Sophia Delgado
Getting a gel manicure can be a great way to ensure your nails look flawless for up to two weeks. However, when your gel nail polish starts to chip, it can be frustrating. Rather than booking an appointment at the salon, there are several simple steps you can take to repair your manicure at home. From buffing and filing to applying a new coat of polish, there are many ways to fix a chipped nail and disguise the chip.
How to repair chipped gel nail polish
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prepare nail | Use cuticle nippers to remove loose pieces of gel nail around the chip. |
| Soak a cotton ball in acetone polish remover, place it on the nail, and wrap aluminum foil around the nail. Let sit for 10-15 minutes, then wipe the nail with the cotton ball. | |
| File off the shiny topcoat to break the seal so that new gel polish will stick to the old polish. | |
| Buff the nail with a buffing block or nail file to smooth the surface. | |
| Apply base coat | Use a primer or gel bonder to the nail before applying more gel polish. |
| Allow the nail to dry fully for 30 seconds. | |
| Apply gel colour | Work in thin layers to create a natural-looking finish. |
| Let each layer dry fully before applying another coat. | |
| Apply top coat | Seal the entire nail by applying a UV gel top coat from the base of the nail to the free edge. |
| Cure under a UV or LED nail lamp. | |
| Wipe away the excess tackiness with alcohol or a gel cleanser. | |
| Apply cuticle oil around the nails. |
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What You'll Learn
Buffing the nail
To begin the buffing process, use a buffing block or a nail file to buff down the edges of the chip. This will help to create a smooth surface for the new polish to adhere to. Be careful not to buff too aggressively, as you want to avoid thinning the nail or causing further damage. Gently file the shiny topcoat to break the seal, as gel polish does not adhere well to shiny surfaces.
Hold the nail file parallel to the nail and focus on buffing the gel polish, avoiding the natural nail as much as possible. The goal is to create a smooth transition between the natural nail and the gel polish, with a slight ledge between the two. Use your finger to feel the surface and ensure it is smooth and free of any ridges or bumps.
Buffing blocks are ideal for this step, as they are designed to gently buff and smooth the nail surface without causing damage. They are typically made of soft materials that are gentle on the nails, such as foam or soft grit. Metal nail files should be avoided, as they can be too harsh and may cause further chipping or damage to the nail.
Once you have finished buffing, it is important to clean the nail surface to remove any dirt, oil, or debris. Use a cotton ball soaked in cleanser or alcohol to wipe the nail, ensuring it is thoroughly cleaned and dehydrated. This step will help the new polish adhere better and create a longer-lasting manicure.
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Applying a base coat
To begin, use a pair of cuticle nippers to gently remove any loose pieces of gel nail around the chipped area. Take off as little as possible, ensuring that you only remove the parts that are peeling up. This will create a smooth surface for the base coat to be applied.
Next, you can apply a nail prep dehydrator to the chipped area. This step is optional, but it helps to ensure that the nail is free of any oils or dirt that may interfere with the adhesion of the base coat. If you don't have a nail prep dehydrator, simply use a cotton ball soaked in cleanser or alcohol to clean the nail.
Once the nail is prepared, it's time to apply the base coat. Use a primer or gel bonder as your base coat to provide a long-lasting foundation for the new gel polish. Apply it not only to the chipped area but also to the entire exposed nail. This will help to create a seamless finish and disguise the chip effectively.
Allow the base coat to dry completely before moving on to the next step. This usually takes around 30 seconds. You can cure the primer under a UV or LED nail lamp to expedite the drying process and ensure thorough drying.
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Using a nail prep dehydrator
Proper preparation and dehydration of your nails before gel polish application will help them last a whole lot longer. Using a nail prep dehydrator is a next-level prep step that enables optimal adhesion for that first layer of base coat or polish. By effectively de-greasing the nail plate, any trace of oils that interfere with polish application is removed from the surface to ensure a longer-lasting manicure.
To use a nail prep dehydrator, start by making sure your nails are clean and shaped to your desired length and style. You can use curved nail clippers to cut them down or a nail file to gently shape them. Then, push back your cuticles and remove any dead skin, being careful not to nip any live skin. Next, you'll want to cleanse your nails of any dirt and oil. You can do this by soaking a lint-free wipe in a prep and wipe solution and wiping it over your entire nail surface. This will remove any oil residue and give you a clean and dehydrated nail ready for gel polish application.
After your nails are clean and dehydrated, it's time to apply your nail prep dehydrator. Apply one coat to your clean, prepped nails. For best results, follow with a non-acid priming bonder before applying your base coat or polish. This will encourage a smoother and longer-lasting polish application.
By properly preparing and dehydrating your nails, you'll ensure that your gel polish application is even and long-lasting. This simple process will make a big difference in the final look and durability of your manicure.
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Adding a top coat
Start by gently filing off the shiny topcoat of your existing gel polish with a nail file or buffing block. This step helps to break the seal, creating a rough surface for the new polish to adhere to. Remember to hold your file parallel to the nail and focus on the gel surface, avoiding filing your natural nail. The goal is to create a smooth transition between the old and new polish, so take your time and feel the surface with your finger to ensure it is even.
Once the surface is smooth, it's important to remove any oils or dirt that may interfere with the adhesion of the new polish. Use a nail prep dehydrator or simply cleanse the nail with cotton soaked in alcohol or cleanser. This step ensures that your nail is ready for the next steps.
Now, it's time to apply your top coat. Select a UV gel top coat that will provide protection and add shine to your nails. Apply the top coat generously from the base of your nail to the free edge, ensuring complete coverage. Cure your nails under a UV or LED lamp, following the product instructions for the curing time.
If needed, you can repeat the process and apply another layer of the top coat for added protection and shine. Once your final top coat has dried completely, finish off your manicure by removing any excess tackiness. Simply swipe your nails with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol or gel cleanser. This will instantly refresh your manicure, leaving your nails looking shiny and chip-free!
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Finishing with cuticle oil
After you've repaired your chipped gel nail polish, it's important to finish with cuticle oil to protect your polish and maintain the health of your nails.
Firstly, it's crucial to seal your nail polish with a top coat. This will ensure that your polish lasts longer and doesn't chip again. Apply a UV gel top coat from the base of your nail to the free edge, curing it under a lamp. You may want to repeat this step with another top coat for added protection and shine. Once your top coat is completely dry, you can finish your manicure by removing any excess tackiness with alcohol or a gel cleanser. Simply swipe a cotton ball soaked in alcohol or cleanser over your nails.
The final step in your manicure is to apply cuticle oil. Cuticle oil will nourish and protect your nails and cuticles, promoting healthy nail growth and maintaining the shine of your nails. Use a small amount of cuticle oil and gently massage it into your nails and the surrounding skin. This will ensure that your nails stay moisturized and help prevent dryness and cracking. Cuticle oil also helps to prolong the life of your manicure by providing a protective layer over your nails.
Additionally, you can use heavy-duty moisturizer and natural oils like apricot and olive oil to nourish your nails and cuticles. It is also recommended to wear gloves while doing chores to protect your nails from strong cleaning agents that can damage your manicure.
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Frequently asked questions
Repairing a chipped gel nail polish is a simple process that can be done at home. First, use a pair of cuticle nippers to remove any loose pieces of gel nail around the chip. Then, buff the nail with a buffing block or nail file to smooth the surface and break the seal on the polish created by the topcoat. After this, apply a base coat to the exposed nail and allow it to dry. Finally, apply your gel colour, working in thin layers and letting each layer dry before applying the next.
If you can still see the chip after applying a colour coat, you can apply a coat of polish to the entire nail to create a more seamless finish. Glitter polish is a great option for disguising chips, as the sparkly formula adheres well to the nail bed and doubles as an additional top coat.
Once your top coat has dried, wipe away any excess tackiness with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol or gel cleanser. Finally, apply some cuticle oil around the nails to protect your polish and add a lasting shine.
