Isla Bennett
Nail fills are a service provided to those who wear some form of builder gel on their nails. It is a periodic maintenance procedure that involves removing the grown-out portion of the manicure, preparing the nails, and filling in the area with a new manicure. This process helps to maintain the strength and integrity of the nails, allowing them to grow longer and stronger. The use of builder gel is crucial, as it provides extra protection to the natural nails, and the application of a new layer of builder gel during the fill process helps to create a fresh manicure. This procedure is often compared to acrylic nail fills, where an overlay is applied to the natural nails.
Nail Fill Gel Characteristics and Values Table
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To redo gel nails without fully removing the previous gel manicure |
| Process | Remove 80-90% of the grown-out portion of the previous manicure, prep nails, and fill in the remaining portion with a new manicure |
| Benefits | Allows nails to grow longer, prevents overprepping of the natural nail, and maintains nail strength |
| Products | Builder gel, base gel, nail primer, nail cleaner, and gel nail polish |
| Tools | Stone nail file, cotton pads, fan nail art brush, nail drill, nail cleaning brush |
| Maintenance | Recommended every 2-3 weeks for colour or design change, and every 4+ weeks for rebalancing |
| Pricing | Varies based on the services offered and the frequency of client visits |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Builder gel is required for a fill
Filling your nails is a great way to keep your nails strong and help them grow longer. It is a method of redoing your gel nails without fully removing the gel every time. This process involves removing the grown-out portion of your manicure, which is about 80-90%, prepping your nails, and then filling in the grown-out part with a new manicure.
Builder gel is a type of gel polish with a thicker viscosity than regular bases or colour gels. It is used to build up and structure the nail application, giving the nails strength to grow out without breaking. This process is also known as building an apex, doing a structured overlay, or adding structure. The apex is the curved stress area of the nail, and it gives the nail that "plump" gel manicure look.
Builder gel is important for a fill as it protects your natural nails. The gel is thick enough to create a built-up nail shape but still self-levels. It is also important to use a gel meant to stay on your nails for a long time, so your natural nails are protected.
There are different types of builder gels available, including soft gel, semi-hard/soft gel, and hard gel. Soft gel is a good option for those with bendy nails as it has some flexibility. Semi-hard gel can be soaked off with acetone and is slightly more flexible, while hard gel cannot be soaked off with acetone. Builder gels also come in different colours, and some are a 3-in-1 base gel, builder gel, and colour all in one.
Gel Nails Peeling: Why and How to Prevent It
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Fills are a periodic maintenance service
The fill process involves removing the grown-out portion of the manicure, usually about 80-90%, and then prepping the nails and filling in the grown-out part with a new manicure. This helps to prevent issues such as nail weakness, pain, and flimsiness that can be caused by frequent removal and reapplication of gel polish.
It is important to use the correct gel products for fills, as not all gels are suitable. Builder gels or sculpting gels are specifically designed for fills, as they provide extra strength and protection to the natural nail. These gels allow for the creation of an apex, which is the stress area of the nail, adding dimension and strength to the overall nail structure.
The use of an e-file can be incorporated into the fill process to remove the previous gel manicure and prep the nails for the new application. However, it is crucial to use these tools properly to avoid damaging the natural nail. Proper dusting and degreasing of the nails are also essential steps in the fill process to ensure a clean and smooth surface for the new gel application.
Overall, fills are a great way to maintain the health and appearance of gel manicures, providing a fresh look without compromising the strength and integrity of the natural nail. By understanding the correct techniques and products to use, individuals can achieve strong and stylish nails with the help of periodic fill services.
Builder Gel and Acrylic Nails: Can You Combine Them?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The process involves removing the grown-out portion of the manicure
Filling your nails is a way to redo your gel manicure without fully removing it. This process involves removing the grown-out portion of the manicure, which is typically about 80-90% of the colour. This step is important to check on your natural nails and ensure they are healthy. It is also a chance to address any issues, such as a green nail, which can occur due to the extended wear of the manicure.
The process of removing the grown-out portion of the manicure is done with an e-file, which is an electronic nail file. The e-file is used to remove the top coat layer, any nail designs, gel colours, and the top layers of the builder gel base coat. The goal is to "de-bulk" the nails and prepare them for the new manicure. This step requires precision and speed, and experts may use a nail drill to work on the surface of the gel.
After removing the grown-out portion, the next step is to dust the nails and hands to remove any residual dust created during the filing process. This is done with a nail cleaning brush, which helps to ensure that the nail surface is clean and ready for the next steps. The nail is then degreased with a nail cleaner to eliminate any remaining impurities and moisture. This step is important to ensure that the new gel manicure will adhere properly to the nail surface.
Once the nail is clean and dry, a thin layer of primer is applied to the nail. This primer is a specific promoter of adhesion liquid that helps the new gel manicure stick to the nail. It is left to air dry for a few seconds, and it is important to avoid contact with any other products during this time.
The Longevity of Gel Polish: How Long Does It Last?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The builder gel protects the natural nail from the e-file
When it comes to nail care, builder gel is a popular choice for those seeking to enhance the length, thickness, and strength of their nails. This gel is applied directly to the natural nail, creating a non-chip overlay that protects the nail from damage. One of the key advantages of using builder gel is that it acts as a protective barrier between the natural nail and the e-file during the filing process.
The e-file, also known as an electric nail file, is a tool used to shape and buff nails. It can be an effective way to remove product from the nails, but it can also be damaging to the natural nail if used incorrectly or too aggressively. This is where the builder gel comes in as a protective measure. By applying a layer of builder gel, the natural nail is shielded from the direct contact of the e-file, reducing the risk of over-filing or damaging the nail bed.
Builder gel is thicker and stronger than regular gel polish base coats, providing a durable overlay that adds strength and structure to the nail. It is applied in small, horizontal strokes to ensure complete coverage across the entire nail. The thickness of the builder gel creates a protective barrier, allowing the e-file to be used without causing harm to the natural nail underneath. This is especially important when using an e-file for nail maintenance, as it ensures that only the product is filed down, while the natural nail remains intact.
Additionally, builder gel is flexible and customizable to the nail shape, allowing it to move with the natural movements of the nail. This flexibility reduces the risk of cracking or lifting, ensuring that the gel does not pop off and expose the nail underneath to the e-file. The protective properties of builder gel make it an ideal choice for those who want to maintain their natural nail health while still enjoying the benefits of nail enhancements.
In summary, the builder gel serves as a safeguard for the natural nail during the filing process. By creating a strong and durable layer over the nail, the builder gel prevents the e-file from causing accidental damage to the nail bed. This protective barrier is essential for maintaining healthy and strong natural nails while still achieving the desired length and thickness with nail enhancements.
Glue or Gel: What's the Lesser Evil for Nails?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Fills are also known as rebalancing
When you get a fill, instead of fully removing your gel (by soaking it off with acetone) every time you redo your nails, you just remove the grown-out portion of your manicure (about 80-90%), prep your nails and fill in the grown-out part with a brand new manicure. This prevents you from over-prepping your natural nail.
You can get fills with gel only if they use a builder gel/sculpting gel. Similar to acrylics, this is when they do an overlay on your natural nails. If you are just doing gel polish, they will have to remove the colour and redo the process.
A "rebalance" is often referred to for builder gel services where clients go 4 or more weeks before returning for their next appointment. After 4 weeks of wear, the apex is often much more grown out and requires restructuring of the nail to place the apex in the proper position. Without rebalancing the apex, the nail's structure and strength can be affected, leading to breaks or poor wear. This service can take much more time, effort and product and, therefore, should be charged accordingly.
When rebalancing nail enhancements, it is important to inspect the client's nail plates for any signs of abnormalities. For example, White Superficial Onychomycosis, a surface fungal infection that can affect the nails and skin.
Gel Nail Polish: Expiry and Shelf Life Explained
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A nail fill is a service provided to those who wear builder gel on their nails. It is a way to maintain the manicure without fully removing the gel. This involves colour removal, shortening the nail length, filing down the apex, nail prep, and then filling in the grown-out area with a new manicure.
It is recommended to get a nail fill every 2-3 weeks to maintain the manicure and prevent damage to the natural nail.
A rebalance is typically done after 4 or more weeks since the last appointment. It requires more time and effort as the apex has grown out and needs to be restructured to maintain the nail's strength and structure.
There are various builder gels available, such as the Kokoist x Nail Thoughts Builder base gels, which are a 3-in-1 product serving as a base coat, builder gel, and colour. It is important to use a gel meant to stay on the nails for an extended period.
Yes, you can do a nail fill at home by following the proper steps and using the correct products. However, it is important to have the necessary knowledge and tools to do it safely and effectively.
