Liam Carter
Gel nails are a popular choice for those who want long-lasting, chip-resistant manicures. Unlike acrylic nails, which can be filled, gel nails typically require the colour to be removed and redone when the nail grows out. However, some people have found ways to fill their gel nails at home, which involves removing most of the colour and leaving a thin base layer before filling in the grown-out area with new product. This method can help to prevent damage to the natural nail bed, which can occur when gel nails are peeled or ripped off. Using a builder gel can also add strength and protect the natural nail during the filling process.
Can you fill gel nails?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Filling gel nails | Possible with builder/sculpting gel |
| Filling gel nails | Not possible with gel polish |
| Removing gel nails | Requires removing the entire manicure |
| Removing gel nails | Damages the nail bed |
| Filling gel nails | Involves removing 80-90% of the manicure |
| Filling gel nails | Requires a gel meant for long-term wear |
| Filling gel nails | Requires an apex built with builder gel |
| Filling gel nails | Requires an e-file for removal |
| Filling gel nails | Requires a base gel and a builder gel |
| Filling gel nails | Requires a dehydrator and primer for bonding |
| Filling gel nails | Requires cleaning with acetone |
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What You'll Learn
The benefits of gel fills
Gel fills are a great way to maintain your manicure and keep your nails healthy and strong. Here are some benefits of gel fills:
Nail Strength and Protection
Gel fills help strengthen and protect your nails. When doing a gel fill, you leave 10-20% of the previous gel manicure on your nails, creating a strong protective layer. This layer provides a solid foundation for the new gel colour, allowing your nails to grow longer without breaking. It also prevents over-prepping your natural nails, which can cause them to become weak and damaged.
Nail Health
Gel fills are a healthier option for your nails compared to other extensions. The gel application and removal processes are gentler and less damaging than acrylics, which often require buffing and electronic filing that can thin out and harm your natural nails. Gel fills help you avoid the harsh removal processes associated with other nail extensions, such as soaking off the gel with acetone, peeling, or ripping off press-ons.
Flexibility and Natural Look
Gel extensions are more flexible than acrylics, creating a more natural look. The gel formula allows your nails to grow safely by providing an overlay on your natural nails. This flexibility also makes gel fills more durable, reducing the chances of damaging breaks, brittleness, and cracking.
Cost-Effectiveness
Gel fills can be more cost-effective than getting a new set of gel nails each time. By maintaining your manicure with gel fills, you can save money and time by extending the life of your gel nails.
Customisation and Convenience
Gel fills offer the convenience of changing your nail colour without starting from scratch. You can easily switch up your look by removing the gel colour while leaving the base layer intact. Additionally, gel nails provide more subtlety and customisation options than acrylics, which tend to have a stronger, more rigid structure.
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Builder gel
Filling your nails means that instead of fully removing your gel, you remove only the grown-out portion of your manicure (about 80-90%), prep your nails, and fill in the grown-out part with a brand new manicure. This prevents over-prepping your natural nail, which can cause them to feel weak, hurt, or become flimsy.
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Removing gel polish
Removing gel nail polish can be done in several ways. One way is to let your nails grow out and then clip them once a week. This method helps prevent the nails from catching on clothing and other objects. However, it is important to resist the urge to pick at the gel nail polish during this process, as picking and scraping it off can damage your nails.
Another method for removing gel nail polish involves using acetone. First, use a coarse nail file to file down the gel top coat layer until it is no longer shiny and smooth. Then, place a thick towel on your work area and line it with plastic wrap to protect it from acetone stains. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to each cuticle. Next, soak cotton balls or pads in acetone and place them on top of each nail, wrapping the nail with plastic food wrap to create a tight seal. Leave the plastic wrap on for about 10 minutes, then remove it and gently rub off any remaining gel nail polish with a warm, wet washcloth. Finally, wash your hands with gentle soap and water to remove the acetone.
Alternatively, you can use a gel nail polish remover, which is faster and requires fewer tools. Apply a thick layer of gel polish remover to your gel nails, being careful not to get it on your skin. After about 5 minutes, you will see the edges of the gel polish start to peel, crack, bubble, or burst. Use a metal cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick to gently push the gel polish off each nail, then clean your nails with a nail buffer.
It is important to note that picking, filing, or buffing your nails too much can cause damage, making it difficult for gel polish to adhere properly in the future.
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The gel fill process
Filling gel nails is possible and can be done at home or in a salon. The process is similar to that of filling acrylic nails. It involves removing the grown-out portion of the manicure, which is usually about 80-90% of the colour, and then prepping the nails for a new manicure. This prevents over-prepping of the natural nail, which can cause them to become weak and flimsy.
To begin the gel fill process, file the nail gently at the cuticle area with a 100/180 grit file to remove any lifted product and to roughen the gel surface so that the new gel will adhere. File the old product carefully until it is invisible, being careful not to file the natural nail. Using nippers to remove the lifted product may cause damage to the nail plate. After filing, cleanse the nails with a disinfectant cleanser to dehydrate the nail plate.
Next, apply a dehydrator to the natural part of the nail, followed by a primer, to help the gel bond to the natural nail. Then, apply a base gel, and then a builder gel. Starting at the cuticle area, carefully place the gel on the nail and drag it up to the tip. Once the whole nail is covered, apply more gel to the middle of the nail and let it float to create a nice curve and help with the structure. Repeat this process for all other nails.
After the builder gel, apply the gel in thin layers, brushing it over the entire nail as you would a base coat. Cure the gel with a UV lamp. The curing time depends on the system being used, so it is important to read the manufacturer's instructions. Apply as many coats as desired, curing each layer. After curing the final coat, cleanse the nails again with the disinfectant cleanser to remove the tacky layer, and then the client can wash their hands. Finish by applying a base coat and polish.
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Gel fills vs acrylic fills
Filling your nails means that instead of fully removing your gel every time you redo them, you just remove the grown-out portion of your manicure (about 80-90%), prep your nails, and fill in the grown-out part with a brand new manicure. This prevents you from over-prepping your natural nail, which can cause your nails to feel weak, hurt, and become flimsy.
When getting a gel fill, you can only get fills if your manicurist uses a builder gel/sculpting gel. This is similar to acrylic nails, where they do an overlay on your natural nails. If you are just doing gel polish, they will have to remove the colour and redo the process.
Some people prefer gel fills as they are chip-resistant for about 1.5 to 2 weeks, and sometimes even longer. However, some people dislike gel fills as they have to be removed and redone if you want a new colour.
On the other hand, acrylic fills can be done by simply filling in the nail with more acrylic product. You can get an acrylic fill with a different colour, and it will be cheaper than removing and redoing the entire set of nails.
Therefore, the main difference between gel and acrylic fills is that gel fills cannot be done with just any gel product, whereas acrylic fills can be done with the same product that was initially used.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can fill gel nails yourself. The process involves filing the nail with a coarse file to remove the shine from the gel. Then, use a softer file to gently go over your natural nail and remove any remaining product. Next, push back your cuticles and remove any dead skin. Finally, clean your nails with acetone and apply a dehydrator and primer to the natural part of your nail.
Filling gel nails involves removing the grown-out portion of your manicure (about 80-90%), prepping your nails, and then filling in the grown-out part with a new manicure. This process helps prevent over-prepping your natural nail and keeps your nails strong.
The frequency of gel nail fills depends on your nail growth and preferences. Some people fill their gel nails every two to three weeks, while others may wait up to three or four weeks between fills. It is recommended to let your nails recover for a few days between fills to maintain their health.
