There are different criteria for how nail extension gels differ. It is especially important for a beginner to take them into account, because a beautiful manicure depends not only on the technique of execution, but also on the choice of suitable materials. The best gels for nail extensions and strengthening have different durability and differ in color, type of alignment, density and burning strength.
1. Durability
The most durable and strong gels for nail extensions are three-phase. They hold their length perfectly and are resistant to detachments, cracks and chips. Single-phase gels are best used for repairing natural nails and strengthening them.
2. Color
Transparent nail extension gels are perfect for aquarium designs or the “under glass” effect. Natural or transparent pink gels can be used to apply extensions under gel polish coating. Camouflage gels will be the best choice for a French design, and colored gels can be applied both to the entire nail plate and can be used to create designs of varying complexity.
3. Alignment type
Self-leveling gels for nail extensions and modeling have a medium consistency and are perfectly distributed over the nail plate. They can be better controlled by avoiding flow into the cuticle area.
Non-self-leveling gels are thick and do not sag, but are more difficult to work with and require sufficient qualifications of the specialist. Jelly gels for nail extensions are very thick. They are used to make various three-dimensional designs, such as flowers, bears, bows. They are also very good at attaching various elements, such as rhinestones, bouillons, pixies, and shells.
4. Density
High-density gels are well suited for long stiletto or cone-type nails. One layer is enough to form a strong coating that is as close to natural as possible. Liquid gels for nail extensions will be convenient with a large flow of clients, as they are quickly distributed and reduce the time of the entire procedure. Medium density gels are the ideal nail extension gels for a beginner. They can be leveled for as long as the master needs, and this will not reduce the quality of the manicure.
5. Burning
The so-called photoinitiators in the composition, which react to the light of a UV lamp and cause the drying process, are responsible for the burning of the gel. The less drying time the gel requires, the more likely it is to bake, especially on thinner nail plates. In this case, the master needs to choose a more comfortable gel for weak nails.
Reviews for beginners from a professional manicurist about nail extension gels
Margarita Makarova, a trainer at the training center of the Palchiki salon chain, advises beginners to choose a gel of medium viscosity. “Since beginners do not have sufficient modeling speed, such gels are best suited for comfortable distribution of the material.” Margarita also advises applying an even layer of gel to avoid maximum sawdust. “If you put a lot of it, it may not dry out in the lamp, and if there is not enough, then the nail will be fragile, and accordingly, when filing, the material may peel off or chip.”
And if a beginner does not yet have an understanding of which modeling system is best to use for extending long and short nails, the specialist recommends remembering this rule: “The three-phase modeling system perfectly maintains the intended nail architecture, so it is best to use it for working with long lengths, and for laying on a natural nail with a small height of about 2 mm in the apex area, a single-phase gel is perfect.”
