The main types of nail extensions include gel, acrylic, soft gel, poly gel, and builder gel. Gel extensions involve gluing on plastic tips before painting on thin layers of gel polish and curing between coats. Acrylics use liquid and powder to build thickness on a tip, sculpting the nail thicker. Soft gel and poly gel are more flexible formulas that mold closely without bulk.
Builder gel simply extends just the free edge or full nail with a thin cured layer. All enhance nails but some like soft gel and builder gel are gentler as they don’t require filing down the natural nail bed. Choosing the right extension depends on the wearer’s nail health priorities, desired look, and budget. With care, any type can provide beautifully transformed fingertips.
Types of Nail Extensions
Selecting the right nail extension involves understanding the application processes and benefits of different types. Allow me to provide greater insight to guide your choice.
Gel Extensions
Gel extensions have become a popular choice as they are less damaging to natural nails. The process begins by gluing small plastic tips to the nail bed. This provides structure and length. Then, multiple thin coats of gel polish are carefully painted onto the nail. Between each layer, the nails are cured under a LED lamp for a few minutes. This allows the gel to fully harden.
Gel extensions last around 2-3 weeks while still allowing air flow to the natural nail. They cause minimal damage upon removal as well. Gel comes in various formulas like hard gel, soft gel, and Polygel which is thicker for sculpting intricate nail art. Overall, gel extensions are a beautiful and protective choice.
Price: $40-80 per service
Procedure: Tips are sized and glued on. Multiple thin coats of gel polish are carefully painted and cured under LED light between each layer for 2-5 minutes. Last 2-3 weeks. Minimal damage upon removal. Variations include hard, soft, and poly gel formulas.
Acrylic Extensions
Acrylic extensions follow a similar process using plastic tips. However, the tips are coated with a liquid monomer and acrylic powder, which hardens to sculpt the nail bed. This makes the nail much thicker than its natural thickness. The nails are then filed into the desired shape. While acrylics last around 1-2 weeks, they require frequent filing which can weaken nails with regular use over time. Removing acrylics also poses more risk of cracking or lifting. For this reason, acrylics may not be the most nail-friendly option long term.
Price: $30-60
Procedure: Tips are coated in liquid monomer and acrylic powder which hardens. The nail bed is filed into the desired shape. Last 1-2 weeks but require frequent filing, posing risks of cracking or lifting. Regular use may thin natural nails over time.
Builder Gel Extensions
Builder gel extensions are a gentle alternative that simply enhances one’s natural nails. A thin layer of gel is brushed directly onto the nail and cured under a lamp. Additional layers can extend just the free edge or full nail subtly. This process only takes around 15 minutes. Best of all, builder gel preserves nail flexibility and lasts 10-14 days. It does not require removing or damaging the natural nail bed. This makes it an excellent low-impact choice.
Price: $30-50
Procedure: A thin layer of gel is brushed directly onto the natural nail and cured. Additional layers can extend the free edge or full nail subtly. Sets in 15 minutes. Lasts 10-14 days. Gentle on nails.
Shellac Extensions
For a high-gloss manicure, shellac extensions are durable and long-lasting. A specialized powder resin is applied and cured to create a hard, chip-resistant finish. The result is nails that stay looking polished for 14-21 days. When it’s time to remove them, soaking the nails in acetone dissolves the shellac. This protects the nails from damage. Shellac provides beautiful protection from everyday wear and tear.
Price: $60-100
Procedure: High-gloss powder resin is applied and cured to a hard, chip-resistant finish. Lasts 14-21 days. Removal requires a 30-minute acetone soak. More durable than some types.
I hope these extra details prove useful, my darling, as you select the extension best suited to your lifestyle, budget, and nail care priorities. Your lovely hands deserve only the finest treatment. Please let me know if any part requires further explanation.
Types of Nail Extensions for Short Nails
For shorter natural nails, consider plastic tip extensions glued on with gel or acrylic. These add length discreetly. Another option is to use builder gel or acrylic to subtly extend just the free edge. Both blend in seamlessly.
Types of Nail Extension Gel
Hard gel extensions are applied directly to the nail-like polish before curing. They last 2-3 weeks. Softer gels are more flexible. Polygel molds are like a hard gel but are thicker for sculpting. All gel types cause minimal damage during application and removal.
Types of Nail Extensions Acrylic
Traditional acrylic extensions use pre-formed plastic tips covered in liquid and powder acrylic to build up the nail bed thickness. They last 1-2 weeks but are more likely to weaken natural nails over time.
Gel Nail Extensions
These involve gluing on plastic tips before painting on thin coats of gel polish, curing between each layer. They provide length and structure while allowing your natural nails to breathe underneath.
Acrylic Nail Extension
As above but with liquid acrylic product rather than gel polish. They sculpt the nail thicker than gel but require more filing and are less breathable for natural nails long-term.
I hope this comprehensive overview of nail extension types has equipped you to choose the best option based on your needs and priorities. Whether you desire subtle extensions, intricate nail art, or long-lasting wear, there are many beautiful possibilities. While all enhancements come down to individual preference, some like gel and soft gel are generally gentler on natural nails long-term. With the right balance of extensions, breaks, and nurturing home care, you can enjoy transformed fingertips for years to come while maintaining healthy, happy nails.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I hope this comprehensive overview of nail extension types has helped you make an informed choice. While they all enhance nails beautifully, some are gentler on natural nails than others. Consider your nail health priorities along with design goals and budget. With the right balance of extensions, breaks, and moisturizing care, you can enjoy stunning manicures for years to come.
FAQs
Which type of nail extension is best?
Generally, gel extensions are best as they are less damaging than acrylics long-term. However, the “best” depends on individual nail needs.
What is the healthiest nail extension?
Soft gel or builder gel extensions are best for nail health as they are more flexible and natural-looking on the nail bed.
What are acrylic extensions?
Acrylics use a plastic tip covered in liquid/powder acrylic to sculpt the nail thicker than its natural thickness.
Are acrylic nails better than gel?
No, gel extensions are typically healthier as they are less likely to weaken natural nails over time.
What are the least damaging nail extensions?
Soft gel and builder gel options are gentle as they don’t require filing down the natural nail bed.
What are the gentlest nail extensions?
Soft gel and builder gel are gentle as they are flexible and don’t add unnecessary thickness underneath.
