Isla Bennett
Gel nail rebalancing is a process that nail technicians use to refresh gel nails without completely removing the gel. This process is often preferred to a full removal and replacement as it can maintain the health of the nails. However, it is important to be aware of any abnormalities, such as yellowing or greenish effects, that could indicate nail damage or infection. Proper rebalancing involves reducing the length of the nails, reshaping them, and removing the old product before reapplying a new coat of gel.
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What You'll Learn
Inspecting nail plates for abnormalities
Inspecting the nail plate for abnormalities is a crucial step in the gel nail rebalancing process. It ensures the health and integrity of the nail and helps prevent further damage. Here are some detailed instructions on what to look for when inspecting the nail plate:
Firstly, check for any signs of discolouration on the nail plate. Yellowing of the nail plate, for instance, could indicate onycholysis or inner nail plate damage. Greenish effects on or under the nail plate may also be a cause for concern. These discolourations could signal potential fungal infections, which, if left untreated, can spread and cause further issues.
Secondly, pay close attention to the free edge of the nail. Look behind it to spot any problems that may otherwise go unnoticed. For example, the detachment of the hyponychium and onychodermal band, which could lead to bacterial infections, often occurs at the free edge. Early detection is essential to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria and pathogens.
Additionally, be mindful of any imperfections or irregularities on the nail plate's surface. Ensure the nail plate is smooth and free from any valleys or low points, especially when working with soft gel nails. Applying gel to uneven areas can accentuate imperfections, so it is crucial to address them before proceeding with the rebalancing process.
Finally, check for any signs of cuticle or hangnail overflow on or near the nail plate. Remove any excess before curing to minimise the risk of lifting. Proper cuticle management is essential to maintaining healthy nails and preventing potential issues.
Remember, the inspection process is vital to identifying and addressing any abnormalities before they become more significant problems. By following these instructions, you can help ensure the health and well-being of your client's nails and provide them with the best possible care.
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Removing nail enhancements
Step 1: Initial Assessment
Before beginning the removal process, carefully assess the condition of the nail enhancements. Look for any signs of abnormalities, such as yellowing or greenish discolouration on or under the nail plate, which could indicate onycholysis or inner nail plate damage. It is crucial to address any fungal or bacterial infections before proceeding.
Step 2: Removing Embellishments
Using a blunt nail clipper or nipper, carefully remove any embellishments, rhinestones, or 3D decorations from the nail surface. This step ensures that the nail plate is clear and ready for the next steps.
Step 3: Length Reduction and Reshaping
If the nail enhancements have grown out, reduce the length to a more manageable size. This can be done using a nail clipper or an electric file. Shape the extension edge to restore its original form and create a smooth canvas for further treatment.
Step 4: Debulking and Repair
The debulking process involves removing a significant portion of the old product, reducing the thickness of the nail enhancements. This step is crucial for addressing any arch or structural issues that may have occurred due to incorrect placement or lifting. After debulking, assess the nails for any cracks or damage and carefully repair them.
Step 5: Cuticle Work and Cleansing
Once the nails are reshaped and repaired, perform cuticle care by gently pushing back the cuticles and ensuring the nail plate is free from cuticle overgrowth. Remove any excess cuticle tissue and hangnails using a sterile cuticle nipper. Cleanse the nail plate with a gentle nail cleanser to eliminate any dust or debris from the previous steps.
Step 6: Reapplication or Enhancement Maintenance
At this stage, the nails are ready for a thin reapplication of nail product. Apply a base coat, colour, and top coat to create a fresh new set. Alternatively, if the client prefers to maintain their enhancements, proceed with light shine removal and nail cleansing. This will refresh the appearance of the nail enhancements without the need for complete removal.
It is important to note that the removal process should be tailored to the specific type of nail enhancements (soft gel, hard gel, acrylic, etc.) and that different products may require different techniques and tools. Always choose a well-educated and trained nail professional to ensure the health and safety of your natural nails.
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Soft gel vs hard gel
Soft gel and hard gel are applied in a similar way, but there are some key differences between the two.
Firstly, hard gel cannot be soaked off with acetone and must be filed down to be removed. On the other hand, soft gel is more porous and can be soaked off with acetone. This is the main difference between the two types of gel. However, it is worth noting that some brands use the terms "soft" and "hard" to describe the stiffness of the gel after curing, which can be confusing. For example, some hard gels are soft after curing, and some soft gels are hard.
Hard gel is often used to extend the natural nail using a form, which is a paper or foil sculpting tool that helps build out the gel extension. It is stickier and more useful for gel tip extensions and repairs. Soft gel, on the other hand, is flexible and durable, and it is often used for gel manicures. It can also be applied to nails without extensions and then cured under a UV lamp. Japanese soft gel is a popular option as it offers the strength of hard gel while maintaining the natural appearance and lightweight feel of a soft gel.
When rebalancing hard gel nails, the process involves removing as much product as possible and working on the natural nail, with a bit of hard gel left behind. The length of the nail is then shortened to the client's desired size, and the product is thinned down to allow for rebuilding. When rebalancing soft gel nails, the process is different as it involves smoothing everything down to ensure there are no valleys or low points.
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Dealing with fungal infections
While gel nails are a popular choice for those wanting long-lasting manicures, there are concerns that they can cause fungal infections. However, this is largely due to improper application and maintenance.
Fungal infections occur when a nail technician does not properly sanitise their tools or if the nails are improperly prepared before gel application. Therefore, it is important to choose a reputable salon that maintains high hygiene standards and follows proper sanitation practices.
To prevent fungal infections, it is crucial to ensure proper nail preparation, which includes cleaning, shaping, and gently roughing the nail surface. Keeping nails moisturised is also important, as dryness and cracking can create openings for fungal infections. Additionally, it is recommended to stick to a regular maintenance schedule for gel nails to avoid overgrowth, lifting, and moisture buildup.
If you already have a fungal infection, it is advisable to avoid nail salons until the infection clears up to prevent spreading it to others. Removing gel polish can damage nails, as the process often involves soaking in acetone and scraping, which can weaken the nail and create tiny cracks where fungi can enter. Instead, seek treatment from a podiatrist, who may prescribe pills or a special cream to address the fungal infection. Over-the-counter treatments are also available.
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Nail maintenance
Before performing any rebalancing or maintenance, it is important to inspect your nails for any signs of abnormalities. This includes checking for any yellowing or greenish effects on or under the nail plate, which could indicate onycholysis or inner nail plate damage. It is also important to look behind the free edge of the nail, as this is where bacterial infections can occur if not properly addressed.
If you are maintaining soft gel nails, ensure that the nail plate is free from imperfections as gel applications can accentuate any flaws. Remove any cuticle or hangnails close to the nail plate before curing to minimize the risk of lifting. Soft gel nails can give the nails a thin and natural look while providing volume and strength.
For nails that are two weeks old, a mini-rebalance can be performed without adjusting the apex. Carefully remove any embellishments with a blunt nail clipper or nipper, being cautious not to wear down your bit if you use an e-file. You can then proceed with debulking, reshaping, and repairing the remaining product.
After reducing the length and reshaping the extension edge, debulk the nail by 50-70% to remove the old product and the arch, which may have grown out of place. Once this is done, you can continue with cuticle work, light shine removal, and nail cleansing. Finally, apply a thin coat of gel to all three zones of the nail, giving your nails a fresh and new appearance.
Remember, proper nail maintenance can help you avoid complete removal and keep your gel nails looking their best for longer. Always choose a well-educated nail professional to ensure healthy nails and avoid any practices that may cause damage, such as aggressive buffing or improper removal techniques.
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Frequently asked questions
The process of rebalancing gel nails involves smoothing down the nail so that there are no valleys or low points. This is followed by reducing the length, reshaping, and removing the old product and arch. Once the nail is cleansed, a thin coat of gel can be reapplied.
It is important to inspect the nail for any abnormalities, such as yellowing or greenish effects, which could indicate onycholysis or inner nail plate damage. It is also important to ensure the nails are free from imperfections, as applying gel will only accentuate them.
This depends on personal preference. Some clients may want their nails rebalanced every 10-14 days, while others may prefer to wait a month. A mini-rebalance can be done after 2 weeks without adjusting the apex, or a full rebalance can be done after 3-4 weeks of growth.
Gel nails can be removed by soaking them in a bowl of water or acetone, however, this can cause nail cells to break down and lead to damage. An alternative method is to use a blunt nail clipper or nipper to remove any embellishments before rebalancing.
