Are you considering nail extensions? Two popular choices are soft gels or acrylics, but which one is right for you? Let’s discuss the differences between Gel-X soft gels and acrylic tips you need to know.
What Are Acrylic Tips?
Acrylic tips are made from a mixture of monomer liquid and powdered acrylic (the polymer). The mixture is applied to the natural nail and sculpted into the desired shape.
The Pros of Acrylic Tips
Acrylic tips can be built out to stunning lengths. The material can encapsulate decorative elements like flowers and confetti and be shaped into gorgeous designs.
Once the acrylic has air-dried and hardened, it can be filed, polished, and painted. There's no need to use gel polish and a nail lamp, as acrylics are compatible with nail lacquer.
Acrylic tips are exceptionally strong and durable, lasting longer than three weeks. This makes them a great choice for those who want a long-lasting nail extension that can withstand wear and tear.
The Cons of Acrylic Tips
It takes practice to correctly form and apply acrylic beads, and it's time-consuming even for professional nail techs. Since material air-dries, there's a need to work quickly before it hardens.
It’s also necessary to use molds to shape the extensions. The end result may look more artificial than soft gel tips.
Furthermore, many monomers have a strong odor and may cause an allergic reaction if they get on the skin. This is risky for both the client and the manicurist. Some brands of acrylic powder also contain formaldehyde, a toxic material.
Then, removal can be pretty harsh, requiring a nail drill to file down the material before soaking in acetone.
In summary, applying acrylic tips isn’t something that the average person at home can easily do. But acrylics still offer unique benefits, so if you want to learn how to do them, keep reading.
Materials Needed for Acrylic Tips
The shopping list for acrylics includes the following:
Plus other items like a coarse nail file to shape the acrylic, a fine-grit file for smoothing, and acetone for removal.
In summary, the simplest way to get all the basics is to purchase an acrylic kit. Then you can get acrylic powder separately in a wide range of shades, from clear to neon or glitter.
What Are Gel-X Tips?
Gel-X nail extensions are a relatively new technology. They are pre-made tips adhered to the top of the natural nail. The adhesive is cured under a UV lamp, then the nail can be painted.
Pros of Gel-X Tips
Gel-X extensions are known for their flexibility. They are an excellent choice for those who want a lightweight nail extension that won't break or crack easily.
What’s more, it's easy for someone to apply Gel-X tips at home. The manufacturer even sells kits with all the necessary accessories plus tips in assorted sizes for the perfect fit.
Unlike acrylics, soft gel tips and application materials are odorless. They don't require molds as the tips are pre-shaped, so the application process is faster. Overall, they are gentler on the nails and soak off easily in acetone.
Cons of Gel-X Tips
On the downside, Gel-X tip adhesive requires a UV or LED nail lamp to cure. They also aren’t ideal for long extensions because they are soft and flexible.
Materials Needed for Gel-X Tips
All the necessities for Apres Gel-X tips come in a kit that includes:
- Apres pH Bonder
- Non-Acidic Gel Primer
- Apres Soak Off Extend Gel
- Apres Non-Wipe Top Gel
- X-Lite LED nail lamp
- 100/180 grit emery board for shaping the tips
- a vegan leather case
Or suppose you wish to purchase individual items to do soft gels. In that case, Lavis offers tips in assorted styles like almond, coffin, stiletto, and various sizes like medium or long. Each box of tips features 11 sizes to match pretty much all adult fingernails. Moreover, each tip is pre-shaped to greatly reduce the need for filing.
Then all you need is the set of liquids to apply them. It comes with protein bond and primer, base gel, tip adhesive, and Diamond top gel.
How to Apply Soft Gel Tips at Home
Unlike acrylics, Gel-X tips are doable at home with minimal training. Reading the instructions and watching a video will likely be all the help you need to create a beautiful manicure. Here's a summary of the steps to apply soft gels.
Step 1: Prepare the Nails
Trim and file the natural nails, push back the cuticles, and buff the surface to remove shine. Finish by removing the natural oil with a nail wipe.
Also, choose the tip sizes that match the natural nails. Note that there is a size number imprinted on the back side at the base.
Step 2: Apply the Primer
Brush the primer on the natural nails and allow it to dry. Use an acid-free product for sensitive skin and nails.
Step 3: Apply the Adhesive and Place the Tips
Put a small dot of adhesive on the tip and press it into place on the natural nail. Cure each nail for 10 seconds to secure the tip. After putting tips on the entire hand, cure it in the nail lamp for up to 60 seconds to set the adhesive.
Step 4: Shape the Nails If Needed
Only a little filing should be needed, but feel free to trim and shape the nails after gluing them on.
Step 5: Apply Polish and Top Coat
Finish the manicure with a base coat, colored polish, and a top coat, curing each layer in the nail lamp.
Conclusion
Now that you know the differences between Gel-X and acrylic tips, which ones will you choose for your nails? Either way, we hope you enjoy your next manicure!
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