Mar. 31, 2025
Gel extensions have become increasingly popular for achieving longer and stronger nails. This innovative technique combines the strength and flexibility of gel polish with the added length and shape of nail extensions.
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Unlike traditional acrylic nail extensions, which can feel heavy and less natural, gel nail extensions offer a lightweight and natural-looking finish.
This has made them a popular choice among individuals seeking sleek and sculpted nails in recent years. However, like acrylic nails, gel extensions have their pros and cons. While they can last up to four weeks, both extensions are associated with potential damage to the natural nails. Therefore, it's essential to understand the process and proper care for gel extensions before committing.
Below, we delve deep into the world of gel nail extensions, tapping the help of experts to learn more about the technique and its advantages and disadvantages.
Getting gel nail extensions involves painting hard gel over a natural nail and curing the polish with UV light. Then, 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."
Whether using pre-shaped gel nail extensions or creating them, the nail technician must first prepare the nails (i.e., file, clean, and buff your 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 nails and let it dry in light for about 60 seconds," Seney adds. "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 UV light for 60 seconds." Poof! Nails are ready for your favorite polish and nail art.
The difference between acrylics and gel extensions 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's more difficult to remove, requiring soaking in acetone and buffing off. Too much buffing also means thinner nails over time.
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), several options and kits are 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, like Aprés Nail's Gel-X Nail Extensions Kit or the KISS Salon X-Tend LED Soft Gel System.
Regularly moisturizing the nails and cuticles can help prevent cracking and dryness between appointments. It's also important to refrain from picking or peeling off the gel extensions to prevent damage to your natural nails.
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.
For some people, gel extensions last two weeks; for others, they'll last four to five, according to Davis. "I suggest having a manicure every 12-16 days. You’ll have natural growth after that time," she says.
To remove gel extensions, the nail technician will file down about 85 percent of the extension. Second, your nail tech will 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 30-40 minutes [at] the very most," says Seney.
Davis says gel extensions are only detrimental to nail health if not properly removed. "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.
Professional removal is recommended for gel nail extensions to ensure safe removal without causing damage to the natural nails.
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.
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."
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I often get messages or from beginners to nail technicians with years of experience asking questions about nail extension. I have collected the most asked questions and their answers below:
The short answer is NO. There are a number of ways that nails can be harmed. The first one is the technique used to apply and remove your nail extension. Anytime natural nails are filed too much or the wrong grit file is used, it is harming your nails. Therefore it is important to follow the correct process to remove your nail extension. Check our our post HERE on how to remove your nail extension safely.
The other reason is using low quality products that have nasty chemicals in them. It is important to ensure the gel products used for your nail extension are free from the top 10 nasties also known as 10 free. Mitty gel nail extension kit is all 10 free.
10 free in nail industry means products such as gel nail polishes and builder gels that are free from the 10 top nastiest chemicals that are bad for you. These are:
Parabens: Parabens have been suspected endocrine disruptors, causing damage to your hormonal system. Other studies have confirmed that parabens can mimic the hormone estrogen in the body, which can disrupt normal bodily functions, as well as lead to tumors and cancerous cells.
TPHP: Commonly referred to as a plasticizer, as well as a fire retardant, TPHP has been proven to alter hormonal health and functionality in the body. In essence, this chemical can completely change your health, regulatory functions, and even reproductive health due to its chemical composition.
Tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide: This chemical may be toxic to blood, lungs, liver, and respiratory systems, as well as the nervous system.
Toluene: Studies have suggested that this chemical can cause nervous system impairment and immune, kidney, liver, and reproductive damage.This chemical is used to help polish dry faster.
Xylene: This toxin has been known to cause headaches and migraines, as well as nervous system depression.
Camphor: This chemical can cause headaches, nausea, and dizziness.
Dibutyl Phthalate: This chemical can cause a respiratory irritant when inhaled in large volumes and can be linked to the development of cancerous cells, tumors, and a variety of other complications.
Ethyl Tosylamide: This chemical is suspected to cause reproductive health complications. It is important to note that this chemical is banned in some countries such as European Commission however be careful when buying online from other countries and websites that are not 10 free as they can still be used and shipped. For example this product is not banned in USA.
Formaldehyde: This same chemical is used for embalming fluid on corpses, which should put it into perspective for you how bad it is when used on gel products. This chemical is can cause respiratory and skin irritation, long-term exposure to formaldehyde can be linked to cancerous development.
Formaldehyde Resin: This is the base chemical that releases the formaldehyde we consume.
Some studies have even found that the amount of chemicals floating in the air at many nail salons exceeds the amount of chemicals found in notoriously chemically-filled places, like auto garages. Other studies have proven that these chemicals can be a threat to pregnancy health and hormonal regulation in women carrying children. This is why it is important that you choose 10 free.
Yes, Builder gel is 100% soak off in pure acetone. As well as pure acetone, you need a few more items to remove builder gel such as nail file, buffer, cotton pads... We suggest that you invest in a Mitty Remover Kit to get all the things that you need. This kit has everything but the acetone which you can easily purchase.
You will need a number of items such as:
You can also get a nail removal kit that the items you need to remove your nail extensions.
Yes you certainly can. The refill process is exactly the same as any other refill for builder gel, acrylic or dipping system. You need to file the nail to remove any areas that has lifting. Then refill the gap between the previous nails and your cuticle with the builder gel provided.
Yes you can, you just need to ensure you turn the mini led lamp on the side so that you can flash cure the tip prior to putting your hand under the nail lamp for the final curing process.
For more Extension Gelinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
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