Caleb Foster
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those wanting strong, shiny, long-lasting nail polish. However, gel manicures can become frustrating if the nails are too long. While it is possible to cut your nails under a gel manicure, it is not recommended as it can ruin the manicure. Cutting the nails will break the seal, allowing water to get between the nail and the polish, which will cause the manicure to peel. Instead, it is advised to file the nails to the desired length, being careful not to overfile. If you wish to remove the gel manicure entirely, it is best to use a removal kit or soak nails in acetone.
How to cut nails under gel nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Nail clippers, nail file, cuticle oil, tweezers, microfiber towel, cotton balls/pads, aluminium foil, cuticle pusher, acetone |
| Prep | Wash hands, remove dirt under nails, push back cuticles with oil, remove shine with a buffer, file off the top coat and 50% of the gel colour |
| Cutting | Cut the sides of each nail, creating a small point in the centre, do not cut the tips |
| Aftercare | Dust nails with a dry brush, wet the brush with 90% alcohol, wrap nails with acetone-soaked cotton and aluminium foil, gently push off gel with a cuticle pusher |
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What You'll Learn
Cutting gel nails can ruin the manicure
Cutting your nails after a gel manicure can ruin the manicure. When you cut a gel manicure, you remove the seal and make it easy for water to get in between the gel and the nail. This can cause the gel to lift off and your manicure to be ruined. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid cutting your nails after a gel manicure and instead file them to the desired length and shape.
If you must cut your nails after a gel manicure, it is important to take some precautions to minimize the risk of ruining your manicure. Firstly, wash your hands thoroughly to get rid of any dirt under your nails. This step is important because it helps prevent infections if you accidentally cut yourself while trimming your nails. Once your hands are clean, use a pair of nail clippers to clip the sides of each nail, creating a small point in the centre. You can also use a nail drill, which files the nail away instead of cutting it. This method is convenient and lightweight, but it is important to wear protective eyewear to prevent dust from getting into your eyes.
After cutting your nails, you will need to reapply a top coat to keep the bond and stop the gel from separating. You will need a UV light machine to re-seal gel polish. Additionally, you can use glue as a quick fix for small breaks on the corners of your gel polished nails.
To prevent the need for cutting your nails after a gel manicure, it is recommended to go into your appointment with your nails at the length that you want them, or even a little shorter. This way, you won't feel the need to cut them once they are done. Proper preparation before your gel manicure can help ensure that your manicure lasts longer.
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File instead of cutting
Filing your nails is a great alternative to cutting them, especially if you have a gel manicure. Cutting your nails can ruin the seal between the polish and the nail, making your nails more susceptible to damage and wear and tear. Therefore, filing is a better option if you want to change the shape of your nails or simply shorten them.
Before you start filing, make sure you have the right tools. Use a board hand file or an emery board file for the initial shaping. If you want to file down to the very bottom layer of polish, switch to a fine nail file (around 400 to 600 grit) to avoid damaging your natural nail.
To start filing, find the middle point of your cuticle and match it to the centre point of the free edge. This will be your guide as you file the sides towards that point. Be very gentle and file in one direction to avoid permanently damaging the connection between the nail and the nail plate. If you are reshaping a French tip nail, be aware that filing will break the seal on the white tip, causing it to collect pigment.
Once you are happy with the shape, dust off your nails with a dry brush. Then, wet the brush with 90% alcohol and dust them off again, remembering to brush under the nails.
If you want to remove the gel polish completely, you can file it down and then soak your nails in acetone. Use an orange stick or a cuticle pusher to gently scrape off the crumbling polish, but stop when there's still a little residue left. Finish by removing the residue with a nail buffer, which will also restore shine to your natural nails. Finally, wash your hands and apply cuticle oil to moisturise your nails.
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Wash hands and use right tools
Before you start cutting your nails under gel nails, it is important to wash your hands and use the right tools. This is a crucial step to protect your manicure and prevent infections. Here's why:
Wash Your Hands
Washing your hands thoroughly before cutting your nails under gel nails is essential for two main reasons: hygiene and nail preparation. Firstly, washing your hands helps remove dirt, bacteria, and other unwanted substances from under your fingernails. This is crucial because if you accidentally cut yourself while trimming your nails, there is a risk of infection. Therefore, cleaning your hands and nails minimizes the chances of introducing bacteria into any cuts or nicks that may occur during the trimming process.
Secondly, washing your hands prepares your nails for the cutting process. It is important to note that nails should not be soaked before a manicure, as this can cause them to expand and then contract as they dry, leading to chipping. However, a regular hand wash will not have the same effect. Instead, it will ensure that your nails are clean and ready for trimming. Use warm water and thoroughly clean your nails with a clean, disinfected nail brush. Make sure to dry your hands and nails completely afterward, as warm water can soften the nails, leading to painful breakage.
Use the Right Tools
Using the correct tools is essential for achieving the desired results and maintaining the health of your nails. For cutting your nails under gel nails, you will need nail clippers and a fine-grit file. The nail clippers should be sharp and precise, allowing you to cut your nails evenly and smoothly. A fine-grit file, on the other hand, will help you shape and smooth your nails after cutting. If you are reshaping your gel manicure, a medium grit file (150 or 180 grit) can also be used. Remember to always use clean and disinfected tools to avoid introducing bacteria to your nails.
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Use a medium grit file
When cutting nails under gel nails, it is important to use the right tools to prevent damage to your natural nails. A medium grit file is a good option for this.
A medium grit file, typically with a grit range of 180 or 150, is ideal for shaping gel nails. It is coarse enough to effectively file the gel nails without damaging the natural nail underneath. This type of file can be used to gently grind down the gel product, shaping it to your desired length and style.
To use a medium grit file safely and effectively, it is recommended to start by washing your hands to remove any dirt from under your nails. This is an important step to prevent infection if you accidentally cut yourself while filing or trimming your nails. After washing your hands, dry them thoroughly with a clean towel, especially the nail beds and under the fingernails. You can use a microfiber towel, which is gentle on the nails, and ensure that the area is as dry as possible.
When filing with a medium grit file, it is important to be gentle and file in one direction. You can place the file under the nail and bring it upwards, focusing on reshaping rather than building or touching up with a base gel. This technique helps prevent filing off the top coat, allowing you to maintain the gel manicure.
Additionally, when using a medium grit file, it is crucial to pay attention to the condition of your file. Over time, the grit on the file may wear down, becoming less effective and more prone to causing damage. Disinfecting the file after each use and replacing it every few months is recommended to maintain hygiene and effectiveness.
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Remove gel polish at home
If you want to cut your nails under your gel manicure, it is best to file them down instead of cutting them. Cutting your nails can ruin your manicure as it breaks the seal, allowing water to get between the nail and the polish, which will cause the manicure to peel.
If you want to remove your gel polish at home, there are two main methods: the traditional method and using a gel nail polish remover. The traditional method involves using acetone, cotton wool balls, and foil. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Work on one hand at a time.
- Choose a well-ventilated area as acetone has a strong smell.
- Put a cloth over your work area to avoid acetone stains.
- Cut 10 squares of aluminum foil, big enough for each fingertip.
- If you are using cotton wool balls, tear off 10 pieces that fit just the nail bed of each nail.
- Place the cotton wool on the centre of the aluminum foil.
- Soak the cotton wool in acetone.
- Place your nail on top of the cotton wool, ensuring the cotton wool extends past your finger on the sides and past the free edge of the nail.
- Wrap the top of the foil over your fingertip, then wrap each side around your finger.
- Repeat for all fingers on your first hand.
- Use a coarse nail file to file down the gel top coat layer until it is no longer shiny and smooth.
- Remove the foil and cotton wool.
- Use a metal cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick to gently remove the gel polish from each nail.
- Clean your nails with a nail buffer.
- Apply cuticle oil to your cuticles to keep your nails healthy and strong.
Alternatively, you can use a gel nail polish remover, which is faster and requires fewer tools. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Use a coarse nail file on the top coat layer until it is no longer shiny and smooth.
- Put a thick layer of gel polish remover on your gel nails, trying not to get it on your skin.
- Give the remover 5 minutes to soak into the gel nails.
- Use a metal cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick to gently remove the gel polish from each nail.
- Clean your nails with a nail buffer.
- Apply cuticle oil to your cuticles to keep your nails healthy and strong.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not recommended to cut your nails under gel nails as it will break the seal, allowing water to get between the nail and the polish, which will cause the manicure to peel. Instead, use a nail file to reshape your nails.
File off the top coat and around 50% of the gel colour. Be gentle and careful not to overfile your nails.
A medium nail file (180-grade) is best for filing gel nails.
Wash your hands and dry them with a towel, making sure to dab the nail bed and underneath the nails. Then, dust your nails with a dry brush and repeat with the brush dampened with 90% alcohol.
