Chances are you’ve heard of — and probably have tried — a standard gel or acrylic manicure. Gel nails are popular due to their ability to stay looking great for a week or more without chipping or breaking, while acrylics give you the appearance of long, perfectly shaped nails with the same long-lasting abilities (and then some). Though pricier than a regular manicure, gel and acrylic nails are often worth it for the long-lasting effect. After all, when you get a cute new mani, you don’t want it to chip the next day. 

There is, however, a downside to faux nails. The state of your natural nails when you take them off can be seriously diminished (read: dry, brittle, weak and more susceptible to breakage.) That’s where Gel-X comes in. Gel-X manicures are a fairly new type of nail treatment that give you the strength of gel and the length of acrylics, minus the damage to your natural nails. Ahead, Eunice Park, licensed nail tech and research and development manager of Aprés Nail, and celebrity manicurist Elle Gerstein answer all of our questions about Gel-X nails.

What Is a Gel-X Manicure?

“Gel-X is a full-coverage soft gel extension service,” says Park. “Invented by Aprés Nail in 2017, Gel-X allows you to create beautiful and durable extensions easily and quickly.” According to Gerstein, Gel-X is “a full-coverage gel that has already been sculpted while off of the hand to create a full nail extension with gel when applied.” Since the Gel-X nail tips are pre-formed to your preferred length and shape, the application process is quick and easy. Gel-X nails give you the best of both worlds in that they’re strong and long-lasting, but they can also be easily soaked off using acetone the way you would remove normal gel polish, says Park.  

How Does a Gel-X Manicure Differ From Acrylic Nails?

When it comes to a Gel-X manicure, both the application process and the actual extensions themselves differ from acrylic nails. “The difference from acrylics is that this is an already pre-done nail that soaks off every three to four weeks,” explains Gerstein. “You don’t need to apply, then cut and shape like you do with other nail tips or extensions.” 

Aprés Gel-X extensions are applied with Extend Gel (no glue) on the natural nail and filed down to the desired shape, while acrylic nails require the use of an acrylic monomer/liquid or acrylic powder on a nail form or tip and can be filled every two weeks. This makes Gel-X a great option for people who are sensitive to fragrances. Since there is no monomer required with Gel-X extensions — only soft gel polish — you don’t have to deal with the strong scent that comes with the acrylic manicure process. 

Gel-X is also different from regular gel nail polish. “Most soft gel is like the name implies — too soft to create lengthy extensions,” explains Park. “But with our patented soft gel formula, we apply both an incredible amount of heat and pressure during our manufacturing process which chemically alters the gel into something 10 times stronger and harder than in its liquid state, all while still maintaining its ability to be easily soaked off with acetone.” 

How Long Do Gel-X Nails Last?

According to Park, Gel-X nails can last anywhere from two to four weeks. Of course, as with any manicure or nail extensions, the proper prep, application and care affect the longevity of your mani.  

A natural nail overlay adding strength to your own nails, allowing your own nails to grow, keeping them looking perfect for 2/3 weeks and feeling so light on your own natural nails.

It looks completely natural on your own nails, comes in different natural shades along with some beautiful shimmer shades and can be left looking natural or with a colour gel polish finish!

If your not allowed nails for work, builder gel clear gives you the protection and strength for your own nails without anyone knowing you have something on them.

 How do you maintain builder gel? 

All you need to do between appointments is apply that cuticle oil daily to keep your nails and skin hydrated, don’t use your nails as tools and Re visit us every 2/3 weeks!

We then, after 2/3 weeks wear, remove the color finish (if you had one) give those cuticles a tidy up, maintain the shape and length of your nails, infill the builder gel and give you perfect looking nails for another 2/3 weeks! 

Builder gel can be soaked off, but no need to on every appointment. Infilling is perfectly fine as long as your looking after your nails in between appointments, no damage should be caused to your nails with any nail treatment we offer!

What is the difference between gel polish & builder gel? 

Without getting too technical!! … Builder gel has a thicker consistency then a gel polish and is more hard wearing than a gel polish. Builder gel may be thicker in consistency, but you will be amazed at just how light it feels on your nails! 

Unlike gel polish, builder gel does not need to be soaked off on every visit and is just infilled (you can have a soak off and fresh new set as and when you like!)

M. Nails & Spa 

Source: littleluxurysalon.com