Gel Nails Growing Out? Make Grown Out Gels Look Better!

We all love a gel manicure, but when you start to notice your gel nails growing out, what can you do?

What methods can you try, to try and disguise your grown out gel nails, so you can stretch your gel manicure out for longer, without having to head back to see the nail technician at the nail salon for an infill, or a new set of nails?

I’m going to share the best methods to improve the look of your grown out gel polish nails, so keep on reading to find out more…

How Fast Do Natural Nails Grow?

Have you ever wondered how fast your natural nails grow? If you’re a fan of gel nails, keeping an eye on your nail growth is essential to maintain that perfect manicure.

You might be surprised at the rate of nail growth and how it can affect the appearance of your gels.

So let’s dive into the world of nail growth and see what we uncover. On average, our nails grow about 3 millimeters (0.12 inches) per month, or roughly 1/10th of a millimeter daily.

However, this isn’t a hard and fast rule – many factors come into play when determining nail growth speed. Factors such as age, health, diet, and even hormones can impact how quickly your gel nails grow out.

For instance, younger individuals tend to have faster-growing nails than their older counterparts.

As with everything in life, there are exceptions to the rule. Some people may experience more rapid nail growth, while others may find their nails growing at a snail’s pace.

But don’t worry too much if yours seems slow – patience is key here. Remember to keep up those healthy habits like eating well and taking care of yourself overall, because ultimately, they will contribute positively towards maintaining beautiful-looking gel nails for longer periods.

How Long Does It Take For Gel Nails To Grow Out?

Gorgeous gel nails glisten and gleam, giving our hands a polished and pretty look. However, as time ticks away, those once pristine fingertips will eventually need some tender love and care due to growing out.

So, how long does it take for your fabulous gel nails to grow out? Let’s dig into the details of gel nail growth.

On average, fingernails grow approximately 3 millimeters per month or about 0.1 millimeters per day.

That being said, everyone’s body is different, meaning that individual nail growth rates can vary slightly.

Factors like age, health conditions, nutrition, and even climate can all play a part in determining how quickly your gel nails will start growing out.

It typically takes around two to three weeks before you begin noticing any significant change in the appearance of your gel manicure.

As we watch our manicures slowly making their way towards the tips of our fingers, it’s important not to fret too much over what might seem like an impending beauty disaster.

There are plenty of ways to keep your growing-out gel nails looking lovely until you’re ready for a fresh set or removal.

Embrace this natural process by experimenting with new designs on top of your existing color, trying a negative space manicure or adding glittery accents at the base near your cuticles for an easy touch-up solution that keeps you feeling stylish throughout every stage of your gel nail journey.

Gel Nails Growing Out? Make Grown Out Gels Look Better

Camouflaging The Gap

There are creative ways to camouflage the gap without having to remove or redo your entire hard gel manicure. By camouflaging the gap in your grown-out gel nails, not only will you save time and money, but you’ll also continue rocking a beautiful manicure.

One way to make those grown-out gel nails look fabulous is by adding nail art strategically over the gap area.

You can use gems or rhinestones glued onto your nails for instant glamour, draw intricate designs using nail pens, or even create cute polka dots with different shades of polish.

The key here is to cover up the visible gap while enhancing the overall appearance of your nails. Remember, it’s all about creativity and making sure that no one can tell that you’re concealing anything underneath.

Another great option for camouflaging the gap on grown-out gel nails is by applying a complementary shade of polish along the base of your nail where growth has occurred.

This technique works best when choosing gel polish colors within the same family as your original gel color (for instance: if wearing dark blue gels, opt for lighter blues).

Blend this new color towards the existing polish, creating an ombre effect which not only disguises any signs of regrowth, but also adds depth and dimension to your overall manicure style.

Glitter And Metallic Polish

If you’re looking for a fun and festive way to hide that pesky gap in your grown-out gel nails, look no further than glitter polish or metallic polish.

These eye-catching options are perfect for adding some sparkle and glam to your manicure, while simultaneously covering up the telltale signs of nail growth.

Plus, who doesn’t love an excuse to add some extra glitz and shine to their nails?

When using glitter nail polish, it’s important to focus on applying it primarily along the base of your nail where the gap is most visible. The dense concentration of sparkles will help mask any unevenness between your natural nail and gel color.

Metallic polish works similarly by reflecting light off its shiny surface, making it harder for anyone to notice the dreaded growth line.

French Manicures

If you’re a fan of classic elegance, why not take advantage of your gel nails growing out and opt for French manicures to give those grown-out gels a sophisticated makeover?

You know what they say – when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. So let’s turn that pesky growth into an opportunity to rock one of the most timeless nail trends around.

French manicures are perfect for disguising any visible gaps at the base of your nails. Start by applying a sheer pink or nude polish over your entire nail, which will help blend in the existing color with your natural nail.

Then, paint a white tip along the edge of your nail where the gap is most prominent. This clever technique draws attention away from the grown-out area and instead highlights the beautifully elongated appearance of your nails.

How Often Should You Get A New Gel Manicure?

So, you’re rocking those gorgeous gel nails and enjoying the compliments that come your way. But as time goes by, you may notice your gel nails growing out and wonder how often should you get a new gel manicure?

On average, it’s best to book your next salon appointment for a new gel manicure every two to three weeks.

This timeframe not only keeps your nails looking fresh, but also reduces the risk of any damage or weakening due to prolonged wear. Moreover, getting regular touch-ups will minimize the awkward gap between your cuticles and the polish as your natural nail grows out.

So go on, plan those mani-pedi dates with friends or treat yourself to some well-deserved self-care sessions at the salon.

You might be wondering if there’s an option to push these appointments further apart – maybe stretching it up to four weeks even? The truth is, this largely depends on how fast your nails grow and how well they hold up against daily wear and tear. However, keep in mind that prolonging the duration could lead to chipping or peeling of the polish and weaken the overall appearance of your manicure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Gel Nails Damage Your Natural Nails When They Grow Out?

When it comes to gel nails, one might think they’re as tough as nails, but the truth is that they can indeed cause damage to your natural nails when they grow out.

The bonding process between the gel and your nail plate may weaken your natural nails over time, leaving them prone to breakage and peeling.

As tempting as it may be to keep up with this trendy beauty treatment, it’s important not to turn a blind eye towards potential consequences for our fingertips.

Can I Safely Remove Gel Nails At Home When They Start Growing Out?

Absolutely, you can safely remove gel nails at home when they start growing out without causing damage to your natural nails. All you need is a bit of patience and the right tools.

First, grab some acetone nail polish remover, cotton balls or pads, aluminum foil, an orangewood stick or cuticle pusher, a buffer block, and a file.

Gently file down the surface of your gels to break their seal. Then soak the cotton in acetone and place it on top of each nail, wrapping them securely with aluminum foil.

Let your nails soak for around 15–20 minutes before gently pushing off any remaining gel using the orangewood stick. Buff away any residue and apply some nourishing cuticle oil to give your nails some well-deserved TLC after removal.

How Can I Prevent My Gel Nails From Lifting Or Peeling As They Grow Out?

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so to prevent your gel nails from lifting or peeling as they grow out, there are a few simple steps you can follow.

Firstly, ensure proper application by prepping your nails thoroughly – this includes cleaning, buffing, and dehydrating them before applying the base coat.

Secondly, avoid touching your cuticles during application and always cap the free edge of your nail with each layer for extra protection.

Lastly, don’t forget to maintain your beautiful nails, by keeping them moisturized and wearing gloves when doing household chores that expose them to water or harsh chemicals.

Are There Any Nail Care Tips To Keep My Natural Nails Healthy While They Grow Out With Gel Nails?

Keeping your natural nails healthy while they grow out with gel nails is essential for maintaining their strength and overall appearance.

To show your nails some love, make sure you’re regularly applying cuticle oil to nourish the nail bed and surrounding skin.

Avoid using harsh chemicals or soaking your hands in water for extended periods, as this can weaken the gel layer on your nails and cause lifting.

Take breaks between gel manicures and gel refills, to give your nails a chance to breathe and recover, and you could always have a week of regular polish during those breaks.

If you notice any signs of damage or peeling, resist the urge to pick at them; instead, gently file down any rough edges, with a nail file, to avoid further harm, and keep your gel nails looking healthy.

Can I Apply Regular Nail Polish Over My Grown-Out Gel Nails To Make Them Look Better?

The good news is, you can absolutely apply regular nail polish over your grown-out gel nails to give them a fresh new look. In fact, it’s an excellent way to maintain some intimacy between you and your beloved nails while they transition back to their natural state.

Just make sure to lightly buff the surface of the gel extensions before applying your favorite color – this will help create a smooth base for the polish to adhere to, and will help with the appearance of gel regrowth.

How Often Should You Take A Break From Gel Polish?

To ensure healthy nails and help them grow, it is important to take regular breaks from wearing gel polish. Damage to the natural nail plate can happen, when you get gel polish for too long periods of time, to weaken the nails.

Giving your nails a break from wearing gel polish, or similar types of manicure, and remove the gel, will allow them to breathe and stay strong and resistant over time, and give your nails time to breathe.

Taking breaks in between weeks of wear will also give you an opportunity to perform a regular manicure, which helps remove bacteria and debris that can build up under the nail plate.

It is recommended that you give your nails at least two weeks of rest in between each gel application cycle, during which time you can use nourishing cuticle oils or creams and lotions to keep them conditioned.

During this break period, you may opt for a traditional polish instead of a soak-off gel polish, and this will help your nails grow, thanks to the break from gel nail polish.

 

Summary

Always take care of your natural nails as they grow out with gel nails, to extend the life of your gel manicure. Remember that proper removal and maintenance can prevent damage and keep them looking great.

Did you know that around 20% of people experience nail damage from improper gel nail removal?

So, be sure to follow the tips mentioned in this article to make your grown-out gels look better while keeping your natural nails healthy.

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