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Builder gel is what you will use when you want to create length, thickness or add strength to the nail. You can apply builder gel to either natural nails for a non-chip overlay.
A manicure created with builder gel can last up to three weeks, but this often depends on which brand you use and how well you apply it – plus, how well the old coat is removed. When applied on natural nails, a strong and healthy base is required.
Always make sure you follow your chosen gel brand’s instructions to get the best results. This often means only using products from your chosen gel nail system – not mixing one builder gel with another brand’s top coat, for example.
When the builder gel begins to grow out, you can infill just like you would with acrylic, or remove the set and apply another straight away – providing the nail is still in good condition.
As a nail tech, you will probably have your fair share of clients asking you whether builder gel is better for their nails than acrylic.
However, it can be hard to answer this question as it is often a case of personal preference.
For example, builder gel might not appear to be as hard as acrylic, but it is more flexible and can actually be stronger. For more natural looking nails, builder gel is often preferred over acrylic as it can be applied quickly with a high-shine finish. Gel is also great for helping clients with easily broken nails maintain their natural nail length.
Many clients also believe that gel nails will damage their nails less than acrylic nails. The flexibility of builder gel does mean that they are less likely to cause a breakage. If you use a soak off formula, you can minimise damage during the removal, too, as less filing and buffing will be needed.
However, that’s not to say that acrylic is particularly bad for nails! If clients have really soft nails, acrylics can offer a suit of armour to protect them. So long as they are applied, cared for and removed properly by a trained nail technician, gels and acrylics should be equally safe.
If your client still can’t decide which to go with, keep some pictures of your best work handy to show them the different looks you can create with them.
