Can Gel Nails Be Infilled at Home? What You Should Know First

If you’ve ever wondered can gel nails be infilled at home, the answer is yes, although it is not something we usually recommend. Infills require proper tools, the right products, and a careful technique. Without these, there is a real risk of damaging your natural nails, ending up with an uneven finish, or running into hygiene concerns.

Still, we know many nail lovers enjoy the creativity of doing their own nails. If you have the right skills and confidence, it is possible to carry out gel nail infills yourself. 

In this article, we’ll share what you need to know before deciding whether to try it at home or leave it to a professional.

What Are Gel Nail Infills?

Gel nail infills are a way of refreshing your manicure without starting from scratch. As your natural nails grow, a gap begins to show between the cuticle and the gel polish. Instead of removing the whole set, an infill fills in that regrowth, smooths the surface, and gives your nails a tidy, freshly done look again. 

Many people choose infills because they extend the life of a manicure and are often less time-consuming than a full replacement.

You may also come across the term builder gel infills. Builder gel is a thicker, stronger type of gel that adds extra strength and durability to the nail. Infills with builder gel work in much the same way, but they are particularly useful if you want to reinforce weak nails or add a little more structure. 

The main difference is in the product used: standard gel infills are about maintaining polish and shine, while builder gel infills are designed to provide both colour and strength.

Featuring The Nail Bar’s Gel Polish Service

Is It Possible to Do Infills on Gel Nails at Home?

Yes, it is possible to carry out gel nail infills at home, but it is not always the best idea.. The process involves filing away the old product, carefully blending the regrowth, and applying fresh layers of gel. Without the right tools and training, achieving a smooth and natural finish can be challenging. 

For those with the right skills, patience, and proper products, infilling at home can be done. However, it is worth remembering that professional nail technicians are trained to work safely and hygienically, and they know how to tailor the treatment to your specific nails. While at-home infills may seem convenient, many people find the results last longer and look more polished when done in a salon.

How to Refill Gel Nails at Home (Step by Step)

If you decide to try refilling your gel nails at home, it is important to approach the process with care. The right tools and products will make all the difference, and patience is key to avoiding damage.

Step	What to do
1	Prepare your nails
2	File down the surface
3	Blend the regrowth
4	Clean and dehydrate
5	Apply base coat
6	Add builder gel or colour gel
7	Finish with a top coat
8	Moisturise

Prepare Your Nails

Wash your hands thoroughly and ensure your nails are clean and dry. Gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher.

File Down the Surface

Use a nail file or electric file on a low setting to remove the shiny topcoat and thin out any lifted product. Take your time and avoid over-filing the natural nail.

Blend the Regrowth

Lightly buff the area where the natural nail meets the old gel so the surface is smooth and even.

Featuring The Nail Bar’s Manicure Service

Clean and Dehydrate

Wipe away dust with a lint-free wipe and nail cleanser. You can also use a nail dehydrator to help the gel adhere better.

Apply Base Coat

Brush on a thin layer of gel base coat over the entire nail and cure it under a UV or LED lamp.

Add Builder Gel or Colour Gel

Apply your chosen builder gel or colour gel to fill in the regrowth area and create an even surface. Cure between each layer to ensure it sets properly.

Finish With Top Coat

Seal the nails with a top coat, cure again, then wipe off any sticky residue.

Moisturise 

Apply cuticle oil to keep your nails and skin hydrated.

Featuring The Nail Bar’s GELX Service

Why You Might Avoid Doing Gel Nails at Home

If you do not feel fully confident in your skills, it is always better to visit a nail salon. A trained nail technician can carry out infills safely, shape your nails neatly, and ensure they last longer. Sometimes leaving it to the professionals saves time, stress, and keeps your nails in their best condition.

Reasons to avoid doing gel nails at home:

• Higher risk of damaging the natural nail through over-filing or incorrect technique

• Difficulty achieving a smooth, even finish without professional tools

• Greater chance of lifting, which can trap moisture and cause infection

• Lack of proper sanitation, leading to possible irritation or nail problems

• Results often do not last as long as salon-quality infills

Image By The Nail Bar Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Times Can You Fill Gel Nails?

Most people can have gel nail infills two to three times before it is healthier to start again with a fresh set. How often you need them depends on your nail growth, how well you look after your nails, and the quality of the original application.

In Australia, infills are usually recommended every two to three weeks. This timing keeps your nails looking neat and prevents lifting or weak spots. After a few rounds of infills, the gel layers can become too thick or uneven, and that’s when a full removal and new set is the better option.

Is It Better to Get Infills or a New Set?

It’s usually better to get nail infills for maintenance, as they are more cost-effective, faster, and extend the life of your current nail set. You should opt for a new set of nails if your current ones are heavily lifting, damaged, or if you want a complete change in design or shape. Infills also help keep your nails strong and healthy by allowing for regular maintenance and preventing issues like bacteria build-up.

For example, a builder gel nails infill is ideal if your nails are still in good condition but simply need strengthening and smoothing. This way, you avoid starting from scratch while still maintaining durability and a fresh, polished look.

Can You Do a Fill on Builder Gel?

Yes, you can definitely have builder gel infilled. It’s a common way to extend your manicure by filling in the natural nail growth at the cuticle with fresh builder gel, instead of removing everything and starting over.

How Much Is a Refill for Gel Nails?

The cost of a refill varies depending on the salon and the type of gel used. In Brisbane, most salons charge less for infills than for a brand-new set, making them a more affordable way to maintain your nails.

At The Nail Bar Indooroopilly, you can check our prices directly when booking online. For reference:

• Gel X Infill: from $85

• BIAB Infill: from $80

You can view the full menu and make an appointment through our booking page.

Can You Add Layers of Builder Gel?

Yes, you can apply several thin layers of builder gel to strengthen your nails and shape them as you like, curing each layer before moving on. The process often starts with a light “slip layer” to help adhesion, followed by slightly thicker “bead layers” to build the apex. Working in this way gives you more control and prevents the gel from overheating during curing.

If you are planning to refill gel nails at home, it is worth knowing that builder gel is most effective when applied in these controlled layers. Keeping each coat thin and curing in stages makes the application easier to handle and helps you achieve a smoother, longer-lasting result.

Can You Add More Builder Gel After Curing?

Yes, you can add more builder gel after curing, as long as each layer is applied correctly. Builder gel is designed to be built up in thin, cured layers, which gives you more control and prevents overheating. If you want to add strength or correct the shape, simply file the surface lightly to remove the shine, wipe away the dust, then apply and cure another thin layer. This method helps the new gel bond properly with the cured layer underneath.

Can You Do Dip on Top of Builder Gel?

It is possible to apply dip powder on top of builder gel, but it is not the most common practice. Dip and builder gel are two different systems, and combining them can sometimes create bulk or unevenness if not done carefully. If you do choose to try it, the builder gel should be fully cured and filed smooth before applying the dip powder.

Conclusion

So, can gel nails be infilled at home? The answer is yes, but with caution. While it is possible to carry out the process yourself, it requires the right tools, proper technique, and plenty of patience. Without these, the risk of damaging your natural nails or ending up with uneven results is quite high.

For most people, regular gel nail infills done in a salon remain the safest and most effective way to maintain strong, polished nails. At The Nail Bar Indooroopilly, our trained technicians provide professional infills that keep your nails looking flawless while protecting their long-term health. Booking with us means less stress, longer-lasting results and the confidence of knowing your nails are in expert hands.