Ava Monroe
Gel nail refills are a convenient way to maintain the appearance of your manicure. Unlike acrylic nails, which can be filled, gel nails require a different approach. To refill gel nails, the existing gel polish must first be filed down, removing the shiny top layer and most of the base gel. This process ensures a neat surface to work with while protecting the natural nail. Buffing is also crucial, as it provides a rough texture for better gel adhesion. After buffing, it's essential to remove any dust, dirt, and oils before applying a new gel polish. Using a nail dehydrator can help achieve this. The next step is to apply a small amount of gel to the centre of the nail, creating an apex for added structure. Curing the nails under an LED or UV lamp follows this. Finally, you can paint your nails with your chosen gel polish, curing between each coat and finishing with a top coat. It's important to note that not all gel products are suitable for refills, and builder gel or sculpting gel is often required to protect the natural nail and provide a solid foundation for the new polish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to refill gel nails at home | File down existing gel polish, removing the top layer and most of the base gel |
| Perform cuticle care and prep | |
| Buff nails to create a rough texture for better adhesion | |
| Dehydrate nail surface | |
| Apply gel to the centre of the nail to add structure | |
| Cure nails under an LED or UV lamp | |
| Sculpt nails to the desired shape | |
| Paint nails with chosen gel polish, curing in between each coat and finishing with a top coat | |
| Refill gel nails every 3 weeks or as needed | |
| Use builder gel or sculpting gel for refills to protect natural nails | |
| Benefits of refilling gel nails | Prevents overprepping of natural nails |
| Provides a strong protective layer on nails | |
| Allows nails to grow without breaking |
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Filing down existing gel polish
To begin the process of refilling gel nails, the existing gel polish must be filed down. This can be done at home, but it is important to be careful to avoid damaging your natural nails.
Firstly, select a coarse nail file, ideally a new one, with a grit of around 80-100. It is also possible to use a board hand file, placing it under the nail rather than on top, to reshape the nail without removing the top coat.
The next step is to file the surface of the nails. This can be done by running the file across the nail in one direction, then rotating it 90 degrees and repeating the motion in the same spot. Then, move the file to a different spot and repeat. It is important not to file in one place for too long, to avoid accidentally filing the natural nail. Continue filing until there is a thin layer of polish remaining.
Once most of the polish has been removed, switch to a finer-grit file of around 400-600. Use this to carefully file away the remaining gel polish. Filing too far past the point where the ridges in your natural nail become visible can cause damage.
After filing, the nails should be buffed to smooth them and restore their natural shine. This will also remove any remaining residue from the polish.
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Cuticle care and prep
Cuticle care is an important step in the gel nail refill process. After a few weeks of wearing gel nails, your cuticles will likely have grown back, which can cause the polish to lift and peel, resulting in a messy appearance. Therefore, cuticle care is crucial to ensure your manicure stays on firmly and gives you good access to your entire nail bed.
To begin, use a cuticle remover to soften your cuticles. This will make it easier to push them back and remove any excess skin. You can use a cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick for this step. Be careful not to touch the cuticles with the gel polish, as this can also cause lifting. Instead, focus on applying the gel to the top, or free edge, of your nail.
After pushing back your cuticles, it's important to clean your nails to ensure they are grease-free and free of any residual dirt or dead skin cells. Use cleanser wipes to effectively clean your nails and create a suitable base for the gel polish. Once your nails are clean and dry, you can apply a nail prepper for extra adhesion.
Additionally, remember to keep your hands and cuticles moisturized between appointments. This will help maintain the health of your nails and cuticles, ensuring they don't become dry or brittle. By following these cuticle care and prep steps, you can achieve a neat and long-lasting gel nail refill.
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Buffing
When buffing, use a back-and-forth motion to create the desired texture. It is crucial to apply gentle pressure and only buff enough to create a rough surface. Over-buffing can lead to nail damage and thinning of the nail plate, making it weak and prone to breakage. Therefore, buffing should be done correctly and only when necessary.
After buffing, it is important to remove any dust or residue from the nail surface. This can be done using a lint-free nail wipe. Additionally, the nail plate should be wiped with a prep solution to remove any remaining dust, dirt, or oils before applying the gel. Dehydrating the nail surface is also recommended to ensure optimal adhesion of the gel.
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Applying gel
When applying gel to refill your nails, the first step is to file down your existing gel polish. You should aim to remove around 80-90% of the gel, including the shiny top layer and most of the base gel. Use a back-and-forth motion with the nail file, applying enough pressure to remove the gel without damaging your natural nail or surrounding skin.
Once you're satisfied with the amount of gel removed, move on to cuticle care and prep. After a few weeks of wearing gel nails, your cuticles will likely have grown back, which can cause the polish to lift and peel. Take care of your cuticles and ensure your nails are clean and prepared for the new gel application.
Buffing is an important step in the gel application process as it creates a rough surface for the gel to adhere to. Use a buffer block to create a textured surface on your nails, being careful not to over-buff and damage your natural nails. After buffing, use a lint-free nail wipe to remove any dust and wipe down the nail plate with a nail prep solution to remove any remaining dust, dirt, or oils.
Before applying the gel, it's crucial to dehydrate your nail surface. Use a nail prep dehydrator and glide it onto your nails, then leave them to air dry. This step will help the gel adhere better and ensure a longer-lasting manicure.
Now you can start applying the gel. Apply a generous amount of gel to the centre of your nail to build up the apex and add structure. Turn your nail upside down for a few seconds to allow gravity to help give you more height, then cure your nails under an LED or UV lamp for the recommended time.
After curing, you can continue with the fun part – painting your nails! Choose your desired gel polish colour and create your desired nail look. Remember to cure each coat of gel polish under the lamp, and always finish with a top coat to seal and protect your manicure.
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Curing
To cure gel nails, start by setting a timer, usually for around two minutes. Remain still during the process to achieve a perfect shine. You can cure your nails under a Mylee LED lamp for 60 seconds or a UV lamp for 120 seconds. It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions to determine the required curing time. Some base gel polishes, for example, should only be exposed to an LED lamp for 45 seconds to avoid over-curing, which can cause decreased adhesion and brittleness.
After curing the base coat, apply additional coats of gel nail polish, including the top coat, remembering to cure each coat under the lamp for proper sealing. Paint and cure each hand separately to avoid smudging. Apply thin coats in multiple layers for an even, professional finish. You can also cure one hand at a time, using the nail lamp on one hand and then using that hand to apply polish to the other.
Once the curing process is complete, remove any sticky residue produced by the cured gel nails using a cotton pad soaked in alcohol or a specialised gel cleanser. This step ensures flawless results and removes any tackiness. For optimal lamp performance, replace the UV bulb every 2-4 months for consistent effectiveness.
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Frequently asked questions
On average, people tend to refill their gel nails every three weeks. However, this varies from person to person, depending on their nail growth rate.
When the gel has moved forward, exposing your natural nail at the cuticle, it's time for a refill. Lifting is also a sign that your gel nails need attention.
First, file down the existing gel polish, removing around 80-90%. Then, address your cuticle care and prep. Next, buff your nails to create a rough texture for better adhesion. Dehydrate your nail surface, and apply a gel base. Finally, cure your nails under an LED or UV lamp.
