How To Shorten Artificial Nails At Home

Gel nails are a great way to achieve a longer nail look. However, if you find your gel nails are too long, you may be wondering how to shorten gel nails at home without ruining your new manicure. At Posh Salon and Boutique we love educating people on things all nail related, so let’s look at several ways to effectively and safely trim gel nails. As always, if you need help trimming and caring for your nails, visit us or book an appointment.

Points To Consider

Before you begin trimming your nails, here are several points to keep in mind:

File, Rather Than Cut, Gel Nails

Gel nails are a type of artificial nail. While you can cut gel nails with a clipper, we highly recommend filing down fake nails instead. Why? With a nail file, you have better control over removing nail length, as well as an easier time shaping nails and less risk damaging your nails.

Desired Length

How long do you want your nails to be? If you’re new to hard gel nails, it may take some time to get used to longer nails. If you find your nails are interfering with daily activities, trim them and have your nail tech adjust the length at your next salon visit.

Desired Shape

Do you want to maintain the current shape of your gel nails? Or do you want to change the shape as you file your nails down? Have an idea of what you want to achieve with your nails before you start trimming.

When To Trim

If you’re new to wearing gel nails, we recommend starting with shorter nails, as it can be an adjustment to having longer nails. Why? The more hard gel added to a nail, the heavier the nails. If you have hard gel nails applied at a salon and return home only to find your nails are too long for your liking, then file them down to the desired length.

It’s also a simple rule: the longer your natural nails grow, the longer your gel nails will be. While the gel nails may have been the correct length when applied, you will find you need to trim your nails eventually. How fast your nails grow will vary from person to person, so you may trim your nails every few days or every few weeks, depending on the desired length. Nail trimming is part of nail maintenance until your next appointment at the salon, so knowing how to safely trim and file your nails is crucial.

How To Safely File hard gel Nails

A nail file allows you to start small, rather than risking taking too much off with a nail clipper. If you’re new to having gel nails, we highly recommend you use a file, instead of a clipper, if you need to trim them. Whether you’re using a standard file, emery board, electric file, or nail scissors, make sure each is high quality and sharp enough.

Standard Nile File

You can use a standard nail file with coarse to medium grit to file down your gel nails. New to trimming your fake nails? We recommend starting with a basic file.

How To Use

Expect to take more time and effort as you file down the gel. Begin by filing the outside corners of the nails and work your way toward the center. If you find that your gel nails are especially tough, use an emery board or a metal file..

Post Nail Trim Aftercare

After you trim your gel nails, follow up with these several nail aftercare steps:

Wash Your Hands After Trimming and filing

No matter how you trim your nails, be sure to wash your hands to remove nail dust.

Apply Cuticle Oil

Cuticle oil thoroughly moisturizes your nails and cuticles.

How To Get Different Nail Shapes

After you’ve trimmed your nails down, your nails may look thick and somewhat unattractive. To improve nail appearance, you may want to preserve the current nail shape or try a different shape.

Which Nail Shape is For Me?

Need help deciding which nail is best for you? Check your lanula or the “moon” at the base of your nails. Your nails’ edges typically mimic the shape of your lanula. If your lanulas are round, rounded nails may be best. If your lanulas are square, square nails may be best.

Also, consider the shape of your fingers. Some nail shapes flatter wider fingers, while other shapes can make fingers appear larger. For example, square nails can accentuate thicker fingers, so try slenderizing shapes such as squoval, coffin, or stiletto nails.

Square

Square nails are really easy to achieve. Simply file straight across until the nail is straight, then gently round the corners. You may find you have to file a lot off if your nails are long.

Squoval

Squoval nails are a combination of square and oval nails. Start with square-tipped nails and then gently round out the corners.

Coffin

Coffin nails work especially well on long nails. These nails have a flat tip with the sides angled in, like a coffin. To achieve these nails, file the tops of your nails straight, then file the sides at an angle.

Round

For a more natural look, go with round nails. Simply file your nails in a curving motion until the nails are rounded. Round nails tend to look best with shorter nail lengths.

Stiletto

Stiletto nails are one of the most dramatic nail shapes. These are very long nails with exaggerated pointy tips. Stiletto nails work best for long nails. To shape, file straight down the sides towards the center point, then gently round the corners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are several FAQs about trimming acrylic nails:

Oh no! I accidentally cut off too much nail. What should I do?

If you remove too much nail, to the point your nail bed is exposed, make sure the area is clean and dry. Then apply an antibiotic ointment and a band-aid to prevent infection. Wait until your nail grows back and the area is healed before applying any new nail products.

How do I avoid nail breakage and infections?

Get regular fills and keep your nails clean. If your nails start to lift, visit a salon so they can be safely removed. Never forcefully pull at nail extensions, as you risk damaging your nail, as well as experiencing severe pain and/ or infection.

Visit Posh Salon For Your Next Manicure

Ready for your next set of nails? Visit Posh Salon and Boutique for your latest manicure. From nail extensions to a basic manicure, we’ll have your nails looking their best. Schedule an appointment and let us pamper you.