- Gel extension manicures are a gentler alternative to acrylic extensions.
- They last two to four weeks, and soak off like a regular gel manicure.
- The most popular type of gel manicures is the Apres Gel-X system.
While long, elegant nails are a goal for many, the reality of growing them is easier said than done. That's why gel extension manicures [1] have risen in popularity, especially since the lengths, shapes, and polish options are pretty much endless with this nail technique. However, the real benefit of gel extensions is simply to add a durable and strong tip [2] to your natural nail, with less damage done than with an acrylic application [3].
You've probably heard the term "gel-X manicure" floating around — but what exactly does it entail? We tapped nail artist Britney Tokyo [4], who works on the nails of celebs [5] like Charlie D'Amelio, Halsey, and Rita Ora, to give us the download on everything you need to know before getting a gel extension manicure. Keep reading to learn about the pros and cons [6], application, and how gel extensions differ from acrylic nails.
What Are Gel Nail Extensions?
While there are several different brands making gel extensions, Apres Gel-X is a favourite among nail artists. The extension itself is a clear overlay made from soft gel that's already in a nail form, which is attached over the entirety of your natural nail. They're cured with UV light in the same way as a regular gel manicure. The nail forms come in a variety of different shapes (like coffin, stiletto, round, and square) and lengths that can be customised to your liking.
"They are not only thin and lightweight but also durable and strong which is why they're so comfortable to wear," said Tokyo. She also said that pretty much anyone can get a Gel-X manicure since they cover your entire nail all the way to the nail bed. Many people with long nails also wear Gel-X as a protective overlay.
What Are the Benefits of Gel-X?
One of the main reasons people choose Gel-X is for their natural look, and the durability. They're much thinner than an acrylic nail, and can be shaped to contour to your specific nail shape. Plus, they're much more gentle on your natural nails because it uses non-acid based products.
"All of the gel products are made of soft gel, so Gel-X sets can be easily soaked off," said Tokyo. "And for a nail artist, Gel-X saves us a lot of time — all the hard work of extensions is already done for me." Depending on the complexity of the nail art you're getting, you can be out of your Gel-X nail appointment in under an hour.
Why Would You Choose Gel-X Over Acrylics?
While both gel extensions and acrylics can be used to create a similar effect, there are a few key differences. The most important is the application process. With an acrylic application, the nail artist has to mix a liquid called a monomer and a powder polymer to actually mold the top layer of the nail. There's a strong chemical odour and lot of dust that comes with the process, plus some imperfections that come with manually molding the nail. "Gel-X has no strong monomer smell and can be applied quickly and with very little mess," said Tokyo, and the Gel-X overlays are already shaped.
Acrylic nails are also much thicker and harder than gel extensions, which makes them less comfortable to wear. Plus, the removal process is much more labour-intensive with acrylics, and can be damageing to the natural nail since they need to be buffed off, which weakens the nail underneath.
How Are Gel Nail Extensions Applied?
First, the nail technician will do the prep-work of any manicure — filing, cleaning, and buffing. Tokyo then matches the Gel-X forms to each nail, and pre-files them so that they're perfectly fitted to your nail shape. Your natural nail will then get a layer of pH bonder (to dry the nail) and a layer of non-acidic primer to make your nails sticky. Then the natural nail gets a layer of clear gel polish, which cures under the LED lamp for 30 seconds.
Next up is the application of the actual Gel-X nail form. Tokyo scrubs the underside of the Gel-X tip for better adhesion, then adds a drop of the gel and presses the tip onto the nail at a 45-degree angle. She'll then flash-cure each nail under the lamp for 15 seconds. Once the whole hand is complete, you'll fully cure under the LED for 30 seconds. Now it's time for the fun part — polish.
How Long Do Gel-X Extensions Last?
According to Tokyo, the lifetime of your extensions depends on how well they were prepped and applied. You can expect them to last anywhere from two to four weeks. This will also be dependent on how you use your hands, and how fast your nails grow.
How Do You Remove Gel Nail Extensions?
This is really the beauty of gel nail extensions. "Since they are made from 100 percent soak-off gel, they can be quickly soaked off with acetone," said Tokyo. The same way you would remove a gel manicure, the nail tech (or you at home) should file off the bulk of the Gel-X tip and polish, and wrap with an acetone-soaked cotton round. You'll soak them for about 20 minutes, or until you can easily push off the remaining gel.
Are Gel Nail Extensions Safe?
Tokyo said that, yes, the Gel-X system is safe as long as the products are properly applied and removed. Of course, in the same way as regular gel manicures, if you decide to peel off your manicure or improperly remove them, you'll likely see your natural nails weaken over time. However, overall, gel extensions are considered much safer than acrylic nails since they don't include harsh chemicals like methyl methacrylate and toluene, or the cloud of dust created in the acrylic process.
What Are the Cons of Gel-X Extensions?
The only potential downside of a Gel-X manicure is the rare occasion when one or more of the tips pop off soon after getting them. "I have seen some nail artists complain about their Gel-X sets popping off in a few days," said Tokyo. "What you need to remember is that proper prep is key in applying Gel-X. And while Gel-X certainly is a much easier skill to pick up when compared to acrylic or hard gel, that doesn't mean it doesn't require any practice for a nail artist."
That's why you want to make sure to go to a reputable nail salon or technician who regularly does Gel-X manicures — and don't be afraid to go back to them if one pops off. Beyond that, there really isn't a downside to a gel extension mani, said Tokyo. Overall, it's a great way to achieve long, strong nails — and play around with nail art trends.