[VIDEO] How to infill at home? STEP BY STEP

How to deal with the gel regrowth when a visit to the salon is not possible? How to get it done at home? Get to know our expert's tips and enjoy a beautiful mani.

In the latest Indigo YouTube video, Klaudia Kawińska - winner of the Grand Prix title from the Viva Nail Cup 2020 - shares with us the tips she gave to her customers who, due to the quarantine, could not come to their previously arranged visit.

We assume 2 scenarios:

1. The only products you have at home is a file and a traditional nail polish.
2. You have a lamp and a few nail styling products. But generally, you prefer when someone else does your nails.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RnKPdRzAAI

Option No. 1 - refresh to the gel styling with classic nail polish

You'll need:

• 100/180 grit file
• 100/180 grit buffer
• Cuticle softener
• Cuticle pusher
• Diamond nail base
• Tip Top
• Classic nail polish (in preferred colour)

Removing excess product, shortening and filling the shape of the nail

1. We shorten nails, preferably to the length of a natural grown nail. It's crucial because the extended nail, which is missing the product on the cuticles, does not have the right structure and overloads the natural nail plate.
2. We gently slim the nails, giving the desired shape. We don't narrow the nails too much because it can cause cracks, and the structure of the nail will be damaged. With such a length, instead of an almond shape file it to an oval shape - it will last longer.
3. We remove excess product with a 100 grit file - about 80% of what's left. The remaining 20% will serve as a reinforcement for the natural nail plate
4. We level the gap between the natural nail plate and regrowth with a 180-grit file. If there are any air pockets, they also need to be filed.
5. Moving from the product to cuticle removal, we swap not only the file side, but also the strength we file it with. The pressure to the surface should be much smaller.
6. We file the side edges. It is important not to hold the file too slanted - because we will file too much of the product.
7. The tip of the nail, so-called "hairline", should be thin, which is why we remove the excess product.
8. When the shape is ok, we smooth the surface with the buffer.

Cuticle removal with cuticle softener

1. It’s time for the cuticles. Apply the cuticle softener and wait 2 minutes.
2. Use the cuticle pusher and gently push back the cuticles, remove any membranes that are visible on the nail plate. Wipe the excess product with a cotton swab and wash your hands.
3. If after removing the cuticles they are still visible we can remove them with nippers. The part that we can safely remove is white - this part is a dead nail fold. To cut it out carefully, we place the nippers flat and gently cut it out. We do not place the blade under the cuticles, nor change the angle, because it may result in cutting.

   WARNING! Nippers are a personal use tool and should not be borrowed. Nippers in salons are sterilized after each use. At home, they should remain an element of personal equipment, just like underwear. By adhering to this principle, we protect ourselves and our loved ones against any infection.

4. After removing the cuticles, we again wash our hands to clean the surface of the nails.

Option No. 2 – gel infill with gel polish

You'll need:

• 100/180 grit file
• 100/180 grit buffer
• 180/220 grit buffer
• Cuticle pusher
• Flower brush
• Purple cleaner
• Acid free primer
• Acid primer
• Protein base
• Gel polish (in preferred colour)

Removing excess product, shortening and filling the shape of the nail

1. We remove the colour filing with a 100-grit
2. We smooth the edge between the natural nail plate and the built-up surface. There may be air pockets that also must be removed. A fresh layer of gel cannot be applied to the air pockets, as this will cause the perfect environment for bacteria and fungi growth.
3. We shorten the nail and give it the desired shape (like in Option No.1). A growing nail usually falls slightly down, and this should also be corrected. We place the file straight to the side edge and get rid of the sloping product with a round
4. When the shape is ok, we smooth the surface with the buffer. Klaudia uses 100/180, but 180/220 is also acceptable.

Cuticle removal with buffer

Note! This method works only with dry cuticles. If your cuticles are wet - try the first method, described above, and remove the cuticles with softener and a cuticle pusher.

1. Using the cuticle pusher, holding it at a 45-degree angle, gently push the cuticles away. If we keep the cuticle pusher flat and push it firmly into the cuticles, we can damage the matrix. Movement cannot be rapid.
2. If your cuticle pusher has a blade, you can scrape off the epithelium that is attached to the nail plate.
3. Dust off the nail plate.
4. With a 100-grit buffer we wipe off the dead skin. Then we swap to a 180 grit and smooth the surface until we get rid of all burrs. We dust off the surface of the nail.

If your skin is soft and it cuts easily, choose a 180/220 grit buffer. However, if you have thick cuticles, you can use a 100/180 grit buffer with no fear of cutting.

Gel polish application

1. We use purple cleaner to degrease the nail.
2. Apply the acid-free primer, which always leaves a slightly wet layer that is supposed to work like double-sided tape.
3. We apply the first thin layer of protein base on the whole nail plate and cure it for 30 seconds.
4. We apply a second layer. We brush the product on the entire length of the nail and add the roll of product in place of regrowth - of course, being careful not to touch the cuticles. We brush the product over the entire length of the nail.
5. If we care about a very smooth surface, we turn our finger and let the Protein to level out before it hits the lamp. Cure for it 30 seconds.
6. If we applied too much of the product, it's time to remove it and give the nail a shape. Clean the nail with purple cleaner and with a file or buffer remove excess product.

   Remember that if you correct anything with a file, you need to matt down the entire nail and clean before applying the colour.

7. We apply the first layer of colour on the whole nail plate, and only then push it back to the cuticles. We cure it for 30 seconds.
8. We apply a second layer being careful not to touch the cuticles. We are careful not to flood the cuticles - it's better not to reach half a millimetre than to flood and end up with air pockets.
9. We apply a top coat - first along the entire length, then gently push it to the cuticles, the same way as we applied the colour. We need to be careful not to touch it with the brush.
10. After removing from the lamp, we wait about 10 seconds for the nails to cool down and all done!

If you want to reduce the time you may try 3in1 products, that are a base, colour and topcoat in one. On our YT channel you will find videos where you can learn more about our best-selling 3in1 Whitamin and Mineral Base.