What Your Nail Tech Wishes You Knew About Gel-X
Have you ever walked into your nail appointment asking for acrylics simply because it’s what you’ve always gotten? As soon as they sit in my chair, I ask if they’re open to trying Gel-X, also known as gel extensions. Their first question is always, “What’s the difference?” I’m here to answer that question, compare both methods, share my personal experience with each application type, and explain which one I prefer.
What’s the difference in appearance?
Acrylic is typically applied thicker and bulkier to provide structure, since the nail tip is usually only added to the free edge of the natural nail. After the acrylic is applied, the design is added on top, which makes the nail appear even thicker.
Gel-X provides a more natural look because no additional product is required for structure—the tip is a full-cover tip. Once the tip is applied, the design is done directly on top without needing another layer of product for structure.
Do I have to soak off every time I schedule an appointment?
Nope! Both Gel-X and acrylic can be filled. Fun fact: each application type can be filled with the other. For example, acrylic can be filled with builder gel, and Gel-X can be filled with acrylic. While it’s best to stay consistent with one application type so the products work harmoniously, mixing them is definitely possible.
Which one is healthier for my nails?
Each person may have a different experience, but personally, I’ve found that acrylic tends to damage the nails more than Gel-X. I feel that Gel-X offers more support because it uses a full-cover tip rather than just a tip on the free edge. As a result, I’ve noticed less breakage. I’ve also developed an application strategy that, in the rare case a nail lifts, makes it much less likely to develop what we call “greenies.”
Which one is faster?
Gel-X is significantly faster and easier to apply than acrylic. The entire shaping process can be eliminated by using pre-shaped tips that come in various lengths. This also helps maintain consistent shapes. As a nail tech, eliminating steps helps preserve physical health, less filing means reducing or slowing symptoms of carpal tunnel, hand cramping, and other common physical issues in the industry.
Do both applications have heavy fumes?
Nope! Gel-X has little to no fumes. Clients usually can’t even smell the products used to apply Gel-X. In contrast, we’re all familiar with the strong smell of monomer used in acrylic, it lingers forever. While some people don’t mind it, it’s not healthy to breathe in regularly.
What is the price difference?
Gel-X requires fewer products than acrylic and, as mentioned, is easier to apply. Because of this, when I used to offer acrylic, I priced my Gel-X sets lower, especially to encourage clients to make the switch. As a nail tech, overhead costs are high, so anywhere I can save in my business, I will. Another cool thing about Gel-X is that the tips can also be used to make press-ons or as practice nails. Plus, with the same products used to apply Gel-X, a structured manicure can be performed, the same process, just without the nail tip.
Now for my personal opinion…
I don’t even offer acrylic at the moment for many reasons (which I’ll get into in a future article). But I love Gel-X. I believe it’s much more user-friendly for nail techs of all experience levels. It’s more affordable, more versatile, safer to use, and in my opinion, it just looks much better than acrylic.
Curious about Gel-X? Let’s upgrade your nail game together! If you’re local to the Treasure Coast, book with me. I’d love to show you the difference. If not, our custom press-ons are the next best thing, beautifully made, just for you.
Until next time, stay beautiful and stay blessed.
– Keila Cuartas, Owner, Okei Beautiful
