Sophia Delgado
Getting a gel manicure is a great way to keep your nails strong and long. However, as your nails grow out, you might want to change the colour or fill in the grown-out area. While some people prefer to remove their gel manicures entirely before redoing them, others opt for a fill, which involves removing the top coat layer, nail designs, gel colours, and, in some cases, the top layers of the builder gel base coat. This process allows you to retain the strength of your nails while switching up your nail colour or design.
Characteristics and Values Table for Filling Gel Nails without Removing
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gel Removal | Use an e-file to remove the previous gel manicure, including the top coat, any nail designs, and gel colors. |
| Filing | Start with a coarse file (180 grit) to remove shine and shape nails. Use a softer file for natural nails to remove shine and remaining gel. |
| Cuticle Work | Push back cuticles and remove dead skin with a cuticle pusher. |
| Nail Prep | Clean nails with acetone and soap. Apply a dehydrator and primer to the natural nail for better gel bonding. |
| Gel Application | Apply base gel, builder gel, and color gel. Cure under a UV or LED lamp per product instructions. |
| Finishing | Wipe nails with acetone to remove the sticky layer. File gently to smooth and shape. Apply a top coat, cure, and clean. |
| Frequency | Fill nails whenever they have grown out too much. |
| Benefits | Nails can grow longer without breaking. Allows use of various gel and regular polish colors. Prevents over-prepping of natural nails. |
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What You'll Learn
The benefits of builder gel
While regular gel manicures typically last about two weeks, builder gels are known to offer more long-lasting results. Builder gels are also a great way to strengthen weak nails and help them grow without breaking. Here are some benefits of using builder gels:
Durability
Builder gels are known for their durability and are less likely to crack or break compared to other options. They offer a mix of flexibility and durability, adding thickness and strength to the nail. This flexibility prevents the gel from cracking or breaking, allowing your nails to grow and remain healthy.
Minimal Damage
Builder gels are less damaging to the nails compared to other options like acrylics, which require excess nail filing before application and during removal. Nail filing can thin and weaken the natural nails, making them prone to breakage. Builder gels, on the other hand, can be removed by filing off the grown-out manicure, leaving a thin layer of base gel to protect the natural nail.
Convenience
The application process for builder gels is relatively quick and easy. It involves cleaning, shaping, and buffing the nails, followed by applying the builder gel with small, horizontal strokes to ensure complete coverage. This process helps the polish adhere correctly to the nail, resulting in a longer-lasting manicure.
Natural Look
Builder gels, especially softer gels, are ideal for achieving a natural look while adding strength to your nails. They can be applied directly to your nails, and you have the option to add a top coat, nail art, or chrome for a more customized and stylish look.
Health and Safety
Some builder gels are formulated with nanocolloids that give them an antibacterial effect. This feature keeps your natural nails safe and healthy by preventing the growth of bacteria. It is important to note that proper preparation and application are crucial to achieving the best results and maintaining the health of your nails.
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How to remove previous gel manicure
Filling your nails is a great way to redo your gel manicure without fully removing the previous one. This method prevents over-prepping your natural nail, which can cause pain and weakness. However, it is important to check your natural nails for any issues, and this can only be done by removing 80-90% of the colour.
To remove your previous gel manicure, you can use an e-file to remove the top coat layer, any nail designs, and gel colours. You can also use a hand file to smooth things down and prevent removing too many layers as you get closer to your natural nail.
If you want to remove your gel manicure entirely, you can do so at home or at a salon. The most effective way to remove gel nail polish is to use acetone. First, file down the gel top coat layer with a coarse nail file until it is no longer shiny and smooth. Then, soak a cotton ball in acetone and place it on your nail, wrapping your nail with plastic food wrap or aluminium foil to seal it in place. Leave this on for 10 minutes, then remove the wrap and wipe away the gel nail polish with a wet washcloth. Finally, wash your hands with gentle soap and water to remove the acetone.
Alternatively, you can let your nails grow out and clip them once a week to remove the gel nail polish. This is a slow process, taking about six months for fingernails and 12 to 18 months for toenails.
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Prepping your nails
Clean Your Nails
Start by removing any existing nail polish with nail polish remover. Then, use cleanser wipes to thoroughly clean your nails, ensuring they are free of any residual dirt, grease, or dead skin cells. This step is important as it creates a clean canvas for your gel polish, ensuring better adhesion and a longer-lasting manicure.
Cuticle Care
Use a cuticle remover to soften your cuticles, making them easier to manage. With a cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick, gently push back your cuticles. Be careful not to cut or damage your cuticles, as they serve as a protective barrier for your nails. If needed, trim any excess cuticle or hangnails with a cuticle nipper, being gentle and only removing what is necessary for a neat appearance.
Shape and File
Use a nail file to shape your nails to your desired length and shape, whether it be square, round, or almond. Filing your nails helps create a level surface, which is essential for a smooth and even gel application.
Buffing
Gently buff the surface of your nails using a nail buffer. This step helps remove any ridges or imperfections, creating a smooth base for the gel polish to adhere to.
Dehydrate and Prime
Wipe your nails with a nail cleaner to remove any remaining oils or moisture. This step ensures that the gel polish adheres properly. You can also apply a thin layer of primer to further enhance adhesion and the longevity of your manicure.
Builder Gel
If you are using builder gel, it is important to remove the previous gel manicure with an e-file as part of the prep process. Remove the top coat, any nail designs, gel colors, and the top layers of the builder gel base coat. Be careful not to over-file your natural nail, as this can cause weakness and damage.
Re-apply Gel
Once your nails are prepped, you can apply a new gel manicure. Remember to use a gel base meant to be worn for extended periods, filling in the grown-out area with a new manicure.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your nails are properly prepped for a gel manicure, resulting in a longer-lasting and more beautiful finish.
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Applying the gel
Prepare Your Nails: Start by shaping your nails using a nail clipper to achieve your desired length and shape. Then, use a nail file to smooth out the edges and create a clean canvas for the gel application.
Push Back Your Cuticles: Using a cuticle pusher, gently push back your cuticles to expose more of the nail surface. This step helps create a neat and defined look while also removing any dead skin from the nail plate. It is important to avoid cutting or trimming your cuticles, as this can make your nails more susceptible to infection.
Buff and Clean Your Nails: Lightly buff your nails to create a smooth and slightly shiny surface. This step helps the gel adhere better to your nails. After buffing, clean your nails with rubbing alcohol to remove any remaining dust or oil.
Apply the Gel Base Coat: With your nails prepared, it's time to apply the gel base coat. This step is crucial, as it ensures the gel polish adheres properly and lasts longer. Apply a thin coat to each nail, carefully sealing the open edges or "capping the free edge." This technique gives your nails a chip-resistant finish.
Cure the Base Coat: After applying the base coat, cure your nails under a UV lamp or LED light. This step hardens the gel and ensures it sets properly. Cure for at least 45 seconds to a minute, and don't worry if your nails still feel a bit sticky afterward.
Apply the Gel Colour: Now, it's time for the colour! Apply a thin layer of your chosen gel colour polish, carefully painting over the tips of your nails as well. Cure for 30 seconds, then repeat this process for two to three coats, depending on the desired opacity and vibrancy.
Apply the Top Coat: Once you're happy with the colour, apply a gel top coat to seal and protect your manicure. Make sure to cover the entire nail and cap the edges for a perfect seal. Cure your nails under the UV/LED light one last time for at least a minute.
Wipe Off Any Residue: Sometimes, a tacky residue may remain after curing. Simply wipe your nails with a cotton ball dipped in alcohol to remove any residue, leaving your nails shiny and chip-resistant.
Remember, it's important to use gel products specifically designed for long-lasting wear. Additionally, always follow the specific instructions provided with your chosen gel nail kit for the best results.
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Curing and cleaning
After cleaning and preparing your nails, you can move on to the curing process. Curing hardens the gel polish and ensures a long-lasting manicure. Different gel polishes may have specific curing time requirements, so it is important to refer to the manufacturer's instructions. However, a general guideline for curing gel polish is to place your nails under a UV or LED nail lamp. For example, The GelBottle Inc. recommends curing their base coat for around 45 seconds with an LED lamp or 2 minutes with a UV lamp. Similarly, their colour coats and top coats can be cured in the same way.
It is important to cure one nail at a time to ensure precise and effective curing. Additionally, be cautious not to cure gel polish on your skin, as this can lead to potential allergies or sensitivity. If gel polish accidentally touches the skin, clean it thoroughly before curing. A cleanup brush dipped in remover or cleanser can help correct any mistakes before curing.
During the curing process, it is normal for the nail to remain sticky. This sticky layer, known as the inhibition layer, aids in the adhesion of the subsequent colour coat. However, after curing the final top coat, you can remove this sticky residue with a lint-free wipe soaked in cleanser. This will provide a smooth and glossy finish to your gel manicure.
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Frequently asked questions
It's recommended to fill in your gel nails whenever they have grown out too much for your liking.
First, use a coarse file (180) to remove the shine from the gel. Then, switch to a softer file and gently go over your natural nail to remove any remaining gel and shine.
After preparing your nails, apply a dehydrator and primer to the natural part of your nail. Then, apply a base gel, followed by a builder gel. Starting at the cuticle area, carefully drag the gel up to the tip of your nail. Once the whole nail is covered, apply more gel and cure under a UV or LED lamp.
Yes, if you don't like the colour, you can simply wipe it off and choose a new one before curing. If you want to change the colour after curing, you can e-file off the colour and then reapply a new colour.
