DND Gel Application, Curing & Color Guide

DND 9D Cat Eye Velvet Jungle 36 shade color chart

Use this salon reference for DND, DC, and DIVA gel services. Follow the label on your exact product when it differs from this general guide.

DND gel application

  1. Prep: Clean and prepare the natural nail. Keep gel off the skin and cuticle.
  2. Base: Apply one thin coat of DND, DC, or DIVA base gel. Cure for 30 seconds under an LED lamp.
  3. Color coat 1: Apply a thin coat and cap the free edge. Cure for 45 seconds under an LED lamp.
  4. Color coat 2: Repeat with a second thin coat and cure for 45 seconds.
  5. Top: Apply DND no-cleanse top gel, cap the free edge, and cure for 45 seconds.

UV option: Many DND base and top products specify a 2-minute UV cure. Always use the cure time printed on the exact bottle and a compatible lamp.

Better wear and safer services

  • Thin, even coats cure more reliably than thick layers.
  • Remove any uncured gel from skin before curing.
  • Do not use a product that has thickened, separated permanently, or passed its recommended shelf life.
  • Moisturize the cuticles daily after the service.
  • Digital swatches are a guide; screen settings, lighting, and the base color can change how a shade appears.

Magnetic cat-eye technique

DND Velvet Jungle multicolor cat eye manicure

  1. Apply base gel and cure.
  2. Apply a thin layer of magnetic cat-eye gel.
  3. Hold the magnet close to the uncured surface without touching it. Move the magnet to shape the light line.
  4. Cure one nail at a time so the magnetic particles do not disperse.
  5. Repeat if needed, then seal with top coat and cure.

Shop the DND 9D Cat Eye Velvet Jungle 36 Set

Chrome powder technique

DND White Pearl chrome effect examples

  1. Complete base and color coats, curing each layer.
  2. Apply a smooth no-cleanse top coat and cure for 30–45 seconds under LED or 60 seconds under UV.
  3. Rub chrome powder firmly onto the nail with an applicator.
  4. Brush away loose powder.
  5. Seal the free edge with top coat and cure.

Shop White Pearl #01 · Shop White Silk #02

Removal

  1. Lightly file the shine from the top coat.
  2. Wrap nails with acetone-soaked cotton and foil for about 10–15 minutes.
  3. Gently slide away loosened product. Rewrap resistant areas instead of forcing or scraping them.
  4. Wash hands and apply cuticle oil.

Choose the right system

  • DND and DIVA: 15 ml gel bottles on many color and essential products.
  • DC: 18 ml gel bottles on many color and essential products.
  • Gel color: Requires base, curing, and top gel.
  • Matching lacquer: Air dries and is used separately from the gel system.

Shop all DND products at Sam's Nail Supply