It's something we get asked a lot. What is ideal for me? How can I choose between the various types that exists to get the best result? What's the difference between them?... After all, there is a huge offer! Well, I have to start by saying that this will be a long answer.
WHE HAVE:
Builder Gel - the “traditional”. Used for extensions, overlay natural nails, is ideal for fragile, brittle and bitten nails, or hands that suffer a lot of aggressions in the daily life
Soft Gel - a less thicker than the builder gel. Ideal for protect and give extra protection to weak nails, it is also slightly more elastic than a builder gel.
Gel polish - A hybrid. A liquid gel mixed with other ingredients. Also known as “semi-permanent”, shelac, or “gelinho”, it is a relatively new material that appeared approximately 12 years ago, gaved a new direction to artificial nails. I´ll say it's one of the best innovations of recent times.
Applied like a traditional nail lacquer that cures (dries) in UV light, and turns into a resistant and long-lasting film, lasts between 2 to 3 weeks. It can be removed with a solvent (unlike the traditional gel, which has to be filed to be completely removed).
- It cannot and should not be used to extend the natural nails. - It does not give resistance to nails that are already fragile, just as it is not recommended for nails that tend to peel in the free end.
Rubber gel - a " hybrid of the hybrid" gel polish. Is more thick when applied, and provides some extra resistance to the nails, while keeping it´s elasticity, but less thick than a hard gel. It is not recommended for very long nails, but it is undoubtedly excellent for many different types of nails, including thinner nails.
Acrygel, the result of the marriage between acrylic and gel. More dense than a regular gel, usually comes in tubes. Lighter then a gel or an acrylic, but extremely resistant, is more elastic compared to its “parents”. - Allows extensions, overlays, as well different structures and nail forms. Cures under UV light
American tips - pre-cured gel tips, with various pre-made shapes and lengths. Faster than other methods, is the “youngest son” of this large family. - Ideal for extensions, resistant but flexible, makes the nail extension process extremely faster and simpler. Can be removed with a solvent.
BIO gel polish - and I am not talking about brands that contain “bio” in the name, but those whose ingredients in the chemical composition are more then 70%. bio originated - Ideal for those who preferes a more natural alternative, or for those who are allergic to HEMA or acrylate based products
Does not last as much as a traditional gel polish - until 10 days, depending on the and nail type. They have the huge advantage of be able to be removed in 1 minute, and the solvents used are of bio origin.
My opinion? Regardless of the offer, each case / person is different, and there are many variables: the length, the nail type, whether the nails are fragile, or if the hands suffer more daily aggressions then others, whether you prefer long or short nails, all these are factors have to be take into consideration when choosing. My advice? Leave the decision in the hands of professionals, that better than anyone, have the obligation to advise and guide you.
Now… do pay attention to another variable: YOU! The way you use your nails is extremely important. Remember: Your nails are jewels, not tools! And please understand that the more information you give us, the better we can do our job.
Until the next one!
xoxo SaL