Gel Nail Extensions: Everything You Need to Know Pre-Salon

Gel extensions are one of the most popular and loved ways to get longer and stronger nails nowadays. Although every length and shape gives us tons of possibilities in the nail department, sometimes the goal is just to add long, durable tips to the end of each nail or even to provide more room for nail art and polish in general. That’s when they come in handy.

This nail technique could very well be the answer to our beauty-inspired prayers, but of course, it has its pros and cons. Just like acrylic nails (one of the first salon-approved ways to extend your natural nail), they may last for up to four weeks, but both have a reputation for being damaging. That’s why it’s important to understand what they are before deep-diving into the nail extension world. So, we reached out to experts in the nail game.

Read on to learn all there is to know about gel nail extensions, including how they’re applied and how they differ from acrylic nails, straight from the experts.

What Are Gel Nail Extensions?

Gel nail extension is a process that involves hard gel built on a natural nail and cured with UV light. The manicurist uses a nail form, which is a sticker that goes under the free edge (the tip) of the nail, to extend the length of the nail.

Top manicurists like Davis and Seney also rely on a newer method. “It’s an already shaped full soft gel nail tip that you secure on the natural nail with gel,” explains Davis. They come in different sizes and shapes like stiletto, round, coffin, and square. As it doesn’t need filling, it’s even quicker than the actual gel extension building. “I recommend brands Kiara Sky Gelly Tips and Apres Gel X,” says Seney.

The only prerequisite is that your nails can’t be bitten to the quick. “For a gel extension, your nail needs to have a little length, not a ton but just a bit,” says Davis. “If your nails are too short, there isn’t anything for the extension to stick to.”

The Benefits

• Long and strong nails
• Lightweight nail tips
• An easier and quicker removal process
• Safer and healthier than acrylic nails1

The Drawbacks

• Can weaken nails over time2
• Might not work well on too short nails

How Are Gel Nail Extensions Applied?

When it comes to either getting a box of pre-shaped gel nail extensions or creating them, the nail technician needs first to prepare the nails (file, clean, and buff nails). Then, the expert applies a form underneath the natural nail to create the length one by one with a gel builder, a gel primer, and a gel top coat, letting them dry under the LED or UV light.

If a pre-shaped kit like Apres Gel X is used, Seney explains: “The second step, I use a bonder (this dries your nails) and a primer (this makes your nails sticky) so the gel can stick to it,” she says. All these products come with the kit. “Third, I apply a layer of gel to the actual nails and let it dry in light for about 60 seconds. After choosing which size fits the client’s actual nail, I apply the gel to the inside of the gel extension and place it on the actual nail. Now it’s time to press down and hold then sit in the light for 60 seconds.” Poof! Nails are ready for your favorite polish and nail art.

 

Gel Nail Extensions vs. Acrylic Nails: What’s the Difference?

Both acrylics and gel can be used to create nail extensions. They also usually have a similar look, although gel tips may feel lighter. It’s mainly about the structure of the nail, but the real difference lies in the polymerization process, ease of removal, and density. “The process of using gel is definitely quicker. There are no strong odors and you won’t have the hassle of filing or dealing with dust,” explains Seney. “With acrylic nails, you have to mix a liquid called monomer and a powder (polymer) to mold the artificial nail.”

Davis warns that some salons have manicurists upselling their gel extensions when they’re really acrylic. “Gel comes in a pot and looks thick like honey; acrylic is a powder. Know the difference,” she notes.

Acrylics tend to be harder than gel, which also means less flexibility. They may also be more damaging to the nail, especially as it requires more difficulty in removing with soaking in acetone and buffing off. Too much buffing also means thinner nails over time.1

DIY vs. Professional Gel Nail Extensions

While both experts caution that DIYing gel extensions at home is not the best idea (they recommend letting a professional do the work from adhesion to the removal process), there are several options and kits available if you’d like to give it a go. If you take the DIY route, expect to spend at least an hour, if not more, and be sure to buy an all-inclusive kit with everything you’ll need. Beetles Poly Extension Gel Nail Kit ($30) comes with 48-piece nail forms, a mini lamp, top gel, base gel, a nail file, and nail extension gel in six different colors. A much pricier option with less equipment, the ORLY GELFX Builder In A Bottle Intro Kit ($100) includes 100 perfect fit forms, a nail primer, top coat, the Builder in a Bottle application, two nail files, and an instructional insert. The website includes several video tutorials on how to achieve the look, and the brand touts an “effortless, all-in-one brush on builder application” with easy-to-remove gels simply by soaking them off.

Cost

The cost of gel extensions can range anywhere from $80 to $125, however, this also depends on your location and nail salon. If you’re looking for unique colors or high-end designs, that may also increase the price.

How Long Do Gel Nail Extensions Last?

According to Davis, the lifetime of gel tip extensions depends on how you use your hands—for some people, they’ll last two weeks; for others, they’ll last four to five. “I suggest having a manicure every 12-16 days. You’ll have natural growth after that time,” she says.

How Do You Remove Gel Nail Extensions?

Davis says that gel extensions are only detrimental to your nail health if they’re not removed properly. “Aprés are soft gel so they completely soak off like a regular gel manicure,” she explains, noting that intense buffing isn’t required. However, like regular gel nails, Davis does recommend getting gel extensions removed by a professional—preferably the one who applied them so that they know exactly which type of gel they’re removing so that damage is less of a possibility.

To remove gel extensions the nail technician will file down about 85 percent of the extension and soak off the remaining gel in acetone wrap with aluminum foil and wait 15 minutes. “Then I gently push off the product and buff the natural nail. Removal should take you 30-40 minutes [at] the very most,” says Seney.

Are Gel Nail Extensions Safe?

If applied and removed properly, gel extensions are very safe. “They’re considered a healthier version of acrylics especially because they don’t have the powder or harsh chemicals like methyl methacrylate and toluene,” says Seney. You just need to be sure to find a professional you trust and one who has good reviews.

The Final Takeaway

Much like any other manicure look, the benefit of gel nails is personal. While they undoubtedly create more room for popular nail art, Davis reminds us that nails of all lengths can get in on that trend. “The only nail art trend that works better on a clear gel extension is a ‘jelly mani’ where the polish is sheer,” she notes. Therefore, in the end, Davis boils it down to one simple question: “Do you want your nails long?” she asks. “Get extensions.”