Ava Monroe
Gel nail infills are a great way to keep your manicure looking fresh and beautiful. The process involves replenishing gel nails with fresh gel to extend their lifespan and prevent breakages. You can do gel infills at home or opt for a professional service. The steps for gel nail infills include filing down the existing gel polish, cuticle care and prep, buffing the nails, applying a thin layer of gel, curing the gel, and shaping and smoothing the nails. With the right products and practice, you can achieve long-lasting and flawless gel nail infills.
How do they infill gel nails?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To keep nails looking well-maintained and fabulous |
| Tools | Nail file, cuticle pusher, cotton pad, acetone, soap, brush, cleanser wipe, nail prep dehydrator, gel polish, top coat |
| Process | File down existing gel polish, push back cuticles, remove dirt and oils, apply gel polish, cure nails under lamp, buff and shape, clean nails |
| Timing | Nails typically need infilling after 2-3 weeks |
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What You'll Learn
Filing down existing gel polish
Firstly, it is important to understand the risks associated with gel polish removal. Picking, filing, or scraping off gel nail polish can damage your nails and cause white spots or other injuries. A safer alternative is to let your nails grow out and then clip them once a week to remove the gel polish gradually. This process can take several months for fingernails and up to a year or more for toenails.
If you choose to file down your existing gel polish, it is recommended to use a suitable nail file, such as the 100-grit side of the Mylee Half Moon Nail Files. The goal is to remove around 90% of the gel polish, including the shiny top layer and most of the base gel. Use a gentle back-and-forth motion, applying enough pressure to remove the gel without damaging your natural nail or surrounding skin. Be cautious not to dig your file and move it back and forth aggressively, as this can harm the connection between your nail and the nail plate.
When filing, focus on creating a neat surface to work with. Once you have removed most of the gel, you can move on to cuticle care and preparation. After a few weeks of wearing gel nails, your cuticles will likely have grown back, which can cause the polish to lift and peel. Therefore, cuticle care is essential for maintaining the longevity of your manicure.
After filing and cuticle care, the next step is to buff your nails. Buffing creates a rough texture, providing better adhesion for the gel polish to the nail plate. It is crucial to use a suitable tool, such as the Mylee Buffer Sanding Block, and apply gentle pressure to avoid over-buffing and damaging your natural nails. Once you've finished buffing, use a lint-free nail wipe to remove any dust and residue, ensuring a clean surface for the next steps.
In conclusion, filing down existing gel polish requires patience and a gentle touch. By following these steps and taking the necessary precautions, you can safely file your gel nails at home, creating a smooth canvas for your next manicure.
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Cuticle care and prep
Cuticle care is an important step in the gel nail infill process. After filing down the existing gel polish, you can move on to cuticle care and preparation. Cuticles typically grow back within a few weeks of a gel manicure, which can cause the polish to lift and peel. Therefore, cuticle care is necessary to ensure your nails look neat and tidy.
Firstly, use a cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick to gently push back your cuticles. You can also use the pointed side of the cuticle pusher to go under the cuticle and remove any dead skin cells. This will provide a smoother surface for the gel polish application and prevent the polish from lifting. It is important to note that you should not cut or nip your cuticles during this process as it can be damaging. Instead, use a cuticle remover to soften your cuticles, making it easier to push them back gently.
After pushing back your cuticles, you can buff and file your nails into your desired shape. This step helps create a rough texture on the nail plate, enhancing the adhesion of the gel polish. Be careful not to over-buff or over-file your natural nails, as it can lead to nail damage or thinning. Once you're done buffing and filing, use a lint-free nail wipe to remove any dust or residue.
The next step is to dehydrate your nail surface and wipe it with a nail cleaner to remove any remaining oils, moisture, or dirt. This step ensures that the gel polish adheres well to the nail and does not lift or peel. You can use a product like the Mylee Nail Prep Dehydrator, which you can simply glide onto your nails and let air dry.
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Buffing the nails
Once you have finished buffing, use a lint-free wipe to remove any dust and residue. You can then use a nail wipe to ensure that the nail plate is clean and free of dust, dirt, and oils before applying the gel.
It is important to prep your nails correctly before buffing. This includes removing any traces of old polish and tidying up your cuticles. You can use a cuticle pusher to remove any dead skin from the nails, which is crucial to prevent future lifting. You should also ensure that there is no lifting of the gel before buffing.
After buffing, you can apply a thin layer of builder gel or magic extender gel, starting at the apex of the nail and pushing the brush towards the cuticle. Then, float the gel over the entire nail plate to create a smooth finish. You can use a lamp to cure the gel.
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Applying a thin layer of gel
Firstly, ensure your nails are properly prepared. After filing and shaping your nails, it is crucial to buff the nails being infilled. Buffing creates a rough texture, providing better adhesion for the gel to your nail plate. Use a suitable buffing tool, such as a buffer sanding block, and gently buff your nails with back-and-forth motions. Be careful not to over-buff, as this can damage or thin your natural nail plate. Once you're done buffing, use a lint-free nail wipe to remove any dust.
Next, you'll want to dehydrate your nail surface. This step helps the gel stick better and last longer without chipping or peeling. A nail prep dehydrator is a quick and easy way to do this; simply glide it onto your nails and let them air dry.
Now, you are ready to apply your gel. If you are using a Builder Gel base, infill with Builder Gel. If you've used a Magic Extender Gel Base, use a Magic Extender Gel. Apply a thin layer of your chosen gel, starting at the apex of the nail. Gently push the brush towards your cuticle, then float the gel over the entire nail plate to create a smooth finish. Take your time with your brushstrokes and gently smooth out the gel for a perfect finish. Remember, it may take some practice to master this step!
After applying the gel, you will need to cure your nails. Cure your nails under a UV or LED lamp, following the instructions provided with your chosen gel nail polish. Typically, curing under an LED lamp takes around 30 seconds to 1 minute, while a UV lamp takes about 2 minutes. Curing allows the polish to harden uniformly, and it is essential for gel nail polish application.
Finally, assess your nails and repeat the process as needed. You may notice areas that require additional attention, such as bumps or uneven shapes. Gently file these areas and apply another thin layer of gel if necessary. Remember to cure your nails after each layer. Once you are satisfied, seal your gel nails with a top coat to protect the colour and ensure long-lasting results.
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Curing and cleaning the nails
Curing is a crucial step in the gel nail process. It involves using a UV or LED lamp to seal and harden the gel polish, creating a solid layer of colour that resists chipping and wear. The curing time varies depending on the nail and lamp type, ranging from a few seconds to several minutes. Typically, curing under a LED lamp takes 60 seconds, while a UV lamp takes 120 seconds.
Before curing, ensure your nails are ready for infilling. File down any existing gel polish, removing around 90% of it, including the shiny top layer. Take care not to damage your natural nail or surrounding skin. After filing, focus on cuticle care and prep to prevent a messy appearance and polish lifting. Buff your nails to create a rough texture, enhancing the gel's adhesion to the nail plate. Use a lint-free nail wipe to remove dust and a prep solution to eliminate any remaining dust, dirt, or oils. Dehydrate your nail surface with a nail prep dehydrator, and then you're ready for infilling.
Apply a thin layer of the appropriate gel, starting at the apex of the nail and pushing the brush towards the cuticle. Float the gel over the entire nail plate to achieve a smooth finish. Sculpt your nails using a nail file to achieve your desired shape, and remember to cure between each coat of gel polish. After curing, gently wipe your nails with acetone to remove the sticky layer. Examine your nails and gently file any bumps or uneven areas to neaten the shape.
To clean your gel nail brushes, avoid using acetone, as it will damage and dehydrate the bristles. Instead, opt for clear gel or alcohol for deep cleaning. If you need to flush the brush due to colour or gel residue, use clear gel until the product is released. If the bristles become stiff, soak them in a small amount of alcohol, dry wipe, and then flush with gel, repeating the process until the bristles soften.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to file down your existing gel polish. You need to remove the shiny top layer of polish and most of the base gel to give you a nice, neat surface to work with.
The next step is cuticle care and prep. After a few weeks of wearing gel nails, your cuticles will likely have grown back, which can lead to your nails looking messy and causing the polish to lift and peel.
Buff the nails being infilled, just as you would before a regular gel polish application. Buffing gives the gel better adhesion to the nail plate.
Apply a gel topcoat. After curing and cleaning the nails, they will look brand new. Some gels don't even require a topcoat.
