How to Fill Gel X Nails at Home with Video Guide

Gel X nails are becoming increasingly popular this is because they are one of the easiest ways to create long-lasting extensions right at home.

Now because Gel X nails can last a fairly long time one of the questions I often get is can Gel X nails be filled?

And the answer is Yes Gel X nails can be filled and in this article, I am going to share with you step by step how to fill your Gel X nails at home.

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When Can You Fill Gel X Nails

If your Gel X nails are still in good condition meaning they are not chipping or lifting you can fill them after around 3-4 weeks. But if your nails tend to grow faster you might need to do it sooner.

Now Gel X nails have a tendency to lift easily, especially if they were not applied correctly. This is why you must examine your nails thoroughly to look for signs of lifting and breaking.

And if you do see your manicure is lifting you will need to remove them completely and then apply new Gel X nails.

To remove Gel X nails at home check out my article on the 3 Ways to Safely Remove Gel X Nails at Home

Now to avoid lifting check out my article 9 Tips to Make Gel X Nails Last Longer & Prevent Lifting

How to Fill Gel X Nails at Home

What you are going to need:

A Builder Gel, or a Polygel, or a Rubber Base Gel (Basically any thick UV-cured gel)
Gel Polish
Nail File ( I recommend using an electronic nail drill but you can use a hand file too)
Cuticle pusher
A Nail Primer and A Dehydrator
Rubbing Alcohol and Cotton Pads

Step 1 – Push Back Your Cuticles

The first thing your need to do is use a cuticle pusher to push back your cuticles. This will prevent the gel from going onto the cuticle which can lead to lifting.

Any Gel that sits on top of the cuticle will lift, remember the gel is supposed to bond to your nail plate not to your cuticles.

Step 2 – Remove Gel Polish

Next, you are going to need to file away the gel polish, you can use a medium-grit nail file or medium-grit sanding band on a nail drill. For fills I use a nail drill, it’s much faster and easier to do. You can click here to see the price for one that is perfect for a beginner to use.

Do not remove the gel polish with acetone, acetone will weaken the gel x nails, so you need to file off the gel polish.

Step 3 – File down the Back of the Gel X Nails

When filing off the gel polish you need to smooth out the back of the gel x nails right where it meets your natural nails. This is to create a nice smooth transition to your nails.

You need to always file the back part of the natural nails that are exposed. This roughens the nail plate up which will help allow the gel to grip onto it allowing it to last longer.

Step 4- Clean & then Apply the Primers

Next, use a cotton pad soaked with rubbing alcohol and clean off any dust from all the filing.

Apply a coat of the dehydrator to the exposed nails And then a coat of the nail primer to the entire manicure.

Step 5 – Apply the Gel

Before applying the gel, apply a gel base coat over the entire nails and the cure for 20 seconds.
Next, place a small bead of the builder gel in the exposed area at the back of the nails.
Then use your brush and gently spread it to fill the area out and try to have a smooth transition with the Gel X nail.
Then cure for 30 seconds
Next, apply a thin layer of the builder gel over the entire nails and then cure for 60 seconds.
File and buff your nails until they are smooth and to the shape that you want
Finally, apply your gel polish and your top coat.
For more specific directions check out the Video Below.

When you fill Gel X nails you can use Polygel, Builder Gels, Hard Gels, or Rubber Base Gels. Now I use rubber base gels because it is super easy to use.

You can click here to see the price a rubber base gel on Amazon that works perfectly to fill Gel X Nails.

Or you can click here to learn more about Rubber Base Gels.

Video of How to Fill Gel X Nails Using Rubber Base Gel

Video of How to Fill Gel X with a Builder Gel

Gel X Nail Allergies: How to Spot, Treat & Prevent