What Is Builder Gel for Nails: How to Use Guide with Facts
Introduction to the topic
Whether you’re looking for glitter acrylics or nail art that’s truly out of this world, there are so many options to choose from these days! As a result, it’s more critical than ever to have a solid grasp of the fundamentals.
Nail art and acrylic nails, on the other hand, have become increasingly popular.
It’s a win-win situation for healthy nails and a natural appearance! Building gel’s rise to prominence in the nail industry can be attributed to its ability to strengthen natural nails, grow them, and keep them looking perfect for two or three weeks at a time.
Salons Direct offers a wide selection of gel polish brands at various price points. Now that most gel polish companies have branched out into the world of builder gels, these products are in high demand. Most popular products include GlossifyNaturabuild, Glitterbels Brush-On Builder, Halo Easibuild, and Gellux Builder Gel.
Builder gels are a frequently asked question, so we thought now would be a good time to address some of the most common concerns people have. What are the advantages of getting a gel manicure? Or do you prefer to use gel or acrylic on your clients? What are you waiting for?
What is a builder gel?
Builder gel can be used to increase the nail’s length, thickness, or sturdiness. For extensions or enhancements, use builder gel with nail tips or on natural nails for a non-chip overlay. The formula is much thicker than a normal base coat and is much stronger than regular gel polish base coats. Their self-leveling properties ensure a flawless foundation layer.
How long does builder gel last?
Within a period of two to three weeks. Even though a builder gel manicure can last for up to three weeks, the longevity of the manicure is highly dependent on the brand and application technique used, as well as how well the old coat is removed. Natural nails require a solid foundation to be applied to.
To get the best results, always follow the instructions provided by your gel brand. Using only products from your preferred gel nail system is often required, such as not mixing a builder gel with another brand’s top coat.
The right LED or UV nail lamp must also be used for the correct time.
The builder gel can be infilled like acrylic, or the set can be removed and a new one applied immediately if the nail is still in good condition.
What are the two types of gel?
Soft gel and hard gel forms of builder gel are available for purchase. With a nail brush, both types of gel are applied and cured with UV or LED light. It is important to note that hard and soft gels wear and are removed differently.
Soft Gel: What Is It?
Soft gels include things like nail polish remover and makeup primer. Unlike hard gel, soft gel can be molded into a variety of shapes and sizes. Because of their long-lasting properties, gel polish manicures have become increasingly popular in recent years.
Nail extensions cannot be created or supported with soft gel. Like traditional nail polish, it’s applied with a small nail brush. Nail overlays are made stronger with soft builder gel and can be applied on top of colored gel polish. UV or LED light curing is used to dry the soft gel after it has been applied.
There are numerous colors of this gel to choose from. For two to four weeks, soft gel can be worn alone as gel polish or as a nail overlay. Over time, the free edge of the nail will wear away, necessitating a touch-up every few weeks.
Cotton balls soaked in pure acetone can be used to remove the soft gel due to its porous nature.
Hard gel: What is it?
Hard gel is non-porous and extends the length of natural nails by a few millimeters. In most cases, it is applied to the tip of a fingernail or nail shape. It is applied to each nail in tiny beads and then manipulated by a technician to create the desired length and shape. Hard gel nails are a popular choice for long-lasting nails because of their customizability and variety of colors.
LED or UV lamps can be used to cure hard gel until it hardens and dries. As soon as the nails are in the desired shape they are polished, then a nail color is applied. It depends on the client’s lifestyle and the rate at which their natural nails grow, but hard gel nail sets typically last for three to four weeks.
The nails must be protected at all times. When removing hard gel, be careful not to harm your natural nails. An e-file or nail file should be used to remove the hard gel from professional nail technicians’ hands. An experienced nail technician will make sure that the natural nails are not damaged by the hard gel applied on top of them.
What is the proper way to use builder gel?
How you use a particular brand’s builder gel will be determined by what you buy. Others, like Glossify, can be applied directly to the nail for a faster application without the need for a primer or base coat first.
When building up the thickness and shape of the builder gel on the natural nail, you can apply and cure it in successive layers until you achieve the desired thickness and shape. Before applying the gel and creating the length, simply apply your nail tip or form.
As a general rule of thumb, applying a builder gel would look like this:
Step 1:
Clean, file, and buff the nails to get the best results. Trim the cuticle with your fingernails as you push the skin back. Use a lint-free pad and nail cleanser or acetone to clean the nail.
Step 2:
The builder gel you are using may require you to apply a base coat or primer before applying the final coat of paint. If necessary, use your nail lamp to cure your nails. For those of you who don’t need primer, this step can be skipped.
Step 3:
You can either paint it on or use a bottled builder gel to apply the builder gel. A small amount of gel will need to be picked up with your own nail brush if you have a pot of gel on hand. Avoid the cuticle and make sure to cover the free edge. Allow the builder gel to settle for a few seconds before applying it to ensure that it is applied evenly.
Step 4:
LED/UV lamps should be used to cure your builder gel – the gel should indicate what type of lamp is needed and how long to cure it for.
Pro tips:
- In the event that you need to apply a second coat, do so.
- Remove any tackiness from the nail with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free wipe.
- File the nail to the desired shape of your client and even out any thick spots.
Step 5:
Wipe the nail clean once more, then apply your color or top coat. Gel polish can be painted on and cured again if a client requests a different color.
Step 6:
Your manicure is complete once all of your gel has been applied and properly cured. Before your client leaves, apply a few drops of cuticle oil and give them any aftercare instructions they might need.
Acrylic or builder gel: Which is better?
It all depends on what you’re looking for. Many of your clients will inquire if acrylic or builder gel is better for their nails if you work as a nail tech.
It’s difficult to give a definitive answer to this one because it’s so subjective.
In contrast to acrylic, builder gel is more flexible and can actually be stronger than acrylic. Because it can be applied quickly and has a high sheen, builder gel is frequently preferred to acrylic for its more natural appearance. Gel is also a great option for those with nails that are prone to breaking.
Gel nails are also preferred by many customers because they believe they will cause less damage to their nails than acrylic ones. It is true that builder gels are less likely to break because of their elasticity. Using a soak-off formula reduces the amount of filing and buffing required during removal, further reducing damage.
Not to say acrylic is particularly bad for nails, of course. If a client’s nails are particularly fragile, acrylics can serve as a protective layer. In the hands of a trained nail technician, both gels and acrylics should be just as safe as each other.
Having some examples of your best work on hand will allow you to show your client the various looks you can achieve using each one.
Gel polish vs. builder gel: What’s the difference?
Without going overboard!! … Compared to gel polishes, builder gel has a thicker consistency and is more durable. Despite its thicker consistency, Builder gel is surprisingly light when applied to the nails.
Builder gel, in contrast to gel polish, does not necessitate soaking off between visits; instead, it is simply infilled.
To use thick or thin gels, it depends on the application.
When it comes to gels, hard gels tend to be thicker than soft gels. You can use them over nail tips and forms because they don’t self-level. When it comes to applying a delicate nail overlay on natural nails, soft gels are the best option.
Is thin gel right for you?
Over natural nails and nail extensions, thin gels provide a light, strong layer. To put it another way, thin gels are self-leveling because of their low viscosity. Because of their light, runny consistency, these gels are more difficult to apply to nail forms.
Because the gel will lay more smoothly on the nail with thinner thicknesses, filing is not as necessary. Because of the smooth surface, there are fewer air bubbles and the application goes more quickly. With thinner gels, the nail technician must work quickly. As a result, experienced nail techs are advised to use thin gels.
When to use thick gel?
Nail extensions are made by applying thick gels over nail forms and tips. Because of its greater viscosity, the nail technician is able to cover a larger area of the nail in a single application. Use caution when working with thick gels. Peaks and troughs will form if too much gel is applied, necessitating a second filing session later.
It is easier to control thicker gels than thin gels, making them a good choice for nail technicians who are new to the industry.
Watch Polygel vs builder gel | Video
Top 5 FAQs and answers related to What is builder gel for nails
When it comes to growing your nails, does builder gel make a difference?
Is it harmful to your nails if you use builder’s gel?
Is base coat the same as builder gel?
In terms of gel and builder gel, what is the difference?
Acrylic or builder gel: Which is better?
Bottom line
Builder gel is a popular gel nail overlay that is used to create long, strong nails. Hard and soft gel types of builder gel are available in a wide range of colors and hues. Nail techs of all levels can create their own custom gel manicures with the variety of gel options available.
Short to medium-length natural nails can benefit from the thin viscosity of soft gel. For nail extensions, it can be used in conjunction with hard gel.
Long nail extensions can be sculpted with hard gel on nail forms and tips. To create a hard, long-lasting layer on the nails, hard gel needs to be thicker in viscosity. There will be bubbles and uneven texture if too much of this gel is used. Additional sanding is needed to smooth out a rough surface.
