When it comes to nails, Gel-X extensions have rapidly become a go-to choice for those looking for a natural feel with a longer-lasting result. Whether you’re familiar with acrylics or have heard about press-on nails, Gel-X is an ideal option for many. It offers the strength of gels and the length of acrylics while being far less harsh on your natural nails.
If you’ve ever experienced the dreaded dry, brittle, or weak nails from removing other types of faux nails, you’ll appreciate how Gel-X manages to avoid damage. Plus, it lasts longer than most other spa manicure styles, so you won’t have to worry about chipping or breaking.
A great benefit is that Gel-X is also a popular and requested choice at salons, but with a little learning and the right products, you can even try diy Gel-X nails at home! Sure, it may seem like an expensive investment upfront, but in the long run, you’ll be able to save money by avoiding frequent salon visits.
If you’re new to it, there’s plenty of tutorials available to get you started on this new cute and durable manicure style.
Essential knowledge For Gel-X Manicure
Getting the Right Lamps for Gel-X Manicures
- You can’t do gel nails without the proper lamps.
- For flash cure, you need an individual lamp for each nail under UV light.
- A UV/LED nail lamp is perfect for curing your entire hand.
- Make sure to have a mini LED lamp if you need to flash cure.
- Having a UV light is essential to hold the glue in place before fully curing.
Protection for Your Hands
- Protection is important because you’ll be using UV light.
- Use sunscreen or sunblock to protect your hands.
- SPF hand cream works well for extra protection.
- Fingerless gloves are perfect for gel nail application, keeping your hands safe and comfortable.
- Always remember to wipe off the sunscreen oils from your natural nails so the extensions will stick well.
Gel-X Nail Extensions
- Gel-X nails are clear press-on nails that are glued to your nail bed.
- Après Gel-X offers nail extensions in various shapes like round shape, and short or medium length.
- Beetles nail extensions are affordable, but you need to cut and file them to your desired shape.
- Both options require nail glue for application.
- Gel-X nails are a great way to get professional results at home.
Natural Nail Prep and Care
- For Gel-X nails to last, it’s important to prep your natural nails properly.
- Use a cuticle remover solution and a cuticle pusher to push back your cuticles.
- Cuticle clippers should be used carefully to avoid damaging your skin.
- Nail file and nail buffer help smooth your nails for a clean application.
- Use alcohol prep pads or alcohol and cotton pads to remove any dust or debris.
- Finish with cuticle oil to maintain healthy, strong nails.
Gel-X Nail Prep Products
- pH bonder or nail dehydrator helps remove oils from the nail bed.
- Acid-free primer is used to etch the inside of your extension.
- Extend gel is a UV light-activated nail glue that holds the nail in place once cured.
- The Après kit has everything you need, but some prefer to buy these separately for better quality.
- Brands like Beetles, Aimeli, and Amazon offer affordable kits, including all the necessary prep products.
Polishing Your Nails
- For the polish, you only need a base coat, gel polish, and top coat.
- Apres Gel-X kit already includes a top coat, so you’ll need a base coat and gel polish.
- OPI’s “Put it in Neutral” is perfect for a neutral base.
- Beetles pastel gel liner set is great for creating a French manicure.
- Add rhinestones for extra nail art and style.
Optional Extras to Enhance Your DIY Experience
- Nail stamp is a fun way to create designs, especially if you are a beginner.
- Nail drill helps with filing, especially if you don’t have an acid-free primer.
- Lint-free pads are great for fixing mistakes before curing.
- Use a nail art brush set to clean up gel polish errors or for nail art.
- Keep a glass dish for acetone to dip and clean your brushes.
For tips on keeping your tools in top shape, check out our article on the Top Methods to Clean and Maintain Your Gel Nail Brushes!
Detailed Guide For Gel-X Manicure
What Is a Gel-X Manicure?
A Gel-X manicure is a type of nail extension that gives you natural-looking nails with longer length, without having to wait for your natural nails to grow out. The process involves applying a gel polish to your nails and then shaping it to create the desired size and shape. Gel-X is different from traditional press-on nails or acrylics because it combines the flexibility of natural nails with the strength of a gel.
Instead of using harsh chemicals or heavy filing, Gel-X uses a soft gel tip that’s applied over your natural nails, giving you a smoother and more gentle result. This method is also a quick and easy way to get durable and beautiful extensions, and the best part is that they can be soaked off easily using acetone, just like normal gel polish.
What makes Gel-X stand out is its pre-formed extensions, which come in your preferred length and shape, making the application process fast and efficient. Unlike hard gels or acrylics that require heavy filing and can potentially cause damage, Gel-X ensures your nails stay thin and natural-looking while still being strong and durable.
This makes it an excellent choice for anyone who wants the best of both worlds—a long-lasting manicure that doesn’t compromise the health of your natural nails.
How Long Does a Gel-X Manicure Last?
A Gel-X manicure can last anywhere from two to four weeks, depending on how well you take care of it. Proper prep, application, and ongoing care are key factors that affect the longevity of your nails. When done correctly, Gel-X nail extensions can stay intact for up to 3-4 weeks without lifting or chipping. However, after this time, you might notice growth at the base of your extensions, which is a good indicator that it’s time for a redo or removal.
To help extend the life of your mani, it’s important to maintain them by trimming your nails no more than once every two weeks. A good rule is to also file your nails regularly and use cuticle oil to keep them strong and prevent peeling prematurely. Caring for your Gel-X nails can keep them looking great for longer and improve their durability.
How to Remove a Gel-X Manicure
Step 1: File Off the Top Coat and Nail Color
Begin by filing the top coat and nail color to break the barrier of polish. You should file off the majority of the Gel-X tip to prepare your nails for soaking.
Step 2: Soak Your Nails
Take a cotton ball, soak it in acetone, and apply it to your nails. Wrap your nails in foil and leave them for 10-15 minutes. This helps loosen the gel, making it easier to remove.
Step 3: Gently Remove the Gel
After soaking, unwrap the foil and gently push the lifted gel off your natural nails. Avoid tugging or ripping the gel, as this can cause your nails to become brittle and damaged.
Is Gel-X Safe?
When it comes to Gel-X manicures, many wonder if they’re a safe option compared to acrylic nails. The good news is that Gel-X is often considered a safe alternative because it uses materials that are free from harmful chemicals. When applied by a trained technician, the extensions are gentle on your natural nail and cause no lasting nail damage.
However, it’s important to properly maintain your gel manicure and remove it correctly. If you attempt to peel or rip off the gel, it can lead to nail bed damage over time. So, always seek a certified technician for proper removal to avoid any damage and keep your nails healthy.
How Does a Gel-X Manicure Differ From Acrylic Nails?
When it comes to Gel-X manicures, the application process and the extensions are quite different from acrylic nails. With Gel-X, the extensions are pre-done and simply soak off every three to four weeks, which makes them easy to maintain. Unlike acrylic nails, there is no need to apply, cut, or shape the extensions like you would with traditional nail tips.
The Gel-X extensions use Extend Gel, which is applied to the natural nail and then filed to the desired shape. There is no glue involved in this process, making it a smoother and safer option for many.
On the other hand, acrylic nails require the use of acrylic monomer or liquid and acrylic powder applied on a nail form or tip, with fills done every two weeks. One of the biggest benefits of Gel-X is that it doesn’t require monomers, which can be harsh, making it a better option for people who are sensitive to fragrances or the strong scent that comes with the acrylic process.
The soft gel used in Gel-X is not only stronger and harder after the manufacturing process but can also be soaked off easily with acetone, providing a more convenient and comfortable experience.
The Process of Applying a Gel-X Manicure in the Salon
When getting a Gel-X manicure at the salon, it’s best to trust a licensed nail technician for the best results and to ensure the wellbeing of your nails. The first step is to prep your natural nails, just like you would for any regular manicure, and then apply a layer of Aprés Nail pH Bonder.
This helps dehydrate your nail plate and removes any oil or residue that could interfere with the application. After that, the technician uses an Acid-Free Gel Primer, which creates a tacky layer for the gel to adhere better, making it more comfortable than the acid-based primers that can sometimes cause nail sensitivity.
Applying the Extend Gel and Gel-X Tips
Once the primer is in place, the technician applies Extend Gel, a soft gel that acts as the lynchpin for attaching the Gel-X Tip to your natural nail. After applying a thin layer of the Extend Gel, the nails are cured under a LED lamp. The next step involves etching the Gel-X Tip, either with an e-file or a dustless Gel-X Prep to ensure better grip.
Once the etching is done, the technician places the Gel-X tips on the nails at a 45-degree angle, followed by a flash cure. Finally, after all tips are applied, the nails are cured under the LED lamp, and the process is repeated for the other hand.
FAQS
What Should You Know About Gel-X Nails?
Gel-X extensions are made from 100% soft gel, offering a more natural feel compared to acrylics which use acrylic powder and liquid monomer. Unlike acrylics, Gel-X nails don’t require sculpting or drilling and instead use pre-shaped tips, making them easier to apply.
Gel-X nails last 2-4 weeks, while acrylics last around 3-4 weeks. Removal is simple, as they soak off easily, whereas acrylics require heavy filing and an acetone soak. This makes Gel-X a convenient and durable option for beautiful nails.
Which Comes First: Dehydrator or Primer for Gel-X Nails?
When working on Gel-X nails, it’s important to follow the right steps for a lasting finish. First, start by applying the dehydrator to your nails. This ensures any oils or moisture are removed. Then, use a primer on your natural nail, and let it dry.
Once that’s done, you can apply the gel and cure it. While the gel is curing, don’t forget to apply primer to the extension and let it dry as well, before attaching it with the gel. This process guarantees that the gel and extension stay securely in place for a longer-lasting finish.
Do Gel-X Nails Need UV Light?
While Aprés Nail only retails LED lamps, you can use UV lamps to cure soft gels for Gel-X nails. However, the curing time with UV light may be longer, often requiring around 2 minutes instead of just 30 seconds with LED lamps. Both UV and LED lamps emit potentially harmful ultraviolet rays that can cause damage to the skin, so it’s important to take care when using them.
