You don’t need to soak your nails in acetone every time you want a new manicure. Instead, you just remove the grown-out nail. A nail fill is the perfect solution when your gel nails start to grow and you notice the space between your artificial nails and cuticles. (Not sure which enhancement style works for you? Check out our guide: Synthetic & Extension Nail Options – Pick Your Perfect Fit.) Instead of going through the hassle of removing the entire gel polish and starting over, you can simply infill the nail growth with new gel.
This time-saving process helps you avoid the dreaded outgrowth while keeping your nails looking pretty and strong. Depending on how fast your natural nails grow (around 0.1 mm per day), you’ll need to refill your nails every 2 to 4 weeks to prevent breakage and cracks, ensuring they remain strong and well-maintained.
What Is a Nail Fill?
A nail fill is when you don’t need to fully remove your gel nails by soaking them off with portion (about 80-90%) and prep your nails. After that, you fill in the space with fresh material or acrylic powder and liquid to thicken the nails and restore their shape.
This keeps your nails looking beautiful and natural without the need for a complete redo. If you have artificial nails like acrylics or gels, the nails grow out over time, usually after two weeks. So, you can just come in for a fill where your manicurist fills the gap near the cuticle, shapes them, and sands them down to get them looking like new again. It’s a quick way to maintain those longer, perfect nails without starting from scratch.
Nail refills aren’t the only way to maintain flawless nails—nail overlays offer a natural, easy alternative. Learn more in our guide: Natural Nail Overlays – 7 Tips for a Subtle Look.
Understanding the Difference Between Fill, Rebalance, and Full Set
A fill is a nail service where you back fill the builder gel on your nails, adjusting the apex if needed, after 2-3 weeks of growth. It involves color removal, shortening, and filing to maintain your nails, offering a quick maintenance service. A rebalance happens after 4 or more weeks and requires restructuring the nail’s apex for strength and proper position.
If a client needs a new set, it means removing the product completely to start fresh, usually when nails are damaged or have been missed for too long. Pricing depends on the time, effort, and product used, and should be adjusted according to the service performed. Open communication with clients is essential to keep them informed about their service needs and policies.
Unlock Secrets to Fill Your Nails
Filling your nails is key for gel nails or acrylics. As your natural nails grow, a gap forms. You can easily fill nails at home with a nail fill kit. First, remove the top layer of gel or acrylic using a file. Then, fill the gap with acrylic mixture or gel primer and let it dry.
Yes, you can infill gel nails at home! If you use Mylee’s Builder Gel or Fix ‘N’ Flash Tips, just remove the old gel polish before applying a new layer. Complete the infill process for a fresh look! More information is available in the following steps (unlock the 4 secrets).
Unlock Secret 1: Filling Gel Nails
Filling gel nails is a great way to maintain a smooth and long-lasting manicure. Follow these simple stepensures a smooth transition and helps prevent lifting.
Step 1:
File the top layer of the gel nails. Use a 180-grit file to gently remove any bumps or uneven areas without damaging the natural nails underneath.
Step 2:
Buff the area where the gel meets the natural nail, particularly around the cuticle area. This step ensures a smooth transition between the artificial gel and the natural nail for an even application.
Step 3:
Apply a thin layer of gel primer to your natural nail. Cure the primer under a UV lamp for 1 minute to help the gel adhere better.
Unlock Secret 2: Filling Acrylic Nails
Acrylic nails are easy to maintain with the right technique: (Regular fills are key to maintaining acrylic nails. Wondering how long acrylic extensions really last? Discover tips to extend their wear in our guide: Acrylic Nail Longevity – Maximize Your Manicure.)
Filling Acrylic Nails is simple with the right technique. Here’s a step-by-step guide
Step 1:
Use a coarse file or electric nail file to gently file away the excess acrylic from the nail surface. Be careful not to file the natural nail.
Step 2:
Buff the surface where the acrylic meets your natural nail. This will ensure there is no visible bump or gap.
Step 3:
Apply 1 to 3 coats of nail primer to the natural nail. Allow it to dry completely before applying acrylic powder and acrylic liquid to fill in the gap.
Unlock Secret 3: Filling Gel Polish Nails
Gel polish nails can be refilled with precision using these steps:
Step 1:
File the top layer of the gel polish using a soft file. You only want to remove the shine and bumpy areas, leaving the nail surface intact.
Step 2:
Buff the area around the cuticle where the gel has started to lift. This step helps ensure a smooth transition from the gel to the natural nail.
Step 3:
Clean the nails with a lint-free wipe soaked in rubbing alcohol to remove any dust and oils before applying gel primer and curing under the UV lamp.
Unlock Secret 4: Using Builder Gel for Filling
Builder gel is perfect for adding strength and filling gaps between your natural nails and extensions. (Builder gel isn’t only for nail fills—it’s a key part of a complete manicure. Learn more in our guide: Hand & Nail Care 101 – Essential Tips for Healthy Nails.
Here’s how to use it:
Step 1:
File the top layer of your gel nails or acrylic nails to remove any excess product and smooth out any bumps.
Step 2:
Apply gel primer to the natural nail and cure under a UV lamp for 1 minute to prepare the surface.
Step 3:
Apply a thin layer of builder gel to fill the gap and extend the nail. Cure it under the UV lamp for 1 minute to ensure proper bonding.
With these 4 unlock secrets, you can confidently maintain your nails at home, saving time and effort while keeping them looking fresh and strong!
FAQs:
How long does a nail refill usually take?
A nail refill typically takes about 60 minutes.
Can you remove acrylic nails yourself?
No, it’s best to have acrylic nails professionally removed to avoid damaging your nail plate.
What to Expect from a Nail Refill?
During a nail refill, your nail stylist will disinfect your nails, remove the top coat of artificial nails, and push back your cuticles. Your nail plate will be prepped with a primer for the gel or acrylic refill. After curing under a UV light, your nails will be polished and finished with cuticle oil. The process should take about 60 minutes. Never peel off your acrylic or gel nails, and avoid acetone to prevent damage. Always have nails professionally removed.
Why Do I Love Fills?
I love fills because they help prevent overprepping your natural nails. A lot of people say that gel manicures, dip manicures, or press-ons ruin nails, but that’s usually because of damage from peeling, ripping off press-ons, or filing too much. These actions weaken the natural nail, making it flimsy or even painful. With fills, you leave 10-20% of the gel on your nails, creating a protective layer that keeps the natural nail strong. This allows your nails to grow, stay healthy, and not break. Plus, when you prep the nails, you’re working with the gel layer instead of damaging it.
What Makes a Fill Effective?
When doing a fill on your nails, the tools and process matter, but the gel products are crucial too. Hybrid gel like Shellac or OPI won’t work for fills because they don’t provide enough protection. To ensure longevity, use a builder gel to safeguard your natural nails, especially when using an e-file, preventing damage while achieving a durable and strong finish.
Do I Ever Fully Remove My Gel Anymore?
I don’t fully remove my gel anymore. I really dislike soaking it off with acetone. Even when I’m gentle, if my nails are long, they feel weak without builder gel. Unless I’m planning to take off the gel and cut my nails short, I leave it on.
Don’t You Need to Remove Your Gel to Let Your Nails Breathe?
No, nails don’t actually need to breathe—it’s just a myth. If your nails feel weak or damaged with gel, it’s likely from over-prepping or using incorrect tools. Stick to my process, use good products, and trust your judgement, and your nails will be fine!
