What is a nail infill?

Why infills are needed

Gel and acrylic products bond to the nail plate at the time of application. As the nail grows — typically 3–5mm per month — a gap appears at the cuticle end. Left unfilled, this gap traps moisture, weakens the seal, and increases the risk of lifting or breakage. An infill appointment closes the gap, rebalances the shape, and refreshes the colour or finish.

• —Typically needed every 2–4 weeks depending on nail growth rate
• —Faster and less expensive than a full removal and reapplication
• —Preserves the integrity of the existing product
• —Keeps nails looking fresh without a full rebuild

Infill vs full set — what is the difference?

A full set involves removing the existing product completely and starting fresh. An infill retains the existing product and fills the growth gap only. Full sets are usually needed when product has lifted significantly, the client wants a style change, or the nails have grown out beyond what an infill can correct. Infills are the standard maintenance path for clients who keep their nail enhancements long-term.

How long does a nail infill take?

Infill appointment durations vary by product type and nail technician. Standard infill appointment times are:

• —BIAB infill — 60–75 minutes
• —Gel overlay infill — 45–60 minutes
• —Acrylic infill — 60–90 minutes
• —Hard gel infill — 60–75 minutes

Infill pricing for nail technicians

Infills are priced below the full set equivalent because they take less time and fewer materials. A common pricing structure charges 60–75% of the full set price for an infill. For example, if a BIAB full set is £50, the infill would typically sit at £30–38. Nail technicians using online booking should list infills and full sets as separate services so clients book the correct appointment type — this avoids scheduling conflicts from underestimated appointment lengths.

Why nail technicians need accurate infill durations in booking software

A client booking a full set into an infill slot creates a significant scheduling problem — the appointment will overrun, disrupting the rest of the diary. Booking software that allows nail technicians to set different durations for each service type prevents this. Nextro lets you list BIAB Full Set, BIAB Infill, and Gel Infill as separate services with distinct durations and prices, so the right time is always blocked.