying the French manicure (optional if using colored gel)
5a. Using a brush, apply white French gel to the edge of the nail in your desired shape.
Tips: To prevent the gel from running, cure each nail for 5 seconds.
5b. Once all the fingers are done, place your hand under the UV lamp for 2 minutes or under an LED lamp for 60 seconds (if using LED gel).
Step 6: Applying UV/LED construction gel
6a. Pick up a generous amount of construction gel on the brush. Apply the gel over the entire nail surface. It will become smooth after a few seconds because it is self-leveling.
Tips: Apply the gel down the center of the nail, from the cuticle (without touching it) to the tip. Place the brush at the top of the nail (by the cuticle), spread the gel to the right, stopping just before the skin, then move down to the tip of the nail. Repeat on the other side.
Tip: The brush should not press down on the gel; it should simply glide over the surface without pressure. To do this, hold the brush parallel to the nail.
The apex
You need to create an apex on the nail, meaning that the stress area (where the tip is attached) should have a thicker layer of gel. This creates the apex.
6b. Pick up a small bead of gel on the brush and place it where you want the apex to be.
6c. Wait a few seconds for the bead of gel to settle.
6d. Check the shape of the nail. When the gel has formed an apex rather than a bead, hold your hand in front of the lamp for 15 seconds, then under the lamp for 10 seconds (20 seconds for the thumbs).
6e. Repeat these 3 steps on each finger.
6f. Cure under a UV lamp for 2 minutes or under an LED lamp for 60 seconds (if using LED gel).
Tips: The gel must not touch the skin. If any gel gets on the skin, remove it with a wooden cuticle stick. A thin layer of uncured gel should remain.
6g. Cleanse (remove the uncured layer of gel) with a lint-free cellulose pad soaked in cleanser.
6h. File with a 180-grit file to smooth the gel and remove any bumps. This step lets you shape the nail and smooth out any unevenness.
6i. Use a nail buffer to remove any roughness and filing marks, only on the front and sides of the nails.
6j. Remove dust with a manicure brush.
Step 7: Applying colored gel (if using colored gel instead of a French manicure)
7a. Apply a first thin coat of colored gel, then cure under a UV lamp for 2 minutes or under an LED lamp for 60 seconds (if using LED gel). Do not cleanse the sticky layer.
7b. Apply a second thin layer of colored gel, then cure for 2 minutes under the UV lamp or 60 seconds under the LED lamp (if using LED gel). Do not wipe off the sticky layer.
Step 8: Applying the UV / LED Top Coat Gel
8a. Apply a thin layer of Top Coat Gel using the brush and wait until the surface is completely smooth. Tips: Do not press the brush against the nail; let it glide smoothly over the surface without pressure. The layer should be thin but smooth.
8b. Place your finger in front of the lamp for 5 seconds, then under the lamp for 15 seconds.
8c. Repeat these 2 steps on each finger.
8d. Place your hand in front of the lamp for 5 seconds, then under the UV lamp for 2 minutes or under the LED lamp for 60 seconds (if using LED gel).
8e. Wipe the nail with a cellulose pad soaked in cleaner.
8f. For a shinier finish, you can apply a thin layer of UV Top Coat and cure it for 2 minutes under the UV lamp or 60 seconds under the LED lamp (if using LED gel). Do not wipe with cleaner.
8g. Clean your hands.
Tips: For a perfect finish, apply a small amount of nourishing cuticle oil around the nail and gently massage the cuticles in circular motions.
Warning: Do not leave gel jars open or leave brushes under the UV/LED lamps or in direct sunlight, as this will make them unusable.
Acrylic Nail Application Protocol
Step 1: Nail Preparation
This step is essential to prevent the resin from lifting.
- Clean your hands, then disinfect them with hand sanitizer.
- Remove all traces of nail polish using nail polish remover.
- Push back the cuticles using a cuticle pusher.
- File the nail surface vertically using a nail file to create a better grip.
- Dust off your nail.
Step 2: Choose Between Tips and Nail Forms - Applying Tips
- Choose tips based on the size of your natural nail.
- Apply glue to the edge of the tip, then place the tip on the nail and hold it in place for 7 seconds.
- Shorten the tip to the desired length using the guillotine pliers.
- File the transition line with a 100/180 nail file so that it blends in with the natural nail.
- Remove any rough patches using the buffing block.
- Dust off the nails using a nail brush.
Apply primer to the entire nail surface, including the tip, taking care not to touch the skin or cuticles. Allow to air dry. - Applying Nail Forms
- Apply primer to the entire surface of the natural nail, taking care not to touch the skin or cuticles. Allow to air dry.
- Remove the center of the nail form, then glue it under the graduated part of the form.
- Separate the pre-cut tabs of the nail form.
- Glue the tabs to the finger (above the cuticles).
- Shape the rounded part of the form and secure it by gluing the lower part of the form.
Step 3: Shaping the Resin Nails
- Add a small amount of monomer liquid to the mixing glass.
- Dip the tip of the brush into the liquid, then lightly wipe it on the rim of the glass.
- Hold the brush vertically in the white powder (a bead will form at the tip of the brush; it should be large enough to cover the entire edge of the nail).
d. Place the bead on the tip of your nail, then begin shaping:
- Flatten the bead by holding the brush horizontally
- Smooth the bead on each side
- Then draw the desired French shape by gently pushing the resin as it hardens (note: the resin will harden after 2 minutes)
Applying Pink Resin in 3 Steps
- Add a small amount of monomer liquid to the mixing glass.
- Dip the tip of the brush into the liquid, then lightly wipe it on the rim of the glass.
- First bead :
This bead should be smaller than the first white bead
Place the bead in the center of the nail, then begin shaping:
- Let the bead flow for a count of 3
- Smooth the bead on each side, then smooth the center of the bead as if applying nail polish.
- Second bead :
Hold the brush vertically in the pink powder (a bead will form at the tip of the brush)
This bead should be smaller than the first pink bead
Place the bead on the cuticle side of the nail, taking care not to touch the cuticles, then begin shaping:
- Let the bead flow for a count of 3
- Flatten the bead with the brush held horizontally.
- Third bead :
This bead should be the same size as the second pink bead
Place the bead in the center of the nail between the 2nd and 3rd beads
Begin shaping:
- Let the bead flow for a count of 3
- Flatten the bead with the brush held horizontally.
- File the nail surface using a nail file
- For the sides, use a 180-grit nail file (the finest)
- For the tips, use a 180-grit nail file (the finest) and file the free edge to the desired shape.
- For the cuticle and side areas, use a 100-grit nail file (the coarsest) and file in diagonal motions until the surface is even. Carefully file the edge closest to the cuticles, ensuring there is a small gap between the cuticle and the acrylic.
Step 4: Finishing
- Apply a thin layer of Top Coat to the nail and allow to air dry.
- Apply a drop of cuticle oil to the cuticles and massage it in.
- Wash your hands.
Artificial Nail Application Protocol for Semi-Permanent Polish
Step 1: Nail Preparation
Before starting, the nails must be clean and dry. Carefully remove all traces of nail polish.
1a. Disinfect your hands and push back the cuticles using a cuticle pusher that you have previously disinfected, exposing as much of the nail bed as possible.
Tips: Small dead skin on the nail surface must be removed, as semi-permanent polish cannot adhere properly to an oily surface such as skin.
1b. File the natural nails with the 100/180 nail file.
Tips: Use the finest 180-grit file; do not file the natural nail too much, as this may damage it.
1c. Dust off the nails with a manicure brush or makeup brush.
1d. Degrease the nails with a cellulose pad soaked in cleaner.
1e. Apply a thin layer of primer to the natural nail, then allow to air dry.
Tips: Primer is a penetrating antiseptic that prepares the nail, ensuring it is in optimal condition for the products to adhere properly.
Step 2: Applying the Base Coat
2a. Apply a layer of TwinCoat Base & Top Coat to the nail without touching the skin. Then cure (harden) for 2 minutes under the UV lamp or 60 seconds under the LED lamp.
Tips: A sticky layer of semi-permanent polish will remain; do not remove it, as it will allow subsequent layers of semi-permanent polish to adhere properly
Step 3: Applying the Colored Semi-Permanent Polish
3a. Apply a first thin layer of Colored Semi-Permanent Polish without touching the cuticles, finishing by drawing a horizontal line at the tip of the nail. Cure for 2 minutes under the UV lamp or 60 seconds under the LED lamp.
3b. Apply a second layer of Colored Semi-Permanent Polish without touching the cuticles, finishing by drawing a horizontal line at the tip of the nail. Cure for 2 minutes under the UV lamp or 60 seconds under the LED lamp
LED.
Tips: You can apply the semi-permanent polish to all fingers by placing each finger under the UV or LED lamp for a few seconds to set the polish. Then cure all fingers for 2 minutes under the UV lamp or 60 seconds under the LED lamp. (A sticky layer of polish will remain; do not remove it, as it will allow subsequent layers of polish to adhere properly)
Step 4: Applying the Top Coat
4a. Apply a layer of TwinCoat Base & Top Coat to the nail without touching the skin. Then cure for 2 minutes under the UV lamp or 60 seconds under the LED lamp.
4b. A sticky layer will remain; remove it with a cotton pad soaked in cleaner.
4c. To finish, apply a small amount of cuticle oil to your cuticles and massage it in gently.
Removal:
File the top coat layer with a nail file. Soak a cotton pad in nail polish remover and place it on the nail, then wrap it in aluminum foil. Leave for 15 to 20 minutes and remove the remaining polish with a cuticle pusher. Finish removal by buffing with a buffing block.
Hygiene and Tips:
