Liam Carter
Gel nail extensions have become increasingly popular for those seeking longer, stronger, and more natural-looking nails. The process involves curing hard gel over the entire nail plate, not just the tip, and then sculpting and shaping the gel to the desired length and style. Unlike traditional acrylic nail extensions, which can feel heavy and unnatural, gel nails offer a lightweight, sleek, and sculpted finish. The pros of gel nails include their durability, sturdiness, and natural look. However, one of the cons is the longer curing time, as each layer of gel must be cured individually. Additionally, the use of UV light for curing has raised concerns about potential skin damage and increased exposure to ultraviolet light.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pros | Stronger, cleaner, sturdier, longer-lasting, natural-looking, lightweight, flexible, hypoallergenic, quicker than actual gel extension building, no strong fumes, acid-free bonder, faster and easier filing |
| Cons | More expensive, longer to apply, exposure to ultraviolet light which may lead to premature aging of the skin or increase the chance of skin cancer |
| Procedure | Nails are prepared (filed, cleaned, and buffed). Then, the technician applies a form underneath the natural nail to create length using a gel builder, gel primer, and gel top coat, letting them dry under LED or UV light. |
| Maintenance | Clients come in every 2-3 weeks for a maintenance service and color or design change. |
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Builder gel pros and cons
A full set of gel nails refers to a builder gel manicure, which is a type of nail polish that helps strengthen nails, enabling them to grow in length and thickness and become more durable. It is applied in two layers: the builder gel and the top coat. The builder gel hardens the polish, making it last longer, while the top coat protects the polish from chipping and adds a high-shine finish.
Builder gel manicures have several pros. Firstly, they strengthen nails and make them more durable, enabling them to grow longer and thicker. This type of manicure is also more comfortable and less damaging than other options, such as Shellac, as it does not require rigorous scraping or electric buffering for removal. Instead, it can be easily soaked off with acetone, minimising nail damage. Additionally, the application process is quicker, and the time between appointments can be extended to 3-4 weeks or even longer, resulting in fewer visits to the salon and reduced overall costs. Builder gel manicures also provide a high-shine finish and are suitable for those who prefer a more natural look.
However, there are also some cons to consider. Builder gel manicures may not be as readily available as other acrylic or gel offerings, and appointments may need to be booked well in advance. Additionally, builder gel takes longer to apply than hard gel as each layer needs to be cured individually. While builder gel is stronger than regular gel polish, it may not last as long as hard gel, which provides greater strength and durability. Hard gel is ideal for those seeking longer nails with intricate designs. Furthermore, like other gel manicures, builder gel requires exposure to UV light, which may be a concern for those worried about potential skin damage or increased risk of skin cancer.
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Full set vs fill
A full set of gel nails is a type of artificial nail enhancement that can be used to extend the length of the nail. The procedure involves curing a full nail to the nail plate using builder gel, which is then hardened under UV light. The pros of builder gel are that it is stronger, looks cleaner, and is generally less damaging to the nail. It also has no strong fumes, cures faster, and is hypoallergenic.
Now, onto the difference between a full set and a fill. A full set refers to the initial application of artificial nails, whether it be acrylic or gel nails. On the other hand, a fill is a maintenance service done every 2-3 weeks, where the colour is removed, the nail length is shortened, and the apex of the existing product is filed down. This service is typically done when a client has several nails missing or damaged due to mistreatment, or when they have missed several appointments and it has been 6 or more weeks since their last service.
A fill service is also provided when a client has an upcoming special occasion, such as a wedding or graduation, or when a new client comes in with bare nails or an unknown product on their nails. In these cases, a full new set may be recommended, but it is important to consider the additional time and cost involved. A fill service is just as strong as a new set, and one can normally have a few fills before removing the full set and starting fresh.
It is important to note that there is no standard definition for a fill, and the procedure may vary depending on the client's needs and the salon's practices.
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Rebalance
A "rebalance" is often referred to for builder gel services where clients go four or more weeks between appointments. After four weeks, the apex of the nail is usually much more grown out and needs to be "restructured" to be put back in the proper position. Without rebalancing the apex, the nail's structure and strength can be compromised, leading to breaks or poor wear. This service can take much more time, effort, and product and, therefore, costs more. You may also need to consider booking a longer time slot for these clients.
A rebalance service is often required when a client has missed several appointments and it has been six or more weeks since their last service, or when a new client comes in with bare nails or a mystery product on their nails. In these cases, it is best to have a conversation with the client about their next appointment to accommodate the additional time needed to create a full new set.
A rebalance differs from a "fill" service, which is typically provided to those who wear some form of builder gel on their nails and come in every 2-3 weeks for a maintenance service and a colour or design change. This service includes colour removal, shortening the nail length if desired, filing down the apex of the existing product, nail prep, and back-filling the builder gel product where there was growth.
The pros of builder gel are that it is stronger, looks cleaner, and can be worn without polish. However, it takes longer to do a full set of builder gel nails because you have to cure every layer as you go, and it is usually more expensive.
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Gel vs acrylic
A full set of gel nails is a type of manicure that uses a specific type of nail polish—gel nail polish—that is cured with a UV nail lamp to create a shiny, long-lasting manicure that doesn't require extensive time to dry. Gel nails can be applied to natural nails and can be used to extend the length of the nail.
Now, here's a comparison between gel and acrylic nails:
Gel nails and acrylic nails are two popular nail services with some key differences. Firstly, in terms of application and curing, gel nail polish is applied to the nail and cured with a UV lamp, resulting in a shiny and durable finish that dries quickly. In contrast, acrylic nails are created by mixing a liquid monomer and a powder polymer to form a gummy paste that is then painted onto the nail and left to air dry. Acrylic nails can also be used to extend nail length.
Pros of Gel Nails
- More natural-looking and thinner coating over the nail.
- Easier to apply and more flexible.
- Hypoallergenic and less likely to cause allergies than acrylic.
- Faster and easier filing.
- Cures in 30 seconds under a UV lamp.
- Can be worn with nail polish for a natural look.
Pros of Acrylic Nails
- Tougher shell, ideal for people with brittle or soft nails.
- Provides a strong base for nail art, such as crystals or pearls.
- Lasts longer without chipping compared to traditional nail polish.
Cons of Gel Nails
- Requires curing each layer, which can be time-consuming for a full set.
- Exposure to UV light during curing may be harmful.
Cons of Acrylic Nails
- Less flexible and more prone to damage.
- Mixing and application process may be messier.
Ultimately, the choice between gel and acrylic nails depends on personal preferences, individual needs, and the desired look and durability.
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UV light concerns
Gel nail polish is cured and dried under a UV light, which has been a cause for concern for many people. The UV light lamps used during manicures predominantly produce UVA rays, which have been linked to premature skin ageing and skin cancer. A recent study has also found that these UV dryers can damage DNA and mutate cells.
While the risk of using a UV lamp is considered moderate and far lower than that of UV tanning devices, it is still a concern for many. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen to the hands around 20 minutes before UV light exposure. This precaution, however, does not protect against subungual (under the nail) squamous cell carcinoma, a rare but aggressive form of skin cancer.
To reduce the risk of UV exposure, some nail polish alternatives can be considered. There are some long-lasting, fast-drying gel polishes that do not require UV curing. Dip powder polishes are also an option, which are applied directly to the nail and air-dried. Regular nail polish is another alternative that dries without the need for UV light.
Additionally, fingerless, UV-absorbing gloves can be worn during the manicure process to protect the skin. These gloves leave only the nails exposed to the UV light.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel nail extensions are achieved by painting hard gel over natural nails and curing the polish with UV light. The manicurist then uses a nail form, which is a sticker that goes under the free edge of the nail to extend its length.
Gel nails are lightweight and natural-looking, unlike traditional acrylic nails which can feel heavy. They are also the toughest form of gel polish, creating a sturdier, longer-lasting exterior.
One of the cons of gel nails is that they require curing every layer, which can be time-consuming. Another is that they involve exposure to ultraviolet light, which some people believe may lead to premature aging of the skin or increase the chance of skin cancer.
A full set of gel nails is necessary when a client comes in with several nails missing or damaged, or if they have a special occasion coming up. It may also be necessary if the client has missed several appointments and it has been 6+ weeks since their last service.
