Ava Monroe
Gel nails are a popular choice for those wanting a long-lasting manicure. However, as nails grow out, a gap between the cuticle and the enhancement can form, and the gel can start to look dull or chip. While some opt to remove their gel nails and start over, it is possible to touch up gel nails at home or in a salon. This can involve filing the nails, removing shine, and restoring colour.
Can I touch up my gel nails?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Repairing gel nails at home | Possible, but may not look good |
| Repairing chipped gel nails | Possible, but may result in an uneven surface |
| Repairing dull gel nails | Possible, but may require buffing to remove shine |
| Repairing gel nails with a gel overlay | Easier to fill than to remove and start over |
| Time between gel nail touch-ups | Typically 10 to 14 days |
| Cuticle work | Minimal, use a fine ceramic bit to smooth the cuticle area |
| Removing shine | Use an e-file or hand file to gently remove shine from the gel nail |
| Cleansing the nail | Use Swipe liquid or alcohol-moistened towelette/wipe |
| Applying gel | Use a base coat, such as Kokoist Mega Stick Base |
| Curing the gel | Cure under UV light |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Repairing chips and restoring shine
If you get a chip in your gel nails, you can repair it at home without having to redo the entire nail. However, if the chip is too big or the nail is peeling or crackling, it's best to start over with a fresh manicure.
To fix a small chip, file the chipped edge with a nail file to break the topmost coat of the gel polish. Then, buff the edges of the polish that's already on the nail. After that, apply two coats of a similar polish shade so that it blends in. Finish with a top coat to seal your nail polish.
If you don’t have the exact shade of polish, you can transform your chipped manicure into nail art by using a contrasting shade or regular glitter nail paint. If there is more than one spot that’s uneven, you can use polka dots as cover-ups. Seal it with a top coat, and you’re set.
To restore shine to gel nails, avoid touching or wiping the nails right after curing. This can ruin the shine, especially if the nails are still warm.
Gel Nails: Friend or Foe of Your Rings?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$16.69 $25.99
Removing colour and repainting
If you want to remove the colour from your gel nails and repaint them, there are several methods you can use. One way is to file off the colour. You can use an e-file, but be careful as these can be difficult to control. A regular hand file will give you more control, but it will take longer. You can also use an e-file with a medium-grit band to remove the shine from the exposed natural nail. This will give the gel something to adhere to.
Before repainting, you will need to cleanse the nail. You can do this with an alcohol-moistened wipe or Swipe liquid. You can then apply a base coat and your choice of gel polish.
If you don't want to remove all the colour, you can also do a fill. This is where you add more gel to the nails to cover any gaps between the cuticle and the enhancement. However, this can make the surface uneven, and the more coats you add, the bulkier your nails will become. It's also important to note that if you're using soak-off gel, it's not meant to adhere for more than a few weeks, so it will be more tedious to remove if you keep adding layers. Hard gel, on the other hand, will adhere for many months and doesn't soak off in acetone.
Gel Tips Application: Easy Steps for Beginners
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Using a gel overlay
There are different types of gel overlays, including soft gel and hard gel. Soft gel overlays can be soaked off, whereas hard gel overlays cannot and need to be filed off. Hard gel is more rigid and suitable for those wanting longer nails or those who are more hands-on, perhaps through a hobby or occupation. Soft gel overlays, on the other hand, are more flexible and are suitable for those with marginally weak nails that are not exposed to extensive wear and tear.
Builder gels or 'Builder In A Bottle' (BIAB) are thicker versions of standard gel, providing extra support for very flexible natural nails. They are ideal for short to medium nail lengths and will soak off, although they take longer to remove than soft gel overlays.
Another option is Acrygel, a modern hybrid of gel and acrylic, offering the best of both worlds. It provides the strength of traditional acrylics while being less dehydrating to your natural nails. Acrygel is an excellent choice for those who want the toughest level of protection against wear and tear.
Gel overlays are a popular choice as they can help your natural nails grow longer and stronger. They also make the colour last longer, and any chips or scrapes can be easily repaired at home without having to remove the polish completely.
Gel Polish Won't Stick: What's the Deal?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Filling grown-out gel nails
Filling in grown-out gel nails is a simple process that can be done at home to prolong your manicure until you can make it to the salon. The first sign that your gel nails have grown out is a visible gap between the natural nail plate and the artificial gel layer. This gap is caused when your nails start to grow, and the gel does not move with them. You may also notice that the edges of the gel are lifting, or coming away from the natural nail plate. This process is known as "lifting" in the nail industry.
To fill in grown-out gel nails, start by removing the shine from the surface of the nail to give the gel something to adhere to. You can do this by using a nail buffer to gently buff the entire nail. This will break the seal on the top coat and allow your new polish to adhere better. Next, use a nail file to level off the edges of any chips to create an even base for the new polish. Apply a base coat to the exposed natural nail and the chipped area, getting it on the surface of the gel as well.
Gather a small bead of base gel and push it into the cuticle area and over the natural nail. Pull it all the way over to where you stopped filing and repeat on all nails. Set for 60 seconds, then use your hard gel to fill the back. Pillow the bead to the cuticle area, keeping the gel in front of the brush. Lightly pull and fill the nail and repeat for all nails, curing for 60 seconds. Wipe the nails with Swipe liquid to remove the tacky layer.
If you don't have the time or tools to fill in your gel nails, you can hide any obvious and unsightly growth gaps with a little pop of regular nail polish. For block colours, simply pair your regular polish with your manicured gel polish colour and fill the gap. For patterned nails, you can either extend the pattern onto your natural nail with a collection of regular polishes or choose the most prominent colour from the design and fill the gap with that.
The Ultimate Guide to Gel Nails: Appearance and Benefits
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Removing shine from the nail surface
Removing the shine from the nail surface is the first step in the gel nail removal process. This step is crucial as it ensures that the acetone can penetrate the glossy outer coat of the nail and effectively remove the gel. Here is a detailed guide on how to remove the shine from your gel nails:
Start by using a nail file to gently rub the surface of the gel nail. File the nail until the surface loses its shine and becomes slightly rough. Be careful not to over-file your nails, as this can cause damage. It is recommended to use a regular nail file or a fine-medium grit hand file, as this gives you more control during the process.
If you are uncomfortable with filing your nails, an alternative method is to use an e-file. An e-file is an electric nail file that can quickly and effectively remove the shine from your nails. However, it requires practice to master the technique, and over-filing can still damage your nails.
Once the shine is removed, your nails are ready for the next step in the gel removal process, which involves using acetone to dissolve the gel. It is important to note that acetone can be harsh on your nails and skin, so always take precautions, such as using cuticle oil and petroleum jelly, and follow a reputable step-by-step guide for the best results.
Remember, it is always an option to consult a professional nail technician for advice or to have your gel nails removed safely and effectively.
Gel Nails: Filling Tips and Tricks for Beginners
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can touch up your gel nails at home. You can repair chips, restore shine, and fill in gaps between the cuticle and the nail enhancement.
First, remove the shine from the surface of the nail to give the gel something to adhere to. Then, use a Swipe liquid to cleanse the nail. Next, use a hand file to remove any colour. After that, apply a base coat and redo your nails as desired.
Gel nails typically need to be touched up every 10 to 14 days.
Yes, you can paint over cured gel polish with more gel polish. However, you will need to buff the nail until the shine is gone so that the new gel layer doesn't chip.
