How To Use Ridge Filler For Nails: Step-by-Step
When you’re trying to paint the perfect manicure, ridges, bumps, or uneven nail surfaces can be a challenging obstacle. This is a common concern among nail enthusiasts, but fortunately there is a simple solution: ridge fillers. This game-changing product was created to smooth out imperfections, leaving you with a flawless canvas for a simple nail look or a perfect base for nail polish. From the best application times to the benefits of using a Fortifying Ridge Filler, this multi-functional product is a must-have addition to your nail product lineup.
What Are Ridge Fillers?
Exactly what they sound like! A ridge filler is a product designed to level out the ridges and bumps on your nails, creating a sleek and even canvas. Think of them as a primer for your nails that instantly improves their appearance, but also nourishes and strengthens at the same time. Our Fortifying Ridge Filler is the perfect example of this multitasking marvel. Beyond blurring out imperfections, it is packed with nourishing botanical oils and extracts that strengthen and hydrate your nails. If your nails are particularly brittle, it reinforces them, helping to prevent chipping, cracking, and staining. This makes it an essential product for anyone looking to improve the overall health and appearance of their nails.
How To Use Ridge Filler For Nails: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prep Your Nails
Before painting on any product, make sure your nails are clean and free from oils or old polish. Gently wipe them down with acetone or a lacquer remover pad to ensure they’re completely clean. This step is crucial to allowing the nail primer to adhere properly, ensuring the sleekest nail canvas.
Also, be sure to trim and shape your nails to your desired length and shape before painting on the ridge filler. Healthy, well-maintained nails will give you the best results. This is also a perfect time to give your cuticles some extra TLC. Push them back gently with a cuticle pusher for the best surface to apply your smoothing treatment to.
Step 2: Apply Ridge Filler
For the perfect application, start with a thin, even coat of ridge filler. Use the brush to cover your nails from cuticle to tip for an even nail surface. Ridge filler is designed to glide on smoothly, leveling out any imperfections and creating a perfectly even base. One layer will instantly conceal most imperfections, but for deeper ridges or more uneven nails, paint a second layer to fill them in even further.
Step 3: Let It Dry
Give the product a few minutes to settle. However, unlike other nail treatments, ridge fillers typically dry quickly, leaving you with an even, matte finish in virtually no time. This fast-drying feature makes it a go-to for those looking to achieve a quick, polished appearance without waiting around. While it’s drying, avoid touching your nails to prevent smudging. When it feels hardened and smooth to the touch, it’s ready for the next step.
Step 4: Follow Up with Polish (Optional)
Once your perfecting base has dried, you can choose to wear it alone for an enhanced “natural nail” look or follow it with a coat of your favorite lakur. If you’re looking for a longer-lasting manicure, finish with a kur top coat for added shine, nourishment, and protection. Fortifying Ridge Filler naturally helps to prevent chipping and peeling, so your polish will adhere better and stay on longer.
When Should You Use a Ridge Filler?
When your nails are looking a little uneven, ridge filler is your secret weapon. Whether you’re dealing with natural imperfections, nail damage, or the effects of aging, this perfecting product works wonders to conceal flaws. Whether you choose to use it as a base coat before completing a full manicure or wear it alone for a natural, matte finish that’s free of flaws, it’s your ideal solution.
Ridge filler isn’t just for covering cracks or bumps, it also helps with other nail concerns, such as discoloration or brittleness. Our fortifying ridge filler delivers quick hydration and nourishment thanks to a blend of botanical oils and extracts. For nails that need a little extra love and want to look healthier, ridge fillers are an easy solution.
How Often Should You Use a Ridge Filler?
This depends on the needs of your nails specifically. If you have a lot of texture, ridge filler is safe to use every time you do your nails to ensure that the nail canvas remains level. Although the product can be used regularly without causing damage to your nails, as with all nail care products, it is important to give your nails a break occasionally. Overusing any product can lead to buildup or nail fatigue, so be sure to pause between applications to keep your nails in top condition.
Can You Use Ridge Filler With Nail Polish or Gel?
Absolutely! Ridge filler is not just for natural nails. It works wonderfully as a base coat for any nail polish, helping it to adhere better and stick around. Ridge filler also works with gel, and it is quite simple to do. Apply it first and then follow with your gel polish application as usual. It’ll act as a primer and prep the surface to be even more level for gel application.
Ridge filler doubles as a treatment and a polish. This means you’re not just getting a flat surface, but also strengthening your nails with every use. So, whether you’re doing a quick manicure with lacquer or spending a little more time on a gel manicure, ridge filler can become your go-to base with benefits.
Do You Put Ridge Filler On Before Or After Base Coat?
When using these two products together, ridge filler should be applied before your base coat. Ridge filler is a prep product, meaning that it is most effective when used as the first step in your nail care routine. By filling in all divots prior to using base coat, it allows for better adhesion and longer-lasting color.
How Long To Let Ridge Filler Dry?
Although ridge filler dries pretty quickly, like all polish products, it is always best to allow it a few minutes of dry time before applying your first layer of lakur. If wearing on its own you will know that it’s touch dry when it is no longer tacky and is smooth. This usually takes about 30-60 minutes and is generally when you can resume everyday activities. After 2 hours nails are considered to be fully dry.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Using Ridge Filler
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Over-Applying: Less is more! A thin and even coat is all you need. Applying too much product can cause the filler to go on unevenly and it may take longer to dry.
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Skipping Nail Prep: Always clean your nails thoroughly before application for the best results. Removing oils and any old polish ensures that the filler adheres perfectly and provides a clean finish.
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Not Allowing Enough Drying Time: Patience is key. Allow for some dry time before putting anything on top. Rushing this step can cause smudging or uneven application..
Your Perfect Manicure Awaits
Ridge filler is the unsung hero of the nail care world, flattening imperfections and providing a flawless base for whatever look you’re going for. Whether you wear it alone for a natural, matte finish or as a primer for your favorite nail polish, Fortifying Ridge Filler is a must-have for a smoother, healthier nail routine. It’s not just about looks, it’s about caring for your nails and providing them with the nourishment and protection they need to thrive.
Ready to give your nails the even, robust base they deserve? Shop our foundation base coats for strong nails and discover the benefits of smoother, healthier nails, no salon appointment required.
