When should you book an infill, and what happens if you leave it?
Infills keep acrylics and BIAB strong and balanced. Here is how often to book them, what we do at the appointment, and why leaving it too long costs you.
2 min read
If you wear acrylics or BIAB, infills are what keep your set looking new. They are quicker than a full set, cost less, and stop small problems turning into broken nails. Here is how often to book them and what to look out for.
What an infill is
Your natural nail keeps growing under the set, so after a couple of weeks a gap appears at the cuticle. At an infill we gently file the existing product down, fill the new growth, rebalance the shape and finish with a fresh colour. You leave with a set that looks freshly done, without starting again from scratch.
How often to book
- Acrylics: every two to three weeks.
- BIAB: every three to four weeks.
Everyone's nails grow at a different speed, and nails often grow faster in summer. If you find your gap appears quickly, book a little sooner.
The easiest way to stay on track is to book your next infill before you leave, or as soon as you get home. You can book online any time at our booking page.
What happens if you leave it too long
As the nail grows out, the strongest part of the set moves further up towards the tip. The nail becomes top-heavy, and that puts pressure on your natural nail every time you knock it. That is when you see:
- lifting at the cuticle or the sides
- cracks across the nail
- a nail snapping off, sometimes taking part of your own nail with it
Lifting also lets water get under the product, which is not good for the nail underneath. If a set has gone too long, we may need to take it off and start again rather than infill, which takes longer and costs more.
Signs you are due
- you can see a clear gap of new nail at the cuticle
- your nails feel heavier at the end than they used to
- you can see or feel an edge lifting
- the colour is no longer the colour you want
Switching or taking a break
You do not have to keep the same treatment forever. Lots of clients move from acrylics to BIAB to grow their own nails, or have a set taken off before a holiday. Book a soak-off removal and we will take everything off gently. Have a look at our treatments and prices to see what each one costs.