Ava Monroe
Doing your own gel nail fills at home can save you money and a trip to the salon. It's important to do your research first, as there is a lot of misinformation about nail care. The process involves removing old paint, filing and shaping your nails, and applying new layers of primer and paint. You can also add a top coat to protect the gel nails. It's also important to take care of your cuticles, pushing them back gently and applying cuticle oil, rather than cutting them.
How to do my own gel nail fills
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First Step | File the nail with a coarse file (180) to remove the shine from the gel. Use an electric nail file or a hand file. |
| Second Step | Shape the nail with a softer file, gently going over the natural nail to remove any remaining product and shine. |
| Third Step | Push back cuticles and remove any dead skin with a cuticle pusher. |
| Fourth Step | Clean nails with acetone and a cotton pad, then with soap and water, and finally, wipe with acetone again to remove any oils. |
| Fifth Step | Apply a dehydrator and primer to the natural part of the nail to help the gel bond. |
| Sixth Step | Apply the gel, starting at the cuticle and dragging it up to the nail tip. Add more gel to the middle of the nail to create a curve and enforce the stress point. |
| Seventh Step | Cure the gel under an LED lamp. |
| Eighth Step | Apply a top coat to protect the nails and prevent chipping. |
| Notes | Be careful not to file the natural nail and avoid cutting the cuticles as this can cause damage. |
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What You'll Learn
Filing the nail
Filing your nails is an important step in the gel nail fill process. It helps to shape and smoothen your nails, creating a seamless transition from the natural nail to the gel overlay. Here is a step-by-step guide to filing your nails for gel nail fills:
Start by examining your nails for any outgrown areas. The part just above the cuticle that appears darker is the outgrown nail. This is the area you will focus on during the filing process.
Next, select the appropriate nail file. It is recommended to use a coarse file (180-grit) for the initial filing. You can use an electric nail file for faster and more efficient removal, especially if you are removing gel from all your nails. However, make sure to switch to a hand file when you get close to your natural nail to avoid over-filing.
Now, begin filing the nail. Using the coarse file, remove the shine from the gel and file away the top coat and some of the bulk. Be careful only to file the gel and not your natural nail. You don't have to remove all the product; focus on the areas that have grown out.
Once you have removed the topcoat and some of the gel, switch to a softer file. Gently go over your natural nail to remove any remaining shine and lift any product that is not adhering properly. Pay close attention to the area where the gel meets the new natural nail, as lifting commonly occurs there. Ensure a seamless transition from your natural nail to the gel, creating a smooth and uniform surface.
After filing, you may choose to shorten your nails to your desired length. Be cautious not to over-shorten them. This step is optional, especially if you are happy with the length and only want to fill in the outgrown areas.
Finally, clean your nails to remove any dust or debris created during the filing process. Use a soft brush to gently wipe away the dust, and then clean your nails with a cotton pad soaked in acetone. You can also run your nails under water with some soap and a brush for a thorough cleaning. Finish by wiping your nails with acetone once more to remove any remaining oils.
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Shaping the nail
Step 1: Assess the current state of your nails
Before shaping your nails, it is important to assess their current condition. Check for any chipped corners or uneven surfaces. If there are minor chips, you can proceed with shaping. However, if there are significant chips or breaks, you may need to start by clipping your nails to the desired length.
Step 2: Choose the right tools
Select a suitable nail file for shaping. It is recommended to use a medium grit file, preferably with a grit of 180 or 150. You can use a board hand file or an electric nail file, depending on your preference and the tools available.
Step 3: File in one direction
Place the file straight against the sloping side of the nail. Start filing in one direction, gently shaping the nail to your desired length and initial shape. Be careful not to file the natural nail bed excessively, as this can cause weakness and pain.
Step 4: Create your desired shape
If you are transitioning from a square shape to an almond or oval shape, you may need to clip the corners of your nails. Use a nail nipper designed for cutting nails, being cautious to avoid cutting the skin. Continue filing to smooth out any rough edges and create the desired shape.
Step 5: Dust and clean the nails
Once you are happy with the shape, use a dry brush to dust off your nails. Then, wet the brush with 90% alcohol and dust them again, remembering to brush underneath the nails as well. This step ensures that your nails are clean and ready for the next steps of the gel fill process.
Remember, shaping the nail is a gradual process, and it's important to be gentle and precise to achieve your desired shape without damaging your natural nails.
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Cuticle work
Step 1: Push Back Your Cuticles
Use a cuticle pusher to gently push back your cuticles. Avoid cutting or filing back the skin as this can cause damage. The cuticle is the dry, white material that seems to peel back and can be very lightly buffed off. The proximal nail fold is the skin just behind the cuticle, and cutting this area damages it.
Step 2: Remove Dead Skin
Use a cuticle pusher or a small brush dipped in acetone to remove any dead skin or excess polish from the nails. Be careful not to touch the skin with the product, as this can cause chemical leaching and increase the risk of allergic reactions.
Step 3: Apply Cuticle Oil
After pushing back your cuticles and removing dead skin, apply cuticle oil to moisturize and nourish the area.
Step 4: Avoid Flooding the Cuticles
When applying the gel polish, avoid flooding your cuticles. Start with thin layers of polish, and leave a small gap between the polish and your cuticles. Use a liner brush to get close to the cuticle and down the sidewalls, creating a clean, precise look.
Step 5: Practice and Precision
By following these steps and taking your time, you can effectively perform cuticle work when doing your own gel nail fills, ensuring a neat and professional-looking result.
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Applying the infill
Now that your nails are prepped, it's time to apply the infill. First, apply a dehydrator to the natural part of your nail, then do the same with a primer. This will help the gel bond to your natural nail.
Depending on your gel system, you may need to apply a base gel first and then a builder gel. Start at the cuticle area, carefully placing your gel on the nail and dragging it up to the tip. Once the whole nail is covered, apply more gel to the middle of the nail and let it float. This will create a nice curve and help with the structure. Do this for all your nails, except the thumb, which you should do separately if it doesn't fit in your LED lamp.
If you like, finish with a top coat to protect the gel nails and add shine. You can also add regular nail polish on top of the gel for a pop of colour.
Remember to let your nails dry completely before touching anything or applying additional coats. The drying time will depend on the type of gel and polish you use, but it usually takes around 25-30 minutes for the base and coloured coats to dry, and 5-20 minutes for the top coat to dry.
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Finishing with a top coat
Finishing your gel nail fills with a top coat will help protect your nails. You can apply one to three coats of paint to the nails, depending on the look you want to achieve. Start by spreading a base coat onto your nails and letting it dry completely. This could take 25 to 30 minutes, depending on the type of polish you use. If you want a brighter colour or a stronger nail, you can add another one to two coats.
Once the coloured coats are dry, it's time to apply the top coat. Brush it on carefully to avoid any smudges or bubbles. Make sure to cover the entire nail, including the edges and corners. The top coat will not only protect your nails from chipping and prolong the life of your manicure but also give your nails a shiny, polished finish.
If you're using a quick-drying top coat, be extra cautious as these formulas tend to dry faster and can cause smudges if you're not careful. It's always a good idea to work in a well-ventilated area to avoid any strong fumes from the nail polish.
Let your top coat dry completely before you continue with any other activities. This usually takes around 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the formula and the number of coats applied. You can test if your nails are dry by gently tapping the surface with your finger or using a hairdryer on a cool setting.
Once your top coat is dry, you can enjoy your freshly filled gel nails! Remember to maintain your nails by moisturising your cuticles and avoiding any activities that may cause chipping or peeling. With proper care, your gel nail fills should last for several weeks.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to get your nails refilled every 2-3 weeks.
You should remove any old paint with nail polish remover and clean your nails.
You will need a nail file or nail buffer, a dehydrator, primer, and gel.
First, file the nail to remove the top coat and some of the gel. Then, apply a dehydrator and primer to the natural part of your nail. Finally, apply the gel, starting at the cuticle and dragging it up to the tip of your nail.
It is important to never cut the cuticles, as this can cause damage. Instead, gently push back your cuticles and remove any dead skin with a cuticle pusher.
