I’ve had my fair share of experiences with Gel nails growing out. I know how frustrating it can be to spend time and money on getting your nails done only to have them start growing out after a few weeks. That’s why I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about grown-out Gel nails. I will also give tips on what to do when you are in this situation.
Why Do Gel Nails Grow Out?
Like natural nails, Gel nails grow out as the nail bed expands. As the natural nail grows, it pushes the Gel nail out, creating a visible gap between the cuticle and the Gel nail. This can be more noticeable with Gel nails since they tend to grow out faster than natural nails.
What Happens When Gel Nails Grow Out?
Gel nails grow out at a rate that is similar to natural nails. The average rate of nail growth is approximately 0.1 to 0.2 inches per month. This means that after about two to three weeks, you may start to see a small gap between the gel nail and the cuticle as the natural nail starts to grow. After four to six weeks, the gap between the gel nail and the cuticle may become even more noticeable.
As the Gel nail grows out, it can create an unsightly gap between the cuticle and the nail. This can make the nails look unkempt and unprofessional. Additionally, grown-out Gel nails can cause damage to the natural nail bed because the gap between the Gel nail and the cuticle can trap dirt and bacteria, increasing the risk of infection.
It’s important to keep in mind that the growth rate of gel nails can vary depending on individual factors, such as genetics, diet, and lifestyle. Aslo, the thickness and length of the gel nail can affect how quickly it grows out. Gel nails that are thicker or longer may start to lift off the natural nail sooner than thinner or shorter nails, which can make the growth more noticeable.
What to Do When Gel Nails Grow Out?
When it comes to dealing with grown-out Gel nails, there are two key solutions to consider:
Remove the Grown Gel Nails
Removing Gel nails can be daunting, but it can be done safely and effectively with the right tools and techniques. There are two main options for removing Gel nails: doing it yourself at home or visiting a salon for professional Gel nail removal.
If you want to remove grown-out Gel nails at home, you will need a few essential tools to get started. These include a nail file, acetone, cotton balls, and aluminum foil.
To begin, you should start by filling the top layer of the Gel nail to remove the shine. This will allow the acetone to penetrate the nail and break down the Gel polish more effectively.
Once the top layer has been filed, soak a cotton ball in acetone and place it on top of the nail. Wrap the finger with aluminum foil to keep the cotton ball in place and to help retain the heat, which can speed up the removal process. Leave the foil wraps on for at least 15 minutes or until the Gel polish begins to lift off the nail.
After the Gel polish has started to lift off, gently scrape it off using a cuticle pusher. Be sure to apply gentle pressure to avoid damaging the natural nail bed. If the Gel polish is particularly stubborn, you may need to repeat the process a few times until all the polish has been removed.
If you would rather have a professional remove your Gel nails, you can visit a salon for a Gel nail removal service. This process is similar to the one used at home but uses professional-grade tools and products.
A technician will use a drill or an electric file to remove the Gel polish quickly and efficiently. This method can be more expensive than doing it at home, but it can also be less time-consuming and messy.
It is important to note that Gel nail removal can weaken the natural nail bed, so it is recommended to give your nails a break before applying a new set of Gel nails. This will give your nails time to recover and strengthen before being exposed to the chemicals and pressure of a new set of artificial nails.
Disguise Grown-Out Gel Nails
Disguising grown-out Gel nails can be an effective solution for those who do not want to remove them. Fortunately, there are several ways to conceal the gap between the cuticle and the nail.
Paint Your Nails with a Regular Nail Polish
One of the simplest ways to disguise grown-out Gel nails is by painting over them with a regular nail polish color that matches the shade of the Gel polish. This will help to mask the gap between the cuticle and the nail and create a more uniform look. Choosing a nail polish that matches the Gel color as closely as possible is vital to achieving the most seamless look.
Incorporate Glitter Nail Polish or Nail Art
Another option is to incorporate glitter nail polish or nail art into your design. Glitter nail polish can help to draw the eye away from the grown-out Gel nails and add some sparkle and dimension to your nails. Alternatively, nail art can create exciting designs that distract from the gap between the cuticle and the nail. This can include geometric shapes, stripes, or other patterns that create a visually interesting and unique look.
Use a Gel Nail Polish
If you want a more long-lasting and professional solution, you can use a Gel nail polish or a Gel-like topcoat to fill in the gap between the cuticle and the nail. This will help smooth out the nail’s surface and create a more even appearance. When using a Gel topcoat, cure it properly with a UV or LED lamp to ensure that it lasts as long as possible.
It is important to note that while these methods can help to disguise grown-out Gel nails, they are not a permanent solution. Eventually, the Gel polish will need to be removed, and the natural nail will need time to recover and strengthen. It is advisable to avoid leaving grown-out Gel nails in place for too long, as this can cause damage to the natural nail bed.
Can You Just Let Gel Nails Grow Out?
You can let gel nails grow out without removing them but it’s not recommended. As your natural nails grow, the gap between the gel nail and your cuticle will become more noticeable. This can create a less-than-desirable appearance, but it is generally safe to let gel nails grow out. Unlike acrylic nails, gel nails do not use strong adhesives to adhere to the natural nail. Instead, they are cured using UV or LED light, which creates a strong bond between the gel and the natural nail.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that as the gel nail grows out, it may become more prone to lifting, cracking, or chipping. Additionally, if you leave gel nails on for too long, they can become more difficult to remove and may cause damage to the natural nail.
If you choose to let your gel nails grow out, it’s recommended to keep them well-maintained by filing and shaping the free edge of the nail regularly. You may also want to apply cuticle oil to the base of the nail to help keep the cuticle and surrounding skin hydrated.
How To Maintain Your Gel Nails for the Best Look
Preventing grown-out Gel nails starts with maintaining healthy nails. You can do several things to promote healthy nail growth and prevent the need for frequent Gel nail maintenance.
Keep Your Nails Clean and Dry
First, it is essential to keep your nails clean and dry. This means avoiding exposure to water for long periods, as this can cause nails to become soft and more prone to damage. Consider wearing gloves to protect your nails and keep them dry when washing dishes.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
In addition, it is important to avoid exposing your nails to harsh chemicals, such as cleaning products, as these can weaken the nail and increase the risk of breakage. If you must work with harsh chemicals, consider wearing gloves to protect your nails.
Take Vitamins and SupplementsĀ
Taking vitamins and supplements can also promote healthy nail growth and prevent the need for frequent Gel nail maintenance. Biotin, for example, is a B vitamin often recommended for promoting healthy hair and nail growth. Other vitamins and minerals that promote healthy nail growth include vitamins D, E, and iron.
Apply Gel Close to the Cuticle
When getting Gel nails applied, it is essential to ask your nail technician to apply the Gel close to the cuticle to minimize the gap as the nail grows out. This can help extend your Gel nails’ life and minimize the need for frequent maintenance.
Final Words
Grown-out Gel nails can be frustrating, but there are ways to manage them. Whether you remove or disguise them, it’s important to take care of your natural nails and give them a break from Gel nails to prevent further damage. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can maintain healthy nails and minimize the need for frequent Gel nail maintenance. Remember, healthy nails are beautiful nails!