Understanding Gel X Refills

Refills with Gel X can be a great option for clients who don’t want a full soak off every time. Instead of removing and starting fresh, refilling allows you to work over the existing structure, saving time while still giving a clean, refreshed result.

Personally, I prefer to refill Gel X only once or twice before doing a fresh set. This helps keep the structure consistent, prevents unnecessary bulk, and ensures the nails always look and feel their best. That said, every client is different and some love the convenience of regular refills, while others prefer the feeling of a brand new set each time.

The key is to find what works best for you and your client. When done correctly, refills can be a great way to maintain beautiful, strong nails between full sets without compromising on quality or finish.

Universal Hygiene & Safety Protocol Reminder

Before beginning this service, ensure:

  • Hands are sanitised (technician and client)
  • Tools and implements are disinfected
  • Workstation is cleaned and prepared
  • Gloves and mask are worn
  • All health and safety protocols outlined in the Hygiene, Health & Safety section are being followed

Step by Step Overview: Gel X Refills

Refills are a key part of keeping Gel X sets looking fresh. While the original structure is already in place, proper prep and careful application make all the difference in achieving a seamless and long lasting result. This step by step guide will walk you through the process so your refills are clean, smooth, and stress free. Click the image alongside to watch the full video tutorial.

1. Remove Gel Polish from Previous Set:
Using a carbide drill bit, carefully remove any gel polish while leaving the Gel X tip intact. Avoid filing into the tip itself to preserve the structure.

2. Check the Length with your Client:
Ask if they want to keep the current length or shorten. Trim the free edge as needed

3. Refine and Smooth the Tip:
Using a sanding band, gently go over the tip and regrowth area to remove any lifting and smooth the surface. You can use the cuticle trimmer to remove any lifting of the Gel extension.

4. Shape Each Nail (optional per your workflow):
You can either work one nail at a time - using the sanding band to remove any lifting, then shaping it - or go through all nails with the sanding band first and shape them all afterward. Choose the method that feels most comfortable and efficient for you.

Remember to flip the clients hand to see a different angle of your shaping to ensure the shape is perfect! It is important to file underneath the free edge so that it is as crisp and thin as possible!

5. Cuticle and Regrowth Prep:

  • Trim any excess cuticle
  • Use diamond drill bits to clean around the cuticle and sidewalls
  • Ensure the regrowth area is smooth and free of debris

6. Dust and Clean the Nails:
Brush off all dust to ensure a clean surface before applying the BIAB overlay.

7. BIAB Application for the Refill:

  • Apply a small bead of BIAB to the regrowth area
  • Use your fine liner brush to blend the BIAB into the existing Gel X tip
  • Work one nail at a time to ensure smooth, even coverage
  • The structure is already there, so you only need enough product to fill the regrowth and reinforce the nail

8. Cure Each Nail Individually:
After applying the BIAB, cure the nail fully (do the other hand in the meantime) to ensure it sets securely.

9. Ready for Gel Polish:
Once all nails are refilled with BIAB and fully cured, you can move straight into gel polish application as usual.

You’ll see each of these steps demonstrated clearly in the video, which will make the whole refill process even easier to understand and follow.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes

💡 Use just enough BIAB to fill the regrowth and reinforce the nail as the existing Gel X tip already provides structure.

💡 Work one nail at a time when applying BIAB to maintain control and a smooth finish.

💡 Blend the BIAB carefully into the cuticle and sidewalls using a fine liner brush for a seamless result.

💡 Just like BIAB, cure each nail individually to avoid flooding in the cuticle area and sidewalls.

Even with these tips, it’s easy to slip up so here are the most common mistakes to watch out for so your refills stay clean.

⚠️ Applying too much BIAB, creating bulk or uneven nails.

⚠️ Skipping prep around the cuticle or sidewalls, which can cause lifting.

⚠️ Not removing lifting or smoothing the regrowth before applying BIAB.

⚠️ Rushing through curing as each nail needs full, individual curing for a strong refill.

Refills take patience and practice, so don’t rush yourself. The more sets you do, the more natural the process will feel so keep going, stay consistent, and you’ll see your speed and confidence grow with every client.