Gel nail extension is one of the most favored nail trends because it delivers a natural and glossy finish. With modern gel application techniques, gel nail extensions are not only durable but also maintain vibrant color for weeks. So, what are gel nail extensions and how do they differ from acrylic nails? All will be revealed in this article!
What Are Gel Nail Extensions?
Gel nail extensions is a technique that uses specialized gel to create added length and new shapes for natural nails. This process involves applying a hard gel layer onto the natural nail and curing it under UV or LED light to ensure durability. Then, nail technicians use nail forms or pre-made soft gel tips to effectively extend the natural nail.
This method not only strengthens and beautifies the nails but also allows for diverse nail shapes such as pointed, rounded, or square, tailored to personal preference. However, for gel nail extensions to be effective, the natural nails need to have a minimum length to ensure the gel or tips adhere securely and last over time.
If the nails are too short or trimmed too close, they won’t provide a strong enough base for gel nail extensions. Thanks to its convenience and high aesthetic appeal, gel nail extension is widely regarded by experts for its durability and beauty.
Nail extension gel is a technique that lengthens natural nails using specialized gel while effectively shaping new nail designs.
What is Softgel Nail Extension?
Similar to nail extension, softgel nail extension is a technique that uses pre-shaped soft gel tips to attach onto the natural nails, then secures them with specialized soft gel and cures under UV or LED light.
Unlike traditional gel nail extensions, softgel nail extension uses lightweight, flexible tips to create length and shape without applying gel directly onto the natural nail. These tips come in various shapes such as pointed, rounded, and square, suitable for different styles.
A key advantage of softgel nail extension is its quick and gentle application process, requiring fewer fills to maintain a natural look. This makes it an ideal choice for those who want long, beautiful nails with minimal damage to the natural nails.
Softgel nail extension is a technique that quickly attaches pre-shaped soft gel tips onto the natural nails.
The Pros and Cons of Gel Nail Extensions
While gel nail extensions are highly valued for their aesthetic effects and convenience, they also have some limitations. Below are the detailed advantages and disadvantages of gel nail extensions for your consideration:
Pros
Gel nail extensions provide beautiful, glossy, and longer-lasting nails compared to conventional extension methods. Compared to acrylic nails, gel extensions are lighter and cause less damage to the natural nails. Especially with softgel nail extensions, you can easily choose nail shapes that fit your style and save time during application.
Cons
Despite their many benefits, gel nail extensions have some drawbacks. The use of gel and chemicals during the extension process can weaken natural nails if done continuously over a long period. Moreover, the curing process requires UV or LED lamps, which can pose risks of skin darkening if proper protection is not used.
Therefore, it is important to avoid overusing gel nail extension techniques, as well as other nail extension methods, to prevent damage to your natural nails.
Gel nail extensions are considered to have various pros and cons related to durability and application methods.
How Are Gel Nail Extensions Applied?
Generally, the gel nail extension process at a spa involves several steps, from shaping the nails to applying the gel. Below are the standard gel nail extension steps commonly used in professional nail beauty salons that you can refer to:
- Step 1 – Nail Forming: First, the technician files and shapes the natural nails. This step helps define the desired nail shape and prepares the nail surface for better gel adhesion.
- Step 2 – Using Nail Forms or Soft Gel Tips: In traditional gel extension techniques, a nail form is placed under the natural nail tip to create the ideal length. If using a soft gel tip kit, the technician selects the appropriate size for each nail.
- Step 3 – Applying Bonder and Primer: Next, a bonding agent is applied to the natural nail to prepare the surface, followed by a primer to enhance the gel’s adhesion to the nail.
- Step 4 – Applying Gel Builder: For traditional methods, gel builder is applied on both the nail form and natural nail to sculpt the new nail shape. When using soft gel tip kits, a thin layer of gel is applied to the inner side of the gel tip before attaching it to the natural nail.
- Step 5 – Attaching the Soft Gel Tip: After applying the gel, the soft gel tip is carefully placed onto the natural nail, then gently pressed and held to ensure a secure fit without shifting during curing.
- Step 6 – Curing Under UV or LED Light: Once the gel tip is attached, the nails are placed under a UV or LED lamp for about 60 seconds to fully harden the gel. This process helps the nails maintain long-lasting strength and shine.
- Step 7 – Finishing and Decorating: After the gel has cured, the technician files and refines the nail shape for precision and balance. Finally, the nails are painted and designed according to the client’s preferences.
This 7-step professional gel nail extension process is widely applied in nail salons.
Differences Between Gel Nail Extensions and Acrylic Nail Extensions
Gel nail extensions and acrylic nail extensions are two popular nail techniques but differ significantly in the chemicals used, application methods, and user experience. Understanding these differences will help you choose the nail style that best suits your needs, preferences, and nail care habits. The specifics include:
Application Method
- Gel Nail Extensions: Gel is a thick, liquid gel resin applied directly onto natural or artificial nails. The technician then uses UV or LED light to quickly cure and harden the gel.
- Acrylic Nail Extensions: Acrylic is created by mixing a liquid called monomer with a polymer powder (white or colored powder). When combined, the mixture thickens and is shaped onto the nails. Acrylic dries naturally at room temperature without needing light, but it takes longer to cure than gel.
Nail Characteristics
- Gel: Gel nail extensions are more flexible, creating a glossy and lightweight effect on natural nails. The gel’s soft texture means nails are less likely to chip or crack from minor impacts. The hardness level is moderate, giving nails a more natural look.
- Acrylic: Acrylic nails are typically harder and more durable than gel nails, making them suitable for those who want long-lasting nails. However, their hardness reduces flexibility, making them prone to cracking under strong impacts during daily activities.
There are distinct differences in the characteristics and application of gel and acrylic nail extensions.
Removal Process
- Gel: Removing gel nails is usually simpler, requiring a short soak in acetone to gently lift the gel without causing much damage to the natural nails.
- Acrylic: Removing acrylic nails is more complex, requiring longer acetone soaking to fully dissolve the acrylic layer. Extensive filing and use of strong chemicals during removal can weaken and damage the natural nails.
Odor and Dust During Application
- Gel: Gel nail application typically has little to no odor and generates minimal dust when filing, making the process more comfortable for both technicians and clients.
- Acrylic: Acrylic nail application often has a stronger, unpleasant odor due to the monomer chemicals used. It also produces more dust during filing, which can be bothersome to clients.
Aesthetic and Durability
- Gel: Gel nail extensions offer thin, shiny nails with a very natural appearance. However, they are generally less durable than acrylic nails when subjected to strong impacts.
- Acrylic: Acrylic nails provide higher durability and better resistance to force compared to gel nails. Yet, their thicker layers can make the nails look bulkier and less natural.
There are notable differences in aesthetics, durability, and removal processes between acrylic and gel nail extensions.
How Long Do Gel Nail Extensions Last?
Gel nail extensions typically last between 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the type of gel used and how well you care for your nails. Hard gel nails usually last about 2 weeks, while soft gel nails can maintain their appearance for 3 to 4 weeks with proper care. The durability of gel nails is also influenced by daily habits such as hand washing, household chores, and exposure to chemicals. Therefore, proper nail care and maintenance are essential to prolong the lifespan and keep gel nails looking beautiful.
How to Remove Gel Nail Extensions Without Destroying Your Nails
To safely remove gel nail extensions at home without damaging your natural nails, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Gently file the surface of the gel nails to thin the top layer, allowing acetone to penetrate more effectively.
- Step 2: Soak cotton pads in acetone, place them on your nails, then wrap each finger tightly with aluminum foil to prevent acetone from evaporating.
- Step 3: Keep the wraps on for about 15–20 minutes until the gel softens and begins to lift from the natural nail.
- Step 4: Use a cuticle pusher or wooden stick to gently peel off the gel, avoiding excessive force to prevent damage.
- Step 5: If the gel does not come off completely, repeat the soaking and gentle removal process until fully cleared.
After removal, apply nail oil or a specialized nail care cream to nourish and strengthen your nails.
Removing gel nails correctly at home minimizes the risk of harming your natural nails. However, if you have hard gel nails or stubborn gel that’s difficult to remove, it’s best to visit a salon where professionals can safely remove them without causing damage.
Through this article, we hope you better understand gel nail extensions and the differences between gel and acrylic nails that you might not have known. Overall, gel nail extensions offer many outstanding advantages and are highly valued for their aesthetics. Depending on your personal preference and nail condition, you can choose the most suitable extension method. To book a gel nail extension appointment at Zendith Spa, please contact our hotline at +1 905 848 3939 for assistance.