Nail Extensions

1. Gel Nails Extension

Gel extensions are one of the most popular and loved ways to get longer and stronger nails nowadays. Although every length and shape gives tons of possibilities in the Nail Salon, sometimes the goal is really just to add long, durable tips to the end of each nail or even to provide more room for nail art and polish in general. That's when they come in handy.

Gel nail extension is a process that involves hard gel built on a natural nail and cured with UV light. The manicurist uses a nail form, which is basically a sticker that goes under the free edge (the tip) of the nail, to extend the length of the nail.

They come in different sizes and shapes like a stiletto, round, coffin, and square. As it doesn’t need filling, it’s even quicker than the actual gel extension building.

The only prerequisite is that your nails can’t be bitten to the quick. “For a gel extension, your nail needs to have a little longer.

How Are Gel Nail Extensions Applied?

When it comes to either getting a box of pre-shaped gel nail extensions or actually creating them, the nail technician needs first to prepare the nails (file, clean, and buff nails). Then, the expert applies a form underneath the natural nail to create the length one by one with a gel builder, a gel primer, and a gel top coat, letting them dry under the LED or UV light.

The lifetime of gel tip extensions depends on how you use your hands—for some people, they’ll last two weeks; for others, they’ll last four to five.

To remove gel extensions the nail technician will file down about 85% of the extension and soak off the remaining gel in acetone wrap with aluminum foil and wait 15 minutes. then the nails are gently pushed off the product and buff the natural nail. Removal should take around 30 minutes.

2. Acrylic Nail Extension

Acrylic nail extensions are the most common type of nail extension that almost everyone knows about! The acrylic nail is made out of a monomer liquid mixed with a polymer powder to form a paste that is glued onto your natural nail and tip. This paste hardens over time and can last a good 3 to 4 weeks.

ACRYLIC NAIL EXTENSIONS PROCEDURE

Prepare the natural nails
Apply forms & mixtures
Allow the mixture to get smooth.
Tap the mixture to level it with the natural nail. This technique is called blending.
Gather the mixture from both sides to create the straight side lines. Occasionally stroke the surface to create an even thickness.
Straighten the free edge to create a square shape.
Place a mixture onto the center of the nail plate. Then blend into the natural nail. Stroke a few times towards the free edge to blend into the previous mixture.
Place a small mixture onto the nail plate close to the cuticle line. Spread to the sides without touching the cuticle. Stroke to smooth the surface.
The ideal nail shape has straight side lines with a smooth curve. The highest point of the curve should be at the center of the acrylic nail.
Carefully remove the form. This is what the nail looks like at this point. It is wide and the free edge is also wide open. In this shape, the acrylics come off very easily.
Apply pressure from the 3 spots shown below to tighten. This will make the acrylics grip the natural nail better. It also creates a nice C curve in the free edge.
Apply acrylics on the rest of the nails to complete Acrylic Nail Extensions.

Pros of Acrylic Nail Extension

Acrylic extensions are suitable for women with brittle and weak nails.
Acrylics are good for women, who have a habit of chewing their nails as they are very hard to chew off.
Acrylic nails have been around longer than their counterparts, so, most nail technicians at salons and spas have a lot of experience in how to apply and remove these nails.
You don’t have to worry about side effects as such.
They last longer than gel nails.

Cons of Acrylic Nail Extension

They can damage your natural nail underneath, if not removed properly.
As Acrylic nails are artificial enhancements, they present a fake look. You need a very talented technician who can apply your acrylics as close to natural ones.
The application of acrylic nails involves the use of strong chemicals and the formation of fumes. Some women may have an allergy to such substances.
You need refilling every month which means extra expenditure.

Gel Nail VS Acrylic Nail

Acrylic and Gel Nails are artificial nail enhancements done in place of natural nails. Gel nails tend to provide a more glossy and natural look whereas acrylic is more sturdy and durable as compared to gel.

	ACRYLIC NAIL EXTENSIONS	GEL NAIL EXTENSIONS
Hardening Process	Harden on exposure to air	Harden on exposure to UV light
Toughness	Are harder	Are softer, more pliable
Susceptibility to Damage	Can chip on experiencing some amount of pressure	Can withstand a larger amount of stress due to its flexibility; Resistant to chipping and smudging
Ease of Application/Removal	Fairly easy to apply and remove	Needs special equipment for application and are somewhat easy to remove
Maintenance	Requires negligible amount of maintenance	Regular follow ups are necessary
Cost	Are cheaper; Acrylic nail extensions kit are easily available at affordable rates	Are costlier than acrylics: Nail extensions gel kit is much more expensive and relatively difficult to find
Safety	May damage or breed infection in natural nail bed if not applied correctly	Gel nail tip extensions are actually good for the nails as they act as reinforcing layers that enhance nail strength
Durability	Last for about 3-4 weeks	Last nearly 2 weeks
Professional Assistance	Does not require any professional assistance	Unless you own a UV gel nail extensions kit, professional assistance is required
Final Appearance	It May look slightly artificial	Have a more naturalistic look