Isla Bennett
Gel manicures are known for their longevity and shine, but even they can fall victim to chips and scrapes. The good news is that you can easily touch up your gel nails at home without having to redo them entirely. All you need are a few tools and products, such as a nail file, buffer, nail polish remover, polish, and a top coat. In this guide, we will take you through the steps to fix those pesky chips and get your gel manicure looking as good as new.
How to touch up chipped gel nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What you need | Nail file, buffer, nail polish remover, polish in the same colour, and a top coat |
| First step | Assess your nails to determine whether you can touch up the polish or need to start over completely |
| Buffing | Buff the entire nail to break the seal on the polish created by the top coat. Buffing blocks help to buff down the edges of the chip to ensure a smooth transition between new coats of polish and the old |
| Nail file | Use a nail file to focus on the edges of the chip to create an even base for the new polish |
| Base coat | Apply a base coat to the exposed nail before applying polish |
| Primer | Apply a primer or gel bonder to the nail before applying more gel polish to give the new polish a long-lasting base |
| Polish | Apply two layers of polish. One layer focused on the area of the chip, and a second layer after the first has dried, applied from cuticle to nail tip |
| Top coat | Apply a UV gel top coat from the base of the nail to the free edge to seal the nail and protect the polish, while adding shine. Wipe away excess tackiness with alcohol or a gel cleanser |
| Prevention | Wear gloves when washing up and cleaning, avoid opening boxes or cans, and don't use your nails as tools. Also, avoid super-hot water when washing hands and showering |
| Moisturise | Apply hand cream after every hand wash, and regularly massage cuticle oil over the gelled nail to encourage flexibility and prevent chipping |
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What You'll Learn
Buff the edges of the chip
Buffing the edges of the chip is a crucial step in touching up chipped gel nails. It helps create a smooth base for the new polish and ensures that the chip is not obvious.
To begin, assess the chip to determine whether it is fixable or if you need to start over. If the chip is small, you can proceed with buffing. Use a buffing block or nail file to gently buff the edges of the chip. This process helps to level off the edges, creating an even surface for the new polish application. Take your time with this step to ensure that the edges are adequately smoothed down.
It is important to note that buffing should be done carefully and gently. Avoid applying too much pressure, as this may cause further damage to the nail or accidentally buff away too much of the existing polish. Be precise and focus only on the chipped area to maintain the integrity of the rest of the manicure.
Additionally, consider using a nail polish remover before buffing. This can help soften the edges of the chip, making it easier to blend and create a seamless transition between the old and new polish. However, be cautious when using nail polish remover, as it can also dissolve the surrounding polish if not carefully applied.
By taking your time and carefully buffing the edges of the chip, you can effectively touch up your gel nails and restore them to their former glory. Remember to seal the nail with a top coat to ensure the longevity and shine of your manicure.
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Flatten the chip with nail polish remover
If you have chipped gel nails, you can flatten the chip with nail polish remover. This is a good option if the chip is small. Celebrity nail artist, Sonya Belakhlef, advises lightly tapping nail polish remover around the edge of the chip to flatten it. This will prevent an obvious raised edge that gives away your chip repair.
To do this, you will need a handful of supplies. Firstly, you will need non-acetone nail polish remover. You will also need a nail file or buffing block, polish in the same colour as your manicure, and a top coat.
Before you begin, assess your nails to determine whether you can touch up the polish or need to start over completely. If the chip is too big or if it's peeling or crackling, it's best to start over with a fresh manicure. If you've already fixed a chip once, it's best not to go in for another round.
If your chip is small enough to be flattened with nail polish remover, you can begin by buffing the entire nail with a buffing block or nail file. This helps to break the seal on the polish created by the top coat. By taking away this seal, the new polish can better adhere to the old polish. You can then focus your nail file or buffing block on the edges of the chip. This will help to create an even base for the new polish.
Next, you can lightly tap nail polish remover around the edge of the chip to flatten it. After this, you can apply two layers of polish. The first layer should focus on the area of the chip, and the second layer should be applied from the cuticle to the nail tip after the first layer has dried.
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Apply two layers of polish
When applying the polish, it's important to remember that you'll need two layers. The first layer should focus on the chipped area, carefully covering the affected region with a similar polish shade to ensure it blends in seamlessly. It is important to wait for this first layer to dry before proceeding.
The second layer should be applied from the cuticle to the nail tip, providing a uniform and complete coating. This will help create a smooth and even finish across the entire nail, disguising the previous chip.
It is worth noting that if the chip is too big or the polish is peeling or crackling, it may be best to start over with a fresh manicure. However, if the chip is small, these two layers of polish can effectively cover and conceal the damaged area.
Additionally, it is crucial to have the right tools for the job. A nail file, buffer, nail polish remover, polish in the same or similar colour, and a top coat are all essential to achieving a professional-looking result.
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Seal the nail with a top coat
Sealing your nail with a top coat is the most crucial step in touching up a chipped gel manicure. It is an investment in your nails, not just for longevity but also for their colour, finish, and overall appearance.
Firstly, you need to break the seal on the polish created by the previous top coat. You can do this by buffing the entire nail with a buffing block or nail file. This will also help to smooth the transition between the new coats of polish and the old. Then, focus on the edges of the chip with your nail file to create an even base for the new polish.
Next, apply a thin layer of polish over the chip, and seal in the edge by painting over the tip of the nail. You can then seal the entire nail by applying a UV gel top coat from the base of the nail to the free edge. This will help to further protect the polish and add shine. Once the top coat has dried, finish off by wiping away any excess tackiness with alcohol or a gel cleanser.
To prolong the life of your manicure, it is important to give your nails extra TLC. Excessive washing of hands dries them out, so keep a heavy-duty moisturiser handy. It is also recommended to use apricot and olive oil to keep your nails and cuticles healthy.
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Moisturise and protect your hands
Moisturising and protecting your hands is an important part of gel nail care. Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, and can be tough on nails. To keep your nails healthy, it is important to take care of your hands and nails before, during, and after your gel manicure.
Firstly, it is important to keep your hands and nails moisturised. Apply hand cream after every hand wash and regularly massage cuticle oil over your nails to encourage flexibility and prevent chipping. Cuticle oil can also protect your polish and boost circulation around the nail, helping your nails grow.
To remove any dirt or oil residue that could be sitting on top of your natural nails, you should clean your nails with soap and water, and then wipe each nail with a lint-free wipe soaked in prep and wipe solution. This will ensure that the gel polish adheres properly and does not lift off.
To protect your hands and nails, it is recommended to wear gloves when washing up and cleaning, and to avoid opening boxes or cans, as this can increase the longevity of your gel manicure. It is also important to avoid super-hot water when washing your hands and showering.
Finally, it is important to give your nails a break between gel applications. Back-to-back gel manicures can stress your nails and cause damage and breakage.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a nail file, buffer, nail polish remover, polish in the same colour, and a top coat.
First, assess your nails to determine whether you can touch up the polish or need to start over completely. If the chip is too big or the polish is peeling or crackling, it's best to start over. If the chip is small, you can either buff the edges of the chip or lightly tap nail polish remover around its edge to flatten it.
Apply two layers of polish. Focus one layer on the chipped area and apply the second layer from the cuticle to the nail tip.
Seal your nail polish with a top coat. Apply a UV gel top coat from the base of the nail to the free edge. Once the top coat has dried, wipe away any excess tackiness with alcohol or a gel cleanser.
To prevent chipping, avoid picking at your nails and keep your hands and cuticles moisturised. Wear gloves when washing up, cleaning, or doing chores, and avoid opening boxes or cans with your hands.
