If you’ve ever wondered about builder gel, it’s a nail polish that does much more than just add color. It’s a fantastic way to strengthen and lengthen your nails, especially if you’re someone who struggles with weak nails or has a habit of nail-biting. Builder gel is commonly used to create a chip-resistant manicure that can last anywhere from two to three weeks—perfect for those looking for a long-lasting, durable solution.
It works wonders by providing a protective overlay that not only adds thickness but also helps repair natural nails that may be prone to breakage. If your curiosity is piqued, builder gel is an option worth exploring. The beauty of builder gel is in its versatility.
It can be applied directly to your natural nails or used with extension tips for those who prefer a longer look. As nail enthusiasts continue to seek out natural-looking nails, builder gel has become a popular choice for creating a more organic appearance without compromising on strength or style.
With the rise of nail care and strength products, builder gel has truly taken the nail industry by storm. From trendy glitter acrylics to French BIAB gels, builder gel has found its place in the evolving world of nail art. Many salons, like Salons Direct, now offer a wide range of brands to cater to various budgets and preferences, ensuring that builder gel is accessible to everyone.
What is builder gel? (Brief Explanation)
When you apply builder gel, it works its magic by providing length, thickness, and strength, whether you’re using it on natural nails or with tips and forms. The gel polish formula combines the effects of a primer, base coat, and the builder gel itself, making it a one-stop solution for your nail needs.
What makes builder gel stand out is its thick viscosity and self-levelling properties. These qualities ensure the gel goes on smoothly and evenly, providing a flawless base layer. When applied correctly, the builder gel hardens, helping your nails last longer without chipping.
Whether you choose a non-chip overlay for your natural nails or decide to use it with nail tips to create beautiful, extended nails, the builder gel offers a strong, smooth finish that’s much stronger than regular gel polish base coats. The final touch, a topcoat, helps protect the polish, keeping it looking attractive and ensuring that it stays intact for a longer time.
How Does Builder Gel Work?
Builder gel is a unique nail product that gives you more control over the shape and strength of your nails compared to traditional nail polish. The process starts with the nails being cleaned, shaped, and buffed to help the base coat adhere to the nail. The gel is typically applied in small horizontal strokes to create a smooth surface, unlike regular polish, which is applied with long vertical strokes.
The product is designed to help build up the apex of your nail, which is the highest point on your nail bed. This technique ensures your nails have both a flawless finish and extra strength, giving them a more natural yet enhanced look. If you are using a hard gel from a pot, a brush is typically used to carefully apply the gel. After the application, a UV nail lamp is used to cure the gel and help it harden, protecting your nails from damage.
When working with builder gel, you’ll often find that the process takes a little more time and effort than typical gel polish. While builder gel can be applied at home, it requires a learning curve to get right. For example, getting the thickness and shape just right involves layering the gel in coats, with each one being cured before applying the next.
Some people prefer to use BIAB (Builder In A Bottle) as it’s a bit faster and more beginner-friendly, but it still requires a steady hand. Whether you’re building up the length with a nail tip or applying to natural nails, builder gel gives you the flexibility to customize your nail shape. Just remember, if applied incorrectly, it can lead to thick, uneven, or bumpy nails. In terms of pricing, builder gel can cost anywhere from $40 to $80, depending on factors like color, design, and the salon you visit.
Benefits of Using Builder Gel
- Builder gel helps to strengthen natural nails and supports them in growing longer.
- It improves the smoothness of nails, adding durability and flexibility.
- Can be used with tips for extensions or to enhance the structure of nails.
- Makes nails look prettier and more polished.
- Easy to use; can be applied directly to the nail or with a topcoat for added shine.
- Has self-levelling properties that help create a smooth coat.
- UV curing ensures a long-lasting finish.
- Provides protection for your nails and supports their thickness and length.
- Ideal for nail art and creating professional-quality results at home or in the salon.
- Builder gel is versatile and can be used for various nail designs in manicures, ensuring a durable and beautiful finish.
How Long Does Builder Gel Last?
Builder gel typically lasts from two to three weeks on average, but the exact time depends on the brand, how well the technician applies it, and the condition of your natural nails. To get the best results, it’s important to start with a strong and healthy base. Following the application instructions for your preferred brand is essential, as mixing products from different brands can affect the finishing.
Using the correct LED or UV nail lamp for the required time ensures proper curing. As the builder gel starts to grow out, you can infill it, similar to acrylic, to avoid needing a completely new set. The gel’s strong, viscous texture makes it less likely to lift compared to regular gel or nail polish, and it can be filled rather than removed entirely. As the outgrowth appears at the base of the nail, filling the empty space keeps the manicure looking fresh for longer.
How to Use Builder Gel – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the nails: Clean, file, and buff the nails. Push back and trim the cuticle. Wipe the nail with a lint-free pad using nail cleanser or acetone.
Step 2: Apply a base coat or primer if your builder gel requires one. Cure under your nail lamp if needed. If you don’t need a primer, skip this step and save some time.
Step 3: Apply the builder gel. If you use bottled builder gel, you can paint it on. If you have a gel pot, you will need to use your nail brush to pick up a small amount. Stay away from the cuticle, and be sure to cover the free edge. Builder gel tends to self-level, so allow it to settle for a few seconds to ensure it is applied evenly.
Step 4: Cure under LED/UV lamp—Your chosen builder gel should state what type of lamp it needs to be used with and how long it should be cured.
Step 5: Apply a second coat – if needed, apply your second coat and cure again.
Step 6: Clean the nail – use a lint-free wipe and isopropyl alcohol to remove any tackiness.
Step 7: File the nail – perfect your client’s desired shape and even out any areas that might be too thick.
Step 8: Apply colour or top coat: Wipe the nail clean again and apply your top coat. If your client wants a different colour, paint on your gel polish and cure it again first.
Step 9: Finishing touches—Once all your gel is applied and properly cured, your manicure is complete! Add a touch of cuticle oil and let your client know of any aftercare advice before they leave.
Builder Gel and Its Advantage Over Other Nail Enhancements
How Does Builder Gel Compare to Acrylic Nails?
When it comes to nail enhancements, builder gel is often preferred for its unique properties. Unlike acrylic nails, which tend to be rigid and more prone to breakage, builder gel offers a flexible, strong, and chip-resistant alternative.
Builder gel provides a natural-looking finish that is smoother and less bulky than dip powder or gel extensions. The application of builder gel leaves a thin coat on the nails, maintaining their health and strength while enhancing their appearance.
Builder Gel Vs Other Gel Nail Options
While builder gel is more durable and long-lasting than regular gel manicures, the latter offers a glossy finish and a broader variety of nail polish colors. However, builder gel is a type of hard gel that provides better strength and flexibility.
This makes it the ideal choice for people seeking nails that are not only beautiful but also sturdy and able to withstand daily wear and tear. With builder gel, you can lengthen and strengthen nails without compromising on their health.
Application and Removal: Builder Gel Vs Acrylics
One of the key advantages of builder gel over acrylics is the ease of application and removal. Unlike acrylic nails, which require significant filing before and during application, builder gel is much easier to work with.
It needs minimal filing and can be removed more easily by soaking in acetone, reducing the risk of nail damage. Builder gel also allows for more flexibility and provides a more natural-looking finish, which is why many people prefer it over acrylic nails.
Why Choose Builder Gel for Nail Extensions?
As a nail technician, you’ll often face questions about whether builder gel is the right choice for your clients compared to other options like acrylics or gel extensions. Builder gel is a great choice for those who want strong, flexible, and long-lasting nails.
It’s also easier to apply and remove, making it a popular option for both nail technicians and clients. Its ability to protect and strengthen natural nails while still offering a polished look makes it the ideal solution for clients who are seeking a natural, yet durable, enhancement.
Hard Gel & Soft Gel vs Builder Gel
When it comes to builder gel, many people often confuse it with hard gel and soft gel. While hard gels are known for their ability to add length and are similar to acrylic nails, they require curing under a LED or UV lamp. However, the removal process can be more challenging, often requiring filing and possibly causing damage to the natural nail.
On the other hand, soft gels are widely popular for their durability, offering a gentler removal method, typically using acetone. They are ideal for those seeking a natural effect, but their ability to extend nails is limited compared to hard gels.
Builder gel combines the best of both worlds, offering the thickness and strength of hard gels with a more flexible removal process like soft gels. It allows for extensions, but it’s more adaptable to the natural nail’s growth. It’s perfect for those looking to add length while maintaining a strong and flexible finish.
For those who have used The GelBottle Inc BIAB™, builder gels offer a similar application process—applied with a brush from a bottle, but it still requires curing under a nail lamp for the best results. With builder gel, you can easily achieve the length and thickness you desire without the harsh filing required by traditional hard gels.
Does Builder Gel Damage Your Nails?
When applied correctly, builder gel can actually protect your nails from further damage. However, improper application or removal, such as soaking with acetone, can lead to dry, brittle, or thin nails. It’s important to evaluate the extent of any damage before choosing builder gel for nails that are infected, injured, or have severe damage.
For minor issues like slight thinning, ridges, or peeling, builder gel can help reinforce and protect the nail surface, allowing it to recover naturally without adding extra stress. Always use caution when applying and brush in horizontal strokes to ensure the gel adheres securely and evenly.
Conclusion
When using builder gel, it’s essential to remember a few important things for the best results. First, ensure you are working with a reputed nail technician who understands the importance of using the correct type of lamp for the curing process. The right lamp can make all the difference in how well the gel sets, so don’t overlook this detail. Builder gel will last longer if you follow proper aftercare practices.
This includes moisturizing your nail beds by regularly applying cuticle oil and taking care not to expose your hands to harsh chemicals. If you’re doing tasks like cleaning, make sure to wear gloves to protect your nails from damage. Also, avoid filing your nails unless necessary, as it can weaken the structure of the gel. Remember, maintaining your builder gel is as important as the application itself!
FAQS
What is the difference between builder gel and normal gel?
When it comes to nail enhancements, builder gel and normal gel are often compared. Builder gel is known for its more durable and long-lasting qualities compared to gel polish. While normal gel can give a shiny finish, builder gel has a less glossy finish, making it a popular choice for those looking to strengthen the nail and protect it from breakage.
The key difference is that builder gel works to strengthen the nail and create a sturdier layer, much like acrylics, while normal gel is used more for a sleek, polished look that is less durable. Think of it this way: if you want a long-lasting, sturdy result, builder gel is the way to go, whereas normal gel provides a more temporary and glossy solution for a flawless finish.
What is builder gel used for?
Builder gel is primarily used when you need to create length, thickness, or strength in your nail. You can apply it directly to natural nails for a non-chip overlay that helps maintain a smooth surface. It’s also perfect for creating extensions or enhancements by using it with nail tips. Unlike regular gel polish, builder gel is much stronger and has a thicker formula, making it a more durable option compared to the usual base coats. This extra strength makes it ideal for those looking for long-lasting, reinforced nails.
What are the disadvantages of builder gel?
While builder gel offers great benefits, there are some disadvantages to consider. Applying it correctly requires practice and skill, which can make it tricky for beginners to get a smooth, even application. Also, the process involves curing time under a UV or LED lamp, adding extra time to your nail service. This extra step can be time-consuming, especially if you’re in a rush.
Can I Do Builder Gel at Home?
Yes, you can apply builder gel at home, but it comes with a learning curve. Unlike traditional gel polish, BIAB (Builder in a Bottle) requires a bit more effort and skill. It’s not just about painting it on in vertical strokes—you need to swipe it across the nail to build up the apex and add strength. So, while it’s possible, it may take some practice to get it just right.
