Chances are you’ve heard of — and probably have tried — a standard gel or acrylic manicure. Gel nails are popular due to their ability to stay looking great for a week or more without chipping or breaking, while acrylics give you the appearance of long, perfectly shaped nails with the same long-lasting abilities (and then some). Though pricier than a regular manicure, gel and acrylic nails are often worth it for the long-lasting effect. After all, when you get a cute new mani, you don’t want it to chip the next day.
There is, however, a downside to faux nails. The state of your natural nails when you take them off can be seriously diminished (read: dry, brittle, weak and more susceptible to breakage.) That’s where Gel-X comes in. Gel-X manicures are a fairly new type of nail treatment that give you the strength of gel and the length of acrylics, minus the damage to your natural nails. Ahead, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about gel-x manicures.
What Is a Gel-X Manicure?
Gel-X is “a full-coverage gel that has already been sculpted while off of the hand to create a full nail extension with gel when applied.” Since the Gel-X nail extensions are pre-formed to your preferred length and shape, the application process is quick and easy. A Gel-X manicure gives you the best of both worlds in that the extensions are strong and long-lasting, but they can also be easily soaked off using acetone the way you would remove normal gel polish.
How Does a Gel-X Manicure Differ From Acrylic Nails?
When it comes to a Gel-X manicure, both the application process and the actual extensions themselves differ from acrylic nails. The difference from acrylics is that this is an already pre-done nail that soaks off every three to four weeks.You don’t need to apply, then cut and shape like you do with other nail tips or extensions.
Gel-X extensions are applied with Extend Gel (no glue) on the natural nail and filed down to the desired shape, while acrylic nails require the use of an acrylic monomer/liquid or acrylic powder on a nail form or tip and can be filled every two – three weeks. This makes Gel-X a great option for people who are sensitive to fragrances. Since there is no monomer required with Gel-X extensions — only soft gel polish — you don’t have to deal with the strong scent that comes with the acrylic manicure process.
Gel-X is also different from regular gel nail polish. Most soft gel is like the name implies — too soft to create lengthy extensions. But with our patented soft gel formula, we apply both an incredible amount of heat and pressure during our manufacturing process which chemically alters the gel into something 10 times stronger and harder than in its liquid state, all while still maintaining its ability to be easily soaked off with acetone.
How Long Does a Gel-X Manicure Last?
a Gel-X manicure can last anywhere from two to four weeks. Of course, as with any manicure or nail extensions, the proper prep, application and care affect the longevity of your mani.
