Discover the Perfect Nail System for You! 💅
Not sure which nail system suits your style and lifestyle? Lets break down the different nail systems — from Acrylics to Gels, and Manicures.
Learn the benefits, durability, and ideal uses for each, so you can slay your nails with confidence!
ACRYLIC
Acrylic: The acrylic system is formed when a liquid (monomer) and a powder (polymer) are combined to form the hardener substance a.k.a acrylic.
Retention: Though not recommended to wait this long, acrylic can reach a retention of up to 8 weeks.
Maintenance Time: It is recommended to get an acrylic maintenance every 4 weeks.
Length: Can be done on the natural nail as an overlay and also as an extension from sizes XS - XXXXL.
Soak Off: Acrylic can be fully soaked(removed) in warm acetone in 15-30 mins.
Type of client best suited for this system: Fast paced girlie, loves length and intricate designs, and encapsulations doesn’t have much time for self-care, needs her nails to last weeks at a time.
POLYGEL
Polygel: The polygel system is a hybrid combination between acrylic and gel with the strength of acrylic but the flexibility of gel.
Retention: Though not recommended to wait this long, polygel can reach a retention of up to 6 weeks.
Maintenance Time: It is recommended to get a polygel maintenance every 4 weeks.
Length: Can be done on the natural nail as an overlay and also as an extension from sizes XS - XL.
Soak Off: Polygel system cannot be soaked off in acetone, therefore, it has to be removed via drilling in 10-15mins.
Type of client best suited for this system: Best suited for the girlie who loves the strength of acrylic but is ready to try something new. Polygel can be done in a variety of shapes with the option of also adding intricate designs.
Gel-X
Gel-X: The Gel-X system is a system that is applied with a full well tip (a tip the covers from cuticle to free edge), the tip mimics a press on but is not because press-ons are made from plastic whereas Gel-X tips are made from Builder Gel.
Retention: Though not recommended to wait this long, Gel-X can reach a retention of up to 5 weeks.
Maintenance Time: It is recommended to get a Gel-X maintenance every 4 weeks.
Length: Cannot be done on the natural nail as an overlay but as an extension from sizes S - L.
Soak Off: Gel-X system can be soaked off in cold acetone with the use of cotton and nail clips.
Type of client best suited for this system: Best suited for the girlies who love a fresh set each time and that prefer a natural nail look even while adding some length, can be designed with gel.
BUILDER GEL
Builder Gel: The Builder Gel system is a thick gel applied on the natural nail that dries only under UV light producing a heat spike while drying. It is a hybrid material composed of photoinitiators, monomers, and oligomers, which harden into a solid form when exposed to UV or LED light.
Retention: Though not recommended, Builder Gel can reach a retention of up to 4 weeks.
Maintenance Time: It is recommended to get a Builder Gel maintenance every 3 weeks.
Length: Can be done on the natural nail as an overlay and also as an extension from sizes XS - M.
Soak Off: This system cannot be soaked off in acetone, it has to be removed via drilling in 10-15mins.
Idea Client: Best suited for the self-care lover girlies, It is also best suited for the natural girlie that is entering her natural length or natural nails era.
RUSSIAN MANICURE
Russian Manicures: The Russian Manicure system is a complete clean out of the cuticles using bits and tools to achieve the cleanest look of the cuticle, followed by an application of a gel enhancement to harden the natural nails.
Retention: Though not recommended to wait this long, Russian Manicures can reach a retention of up to 4 weeks.
Maintenance Time: It is recommended to get a Russian Manicure maintenance every 2-3 weeks.
Length: Can only be done on the natural nail as an overlay.
Soak Off: Russian manicures do not require a soak off, the gel polish is removed and the product is re-applied in the growth area.
Idea Client: Best suited for the self-care lover girlies, natural girlie that is entering her complete natural nails era, as Russian Manicures are applied on the natural nail only. This system requires the most maintenance and upkeep.