What are Gel Extensions?

Nail trends are always changing, from the designs and colors that are popular, to the very techniques used to lacquer your nails. One of the newest ways to lengthen natural nails is with gel extensions, or gel x.

But what exactly is gel x?

Drew Russel, owner of You By Drew and nail artist of Bespoke, is here to help explain!

Gel extensions are a tip made of soft gel, which is then adhered to your natural nail with a hard extend gel. You’ve probably seen gel x tips before without knowing it! They look similar to press-on nails, but made from a clear, cured gel, rather than acrylic or plastic. Tips come in all different shapes, lengths, and sizes, so you are able to create a completely custom fit and look.

The tips are dry fitted to your nails, measuring from sidewall to sidewall. Once the perfect fit is found for each nail, the hard extend gel is brushed onto both the tip and your natural nail. The tips are pressed onto the natural nail, then cured under a LED light, which bonds all gel polishes. The tips are then filed to blend into your natural nail seamlessly, and the fun part of picking colors and designs can begin!

Gel x lasts around 3-4 weeks, and is removed by using an e-file to take off the top layer of gel, then soaked off with acetone or gel remover. Both the gel x set and the removal process are gentle on your natural nail and promote nail growth.

This unique application was created to be a flexible alternative to acrylic. While acrylic is a very strong bond, it can often be very brittle. This means if you have an accident and break a nail, it often cracks or breaks both the acrylic and your natural nail, leaving a painful, broken nail. Because gel x tips are adhered with a strong but flexible hard gel, it gives your nails the ability to take damage without breaking, especially protecting the natural nail. If you have an accident and damage your nail, most times you will just have a tip fall off, leaving the natural nail intact. Tips are easy and quick to reapply!

New York City-based nail artist Shirley Cheng gives the perfect analogy in Allure’s “The Difference Between Gel Extensions and Acrylic Tips” Article: “Think of a plastic cup (gel) versus a glass cup (acrylic). While a glass cup might seem harder, if you drop the glass, it will break, while the plastic cup will be fine.”

So who is an ideal candidate for gel extensions? 

If you are looking for a way to lengthen your nails with less damage, bulk, and strong smell when applying, gel x is for you! Gel extensions are also great for the occasional nail client, as the application allows for nail growth, and the gentler removal process leaves your nails feeling strong. 

As always, the best nail application is the one that suits each person’s nails. Not sure which method is best for you? Ask! We are always here to help you find the best service for your needs. 

If we’ve won you over to the gel x side, let’s book your next set on Vagaro with You By Drew!