Sophia Delgado
Gel manicures are a great way to achieve long, strong nails without any breaks. However, as your nails grow, a gap may appear between the natural nail plate and the artificial gel layer, which can be unsightly. This growth gap typically occurs within two to four weeks of the manicure, depending on the individual's nail growth rate. While some people opt to fill the gap with regular nail polish, others may prefer to visit a nail technician for a professional refill or removal. It is important to note that removing gel polish can damage your natural nails if not done properly, and exposing gel nails to water and air can also weaken them. To maintain the strength of your natural nails, it is recommended to use a high-quality jojoba-based nail oil and protect the nails from water by wearing gloves.
How to grow nails after gel
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average nail growth rate | 0.7 to 1 millimetre per week or around 3.47 millimetres per month |
| Average gel manicure duration | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Signs that gel nails have grown out | Visible gap between the natural nail plate and the artificial gel layer, lifting of the gel edges |
| Remedial options | Visit a professional nail technician, negative space manicure, use regular nail polish to hide growth gaps, use glitter nail polish as a regrowth filler, apply a gel overlay |
| Preventing damage to natural nails | Avoid removing gel nails without professional help, use acetone or quick remover to take off gel polish, file nails in one direction to shorten them, avoid filing the edge of the nail, avoid water by wearing gloves |
| Products for nail growth and strength | Kokoist Megastick Base Coat, Builder gel, Polygel, Jojoba-based nail oil |
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What You'll Learn
Negative space manicures
There are plenty of negative space manicure designs to choose from. One option is to paint a few nails normally and then add complementary nail decals to the remaining bare nails. You can finish with a top coat for a luxurious, shimmering look. Alternatively, you can use tape to section off the bottom half of each nail and then paint the top section of the nail as usual. Once you've applied a few coats, remove the tape and finish with a top coat.
Animal print is always a nail art winner, especially if you use interesting colours. This negative space design is created by doing a French tip or leaving a larger area for your half-moon to be exposed at the base of the nail. A unique colour combination of stripes will ensure that this look is eye-catching.
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Using regular nail polish to hide growth gaps
If you can't get to the salon for a professional refill, a little regular nail polish can hide any obvious and unsightly growth gaps. For block colours, simply pair your regular polish with your manicured gel polish colour and fill the gap. If you have patterned nails, you can either extend the pattern onto your natural nail with a collection of regular polishes or choose the most prominent colour from the design and fill the gap with that. Alternatively, for a bolder look, fill your growth gap with a contrasting colour to create a statement design.
Glitter nail polish is extremely adhesive and easy to apply, making it a great regrowth filler. Filling a regrowth gap with regular polish can make lumps and bumps more visible, but glitter polish's chunky, uneven application easily hides lines, giving your gel manicure a fresh new take.
Before filling in your chipped polish, use a nail buffer to gently buff the entire nail. This breaks the seal on the top coat and will allow your new polish to adhere better to the old application. Next, use a nail file to level off the chip's edges to create a more even base for the new polish to be applied. Apply a base coat to the chipped area just as you would if preparing your full nail for a gel manicure. This will enhance the adhesion and make the new polish longer-lasting. Ensure the area has dried fully before moving on to the next step.
Once your base coat is dry, apply your regular nail polish in fine layers, making sure each layer is fully dry before applying the next to prevent air bubbles from forming. If you have a UV or LED lamp at home, use it to cure each layer, just as your technician would in the salon. If there are still visible lines between the old and new polish coats after some application, apply a coat of regular nail polish to the full nail to give a more seamless finish.
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Signs your gel nails have grown out
Gel nails typically last between two and four weeks before you will need a refill or removal. However, after two to three weeks, you may start to notice signs that your gel nails have grown out.
One tell-tale sign is a visible gap between the natural nail plate and the artificial gel layer. This gap is caused when your nails start to grow, and the gel does not move with them. In some cases, the gap may be minimal, and a negative space manicure can help to disguise it. However, if the gap is more noticeable, you can fill it with regular nail polish. Glitter nail polish, in particular, works well as a regrowth filler because its chunky, uneven application easily hides any lines or lumps.
Another sign that your gel nails have grown out is "lifting". This occurs when the edges of the gel layer start to come away from the natural nail plate. If you notice lifting, it is best to visit your nail technician for a refill or removal, as leaving your gel nails to grow out can cause them to become weak and brittle. This can potentially damage your natural nails.
A change in the shape of your nail beds is another indication that your gel nails have grown out and need to be replaced.
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Removing gel nails at home
- Work on one hand at a time. It's easier and acetone has a strong smell, so make sure you're in a well-ventilated area.
- Put a cloth over your work area to avoid acetone stains.
- Cut 10 squares of aluminum foil, big enough for each fingertip.
- If you're using cotton balls, tear off 10 pieces that fit just the nail bed of each nail.
- Use a coarse nail file to file down the gel top coat layer until the top coat is no longer shiny and smooth.
- Soak your nails in acetone for 15-20 minutes. You can also apply acetone to your nails using a cotton ball and then wrap your nails in foil.
- Most or all of the gel nail polish should come off after removing the foil. If not, gently rub your nails with a washcloth that you've run under warm water.
- Wash your hands with a gentle, fragrance-free soap and water to remove the acetone.
- Gently rub petroleum jelly or cuticle oil into your cuticles and the skin around your nails every day for seven days to reduce any irritation caused by the acetone.
Alternatively, you can use a gel nail polish remover, which is faster, simpler, and requires fewer tools. Here are the steps:
- Use a coarse nail file on the top coat layer until it's not shiny and smooth anymore.
- Put a thick layer of gel polish remover on your gel nails, avoiding 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.
To maintain healthy nails, it's important to take care of your nails after removing gel nail polish. Your nails may be weaker and more prone to breakage, so consider using cuticle oil or jojoba-based nail oil multiple times a day to keep your nails hydrated, strong, and healthy. Additionally, protect your nails from water by wearing gloves while cleaning or doing dishes.
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Pros and cons of gel nails
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those looking to achieve a variety of nail art styles, from a timeless French manicure to more adventurous designs. The process involves curing gel polish under a UV/LED light, resulting in a manicure that lasts for several weeks without chipping or smudging.
Pros of Gel Nails:
- Long-lasting: Gel nail polish typically stays intact for two to four weeks, minimizing the need for frequent touch-ups.
- Quick Drying: Unlike traditional nail polish, gel polish dries almost instantly under UV/LED light, eliminating the risk of accidental smudging.
- Natural Look and Feel: Gel nail polish is designed to mimic the appearance and texture of natural nails, providing a seamless and elegant finish.
- Flexibility: Gel nail polish is more flexible than acrylics, reducing the likelihood of tearing at the nail bed when knocked or hooked.
Cons of Gel Nails:
- UV Exposure: The curing process involves exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, specifically UVA rays, which can cause skin aging and increase the risk of skin cancer over time.
- Nail Damage: Removing gel nail polish can be tricky and may lead to temporary nail damage, such as shredding or weakening of the nails. It is recommended to visit a professional nail technician for safe removal.
- Maintenance: To avoid unsightly growth gaps, gel manicures typically require refills or touch-ups every two to three weeks, depending on the rate of nail growth.
- Cost: Gel manicures tend to be more expensive than traditional nail polish, and the need for regular maintenance can add up financially.
- Potential Nail Weakening: Some people have reported that their nails become weaker and more prone to breakage after removing gel nail polish, requiring additional care to restore nail health.
To minimize the negative impact of gel nails, it is advisable to use cuticle oil regularly, apply sunscreen or wear UV-protective gloves during the curing process, and allow nails to recover between gel manicures.
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Frequently asked questions
After 2-3 weeks, you will start to notice a visible gap between the natural nail plate and the artificial gel layer. You may also notice that the edges of the gel are lifting, which is known as "lifting" in the nail industry.
Nails typically grow between 0.7 and 1 millimetre per week, or around 3.47 millimetres per month. However, the rate of growth varies from person to person and is influenced by factors such as age, hormone levels, and overall health.
You can try a negative space manicure, which blends the artificial and natural nails together. You can also use regular nail polish to hide any obvious growth gaps by filling them in with a matching or contrasting colour.
It is recommended to keep your nails painted and use a high-quality nail oil several times a day. Protect your nails from water exposure by wearing gloves when cleaning or washing dishes. Additionally, consider using a base coat or a builder gel to strengthen your nails and prevent breakage.
Apart from the visible gap and lifting, a change in the nail shape is a sign that the gel needs to be replaced. If your nail beds have changed shape, it indicates that the gel has been on for too long.
