Isla Bennett
Getting a gel manicure is a great way to ensure your nail polish stays on for longer than a few days. However, as your nails grow, you may start to notice some issues with the way your gel manicure looks and feels. In this article, we will be discussing the problems that can arise when your gel nails grow out, as well as some simple tricks to fix them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Gel nails that have grown out can have an uneven appearance with bumps and lumps. |
| Maintenance | It is important to properly buff and roughen the nail surface before applying gel nails to ensure they last. |
| Challenges | Water exposure, such as frequent hand washing or swimming, can cause the nails to expand and shrink, affecting the durability of gel nails. |
| Skin Growth | Prolonged use of gel nails can lead to excessive skin growth underneath the nails (hyponychium), which can be uncomfortable and challenging to manage. |
| Solutions | Applying glitter nail polish or using builder gel can help camouflage the grown-out area and improve the overall appearance. |
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What You'll Learn
Tricks to hide grown-out gel nails
As your natural nails grow, you may notice a visible gap between the natural nail plate and the artificial gel layer. This gap, along with "lifting" (when the edges of the gel layer start to come away from the natural nail plate), are signs that your gel nails have grown out. If you're unable or unwilling to visit a nail salon for a refill or removal, there are some tricks you can try to hide the regrowth.
One popular trick, shared by hairstylist and content creator Olivia Smalley, involves using glitter nail polish to cover the regrowth and create an ombre effect. First, use a nail file to freshen up the shape of your nails. Then, fill in the grown-out area with a chunky glitter polish. You can stop at the cuticle for a reverse French manicure look, or bring the glitter about halfway up your nails for an ombre effect. This trick is simple to do at home and can help fill in the physical space left behind because of the thickness of the gel.
Another option is to try a negative space manicure, which can help blend the artificial and natural nails together. You can also try to incorporate the design of the gel nails into your natural nail plate.
If you want to shorten your gel nails, you can file them down, being careful not to touch the nail bed. However, filing or removing gel nails can be damaging to your natural nails, so it's recommended to visit a professional nail technician for a refill or removal.
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How to prevent gel nails from lifting
Gel nail lifting is a common issue with gel nails. Gel polish can lift or chip due to various factors, but the good news is that it can be prevented. Here are some tips to prevent gel nails from lifting:
Proper Nail Prep
Proper nail preparation is essential for gel polish adhesion. Oily nails and natural cuticle oils can prevent the gel from completely bonding to the nail bed. To combat this, always dehydrate the nails by wiping them with acetone or alcohol to remove any oils or dead skin cells. You can also try wearing gloves while cleaning or washing up, as certain chemicals (like bleach) can cause gel to peel or lift.
Buff and File Nails
Thoroughly buff and file the surface of the nail and push back cuticles so that the gel has a smooth canvas to bond to. Some people recommend filing the nails enough to create a slightly sandy texture for the base coat to adhere to.
Thin Coats of Gel
Apply gel in thin, gradual coats, curing each layer completely before adding more. Thick coats of gel take longer to cure thoroughly under the lamp, and any uncured gel near the cuticles or free edges will easily peel up.
Seal the Free Edges
Ask your nail technician to seal the free edges by capping them after filing. This helps to prevent lifting.
Avoid Trauma to Nails
Excessive picking or biting of nails causes small cracks and folds that prevent gel polish from adhering properly. Using nails as tools, such as for opening bottles or prying things, can also create mechanical stress leading to lifting.
Quality Products and Application
Inferior gel nail polishes and lamps may not polymerize fully when cured. Always opt for reputable, long-standing nail brands and professional nail technicians.
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Skin growth under gel nails
The hyponychium is the thick skin under your nail tip. It acts as a barrier to protect your nail from harmful substances, germs, and debris. However, it can become a problem if it overgrows, causing discomfort and increasing the risk of infection. Overgrown hyponychium can make trimming nails painful and challenging, as the individual may accidentally cut the hyponychium while trying to shorten their nails.
Several factors can contribute to the overgrowth of the hyponychium. One common reason is that the hyponychium attaches to the underside of the nail as it grows. In some cases, it appears to be genetic, while for others, it may be a result of consistently wearing long nails with gel or acrylic manicures for extended periods. Additionally, contact dermatitis or nail injuries can also play a role in hyponychium thickening.
If you notice excessive skin growth under your gel nails, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Avoiding gel manicures or acrylic nails may help reverse the condition. Corticosteroids, antifungal medications, and cuticle oils can also be prescribed by a doctor to manage skin thickening.
To reduce the growth of the hyponychium, some people apply cuticle oil and gently push it back after showering. This method is preferred over cutting the skin, as cutting can introduce an infection. Additionally, switching to builder gel manicures, also known as BIAB nails, can provide a safer alternative to traditional gel manicures. Builder gel adds a layer of support to the nail, and in some cases, may even lead to a recession of the overgrown hyponychium.
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How to remove gel nails at home
As your gel nails grow out, you might be tempted to pick or peel off the gel polish. However, doing so can damage your nails. A better alternative is to wait for your nails to grow out and clip them once a week to gradually remove the gel polish. This is a slow process and can take about six months for fingernails and 12 to 18 months for toenails. If you're looking for quicker options to remove gel nails at home, here are some methods you can try:
Use Acetone
Acetone is an effective way to remove gel nail polish at home. First, protect your work area by lining it with plastic wrap, as acetone can damage sinks, countertops, and furniture. Then, place a thick towel on top of the plastic wrap. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to each cuticle and the surrounding skin to protect them. Next, soak cotton balls in acetone and place them on top of your nails. Wrap your nails with plastic food wrap to create a tight seal. Leave it on for about 10 minutes. Finally, remove the plastic wrap and use a warm, wet washcloth to gently rub off any remaining polish. Wash your hands with gentle soap and water to remove the acetone.
Filing and Soaking
You can also try filing and soaking your nails to remove gel polish. First, use a nail file to gently file down the surface of your nails and break the top coat of the gel polish. Avoid filing too aggressively, as this can damage your nails. Then, soak a cotton ball in acetone and place it on your nail. Wrap your nails with foil or plastic wrap to hold the cotton ball in place. Let your nails soak for at least 15 minutes. Finally, remove the foil and cotton balls, and gently scrape off any remaining gel polish with a cuticle pusher or wooden stick.
Nail Drill Machine
Another option for removing gel nails at home is to use a nail drill machine. This method is more expensive, as a decent nail drill machine can cost around $100 to $150. However, it is an effective way to remove gel polish quickly and efficiently.
Cover with Glitter
If you're looking for a temporary solution to hide your grown-out gel nails, you can try covering the regrowth area with chunky glitter. First, freshen up the shape of your nails with a file, then fill in the grown-out area with glitter polish. This method creates an ombre effect and hides the bumps of the grown-out nail. It's a simple and trendy way to disguise your grown-out gel manicure.
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How to make gel nails last longer
If you want your gel nails to last longer, it's important to start with good preparation. First, remove any cuticles from the nail surface and surrounding areas, and buff away shine with a sponge buffer—but be careful not to overdo it, as very thin tips can cause lifting. Next, cleanse your nails with acetone or an alcohol-based cleanser to remove dirt, oils, and dust. Then, use a dehydrator to ensure your nails are completely free of moisture.
When applying the gel polish, be careful to avoid getting any on your skin. If you do, wipe it off before curing. Also, be sure to check the curing times of the specific gel you're using, as they may vary. Insufficient curing will cause the gel to lift, while over-curing will make the polish crack. It's also recommended to use a top coat to seal in your manicure.
To make your manicure last longer, stick to lighter or nude shades. As the nail grows, the extra growth will be less noticeable with lighter colours.
If you're getting your nails done at a salon, make sure they're not rushing or cutting corners. If your gel manicure is chipping within the first week, they may not be curing for long enough. Ask them to hand-remove the gel instead of using an e-file, as gels can cure longer when they're filed off.
Finally, avoid peeling off your gel manicure, as this can weaken your nails and cause your next manicure to not last as long.
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Frequently asked questions
As your natural nails grow, you will notice the gel nails growing out as well. You may observe a visible line where the natural nail begins.
To maintain the appearance of your gel nails, it is crucial to keep your cuticles and nails well-moisturized. Regularly apply cuticle oil to prevent dryness and promote stronger nails.
Yes, you can file your gel nails to keep them at your desired length. When filing, ensure that you file in one direction and avoid sawing the file back and forth to prevent splits and tears.
Negative space manicures, ombre nails, and glitter nail polish are creative ways to conceal the growth gap and prolong your manicure.
Once your gel nails have sufficiently grown out, you can opt for a fresh manicure. You may choose to apply a new set of gel nails or switch to regular nail polish, giving your nails a break from gels.
