Caleb Foster
While gel manicures are loved for their durability, it can be tricky to remove them at home. If you're unable to get to the salon, there are several hacks to disguise outgrown gel nails. One popular method is to use a glitter nail polish to paint over the overgrown area, which nail artist Hang Nguyen recommends because it sticks well to the nails [and] doesn't show any bumps of the grown-out nail. Another option is to use a cream polish to provide smooth coverage over the gel gap.
Hiding Outgrown Gel Nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease | Simple to do at home |
| Tools | Chunky glitter nail polish, clear polish, angled eyeliner brush, nail polish remover |
| Techniques | Glitter ombre, all-over polish, reverse French manicure |
| Benefits | Absurdly simple, fills in physical space left by thickness of gel, sticks well to nails, hides bumps |
| Downsides | None listed |
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What You'll Learn
Use glitter nail polish to cover the outgrown area
If your gel manicure has outgrown and you can't get to the salon, you can use glitter nail polish to cover the outgrown area. This trick will successfully hide the outgrowth without causing any damage to your nails.
Nail artist Hang Nguyen recommends using glitter nail polish to fill in the physical space left behind by the thickness of the gel. She explains that glitter is the best option because it sticks well to the nails and doesn't show any bumps or lumps from the grown-out nail.
To achieve this look, start by shaping your nails with a nail file to freshen up the edges. Then, simply fill in the unpainted area above the cuticles with a chunky glitter nail polish. You can use any glitter polish you like, but nail artist Brittney Boyce recommends a chunky glitter for an ombré look that is easy to achieve at home. She suggests that the uneven disbursement of chunky glitter makes it simple to avoid harsh lines.
For example, South Florida hairstylist Olivia Smalley used Essie Top of the Rock, a chunky gold glitter, to fill in the outgrown area of her gel manicure. This simple hack will help you maintain your nails and keep them looking aesthetically pleasing until you can get to the salon.
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Apply a clear polish to strengthen the finish and add shine
If you want to strengthen the finish and add shine to your gel nails, a clear top coat nail polish is a great option. Clear top coats add an extra layer of protection and shine to your gel nails. They seal in the previous layers of polish, adding a glossy finish and creating a protective barrier for your natural nails.
There are a few things to keep in mind when applying a clear top coat. Firstly, it's important to apply a thin layer of the top coat, as thickly applied gel polish can look unprofessional and is more prone to premature lifting and bubbling. Secondly, make sure to cure the top coat under a nail lamp. The curing time will depend on the type of lamp you are using. For example, with The GelBottle Inc products, cure for 45 seconds under an LED lamp or 2 minutes under a UV lamp.
You can also use a clear polish as a base coat before applying your gel nail colour. This will create a protective layer between the nail and the gel polish, preventing staining and promoting better adhesion of the gel polish to the nail. This will help to prevent early chipping or peeling.
Some clear polishes can also be used to strengthen your nails. For example, Duri's intensive growth treatment contains hydrolyzed wheat protein, hydrolyzed soy protein, and calcium, which promote nail flexibility, reduce brittleness, and create a protective coat to seal in moisture.
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Try an ombre look with glitter
Trying to hide outgrown gel nails? Try an on-trend ombre look with glitter. It's a simple way to disguise any regrowth and fill in the physical space left by the thickness of the gel.
Nail artist Brittney Boyce recommends a chunky glitter ombre, which she describes as "absurdly simple to do". Boyce explains that "chunky glitter is great to ombre with because it comes out in an uneven disbursement, making it easy to avoid harsh lines".
To create a glitter ombre, start by painting your nails with a mixture of clear nail polish and loose super-fine glitter, starting about three-quarters of the way down your nail and going all the way to the tips. You can also try a reverse glitter ombre, as demonstrated by Olivia Smalley, by applying a coat of glitter polish to the base of your outgrown manicure.
Once the first coat has dried, dip your brush into the polish and glitter again, and then paint just the tips of your nails. You want the glitter to be denser at the tips, so feel free to do multiple brushstrokes. Don't worry about being perfect – ombres don't have any sharp lines. Finish with an all-over coat of clear topcoat.
You can use any colour of glitter to create an ombre look, from neutral creamy pale pink to bright neon rainbow. For a unique take on the trend, try a brown glitter ombre with celestial gems, or a green and yellow ombre with gold gemstones for a bold 3D effect.
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Dab a dense glittery polish into the gap at the base of the nail
If you're looking for a quick fix to disguise outgrown gel nails, look no further than your nail polish collection. One clever hack to hide the gap at the base of your nail is to use a dense glitter polish. This method is simple, effective, and on-trend.
First, select a dense glitter polish with a chunky glitter formula. A dense glitter polish, such as Essie's 'Set in Stones' or 'A Cut Above', will help create a cascading, glitter ombre effect. These polishes are designed to bounce light away from imperfections, making them ideal for this purpose.
Next, gently dab the polish into the gap at the base of your nail. Focus on this lower third area, just above the cuticle, to achieve the perfect cascading look. You can use the bottle's brush for this, or for more precision, try using a Q-tip or a manicure stick. The Q-tip method is excellent for reaching the nail bed without getting product on your fingers, while a manicure stick is perfect for creating intentional designs. Gently dab the glitter-loaded applicator of your choice against your nail, repeating until you achieve the desired density.
Finally, lightly brush or dab the remaining glitter upwards, about a third of the way up your nail, to create an ombre effect. This will help disguise the regrowth and make your manicure look fresh and intentional. Finish with a clear top coat to ensure longer-lasting wear and a smoother finish.
With this simple trick, you can easily hide your outgrown gel nails and avoid the temptation to panic-peel, which can damage your natural nails.
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Use a thin brush to draw a curved line along the base of the cuticle
Hiding outgrown gel nails can be a challenging task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be achieved. One effective method is to use a thin brush to draw a curved line along the base of the cuticle, creating a stylish and discrete cover-up. This technique is often referred to as the "reverse French mani" and can be a great temporary solution until your next salon visit.
To master this trick, start by choosing the right brush. A thin brush, such as a nail art or eyeliner brush, will provide you with the precision needed to draw a delicate curved line along your cuticle. You can use the brush that comes with your nail polish, or you can opt for a separate thin brush for more control.
When you have your tool of choice, it's time to select the right polish. A dense glittery polish is an excellent option for this technique. The glitter will add a stylish touch while also helping to fill in the gap created by the outgrown gel nails. Polishes with a bit more density, like concrete glitter or stay-up slate, work great for this look because they dry to a height that levels up with the gel.
Now, it's time to put your plan into action. Gently dip your thin brush into the chosen nail polish and carefully draw a curved line along the base of your cuticle. Take your time and work slowly to ensure a steady hand and precise application. This line will cleverly cover the bare nail growth, creating the illusion of a fresh manicure.
If you make any mistakes or want to perfect the curved line, don't worry. Simply grab an angled eyeliner brush, dip it in some nail polish remover, and gently wipe away any errors. This will allow you to clean up any smudges or imperfections, leaving you with a flawless finish. Remember, practice makes perfect, and with each attempt, you'll become more skilled at hiding those outgrown gel nails like a pro.
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Frequently asked questions
One way to hide outgrown gel nails is to use a lacquer with glitter and carefully paint over the overgrown area. Finish off with a clear polish to strengthen the finish and add a fresh shine.
Yes, you can try an elevated ombre look with glitter. Choose a dense glittery polish and gently dab the polish into the gap area at the base of your nail, lightly brushing the remaining glitter upwards.
Chunky glitter is great for an ombre look because it comes out in an uneven disbursement, making it easy to avoid harsh lines. Glitter also helps fill in the physical space left behind because of the thickness of the gel.
If you polish out of the lines, wipe away any mistakes with an angled eyeliner brush dipped in nail polish remover. Then, top it off with a thick, glossy top coat to keep that gel shine.
