This should give you a clear understanding of each type of gel manicure and how they differ.
Each has its own strengths, so depending on your nail goals—whether it’s strength, length, or design—there’s a gel mani for you.
Basic Gel Manicure
What It Is: A basic gel manicure is your standard gel polish applied to your natural nails. The gel polish is cured (hardened) under a UV or LED lamp, giving you a glossy, chip-resistant finish.
Misconception: “Gel manicures ruin your nails.”
Debunked: Gel manicures themselves don’t damage your nails—it’s often improper removal that causes issues. When done correctly, your nails should stay healthy. Always soak off the gel instead of peeling or picking at it, and you’re good to go.
How It Works:
- Nails are cleaned, shaped, and prepped.
- Gel polish is applied in layers and cured under a lamp after each layer.
- The process ends with a top coat, also cured under the lamp.
Lasts: 2-3 weeks.
Removal: Soaked off with acetone.
Gel Overlay
What It Is: A gel overlay is when gel is applied over your natural nails to add strength without adding length. It’s perfect if you want to reinforce weak or brittle nails without going for full extensions.
Misconception: “Gel overlays are too thick and look unnatural.”
Debunked: While gel overlays do add a bit of thickness for strength, they don’t have to look bulky. A skilled technician will apply just enough gel to protect your nails without making them look chunky. Think of it as a discreet armor for your nails.
How It Works:
- Your nails are prepped just like for a basic gel mani.
- Instead of just polish, a thicker layer of gel is applied to your natural nails to create a sturdy surface.
- This gel is cured under a UV/LED lamp, just like in a basic gel mani.
Lasts: 2-3 weeks.
Removal: Soaked off with acetone, but since the layer is thicker, it might take longer.
Gel Extensions
What It Is: Gel extensions are used to add length to your natural nails. The extensions can be shaped and styled however you like, making them a great option if you want long, dramatic nails.
Misconception: “Gel extensions are the same as acrylics.”
Debunked: Though they both extend the length of your nails, gel extensions are lighter, more flexible, and less likely to cause damage. Unlike acrylics, they don’t require harsh chemicals like monomers, making them a gentler option.
How It Works:
- Tips or forms are attached to the end of your natural nails to create the desired length.
- Gel is applied over the entire nail (including the tip) and cured under a lamp.
- The extensions are then shaped and polished.
Lasts: 3-4 weeks.
Removal: Can be soaked off, but some salons prefer to file them down first to speed up the process.
Soft Gel (Soak-Off)
What It Is: Soft gel refers to any gel product that can be soaked off with acetone, including basic gel polish and some types of builder gels.
Misconception: “Soft gels are too weak and won’t last.”
Debunked: Soft gels may be more flexible, but that doesn’t mean they’re fragile. They offer a perfect balance between strength and ease of removal. As long as you’re not using your nails as tools, they’ll stay chip-free for weeks.
How It Works:
- Applied in a similar way to basic gel manicures.
- Soft gel is lighter and more flexible than hard gel, making it easier to remove.
Lasts: 2-3 weeks.
Removal: Easily soaked off with acetone.
Hard Gel (File-Off)
What It Is: Hard gel is a thicker, more durable gel used for creating strong overlays or extensions. Unlike soft gel, hard gel cannot be soaked off with acetone and must be filed off.
Misconception: “Hard gels are impossible to remove.”
Debunked: While hard gels can’t be soaked off like soft gels, they’re not impossible to remove. A professional can file them down safely without harming your natural nails. Plus, the durability of hard gel means fewer trips to the salon.
How It Works:
- Hard gel is applied to the nails or extensions and cured under a UV/LED lamp.
- It can be sculpted to create intricate shapes and designs.
Lasts: 3-4 weeks or longer.
Removal: Filed off with a nail drill or file.
Shellac Manicure
What It Is: Shellac is a brand name for a type of gel polish developed by CND. It’s a hybrid between regular nail polish and gel, offering the best of both worlds—easy application and long-lasting wear.
Misconception: “Shellac is just a brand name for any gel manicure.”
Debunked: Shellac is a specific product line from CND that combines gel and regular polish. It’s unique because it applies and removes like regular polish but has the staying power of gel. It’s not just a fancy name—it’s a hybrid that offers the best of both worlds.
How It Works:
- Similar to a basic gel manicure, but with Shellac brand products.
- Shellac is applied like regular polish but cured under a UV/LED lamp for durability.
Lasts: 2-3 weeks.
Removal: Soaked off with acetone.
Builder Gel
What It Is: Builder gel is like a thicker gel that helps you make solid overlays or extensions. It’s tougher than soft gel and is often used to give your nails some extra structure and length.
Misconception: “Builder gel is only for adding length.”
Debunked: While builder gel is excellent for extensions, it’s also fantastic for strengthening natural nails. If your nails are prone to breaking, builder gel can reinforce them without adding extra length, making it versatile for both short and long nail lovers.
How It Works:
- Applied over natural nails or extensions to build up thickness and strength.
- Cured under a UV/LED lamp.
- Can be used to sculpt nails or reinforce weak natural nails.
Lasts: 3-4 weeks.
Removal: Usually filed off, but some softer versions can be soaked off.
Sculpted Gel
What It Is: Sculpted gel nails are created by shaping gel over a form that’s placed under your natural nail, allowing the technician to build a custom nail shape without using tips.
Misconception: “Sculpted gel is just for showy nail art.”
Debunked: Sculpted gel is more than just a canvas for intricate designs. It’s a technique used to create custom-fit extensions that perfectly match your natural nail shape. Whether you want something simple or dramatic, sculpted gel offers a tailored finish.
How It Works:
- A form is placed under your natural nail, and gel is applied and sculpted to the desired length and shape.
- Once the shape is achieved, the gel is cured under a UV/LED lamp.
- The form is removed, and the nail is polished and shaped.
Lasts: 3-4 weeks.
Removal: Filed off with a nail drill or file.
French Gel
What It Is: A French gel manicure is simply a gel manicure with a classic French tip design—usually a pale pink or nude base with white tips. It combines the elegance of a French manicure with the durability of gel.
Misconception: “French gel is outdated and only for classic looks.”
Debunked: The French gel manicure is timeless, not outdated. With modern twists like colored tips or ombre effects, it’s evolved far beyond the basic pink-and-white. French gel is a classic that can be as contemporary as you make it.
How It Works:
- The nails are prepped and a base color (typically pink or nude) is applied and cured under a UV/LED lamp.
- The white tips are painted on and cured.
- The process is finished with a clear top coat and another round of curing.
Lasts: 2-3 weeks.
Removal: Soaked off with acetone.
Builder in a Bottle (BIAB)
What It Is: Builder in a Bottle, commonly known as BIAB, is a gel product that combines the strength of builder gel with the ease of application similar to regular gel polish. It’s often used to add strength to natural nails, encouraging them to grow out without breaking.
Misconception: “BIAB is just another thick gel polish.”
Debunked: BIAB isn’t just a thick polish—it’s a structured gel that can help your natural nails grow stronger. It’s perfect for those who want to strengthen their nails without opting for full-blown extensions.
How It Works:
- BIAB is applied directly from a bottle, just like regular gel polish, but it has the thickness and strength of a builder gel.
- It’s applied over your natural nails and cured under a UV/LED lamp.
- It can be used on its own for a natural look or as a base under regular gel polish.
Lasts: 2-4 weeks.
Removal: Can be soaked off with acetone, though some versions may require light filing.
Rubber Base Gel
What It Is: Rubber base gel is a highly flexible base gel that is thicker than regular base coats. It’s used to even out the nail surface, fill in ridges, and add strength to nails that are prone to breaking or peeling.
Misconception: “Rubber base gel is too thick for natural nails.”
Debunked: Rubber base gel is thicker, but it’s also incredibly flexible, making it ideal for filling in ridges and providing a smooth surface for polish. It’s a lifesaver for uneven nails, not a thickness overload.
How It Works:
- Applied directly onto the nail after basic preparation.
- It’s thicker than regular base gel, so it can be used to build up the nail slightly, filling in any imperfections.
- Cured under a UV/LED lamp.
- Can be used alone for a natural finish or under other gel products.
Lasts: 2-3 weeks.
Removal: Soaked off with acetone.
PolyGel
What It Is: PolyGel is a hybrid product that combines the benefits of acrylic and gel. It’s lighter than acrylic but stronger than hard gel, and it’s known for being easy to work with, especially when sculpting nails or creating extensions.
Misconception: “PolyGel is just like acrylic but with a fancier name.”
Debunked: PolyGel is lighter and more flexible than acrylic, and it’s easier to apply and remove. It’s not just a rebranding—it’s a different product that combines the best of both acrylic and gel without the drawbacks.
How It Works:
- The PolyGel is squeezed from a tube, applied to the nail, and shaped with a brush moistened with a special solution.
- It doesn’t harden until cured under a UV/LED lamp, giving technicians plenty of time to perfect the shape.
- Once cured, the nail is filed and polished as desired.
Lasts: 3-4 weeks.
Removal: Filed off with a nail drill or file. Soaking isn’t effective due to its strength.
Soft Builder Gel
What It Is: Soft builder gel is a more flexible, soak-off version of traditional builder gel. It offers strength and structure but can be soaked off with acetone, making it easier to remove than hard builder gel.
Misconception: “Soft builder gel doesn’t last as long as hard gel.”
Debunked: While soft builder gel is more flexible and easier to remove, it still offers great durability. If you prefer a soak-off option but need the strength of a builder gel, this one’s your best bet.
How It Works:
- Applied over the natural nail or tips to build strength and add structure.
- Cured under a UV/LED lamp.
- It’s softer and more flexible than hard builder gel, making it ideal for those who prefer a soak-off option.
Lasts: 2-3 weeks.
Removal: Soaked off with acetone, which may take a bit longer than regular gel polish.
Base Gel Manicure
What It Is: A base gel manicure involves applying a thicker base coat gel directly to your nails before applying any color or additional products. This base gel provides added strength and can help smooth out the nail surface.
Misconception: “A base gel is just a regular base coat.”
Debunked: A base gel is much more than your average base coat—it adds strength and smoothness, creating a perfect canvas for any gel polish or overlay. It’s the foundation that makes your mani last longer and look better.
How It Works:
- After prepping the nails, the base gel is applied in one or two coats and cured under a UV/LED lamp.
- Additional layers of gel polish or other gel products can be applied over this base.
Lasts: 2-3 weeks.
Removal: Soaked off with acetone.
Gel Fill-In
What It Is: A gel fill-in is the maintenance procedure done on gel nails (like gel overlays, extensions, or builder gel) after a few weeks, when the natural nail has grown out. The gap between the natural nail and the existing gel is filled with fresh gel to keep the manicure looking fresh.
Misconception: “You don’t need a fill-in if your gel manicure still looks good.”
Debunked: Even if your gel mani looks okay, a fill-in is crucial to maintain the strength and integrity of the nails as they grow. Skipping this step can lead to lifting, breaking, and even damage to your natural nails.
How It Works:
- The gap is filled in with new gel, which is then shaped and cured under a UV/LED lamp.
- The existing gel is filed and reshaped as needed.
- The nails are buffed and polished, often with a fresh top coat or color.
Lasts: Extends the life of the original gel manicure by another 2-3 weeks.
Removal: Same as the original gel (usually soaked or filed off, depending on the type of gel).
3D Gel Manicure
What It Is: A 3D gel manicure involves creating raised designs and textures on the nails using gel. This technique allows for intricate and dimensional nail art that literally stands out.
Misconception: “3D gel designs are impractical for everyday wear.”
Debunked: While 3D designs might seem delicate, they’re surprisingly durable when done right. With proper care, you can rock intricate 3D art without worrying about it chipping off after a few days.
How It Works:
- The nails are first prepped with a basic gel or gel overlay.
- Then, using a thicker gel, the technician will sculpt 3D designs, such as flowers, bows, or abstract shapes, directly on the nail.
- Each layer or design is cured under a UV/LED lamp before moving on to the next.
Lasts: 2-3 weeks, depending on the base gel used.
Removal: Must be filed off carefully to avoid damaging the natural nail underneath.
Ideas?
- Garden in Bloom: 3D gel manicure of raised flowers, leaves, and textured soil, with vibrant colors for an outdoor aesthetic.
- Oceanic Wonders: Nails to mimic an underwater landscape, incorporating swirls of blue gels for water, along with raised textures representing coral reefs, seashells, and marine life.
- Architectural Marvels: 3D gel to create mini structures, like famous buildings or bridges, on the nails, allowing for miniature cityscapes that tell a story of architecture and design.
- Celestial Dreams: Cosmic-themed manicure with raised stars, planets, and galaxies using glow-in-the-dark gel to create a celestial effect that shines in various lighting.
- Fabric Fantasy: Textures that mimic fabrics like lace, denim, or velvet, allowing each nail to tell a story through its texture and color, providing a tactile experience.
- Seasonal Sentiments: 3D gel manicure that changes with the seasons, featuring raised elements like snowflakes for winter, flowers for spring, fruits for summer, and leaves for autumn.
- Wildlife Wonders: Wild animal theme, where each nail showcases a different textured representation of animals like feathers, scales, or fur, combining beauty and conservation awareness.
- Mythical Creatures: Mythical creatures such as dragons or unicorns, featuring intricate scales, flowing manes, and shimmering elements for a magical touch.
- Techno-Textures: Futuristic theme with geometric patterns and tech-inspired textures that create a visually striking look, appealing to those who dig modern aesthetics.
Ombre Gel Manicure
What It Is: An ombre gel manicure features a gradient effect, where one color gradually blends into another across the nails. This can be done with any color combination, and the results are smooth and seamless.
Misconception: “Ombre gel manicures are too difficult to achieve and maintain.”
Debunked: Ombre may require a bit more skill to create, but once it’s on your nails, it’s just as durable as any other gel mani. It’s a striking look that’s as easy to maintain as it is beautiful.
How It Works:
- The nails are prepped and a base color is applied.
- The technician will then use a sponge or brush to blend two or more gel colors together, creating a gradient effect.
- Each layer is cured under a UV/LED lamp to set the design.
Lasts: 2-3 weeks.
Removal: Soaked off with acetone.
That’s it! All the different types of gel manicures, from simple and elegant to wild and artsy.
Each type offers its own unique quirks, because knowing the differences can help you choose the perfect manicure to match your style and nail needs.
