Do you have brittle, thin nails? You can greatly benefit from a structured gel manicure whether you bite your nails or not. But what is a structured gel manicure?
A structured gel manicure is a gel nail application that is applied thicker than just brushing on your gel product, as is the case when you do a manicures similar to Shellac or Gelish.
Read on for more information about it, including what it is, how it differs from gel manicures, and other important details.
What Are Structured Gel Manicures?
For this type of long-lasting manicure, a high-quality soft gel is usually used. Soft gel, also referred to as non-traditional gel, is sold in pots and bottles. If it comes in a pot, you’ll need a gel brush to apply the gel.
When soft gel isn’t strong enough, hard gel can be used.
A unique method is used to apply the nail gel so that the nail will have a stronger structure. This makes the nails more resilient to the daily abuse we subject them to, such as household tasks and tool use.
Most soft builder gels are transparent or colorless. Nail artists add color and artwork to nails using colored soft gels on top of gel polishes.
Soft gels are eliminated with acetone. Clients should return to the salon for a fill as soon as possible, ideally within three to four weeks, if they want to continue getting structured manis.
Acetone won’t break down hard gel, so it must be filed off to be removed.
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Structured Gel Manicures VS Gel Manicures
There are 3 main features that sets apart a structured gel manicure from a gel polish manicure:
Thicker Soft Gel Viscosity
Self-leveling soft gel is significantly thicker than gel polish, with a consistency similar to honey. This heavier gel is crucial in helping to strengthen and give durability to the nail by helping to build it up.
Like regular polish, gel polish has a similar consistency. It spreads across the nail bed in runny, thin layers.
Thicker Gel Application
Now, we’re not talking about painting a thick layer of gel on the nail because that looks awful! Actually, applying hard gel (traditional gel) and applying the special gel are quite similar processes.
Natural nail beds typically have an apex in the case of those who are able to grow their nails long without the use of any products. While growing out one’s nails can be particularly difficult for those with nail beds that are inherently flat or inverted (like spoons).
Because of its thin consistency, gel polish cannot be used to correct very flat or spoon-shaped nailbeds.
Smooth Nail Apex
The nails should appear as natural-looking as possible after properly applied gel. The nail’s strength and appearance will be compromised by any lumps along its curve.
In this method, the soft gel is applied thicker toward the middle of the nail, and thinner closer to the areas around the cuticle, forming the nail apex – the highest point of the nail curve.
What is known as the stress point is safeguarded by the apex. Because the nail will break under pressure, this is the area of the nail that is most vulnerable.
Read More: How Much is a Gel Manicure?
How Long Do Structured Gel Manicures Last?
Depending on your lifestyle, a structured manicure should last you at least 4-6 weeks!
Do not forget that our nails are jewels, not tools. Use gloves when doing the dishes or cleaning, avoid opening soda cans with your nails, and be on time for your next nail appointment.
What Are the Benefits of a Structured Gel Manicure?
Structured gel manicures are helpful for all types of nails, but have extra benefits for some people.
For instance, you can still have a gorgeous manicure with structure gel if you’re trying to grow out damaged nails. The skin beneath the free edge can grow back naturally while the nail is strengthened. Additionally, it can be used to straighten wavy nails.
Additionally, high-viscosity gels self-level by themselves and don’t have the overpowering acrylic odor. Simple as flipping the hand over and letting gravity do the work when creating the nail’s apex.
What is the Downside to a Structured Gel Manicure?
A few drawbacks do exist, though. A simple structured manicure, without extensions or nail art, takes a couple of hours or more to complete.
Second, a structured gel manicure with a natural shape requires practice and expertise to perform correctly.
The gel may need to be filed down for removal at the end, depending on the product used. Nevertheless, acetone by itself can dissolve some structure gels.
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Conclusion: What is a Structured Gel Manicure
If you’re wondering how to protect fragile nails and still have a pretty manicure, structure gel is the solution.
Anyone can learn the technique of applying a structured gel manicure, despite the fact that it is not easy for beginners. It simply requires practice, as with everything else involving nails.
Structure gel also gives you a ton of room for creativity. Along with a regular manicure, you can also do nail extensions and nail art with it.
FAQs about Structured Gel Manicure
What is the Difference Between a Structured Manicure and Gel Manicure?
The structured gel is thinner than acrylic but thicker than regular gel.
Is Structure Gel Good for Nails?
Yes, Gelish Clear Structure Gel is excellent for weak, breakable nails.
Does Structured Gel Manicure Add Length?
Using builder gels, you can give your nails extra strength, length, or both.
