Noah Sinclair
Gel nails are a popular choice for those who want a long-lasting, glossy manicure. However, as the nails grow out, an infill is needed to keep them looking their best. This process involves filing and prepping the nails, before applying a fresh coat of gel. While it can be done at home, it is time-consuming and may be frustrating for beginners. Nevertheless, with practice, anyone can master the art of infilling their gel nails.
How to infill UV gel nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To create beautiful, long-lasting nails, replenish builder gel nails, and keep the manicure looking fresh and beautiful |
| Process | Start by gently filing down any existing gel polish from the nail using a nail file. Then, apply a primer to bond the gel to the natural nails better. Place a small amount of builder gel at the bottom of the nail and drag it to the nail tip, ensuring the entire nail is covered. Apply more product in the center of each nail for a perfect curve. Cure the nails with a UV/LED lamp and clean off any sticky residue with acetone. Finish with a gel top coat. |
| Time | 1.5-2 hours |
| Products | Nail file, primer, builder gel, UV/LED lamp, acetone, gel top coat |
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What You'll Learn
Prepping your nails
Firstly, ensure your nails are the desired length. You may want to shorten them or keep the length, but this is a good opportunity to reshape them. Use a soft nail file to gently file your nails, creating a seamless transition from the natural nail to the gel. You can also use the file to create a nice C-curve.
Next, tend to your cuticles. Push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher and remove any dead skin from the nails. This step is crucial to prevent future lifting. You can use a cuticle dissolver to remove the cuticles, but be sure to do it a day in advance, as wet cuticles can add too much moisture, negatively impacting product adhesion.
Then, clean your nails. Use acetone and a cotton pad to wipe your nails, removing any dust, oils, or residue. You can also wash your hands with soap and water and use a brush to clean under the nails.
Finally, dehydrate your nails. This step ensures that your nails are completely free of any oils that may hinder product adhesion. You can use alcohol or an e-file to remove oils and dehydrate the nail.
Now that your nails are prepped, you can begin the infill process.
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Applying primer
Once your nails are prepped, you are ready to apply the primer. Primer will bond your gel to your natural nails by providing a stronger foundation for adhesion. Apply a small amount of builder gel at the bottom of your nail (the cuticle area). Then, drag the builder gel to the nail tip, ensuring that the entire nail is properly covered.
After applying primer, you can continue with the normal gel polish application. Starting with a base coat, then your chosen gel colour, and finally a top coat. Cure between each layer.
As a final step, you can finish your manicure with a gel top coat. After curing and cleaning the nails, they will look brand new.
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Using builder gel
Builder gel is applied with small, horizontal strokes to ensure the polish goes across the entire nail. It is also important to note that builder gel stays wet until it is cured under UV or LED light. The curing time varies depending on the brand, but it usually takes around 1-2 minutes.
- Prep your nails: Push back your cuticles and remove any dead skin with a cuticle pusher. Clean your nails with acetone to remove any dust or oil. You can also use soap and water, and then go over your nails with acetone again to remove any remaining residue.
- Buff your nails: Use a 100/100 nail file to buff the nail surface. This helps the builder gel adhere better to your nails.
- Apply a primer: This will help the gel bond better to your natural nails by providing a stronger foundation for adhesion.
- Apply a thin layer of clear rubber base: Cure this under an LED lamp for 30 seconds or a UV lamp for 2 minutes, depending on the brand.
- Apply the builder gel: Place a small amount of builder gel at the bottom of your nail (the cuticle area) and drag it to the nail tip. Ensure the entire nail is covered.
- Apply more gel to the centre of each nail: This will create a perfect curve and provide structural reinforcement.
- Cure your nails: After applying the gel to all your nails, cure them with a UV/LED lamp according to the instructions on the builder gel you are using.
- Clean off any residue: Use acetone to clean off any sticky residue and refine the shape of your nails.
- Apply a top coat: Finish off with a gel top coat. Some gels may not require a top coat, so follow the routine that works best for you.
With this process, your builder gel nails can last up to 4-6 weeks, and you won't have to worry about refilling them.
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Curing with UV/LED lamp
Curing with a UV/LED lamp is an essential step in the gel nail infilling process. After applying a gel top coat, curing the nails will give them a brand new look. Some gels don't require a top coat, so you can skip this step if you prefer.
Before curing, ensure that you have applied the gel to all your nails. Then, cure them with a UV/LED lamp according to the instructions on your chosen builder gel. Different builder gels may have different curing times, so it's important to refer to the specific instructions provided with your product.
Once the nails are cured, remove them from the lamp. You may then use acetone to clean off any sticky residue. This will ensure that your nails are left feeling smooth and looking glossy.
If you are infilling your nails with builder gel, you may want to consider using an e-file. This can significantly reduce the time required for the infilling process. However, if you don't have much time but still want to use builder gel, an e-file is highly recommended.
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Finishing with a top coat
The top coat is the final layer of protection for your nails, and it will give them a beautiful shine. It is important to allow the top coat to dry completely before you use your hands, to avoid any smudging or damage to your manicure.
If you want to add some extra strength and protection to your nails, you can also apply a base coat before starting the infill process. This will help your manicure last longer and provide a smooth surface for your gel polish. Make sure to cure your nails between each layer to ensure that your manicure is long-lasting.
With the right products and a bit of practice, you can achieve beautiful UV gel nails that will last for weeks. The top coat is the final step in this process, and it will give your nails a flawless finish.
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Frequently asked questions
Infilling is the process of replenishing builder gel nails with fresh gel to keep the manicure looking fresh and beautiful. It helps prevent breakages and extends the lifespan of your manicure.
Prepping your nails is essential for a successful gel application. Start by gently filing down any existing gel polish from the nail using a nail file. Remove any dead skin from the nails with a cuticle pusher. Clean your nails with acetone and a cotton pad to remove any dust or oils.
Apply a small amount of primer and builder gel at the bottom of your nail, then drag it to the nail tip. Apply more gel to the centre of each nail for a perfect curve. Cure the nails with a UV/LED lamp, then clean off any residue with acetone. File down any bumps and refine the shape as needed.
