Understanding the Pros and Cons of Gel Nail Extensions

Gel nail extension manicures, these are among the most popular services offered by nail salons during the recent several years. Gel polish formulas are durability, strength against chipping, and gives a glossy, smooth, and perfect finish. Gel extensions go a notch higher with the gel formula applied on the tips or forms to extend and shape the nails.

Gel nail extensions provide an opportunity to have naturally beautiful lengthy nails without the negative impact of acrylics. Keep on reading to find out all about gel extension manicures: mechanism of action, advantages and disadvantages, durability, procedure, removal and many others.

What are Gel nails extension?

Gel extensions on nails are an extension of your natural nails using gel polish to create a longer nail.

Gel extensions refer to the use of gel polish formula to bond nail tips or forms to your natural nails in order to provide length or desired nail shape. First, a gel base coat is put on the natural nail to act as a shield and ensure that it has a surface on which it can bond with the next layer. Paper or plastic forms or nail tips are then attached to the end of the nails using gel varnish. The gel polish is applied on the whole nail to cover the extension and act as a shield over the gel nail. The gel layers are then cured under an LED or a UV nail lamp in-between coats.

While acrylic or hard gel extensions have a solid structure, gel extensions utilize the gel polish to create the overlay for the added length. This makes them more comfortable and less likely to damage the natural nail if removed properly. Gel extensions offer you the opportunity to have beautiful long salon nails for a long time and do not make your nails as heavy as the acrylics.

Pros of Gel Nail Extension

There are many advantages to choosing gel nail extensions over other salon extension options:There are many advantages to choosing gel nail extensions over other salon extension options:

Longer Length and Custom Shapes

Gel extensions also enable one to add more length, width and the styling that cannot be done under a normal manicure. This means you can grow your nails to any length you desire and even determine the kind of shape you want. It glides onto the lashes for a uniform and non-clumpy appearance.

Chip-Resistant

The gel polish used on the extension is very strong and does not chip easily. It is worth noting that when properly applied and filled at least once a week, new gel extensions can last for about 3-4 weeks without any hint of growth or wear.

Dries Quickly

Gel polish hardens under the lamp; it is also cured. Cross-coat and inter-coat drying time is zero minutes. This helps bring the service to completion in a shorter time than a regular or acrylic set.

Less Nail Damage

Gel extensions can be soaked off within 10-15 minutes using acetone and that makes the process of removal easier than the acrylic one. The gel also does not stick to natural nails as tightly over time, so if removed correctly, we can avoid excessive filing and damage to the nail plate.

Thin and Lightweight

Gel product is very thin and it glides evenly over the nails. Gel extension sets are slightly thinner and more flexible than acrylics, which makes them incredibly light and easy to wear. The gel base automatically levels for perfect, uniform application.

If ever you are considering going gel nail extensions, you are probably looking at how long they normally do last.Anyone that has been operating as nail technician should agree that a new pair of gel nail extension should take not more than 3-4 weeks before getting a fill on most of the clients.

How are Gel Nail Extensions applied?

Gel nail extension is a delicate procedure that requires skill, training, and practice to do properly. The application process generally includes these basic steps:

1.Preparation

The nails are then filed clean and shaped to have no shine and are dehydrated to remove any oils from the natural nail plate. The cuticles are then modified as is necessary, either by encouraging their growth or by removing some of it.

2.Sizing and Glue

Nail tips or forms are sized and cut to size to ensure they fit the nails well. The adhesive gel is applied on the well area of the natural nail, and a tip or form is snapped into the well area firmly.

3.Shape and Refine

The enhancement is further reduced and shaped to have a smooth and even edge as seen in figure 3. The sides and underside are then thinned and refined to an extent, if necessary.

4.Gel Base Layer

A gel base coat or bonder is applied uniformly on the natural nail and the tip extension and then cured to prepare it.

5.Gel Overlay

The gel polish formula is applied in very fine coats all over the nail to cover and encapsulate the extension. In between each layer it is cured. Several layers form a stronger and denser improvement since the coating can be reinforced.

6.Finish

To finalize each manicure, a gel top coat is applied to fill and polish the nails to a shiny, glossy finish. Nails and cuticles are further buffed and any stickiness or residue on the nails is removed.

The above sequence of steps may not be the same for the technicians or salons but these are the basic steps used in applying and building the gel nail extensions to get a natural looking professional enhancement set.

Is Gel Extension More Advantageous Than Acrylic?

Gel and acrylic extensions both allow you to lengthen your nails, but they have some notable differences:Both gel and acrylic extensions enable a person to grow her nails longer, the following are the differences between the two:

1.Durability

The above mentioned points about Acrylics are especially so given the fact that the materials in Acrylics are very hard and their durability is all the more admirable.Nevertheless, gel extensions provide quite a durable service that can last for several weeks without making the nails as hard as acrylic which can lead to brittleness and formation of cracks or breaks. Gels are less rigid and more comfortable for the majority of them.

2.Damage Risk

Acrylics are toxic to natural nails and it takes a long time to soak them off while gel can be soaked off within minutes. Acrylic powder and liquids also include irritating methacrylate monomers that cause allergy among people. Gel provides less adhesion as it sets.

3.Appearance

The gel polish which is applied for the extensions gives the nail a shiny look resembling glass and is very clear. It seems thick or cloudy on the nail in comparison to acrylics. Nonetheless, acrylics enable more complex, protracted shapes.

4.Maintenance

Gel extension fills are quicker, lasting 15-30 minutes, whereas acrylic extension fills are done after every 2-3 weeks. Acrylic fill appointments usually are longer and may be required more often to minimize lift and cracks.

When done properly both options enable long, durable extensions. Gels are generally less viscous, less rigid, easier to apply, and less likely to damage most people’s nails compared to acrylics, making gels better for many individuals.

Are Gel Extensions Harmful to Your Nails?

Gel extensions, therefore, do not have to harm your natural nails when applied and removed properly. Nevertheless, there are some problems with them, and the primary one is connected with overfilling during the maintenance visits. To avoid nail damage with gel extensions:To avoid nail damage with gel extensions:

1.Avoid Excessive Filing

The greatest danger is that a patient can have excessive length or product reduced with every fill session. Organizations should ensure that they have a proper removal and new set schedule to prevent this. Having said that, it is also important to learn when to start over instead.

2.Proper Application

Ensure that the salon doesn’t over-file the natural nail as it shaves and prepares the nail for acrylics. The gel should not make strong contact with the nail plate. Where possible, no drill should penetrate directly on the natural nail.

3.Do Not Pick or Peel

In case of lifting, it is also important not to scratch if the gel is provoking the urge to do so. This can lift up other layers of natural nails and result in formation of splits, cracks and even breaks.

4.Soak Off Properly

It is recommended not to ever rip or peel the gels. It is always recommended to fully dissolve the layers using acetone so that it can slide off taking with it nail plate layers. First of all, it is better to reduce its length if necessary to avoid subsequent cracking of nails.

When gel extensions are applied properly, detained with proper aftercare, and removed correctly, they can last for months or years without damaging the nails. Be careful of ill-fitting shoes that cause discomfort and do not use overly long nails that apply much pressure on the nails.

Can Gel Nail Extensions Lead to Allergies?

As stated before, some persons can develop contact dermatitis, itching or swelling from gel nail extensions or polish. This is often due to sensitivities to ingredients in traditional UV/LED gel polish, mainly:This is usually as a result of allergies to some contents in the normal UV/LED gel polish such as Methacrylate Compounds

Methacrylate monomers

Some of the methacrylate monomers include HEMA, EMA, and TEGDMA that contribute to firmness that gel polish has on nails. However, if a person gets contact dermatitis then his or her skin may get irritated, red and even develop a rash.

Photoinitiators

Camphorquinone and benzophenone are photoinitiators and it is effective for the wavelength in the light for the gel polish formation.They also cause skin reactions in those people who have sensitive skins all over their bodies.

Fragrances and Parabens

Certain of the gel polish brands also contain synthetic fragrance oils, parabens that are normally deemed typical allergens and irritants and may cause reactions even in case you have never had an allergic reaction.

When using gel extensions and gel polish make sure you use hypoallergenic gel polish brands with 5-free gel solutions, without methacrylates, photoinitiators and other chemicals.Always use a skin patch test any time you change your products. Seek medical advice from a doctor in case the reaction persists.

How can you safely remove gel nail extensions? 

Taking off gel extensions must be done carefully using acetone to dissolve the layers of product so they slide off the natural nail with no damage:The gel extensions have to be removed gradually with acetone and they should slide off without harming the natural nails

1.Trim Length

Cut the gel extensions using nail clippers to make them less thick to minimize the time used in removal. Leave a small amount of length so some product remains to protect the nails.

2.Soak Off

Place cotton balls into 100% acetone nail polish remover and let them absorb the solution. Place them gently against each nail and then make sure that they are properly wrapped with the foil. Wear for 10-15 minutes until the gels become more pliable and … Ready to be removed from the nails.

3.Gently Remove

As soon as gels look transparent and relatively crumbly, remove them with an orangewood stick, starting from the product’s tip and moving down. Be careful around cuticles and natural nails. To eliminate any sort of oily or sticky residue that might be left on the nail plate.

4.Hydrate and Moisturize

Massage cuticle oil or any moisturizing treatment to the nails since they are stripped off their moisture by acetone and enhancements. The nails may appear to be weaker right after the gels have been stripped off but should grow back and become stronger in about two weeks.

Do not attempt to remove gel extension sets through tugging at your nails, picking at them, or using extremely vigorous files. See your nail tech if you notice lifting or severe damage, instead of doing it at home. Thus, with the proper approach, gel extensions provide you with beautiful length and strength and do not harm your natural nails!

The final takeaway

Gel nail extension is a fashion-forward method of enhancing the natural nail and sporting well-looked manicures for some weeks. The gel polish is produced in a flexible formula, which makes the extension lightweight and comfortable to wear, while their appearance looks nearly perfect. Of course, no enhancement option is without risk, however, gel extensions when applied and removed as mentioned earlier pose lesser risks for nail damage as compared to acrylic enhancements and other services offered by the salon. Be very particular about how you size, shape and maintain your fill schedules to aim for more than 3 weeks of wear from a new gel extension set. Go to a good nail salon and explain what is wanted to avoid any complications. Gel extensions are a perfect means of having long beautiful nails without stress or even thinking about them; all thanks to the right care and technician.