Yes, you can embed nail art in gels by completing the following steps. The first step is to prep the nail plate by edging the nail and removing the natural oils from the nail plate. Then apply your bonding agent.
Cure if necessary (follow your manufacturer’s instructions), and then apply a very thin layer of your builder gel and place your nail art on top, be it canes, rhinestones, stickers, mylar, etc. Remember to use a little pressure to secure it. Once it’s secure, cure for about a minute to freeze the product and then cap your art with the builder gel. Cure under the UV light, then file and shape to your desired length. Seal it with a sealant and remove the dispersion film, and you’ll have nice, secure embedded nail art. — Lina Maria Hernandez is an educator for LCN.
Carolyn Smith of Gelish says that embedding rhinestones in gel is not only easy, but helps you create a unique 3-D design that clients will love. Using an orange wood stick with the pointy end, make circular motions from the center of the nail towards the right side, continuing all the way out and over the free edge. To watch a video on this technique or learn more about Gelish products, visit the company's website.