Gel nail extentions are a healthier alternative for your nails than acrylic nail extentions. Gel nails extensions lasts for nearly a month are a great way to play around with different nail lengths, shapes, and fun nail art designs.

What are gel nail extensions? 

There are two methods for gel nail extensions. The first involves adhering a form under the tip of the natural nail, then painting a hard gel on top and curing it with a UV or LED light. The second uses a pre-shaped gel tip attached to your natural nail, like a souped-up press-on. Gel nail extensions act as an overlay on your natural nails. An easy way to add instant length to your nails, try a different shape, and play around with intricate nail art.

Gel or acrylic nails—which is better? 

Acrylic nail extensions look great, but if you are concerned about nail health, gel extensions are 100 per cent the move. Why? Because gel nail extensions act as a protective layer over your natural nail, causing little-to-no damage. They can even help your natural nails underneath grow longer.

Acrylic extensions, on the other hand, are notoriously damaging. The application process requires some potentially harsh chemicals, and the removal process often involves aggressive buffing and drilling. Gel nail extensions are quicker and easier to apply and remove than acrylics.

How are gel nail extensions applied? 

The process is similar to applying regular gel polish to the nails, except the polish is in gel form. Your nails are prepped first and then painted with a bonder and primer. A layer of gel polish brushed onto the nail form before pressing on the natural nail and cured with a light. Once all ten gel extensions are on, you can alter their shape and length and add colour applied.

How long do gel extensions last? 

Most gel extensions will last three to four weeks. By that time, your nails will have grown out a gap would have formed between the natural nail and the gel.

The cuticle and how you file the nail are critical to how long the gels will last on the nails. Your nail tech can’t rush the process, or your nails won’t last. After the three-week mark, you can either get a refill adding colour to the natural nail right about your cuticle that has grown out or removes the gel entirely.

How do you remove gel nail extensions? 

Typically the nail tech removes any heavy design on top of the nail and then wraps each fingernail in an acetone-soaked cotton ball and tinfoil to break down the gel. Once the gel has loosened, an orange stick or metal tool is employed to scrape off any excess gel. The whole removal process should take about 15 minutes and, your natural nails should look healthy at the end of the process.