Everything to Know About Apres Gel-X Manicures
The Pros and Cons of Gel Extension Manicures (Plus Everything Else You Should Know)
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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.
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.
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.
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.