Noah Sinclair
Getting a gel manicure can be a great way to keep your nails looking fabulous. However, as your nails grow, a gap may start to form between the natural nail and the artificial gel layer, which can be unsightly. This process is known as lifting in the nail industry and is a sure-fire sign that your gel nails need to be replaced or refilled. There are a few different options to address this issue, such as booking an appointment at a nail salon or trying a negative space manicure, which blends the artificial and natural nails. If you're unable to visit a salon, you can also try some quick retouching hacks at home, such as using regular nail polish to hide growth gaps.
Characteristics and Values Table for Gel Nails Growing Out and Putting a Fill
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How long do gel nails last? | 2 to 4 weeks |
| How long do nails grow per week? | 0.7 to 1 millimetre |
| How to know if gel nails have grown out? | Visible gap between the natural nail plate and the artificial gel layer |
| What is 'lifting' in the context of gel nails? | When the edges of the gel layer start to come away from the natural nail plate |
| What to do when gel nails grow out? | Visit a professional nail technician, or try a negative space manicure, or use regular nail polish to hide the growth gap |
| How to fill in grown-out gel nails? | Remove shine from the gel nail, cleanse the nail, apply Protein Bond, push a small bead of base gel into the cuticle area, cure for 60 seconds, wipe with Swipe liquid, file nails smooth |
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What You'll Learn
- Negative space manicures can help blend the artificial and natural nails together
- Use a nail buffer to gently buff the entire nail to break the seal on the top coat
- Apply two coats of Protein Bond to the exposed natural nail
- Use a gel base designed for extended wear
- Visit a professional nail technician for a refill or removal
Negative space manicures can help blend the artificial and natural nails together
When your gel manicure starts to grow out, it can be frustrating if you can't get to a nail salon. Negative space manicures are a great option if you have a busy schedule, prefer a low-maintenance look, or want to extend the time between salon visits. This type of manicure incorporates your natural nail into the design, so when the regrowth gap starts to form, it looks like part of the design. This helps to blend the artificial and natural nails together, creating a seamless and stylish look.
Negative space manicures offer an edge that other designs may lack. They can be symmetrical, off-centre, perfectly geometric, or oddly shaped, allowing for endless creativity. For example, you can add a subtle twist to a traditional red manicure by painting wavy designs near the cuticle and tip while keeping the middle clear. Or, for a bold look, fill the growth gap with a contrasting colour to create a statement design.
If you want to add some sparkle to your nails without going for a full glitter manicure, negative space manicures are a great option. You can leave some negative space and add gold chrome stars and crescent moons on a neutral base. This creates a striking and futuristic look. Negative space designs also work beautifully with elaborate nail art. For instance, you can pair grids topped with builder gel squiggles with orange nails featuring 3D chrome accents.
Negative space manicures are also perfect for those who prefer a minimalist or sophisticated look. A simple design, such as burgundy cuticle triangles, can make a powerful statement. Additionally, this type of manicure can be paired with a classic French manicure, where a neutral or transparent gel colour is used for most of the design. As your natural nails begin to grow, the regrowth gap will be barely noticeable, ensuring a seamless blend between the artificial and natural nails.
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Use a nail buffer to gently buff the entire nail to break the seal on the top coat
When your gel manicure starts to grow out, it can be frustrating if you can't get to a nail salon. However, there are some quick steps you can take at home to prolong your manicure until you can make an appointment. One such step is to use a nail buffer to gently buff the entire nail to break the seal on the top coat. This will allow new polish to adhere better to the old application.
Nail buffers typically have four sides: file, buff, polish, and shine. They are usually numbered, so you know which side to use for each step. If they are not numbered, start with the most coarse side first and finish with the smooth one. Before you begin buffing, cut and file your nails until they are the shape you prefer. When you're ready to buff, hold the buffer parallel to your nail with the large grit side facing down.
Gently buff your nails in an X shape, ensuring each stroke goes only downwards or only upwards. Be sure to use light pressure and move the nail buffer in tiny circular motions. Over-buffing can damage your nails, so each nail only needs 6-8 strokes. Remember to be gentle, as you don't want to create heat from the friction. Also, don't press too hard on your nail matrix. After buffing, use a nail file to level off the edges of the chip to create an even base for the new polish.
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Apply two coats of Protein Bond to the exposed natural nail
When your gel manicure starts to grow out, there are several steps you can take to prolong your manicure until you can make an appointment with a professional nail technician. One of the key steps is to apply two coats of Protein Bond to the exposed natural nail. This will ensure that your nails are ready for a gel nail fill.
Protein Bond is a non-acidic nail primer that enhances the adhesion of gel polish and acrylic nails. It is a gentle and effective way to improve adhesion without making it harder to remove gels. It dries quickly, usually in seconds, and does not require a nail lamp to cure. Before applying Protein Bond, it is important to shape, buff, and clean the nails to create a clean surface for maximum adhesion.
To apply Protein Bond, start by brushing it over the entire surface of each nail, just like you would with a base coat. Allow it to air dry, and then apply a second coat. You can also cap the nails for extra protection against chipping by brushing a bit of Protein Bond on the edge and underside of the nail. This second coat can also be applied over tips and enhancements.
It is important to note that if you are using nail lacquer, one coat of Protein Bond is usually sufficient. However, for gels, acrylics, or if the nail bed is naturally very oily, two coats are recommended. By following these steps and applying two coats of Protein Bond, you can ensure that your gel nail fill will last longer and adhere better to your natural nails.
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Use a gel base designed for extended wear
When your gel manicure starts to grow out, it can be frustrating if you can't get to the salon for a refill or a touch-up. However, there are some quick steps you can take at home to prolong your manicure until you can make an appointment.
One of the most important steps in achieving a professional-looking gel manicure is to use a gel base coat. This is a foundational element that sets the stage for a flawless manicure. The gel base coat is designed to provide a sticky, adhesive surface that bonds the gel polish to the natural nail. It fills in ridges and imperfections, ensuring that the gel polish applies evenly and that each stroke is seamless and consistent. It also prevents your nail plates from becoming stained.
A gel base coat is typically thinner and more flexible than the top coat, allowing it to seamlessly adhere to the natural curves and ridges of the nail. Its primary purpose is to create a strong foundation for the gel polish, ensuring that the colour adheres well and stays intact for an extended period. By enhancing the adhesion between the nail and the polish, the base coat prevents premature chipping and peeling, which are common issues with gel polish applications.
To apply a gel base coat effectively, start with clean, dry nails. Use a nail file to shape your nails to your desired shape and gently buff the surface of the nail to create a slightly rough texture, which will help the base coat adhere better. Then, apply the gel base coat, followed by the gel colour, and finally, the top coat. Allow each layer to dry fully before moving on to the next step.
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Visit a professional nail technician for a refill or removal
When your gel manicure starts to grow out, it can be frustrating if you can't get to a nail salon for a refill or removal. While there are some temporary solutions you can try at home, it is always best to visit a professional nail technician to ensure the health and safety of your nails.
One of the biggest risks of attempting to remove gel nails at home is the potential damage it can cause to your natural nails. The removal process often involves soaking your nails in acetone, which can be harsh and damaging. Additionally, picking, filing, or scraping off the gel polish can also harm your nails. By contrast, a professional nail technician will have the knowledge and experience to remove the gel polish safely and effectively, minimising any potential damage.
Another benefit of visiting a professional nail technician for a refill or removal is that they can assess the health of your nails and provide expert advice and care. For example, if your nails have started to "'lift'", where the edges of the gel nails start to come away from the natural nail plate, a technician can address this issue and recommend steps to prevent it from happening again. They can also reshape your nails, remove any nicks and chips, and ensure your natural nails remain strong and healthy.
Furthermore, a professional nail technician will have access to high-quality products and tools that may not be available to the general public. This includes access to different polish colours and types, such as glitter polish, which can be used to blend and match your existing manicure. They will also have the necessary equipment to cure your gel polish properly, such as UV lights, which can be dangerous to use at home without proper training.
While it may be tempting to try to remove or refill your gel nails at home, it is always best to leave it to the professionals. They will have the skills, knowledge, and tools to ensure the process is safe and effective, and they can provide expert advice to help you maintain healthy and beautiful nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Filling your nails means that instead of fully removing your gel, 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.
Gel nails typically last between 2 and 4 weeks, but this depends on the individual. The growth of your natural nails will determine how long your gel manicure lasts before you need a fill.
After 2-3 weeks, you may notice a visible gap between the natural nail plate and the artificial gel layer. This gap is caused when your nails start to grow and the gel does not move with them. You may also notice that the edges of the gel are lifting.
While we recommend seeking a professional nail technician, there are some simple steps you can take at home to fill in grown-out gel nails. First, remove the shine from the surface of the nail to give the gel something to adhere to. Then, use a Swipe liquid to clean the nail. Finally, apply two coats of Protein Bond to ensure the gel will last.
