If you’re already comfortable with gel manicures, extensions are the next step. This article introduces five gel nail extensions so you can quickly understand what’s involved and decide which methods make sense to explore first. Think of it as a quick 101 level class to get you started on something new.
Press-On Gel Nails
Out of all the gel nail extensions available, press-ons are the “one and done” solution. Our store stocks press-on nails in various lengths, shapes, and designs. They offer the quickest gel manicure imaginable.
Why are these press-ons so quick and easy to apply? Will you have to trade longevity for ease of application? Let’s take a closer look.
Benefits of Press-On Gel Extensions
Similar to regular press-on nails, these sets must be glued onto the natural nails. However, since they use gel adhesive, they last for weeks, not just days. Moreover, they have a professional look that drugstore press-ons don’t always deliver.
Here’s how to apply press-on gel extensions:
- Choose a Style
First, pick the shape and color that appeals to you. Some styles we have in stock at the time of writing include French tips or flattering nudes perfect for soap nails.
- Select the Sizes
Each box has assorted sizes to fit each fingertip. Compare them against your nails and set aside the set that suits you.
- Nail Prep
After trimming and shaping the natural nails, pushing back the cuticles, and buffing the nail plate, cleanse with alcohol and a lint-free wipe. It’s so simple because the press-ons have primer and base coat built into their structure.
- Adhere and Cure
Then place a bead of gel adhesive at the base of the press-on nail. Flip the nail and press it into place on the natural nail. Cure for 60 seconds or as recommended.
- Top coat
Finish by protecting the press-on nail with a layer of top coat. When you’re ready to swap your manicure for another look, the adhesive soaks off like a regular gel manicure.
Note: It’s also possible to apply press-on gel extensions with nail glue instead of gel adhesive.
Soft Gel Tips and Gel-X Extensions
If you prefer a wider variety of styles and designs, soft gel tips are the answer. They are just as simple to apply as press-on nails and can last for weeks with gel adhesive. You might be familiar with the brand name Après Gel-X or other salon alternatives like LAVIS and LDS soft gels.
Benefits of Soft Gel Tips Compared to Press-On Nails
Soft gel nail extensions are transparent overlays that can be decorated any way you like. They are completely customizable as they are a blank canvas that can be trimmed, pierced, painted, textured, etc. Of course, you can also customize press-on nails!
Second, soft gels are available in an extensive selection of lengths and shapes, more than the typical press-ons.
And third, it’s best to apply soft gel tips before embellishing them as the polish needs to be clear or sheer enough for the UV light to cure the adhesive. (That’s why the typical press-on nails we stock come in sheer shades). But the advantage is having an instant manicure in the exact length and shape you want without having to file.
The application process for Gel-X and other soft gel tips is straightforward. It typically looks like this:
- Choose the Size and Shape
Each kit of soft gel tips includes assorted sizes to fit each nail. Select the ones you need ahead of time and lay them out in order.
- Nail Prep
Prepare the natural nails as you would for any other gel manicure, then brush on a primer followed by a base coat. In the case of Gel-X, Aprés recommends pH Bonder and Non-Acidic Primer, followed by a thin layer of Extend Gel, which then must be cured. The brand also suggests filing the base end of the tip to make it an exact match for the curve of the cuticle so that the adhesive doesn’t leak and flood the skin.
- Adhere the Tips
It doesn’t take much gel adhesive to glue on a soft gel tip. Place a small amount at the base of the tip, flip it, and come in at a 45° angle to press the tip gently but firmly down onto the natural nail. You’ll see the adhesive spread towards the tip.
- Cure the Adhesive
Finish by curing the gel adhesive in a nail lamp. The light will penetrate the clear tip to make sure the adhesive is properly set. The last step is to decorate the soft gels however you like. Treat them as you would any other gel manicure.
Poly Extension Gel
Cat claw nails are appearing more frequently in our feeds, but there’s no need to pull out the acrylic powder and monomer to sculpt them. Instead, more artists are creating gel nail extensions with poly gel. It has an easier learning curve and it’s low-odor.
What’s more, poly extension gel is non-toxic and durable, lasting for a month or longer, without weighing down nails. Even if you’re new to sculpting, nail forms can help you rapidly shape extensions. Poly gel has a texture similar to toothpaste, so it stays put where you place it.
What do you need to use poly gel? A brush or sculpting tool, slip solution (a type of rubbing alcohol), and a nail lamp to cure it. You can use a standard gel base coat underneath and a regular gel top coat to finish. Although you can paint it with gel polish, you might not need to sense it comes in beautiful shades already. A nail drill is convenient for removing rough edges, but a nail file works just fine.
Builder Gel in a Jar
Some call it hard gel, but builder gel in a jar is quite easy to use. It comes in sticky and non-sticky versions and an attractive selection of shades. It’s useful for overlays to protect natural nails and building extensions to lengthen them. It’s also ideal for sculpting nail art like 3D flowers and bows.
Builder gel is more flexible than acrylic and will last four weeks or longer. It’s non-toxic to the nails and low-odor to use. You’ll need the same setup as you would for gel manicures, including a nail lamp and base and top coats.
When you’re ready to create nail extensions with builder gel, use dual forms to help you get the identical results on each fingertip. They allow the UV light to pass through for proper curing. Then pop them loose and file off any rough edges. Choose forms that are about 1 mm wider on either side than the natural nail.
Pro tip: sticky builder gel is easier to manage if you don’t dip your brush right in the middle of the jar. Instead, dip the bristles along the edge and swirl the brush gently to twist a dab loose, using the edge of the jar to help separate it from the rest.
BIAB Kit
Let’s wrap up this review of gel nail extensions 101 with an incredibly versatile tool. It’s builder gel in a bottle, sometimes called BIAB. It’s thicker than gel polish and thinner than hard gel. It’s ideal if you want to protect and add just a little length to natural nails. It lasts up to three weeks and is straightforward to remove by soaking in acetone.
BIAB comes in three dozen colors in an odorless, nail-safe formula that’s extra resistant to chipping or peeling. It requires a nail lamp, base coat, and top coat the same as for any gel manicure.
Pro tip: watch a video to learn the back and forth technique for applying BIAB most effectively.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve seen an overview of gel nail extensions 101, which product have you decided to try? Think of it as investing in your future. Save money and further your nail skills with sales in our store, plus free shipping!