What is a hard gel manicure? Hard gel is, as its name suggests, much more resilient than shellac, its little sister. Hard gel is a self-leveling gel that cannot be soaked off with acetone and needs to be filed off.
If you have yet to try hard gel, or even understand its capabilities, you’re in for a treat. Your comprehensive guide to hard gel is provided below, along with information on how it differs from gel extensions, how to apply it, and how long it lasts.
What is a Hard Gel Manicure?
Hard gel is a nail enhancement product used to coat and overlay, or extend, a natural nail.
It is more flexible than acrylic extensions and is long-lasting, chip-resistant, and hardened in an LED or UV lamp.
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How Are Hard Gel Nails Applied?
Depending on the desired result, application techniques vary.
For example, if the length is desired, the hard gel is sculpted and formed over a nail form (those cone-like stickers) or nail tip previously applied to the natural nail.
Both techniques depend on a particular gel polish brush to add structure and shape.
The gel is shaped and filed, followed by curing in an LED or UV lamp and finishing with either gel or conventional nail polish.
How Long Do Hard Gel Nails Last?
Hard gels stand out in this regard because they can last up to a month without needing maintenance, in contrast to other nail enhancements and manicures.
It’s crucial to follow up within a month with a fill-in service at a salon or with a specialist.
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What is the Difference Between Hard Gel and Gel Extensions?
Hard gel and gel extensions are used in tandem, which makes them easy to mix up. Hard gel manicures don’t require the use of extensions, but they are necessary for gel extensions to adhere to the nail.
Hard gels can be used to sculpt a gel extension onto a form or applied with a full coverage tip.
No extensions were necessary in my case; the technician simply applied the hard gel manicure to the base of the nail.
How Much Do Hard Gel Nails Cost?
Hard gel manicures can range from $80 for an overlay or modest extensions to up to $200 or more, depending on your location, extension length, manicure finish, and the inclusions of nail art or designs.
Although gel nail costs differ from city to city, you can typically anticipate to pay a little bit more than you would for liquid and powder acrylic enhancements.
Final Words: What is a Hard Gel Manicure
In short, hard gel is a type of gel that cannot be soaked off. Hard gel is appealing because it can provide a lot of strength and durability, which is crucial if it’s being used for nail extensions.
Hard gel is another excellent acrylic substitute, particularly if you can’t stand the smell of monomer, the potent bonding agent used to apply acrylic nails.
Read More: What is a Gel Manicure?
FAQs
Is Hard Gel Bad for Your Nails?
Gel manicures may result in cracked, peeling, and brittle nails, and prolonged use may increase the risk of skin cancer and early aging of the hands’ skin.
What Does Hard Gel Do to Your Nails?
A hard gel is a nail enhancement product that is used to extend and coat a natural nail.
Are Hard Gel Nails Better Than Acrylic?
Acrylic nails are more tenacious than gel nails and typically last longer because of their chemical composition.
