Filling your nails typically involves addressing the gap that appears as your natural nail grows out from under acrylic or gel enhancements. Here's a breakdown of how to fill nails:
Steps to Fill Acrylic or Gel Nails
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Gather Your Supplies: You can purchase a nail fill kit or assemble your own. Essential tools include:
- Nail file (coarse and fine grit)
- Nail buffer
- Acrylic liquid (monomer) and powder, or gel primer
- Acrylic brush or gel brush
- Nail dehydrator
- Cuticle pusher
- Lint-free wipes
- Acetone or gel remover (if needed for lifting)
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Prepare the Nails:
- Sanitize: Clean your hands and the client's hands with a sanitizing solution to prevent infection.
- Remove Shine: Gently file or buff the surface of the existing acrylic or gel to remove the top coat and any shine. This helps the new product adhere properly. Be careful not to file down to the natural nail.
- Address Lifting: If there is any lifting, carefully remove the lifted product using a file or an e-file. Avoid pulling or prying, as this can damage the natural nail.
- Cleanse: Use a lint-free wipe and nail dehydrator to remove dust and oils from the nail surface.
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Apply the Fill:
- Acrylic: Dip your acrylic brush into the monomer and then into the acrylic powder to form a small bead. Apply the bead to the area where the natural nail has grown out, blending it smoothly with the existing acrylic. Repeat until the gap is filled and the surface is even.
- Gel: Apply a thin layer of gel primer to the exposed natural nail and blend it into the existing gel enhancement. Cure under a UV or LED lamp according to the manufacturer's instructions. Repeat if necessary to build up the fill.
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Shape and Refine:
- File: Use a coarse-grit file to shape the nail and blend the fill seamlessly with the existing enhancement.
- Buff: Use a fine-grit file or buffer to smooth the surface and remove any scratches.
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Finish:
- Cleanse: Remove any dust with a lint-free wipe and nail cleanser.
- Top Coat: Apply a top coat to seal the enhancement and add shine. Cure under a UV or LED lamp if using gel top coat.
- Hydrate: Apply cuticle oil to moisturize the skin around the nails.
By following these steps, you can effectively fill your acrylic or gel nails, extending the life of your manicure and maintaining a polished look.
