Not all nails are created equal.
Hard gel overlayed over natural nails.
Did you know that there are a plethora of different types of nail enhancements? Most clients only know of acrylic nails and dip powder when it comes to services that help them lengthen and grow their nails. With all the new innovations emerging in the nail industry, it’s baffling to see that many of these services are not being introduced to clients. Especially, since many of these services are a much healthier option and offer a better alternative to acrylic-based products.
Before you continue reading about all the different options, it is best to start by outlining the difference between enhancement services and polish services.
Enhancement services are nail services that are semi-permanent solutions to adding length, and strength, and to help grow your natural nails. Although there is a wide variety of different nail enhancement products, the most well-known ones are acrylic and dip powder nails.
Read more about what services we offer and which ones might better suit your needs.
Structured gel overlayed over natural nails.
Hard and Structured Gels
Hard and structured gels are excellent choices for anyone looking to just add a protective coating to their natural nails. These options are considered enhancement services and are a great alternative to dip powder nails. They provide your nails with a strong coating that helps to protect them from breakage, peeling, and lifting all while extending the durability and wear of your gel polish. Hard and structured gels are fillable and do not need to be removed with every service. The removal process involves removing the shine off the top coat and soaking them in acetone.
Pros: Adds superior strength to your natural nails with the most minimial damage.
Cons: The momentary heat spikes during application can be slightly uncomfortable, even though it is brief.
Almond shaped Gel X extensions.
Gel X
Move over acrylic, there’s a new kid in town. Gel X is the newest innovation taking over the nail industry. The application involves curing a full coverage, pre-shaped nail tip onto your natural nails using a strong bonder gel. Due to their flexibility, Gel X is less prone to lifting, funguses, harsh breaking, and damage to your nails. The application is less invasive and less likely to leave rings of fire (drill indentations) on your natural nails.
Gel X is much thinner, lightweight, and more natural looking than acrylics, but just as strong. Just like acrylic, this product is fillable and an added bonus is that the tips are already pre-shaped and come in all shapes such as coffin, stiletto, round, and square.
Pros: Instantly adds length and strength to your nails with less invasive use of the file. Also, less prone to severe breakage and lifting.
Cons: None.
Acrylic nails
Acrylic and Dip Powder
Acrylic nails are the most well-known nail enhancement service. Over the years they have been a tried and true option for many people because of their strength and ability to add length and instantly change the look of your hands. Many clients are truly loyal to acrylics and they are still a very popular option today.
Dip powder has gained a lot of popularity in recent years due to the advertising “gimmick” that they are a healthier option than acrylics. Some companies have gone as far as advertising that dip powder contains vitamins, minerals, and even collagen when the reality is that dip powder is no healthier for your nails than acrylic is. It’s s derivative of acrylic and most powders can be used with acrylic monomer. They are NOT healthier for you by any means. In fact, they require removal every time and the removal process alone is very taxing on your nails. In addition, the activator used to harden dip powder is the same composite as superglue.
Pros: Instant length and strength.
Cons: Can cause severe damage to your natural nails, more prone to harsh breakage, lifting, and allergic reactions.