We always advise using a Base Coat at the beginning of every gel manicure. This is because it provides the perfect base layer for all following coats to adhere to. While we can’t guarantee best results if you miss this step out, many of our Bluesky users find that applying Hard Gel with no Base Coat works well for them, and they experience no peeling or lifting at all. So, how well do you really know your BIAB from your Gel X? Your acrylics from your gel extensions? I’ve called in the help of two top nail pros to break down each nail enhancement, so you know exactly what to ask for next time you’re in that salon chair. Gel nail polish Builder Gel is perfect for gel nail extensions and can be used with nail forms to sculpt medium to long nail extensions. We have plenty of tips for how to apply Builder Gel as well as a tutorial video you can follow if you’ve not used the product before. So, soft gel extensions can be easily removed using acetone and hard gels have to be filed off. Is soft gel or hard gel better for extensions? Although simpler and sometimes slightly bulkier, a good top coat can make acrylics appear just as glossy as gels. And, because they cure during the application, there’s no unnecessary exposure to UV light.

Hard Gel: An Acrylic Alternative | Nailpro Hard Gel: An Acrylic Alternative | Nailpro

Does not add length. Can be drying to natural dry nails after time. Solution:Remove gels every 3-6 months and soak natural nails in warm (heat until warm in the microwave) coconut oil for 5 minutes, daily for one week. The dryness issue should be resolved. Hard gels To prolong the life of your manicure, avoid using your hands for activities that could damage the gel, such as washing dishes or gardening. You should also avoid exposing your nails to harsh chemicals, such as nail polish removers, household cleaners, and pool or hot tub water. With proper care, a hard gel overlay can be a great way to achieve long-lasting results. Does hard gel overlay damage nails? We always recommend filing off as much of the product on your nails as possible beforehand, especially when you've used Hard Gel. This is because there are now 2-3 additional layers for the acetone to soak through, so we advise making sure your nails are properly filed down and prepped for removal to cut down on the soaking time. Can you infill with Hard Gel? Any type of gel manicure can strengthen your nails. Where other types of manicure can be damaging to the nail plate, gel cures hard, but with added flexibility. Yes! This is our favourite way to use Hard Gel. Simply apply your Base Coat, then 1-2 coats of Hard Gel. Continue with your gel polish colour coats and finish with your Top Coat.

Hard gel, soft gel, builder gel, gel polish – what’s the difference?

We thought it was a good time to answer some of the most commonly asked questions around builder gels. Want to know the benefits of gel manicures? Or whether gel or acrylic is better for your clients? Keep reading to find out! Overall, both acrylic and builder gel can be used to create equally stunning manicures. It’s always best to take a good look at your client’s nails and see how strong they are naturally before deciding which is best for them.

Hard Gel How To Strengthen Nails: Our Top Tips for Using Hard Gel

Many clients also believe that gel nails will damage their nails less than acrylic nails. The flexibility of builder gel does mean that they are less likely to cause a breakage. If you use a soak off formula, you can minimise damage during the removal, too, as less filing and buffing will be needed. So, the main takeaway with hard gel vs builder gel is that hard gels are harder to remove, you need a drill and you have to be very careful. Well, the molecules in hard gels are more tightly compacted, so the acetone solvent can’t penetrate them as easily. No. A gel overlay can be done with either soft or hard gel. An overlay just means a coat of gel applied over a natural nail without adding length. Is hard gel as strong as acrylic?Gel nails last up to three weeks and are a great option for people who like a high-shine, chip-free manicure that provides extra everyday protection — ideal for the clumsy among us, counting myself among the “us”.They do not however provide any extra length, so must be applied to your natural nail.

Hard Gel Overlays Explained: What You Need to Know - nailhow

When you’re choosing whether to get a gel or acrylic manicure, there are certain factors that you need to consider before making your choice. From lifestyle choices to how you want your nails to look, we’re examining the differences between these main manicure types so that you can determine which one will work best for you.

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With hard gel nails, you just take a nail brush and dip it into the gel and then apply it directly to your nail. Remember that if you want to create extensions, you’ll need to choose a shape and use a form or a tip. If your natural nails are already long, then you don’t need an extension, so you would get an overlay. Tips are plastic forms that are glued to the surface of the nail, just at the very free edge. Product is laid over the entire natural nail and plastic tip. This technique is easier than scuplting for many people. The plastic tip remains on the nail.