The way you use builder gel depends on the particular brand you buy. Some brands require you to use a primer or base coat first, while others, such as Glossify, can be applied straight to the nail for a speedier application. It works by creating a protective overlay that reinforces and strengthens your natural nails. You can also create your dream nails instantly by using Paper Forms to build length by up to 1cm, as well as shape and style. Even beginners will find it easy to sculpt beautifully-shaped nails, with a super-smooth finish that guarantees a glossy, mirror-like shine. Our Builder Gel for nails is perfect for several applications including as a base coat, top coat, strengthening overlay, to attach gems/jewels, to encapsulate glitters and can be used with paper forms to extend the nails up to 1cm in length. Builder gel comes in different colors but clear, nude and light pink shades are the most common shades in comes in. Builder gel can be used like your average nail polish, or you can apply a layer to strengthen your nails (called an overlay) and top it off with a traditional gel or nail polish to add color or trendy nail art. It can also be used to create short gel extensions or as a glue to bond pre-shaped gel extensions to the natural nail.

I know—my extensions look extremely grown out and crazy in the above photo. Needless to say, it was nice to finally get them taken off—my nails felt like they could breathe again. I'd never really gotten builder gel before this, only a lighter, less buildable form of gel, Gel-X extensions, and regular gel nail polish. What I didn't realize before getting builder gel is that it's actually pretty similar to hard gel—the only difference is that builder gel is a bit stronger than regular hard gel. Both can also add extra strength to the nails, which comes in handy if your nails are as damaged as mine after getting extensions for years. Soft gels are incredibly popular with today’s clients as they are just as durable as a hard gel, but easier to remove. Also known as ‘soak off’ gels, they can gently be lifted away with acetone when needed. We understand this is frustrating but in the meantime, thanks for persevering with chipped nails a little longer as you wait for the remedy. SPECIAL LOCATIONS Apply another layer of Builder Gel to top it off or use a separate Top Coat and you guessed it, cure. After nail prep, apply the Builder Gel and cure under a UV lamp for 2 mins or LED lamp for 60 secs. Top tip: apply a base coat first if using a coloured Builder Gel.Strengthen and lengthen your natural nails and shine bright with this revolutionary Builder Gel Duo. Whether you're in the mood for the clear option or the 'barely there' sheer peach tint, they both cure in 60 seconds under a UV or LED lamp (sold separately), and are as easy to apply as normal polish. Whether builder gel or acrylic is better is going to be entirely based on your personal preference. Builder gel in a bottle is less damaging to your natural nails than acrylic because it creates a thin coat on your nails that allows them to remain healthy and grow while you wear the polish. If you’re looking to grow and strengthen your natural nails, builder gel in a bottle is the best choice. With gel extensions, the longer you go past 3 weeks, the further forward the apex of the extensions will move. This puts more pressure on the nil tip, so you want to remove or take down the nail extension to re-balance your nails and keep the apex in the correct position to maintain a strong mani. A softer gel, like BIAB, is best for natural-looking nails and short extensions whereas hard gel is a better option for extra-long nail extensions because it adds more strength. Acrylates Copolymer, Isopropyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Butyl Acetate, Microcrystalline Wax, Hydroxycyclohexyl Phenyl Ketone, Acetic Acid, Ci 60725

It depends. As a nail tech, you will probably have your fair share of clients asking you whether builder gel is better for their nails than acrylic. Many clients also believe that gel nails will damage their nails less than acrylic nails. The flexibility of builder gel does mean that they are less likely to cause a breakage. If you use a soak off formula, you can minimise damage during the removal, too, as less filing and buffing will be needed. Pop a dab of Builder Gel where you want to position the jewel or decal and place it on top, curing for 2 minutes (UV) or 60 seconds (LED). At Salons Direct we have a wide range of gel polish brands available to suit all budgets. Most gel polish brands have now ventured into the world of builder gels and everyone’s gone mad for them. Some of our best selling ranges are: Glossify Naturabuild, Glitterbels Brush On Builder Gel, Halo Easibuild Builder Gel, & Gellux Builder Gel.In a flourish of drama, some of our products are classed as hazardous (HAZMAT) goods. This will impact our ability to deliver to certain destinations and use specific delivery methods. Apply colour gel and cure for 2 minutes (UV) /30-60 seconds (LED). Build to get the desired colour effect.

If you are new to gel nails, you might be wondering what the difference is between the terms hard gel, soft gel and builder gel. Just what exactly are they all?! Hard Gel It's important to note, however, that this time frame could (and usually does) vary depending on a range of factors. Everyone's nails are different, and everyone's lifestyles are different – both of these will play a role in how long your gel nails last. Nails keep breaking? Give them a workout. This 5-in-1 Builder Gel will help strengthen and lengthen, for salon-quality and life-proof nails. Apply base coat or primer– if your builder gel requires you to use one. Cure under your nail lamp if needed. If you don’t need a primer, you can skip this step and save some time.

Attach nail form and use brush to apply Mylee 5 in 1 Builder Gel over entire nail, extending the tip to create desired shape. Cure for 2 minutes (UV) / 60 seconds (LED). Cure under LED/UV lamp– your chosen builder gel should state what type of lamp it needs to be used with and how long to cure it for. Assuming you've followed all the right nail prep before and do good nail care after applying your gel polish, this is totally achievable. When it comes to nail extensions and nail art there are so many options to choose from these days, from glitter acrylics to stunning nail art effects, the nail world is ever-evolving! So, it’s more important than ever to get a good grasp of the basics. Generally, the steps you would take to apply a builder gel would be something like this: How to use builder gel – step by step guide 👇