Caleb Foster
Doing gel nail fills at home can save you time and money. It's important to prep your nails correctly, removing any old paint and ensuring your cuticles are clean. You'll also need the right supplies, including nail clippers, a nail buffer, rubbing alcohol, a base coat, and gel nail polish. When applying the base coat and gel polish, remember to keep the layers as thin as possible to avoid a mess. After curing each layer under a UV light for 120 seconds, you can finish with a top coat to protect your nails. With the right tools and techniques, you can achieve salon-quality gel nail fills in the comfort of your own home.
How to do gel nail fills at home:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Supplies | Nail clippers, nail buffer, rubbing alcohol, PH bond, base and top coat, gel nail polish, cotton pads, acetone, nail polish soak-off clip, steel cuticle remover and scraper, UV lamp, toothpicks, and cuticle oil |
| Prepping the nails | Remove old paint with nail polish remover, clean and dry nails, use a nail buffer to smooth out the surface, push back cuticles and apply cuticle oil, remove dead skin |
| Filing | Use a coarse file (100/180 grit) to remove shine from the gel, file the old product down until it is invisible, being careful not to file the natural nail, use a softer file to gently go over the natural nail and remove any product lifting |
| Dehydrating and priming | Apply a dehydrator and primer to the natural part of the nail to aid bonding |
| Gel application | Apply thin layers of base coat gel polish and cure under UV light for 2 minutes, apply 1-3 coats of gel polish, curing each layer for 2 minutes, apply a top coat and cure |
| Finishing | Cleanse nails with a disinfectant, wash hands, and let nails air dry for 5-20 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Prepping the nails
Prepping your nails is the most important step in the gel nail filling process. Start by removing any old paint with nail polish remover. Be sure to only remove the paint and not the natural nail. Next, use a nail buffer to smooth out the surface of your nails. This will help create an even base for the new gel application.
Once your nails are smooth, it's time to address the cuticles. Gently push back your cuticles and apply cuticle oil if needed. Be careful not to cut or damage the proximal nail fold, as this can cause long-lasting damage. Instead, focus on buffing off any dry, white cuticle material that is peeling. You can use an e-file over the gel on the nail, but avoid using it directly on the natural nail or cuticle area to prevent damage.
Now, you can begin shaping your nails. Use a soft file to gently shape your natural nails and remove any gel that is lifting. It is crucial to only file the gel and not the natural nail. You can use an electric nail file for this step if you prefer. Make sure there is a seamless transition from your natural nail to the gel.
After shaping, cleanse your nails with a disinfectant cleanser to remove any remaining residue and dehydrate the nail plate. This step will help ensure that the new gel adheres properly. Once your nails are clean and dry, you can proceed with the gel application.
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Removing the old paint
To remove the old paint from your gel nails, you will need to start by cutting your cotton pads into small pieces. You will need one piece per nail. Next, soak each piece of cotton pad with acetone. Then, use a nail buffer to buff the top of each nail gently. Be careful not to be too rough, as you only want to remove the shine from the gel and not damage your natural nail. You can use an electric nail file for this step if you prefer.
Once you have removed the shine, cover each nail with a soaked cotton pad, then apply a nail polish soak-off clip to hold it in place. Leave the clips on for around 15 minutes. During this time, the acetone will dissolve the gel polish, making it easy to remove.
After 15 minutes, remove the clips and use a steel cuticle remover and scraper to gently scrape off the gel polish. Be gentle during this step, as you do not want to damage your natural nails. If there is any remaining gel polish that is difficult to remove, you can use a soft file to gently buff it away. Be sure to avoid the skin around your cuticles, as this area is delicate and can be easily damaged.
Once all the old paint has been removed, your nails should be clean and dry. You can now move on to the next step of your gel nail fill, which is to apply a new layer of primer and paint.
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Applying the gel
Begin by applying a very thin layer of base coat gel polish to your nails. Cure this under a UV light for 120 seconds. If you do not have a UV light, you can let your nails air dry for 25 to 30 minutes. Make sure that the layer is as thin as possible to avoid a mess. If you get any polish on your skin, use some acetone to wipe it away. You can use a toothpick to wipe away small amounts from your cuticles.
Next, apply one coat of gel polish, again ensuring that the layer is as thin as possible. Cure this under the lamp for another 120 seconds. Repeat this process for a second coat of gel polish. Some lighter polishes may require a third layer. After curing the final coat, cleanse your nails with a disinfectant cleanser to remove the tacky layer. Finish the service by applying a base coat and polish.
If you are using a builder gel, start by carefully placing the gel at the cuticle area and dragging it up to the tip of your nail. Once the whole nail is covered, apply some more gel to the middle of your nail and let it float. This will give your nail a nice curve and help with the structure.
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Curing the gel
There are a few things to keep in mind when curing gel nail polish. Firstly, it is recommended to cure one hand at a time to ensure optimal light exposure. Overloading the lamp with both hands can reduce its effectiveness and prolong the drying time. It is also important to remember that gel polish needs to be cured under a lamp, unlike regular nail polish, which can air dry. The duration of curing depends on the lamp being used and the thickness of the gel layer. For example, a thin layer of gel polish will cure more quickly, and LED lamps generally cure gel polish faster than UV lamps. It is also advised to avoid overcuring as this can lead to yellowing of the top coat and unnecessary UV exposure.
To cure gel nail polish, start by applying a thin, even layer of gel base coat to each nail, ensuring it does not touch the cuticles. Then, cure the base coat under the lamp for about 45 to 60 seconds, depending on the lamp. The base coat should feel sticky after curing, not dry. After curing the base coat, apply a thin layer of gel polish carefully and evenly to all fingernails. Cure each nail under the lamp for 30 to 60 seconds, depending on the lamp settings. Repeat this process for each additional coat of gel polish, usually between 2 to 4 coats. Finally, apply a top coat and cure it once more for 30 to 60 seconds.
If you are using a non-UV gel polish, you can let your nails air dry for about 5 to 10 minutes, and then submerge them in ice-cold water for about 3 minutes. However, it is important to note that non-UV gel polishes will not cure under a lamp and may not provide the same durability as regular gel polishes.
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Finishing with a top coat
When you are happy with the colour of your gel nails, you can finish with a top coat. This is an important step as it will protect your nails and help your manicure last longer. You can use a standard top coat or a long-lasting top coat, depending on your preference.
Before applying the top coat, ensure your nails are completely dry. If you have applied multiple coats of colour, allow each layer to dry for 25 to 30 minutes before adding the next. You can also dry your nails under a UV light for three minutes between coats. Once you are sure your nails are dry, apply a thin layer of top coat.
Be careful not to get any top coat on your skin, as this will cause it to peel faster. If you do get top coat on your skin, use some acetone to wipe it away. You can also use a toothpick to wipe away small amounts from your cuticles. Allow the top coat to dry completely.
If you are using a long-lasting top coat, you may need to cure your nails under a UV light. Place your nails under the light for one minute to cure the top coat. If you don't have a UV light, simply let your nails air dry. This may take 5 to 20 minutes.
Once your top coat is dry, your manicure is complete! You should get your nails refilled every 2-3 weeks.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need nail clippers, a nail buffer, rubbing alcohol, a PH bond, a base and top coat, gel nail polish, cotton pads, acetone, a steel cuticle remover, a scraper, a UV lamp, and a dehydrator and primer if you are applying the gel to your natural nails.
First, remove any old paint with nail polish remover. Then, use a nail buffer to smooth out the surface of your nails. If you are filling in natural nails, you will also need to clean your cuticles and remove any dead skin. If you are filling in nail extensions, use a coarse file to remove the shine from the gel and any lifted product.
Take your gel and apply a thin base coat to your nails. Cure the base coat under a UV light for 120 seconds. Then, apply a thin coat of gel polish and cure for another 120 seconds. Repeat this process for a second coat of gel polish. If your gel is a lighter colour, you may need to apply a third coat. After curing the final coat, cleanse your nails with a disinfectant cleanser to remove the tacky layer.
You should get a gel nail fill every 2-3 weeks.
