Ava Monroe
There are several ways to cover outgrown gel nails. One popular method is to use glitter nail polish to fill in the grown-out area, as recommended by nail artists Brittney Boyce and Hang Nguyen. This method was popularised by content creator Olivia Smalley, who used Essie's Top of the Rock to fill in the unpainted area at the base of her outgrown manicure. Boyce suggests stopping at the cuticle for a reverse French look, while Smalley brings the glitter halfway up her nails for an ombré effect. Other methods include using a cream polish to provide smooth coverage over the gel gap, or using a thin brush to draw a curved line along the base of the cuticle to cover bare growth.
Hiding Outgrown Gel Nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of nail polish | Glitter |
| Type of brush | Thin brush |
| Nail polish brand | Essie, Orly |
| Nail polish colour | Essie's Rock at the Top, Congrats, Wicked, Stay Up Slate, Orly's Halo |
| Technique | Polish over the entire nail, ombre, reverse French mani |
| Benefits | Hides regrowth, fills in physical space, sticks well to the nails, no need for an at-home gel removal kit, acetone or nail clamps |
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What You'll Learn
Use glitter nail polish to cover the outgrown area
If you want to cover outgrown gel nails, using glitter nail polish is a great option. Glitter nail polish is effective in covering the outgrown area because it sticks well to the nails and fills in the physical space left behind due to the thickness of the gel. It also helps bounce light away from any imperfections.
To use glitter nail polish to cover outgrown gel nails, start by shaping your nails with a file. This will help you achieve your desired nail shape and create a smooth surface for the glitter polish. Next, choose a dense glitter polish with a colour and level of sparkle that appeals to you. Essie's Rock at the Top, a chunky glitter polish, is a popular choice for this purpose.
Once you have your chosen glitter polish, gently dab it into the gap at the base of your nail, filling in the grown-out area. You can bring the glitter about halfway up your nails for a pretty ombré effect or stop at the cuticle for a reverse French manicure look. If you prefer a more subtle look, you can simply fill in the outgrown area and leave the rest of your nail as is.
If you're using loose glitter with gel polish, you can dispense a small amount of base coat onto a mixing palette and add your glitter, mixing until you achieve a smooth and spreadable consistency. Apply this mixture to your nails, making sure to cover the outgrown area. Tap off any excess glitter and cure your nails under an LED light for 60 seconds.
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Try a reverse glitter ombre
If your gel manicure has outgrown and you can't get to the salon, don't panic! You can try a reverse glitter ombre to cover the regrowth and create a beautiful nail art design. This hack will not only hide the outgrown gel manicure but also add some sparkle and shine to your nails. Here's how to do it:
First, shape your nails with a file to freshen up the look. You can file them into a square, oval, or any shape you prefer. Then, grab a glitter nail polish of your choice. You can opt for a dense glitter polish or even a chunky glitter for a more dramatic effect. If you want to keep it neutral, go for a subtle shimmery polish as your base. You can also choose from a variety of glitter colours, including silver, gold, pink, purple, or even rainbow!
Next, start applying the glitter polish to the base of your outgrown manicure. You can stop at the cuticle for a reverse French manicure look, or bring the glitter about halfway up your nails for a pretty ombre effect. Gently dab the polish into the gap area at the base and lightly brush the remaining glitter upwards. This will create a cascading, gradient effect. Remember, you don't want the glitter all over the nail. Keep the focus on the lower third of the nail, starting from the cuticle.
If you want to add even more sparkle, you can use a thin nail art brush to draw on additional glitter. You can also concentrate the shimmer in the centre of your nail for a unique ombre application. Get creative and mix in tiny polka dots, some glittery and some not, starting from the tip of your nail for a playful touch.
With this reverse glitter ombre hack, you can successfully hide your outgrown gel manicure without causing any damage or needing an at-home gel removal kit. So, get your glitter polish out of the cupboard and give it a try!
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Use a dense glitter polish for an elevated ombre look
If you want to cover your outgrown gel nails, you can use dense glitter polish to create an elevated ombre look. This method is not only visually appealing but also effectively hides the regrowth of your nails.
Start by choosing a dense glitter polish with a colour and texture that appeals to you. Some options include Essie's "Rock at the Top" or "Set in Stones", or Orly's nail polish in Halo. You can also opt for a holographic glitter polish that includes shades of yellow and peach or a rose gold-tinted holographic glitter for an extra sparkly effect.
Once you have your chosen glitter polish, begin by freshening up the shape of your nails with a file. Then, gently dab the polish into the gap area at the base of your nail, filling in the grown-out section. You can bring the glitter about halfway up your nails for a pretty ombre effect, or stop at the cuticle for a reverse French look.
The benefit of using glitter polish is that it sticks well to the nails and fills in the physical space left behind by the thickness of the gel. It also helps to bounce light away from any imperfections, creating a smooth and flawless finish.
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Go for a reverse French manicure
If you're looking to cover outgrown gel nails, one option is to go for a reverse French manicure. This look can be achieved in just a few simple steps and will have your nails looking salon-fresh again in no time.
First, you'll want to shape your nails with a file. Focus on the outgrown area, ensuring it's neat and even. This will create a smooth base for your reverse French manicure. Next, you have two options for creating the reverse French look itself. You can either use a thin brush to draw a curved line along the base of your cuticle, covering the bare growth. Or, you can fill in the grown-out area with a glitter polish, stopping at the cuticle for a reverse French look.
Using glitter polish is a genius trick that is not only on-trend but also effectively fills in the physical space left by the outgrown gel. Nail artist Hang Nguyen recommends glitter because it "sticks well to the nails" and "doesn't show any bumps of the grown-out nail." Opt for a dense glitter polish, like Essie's Rock at the Top or Set in Stones, to achieve this look.
If you're feeling creative, you can even try an elevated take on the reverse French manicure by creating an ombre effect. Start by dabbing the glitter polish into the gap at the base of your nail and then lightly brush it upwards, stopping about a third of the way up your nail for a cascading, ombre look.
With these simple steps, you can easily hide your outgrown gel nails and show off a stylish reverse French manicure instead!
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File nails and apply a fresh coat of polish
To cover outgrown gel nails, you can file your nails and apply a fresh coat of polish. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve a well-manicured look:
Step 1: Prepare Your Nails
Start by thoroughly washing and drying your hands with soap and warm water. This step is important to remove any oil or debris that may interfere with the filing and polishing process.
Step 2: Decide on a Nail Shape
Before you begin filing, decide on the desired shape for your nails. Common nail shapes include square, round, oval, almond, coffin, and stiletto. Keep in mind that short nails typically suit square and round shapes, while longer nails are better suited for more pointed styles like almond or stiletto.
Step 3: Trim and File Your Nails
If your nails are relatively long, use nail clippers to trim them down to the basic shape you've chosen. For example, if you want square nails, cut straight across the end of your nails. If you prefer round or oval nails, make 4-5 smaller cuts at the end of each nail to create a curved shape.
Once you've achieved the desired length and basic shape, it's time to file. Choose a soft-grit nail file, such as an emery board, for a smooth filing experience. Hold the file perpendicular to the edge of your nail and use single strokes along the grain of your nail. Avoid using a sawing motion, as this can lead to tears or breakages. Focus on filing the corners of your nails to avoid over-filing, which can weaken your nails.
Step 4: Apply a Fresh Coat of Polish
Now it's time to add some colour! Choose a high-quality nail polish that will self-level for a smooth and even finish. Before applying polish, you can use rubbing alcohol to prep and dehydrate your nails, ensuring that the surface is free of any oils.
Apply thin coats of polish, allowing each coat to dry completely (for at least 20 minutes) before adding another layer. This will help prevent smudging and ensure a longer-lasting manicure.
Step 5: Clean Up and Finish
Once you're happy with the colour, use a small brush (such as an angled eyeliner brush or a small concealer brush) dipped in acetone to gently clean up any polish that may have gotten on your cuticles or skin.
And that's it! You now have fresh and polished nails that expertly cover your outgrown gel nails. Enjoy your new manicure!
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Frequently asked questions
You can cover your outgrown gel nails with a glitter polish. Start by shaping your nails with a file, then fill in the grown-out area with a chunky glitter polish.
Choose a dense glitter polish that will stick well to your nails and fill in the physical space left behind by the thickness of the gel.
Yes, cream polishes can also provide smooth coverage over the gel gap.
Yes, you can try a reverse French manicure look by using a thin brush to draw a curved line along the base of your cuticle to cover the bare growth.
