A beautifully-done gel polish nail manicure is an excellent feeling. It enhances your beauty quotient and makes you look presentable wherever you go, regardless of the occasion. Besides, it adds to your confidence levels. However, repeatedly repainting your nails with gel polish every two to three weeks can be frustrating. It also consumes a lot of time. How much would you long for a manicure that lasts longer than the conventional gel polish? Have you given thought to have soft gel nail extensions? It is an excellent alternative.
This article discusses soft nail gels and how they differ from gel polish and nard nail gels. Once you know the difference, it could become simple to make the right choice.
Before we discuss soft gels, you should know about hard gels. It helps to understand the difference better.
Gel Nail Extensions – Hard gel
As the name says, gel nail extensions are additional fittings on your nails to lengthen your nails and look beautiful. Therefore, it is better to understand that gel extensions are artificial nails. You have them on top of your natural nails.
So, you could ask why I should have a gel nail extension. First, not every woman in this world has long, beautiful nails. Many people have stubby nails that can offer challenges when applying gel polish. Secondly, your nails can break accidentally. Finally, nobody can distinguish whether you have natural or artificial nails if you wear these gel extensions.
Compared to gel polish and soft nail gels, the hard gels are the strongest and can withstand damage. They also protect your nail from wear and tear.
Hard gels are consistent. You apply them by dropping a gel bead on your nail extensions. Next, you push the bead all over your nail to spread the polish. Then, you cure the layers under a UV lamp for nearly two minutes. Your salon technician will file and buff the nail properly to make them look natural. You can add your favorite gel colors subsequently. The entire process can take more than two hours. It is an expensive procedure that could make your wallet lighter by $80 to $100.
Hard gel nail extensions last comfortably for four weeks. After that, you might have to seek professional help to remove the extension.
Soft Nail Gel Extension
Soft gel extension is a comparatively straightforward procedure. It is also known as soak-off gel because you can remove it at home by soaking your nails in acetone. Though soft gels are not as strong as hard gel, they are excellent for people with short nails. The consistency of soft nail gel is less than that of hard gel nails. The procedure requires curing under a UV lamp for a minute.
The exciting aspect of soft gel extensions is that they are available in an extensive color range. Furthermore, the entire soft gel procedure does not take more than one and a half hours. Besides, the manicure costs around $50 to $60. Therefore, it is less expensive than hard gel nail extensions.
Gel soft can last for two to three weeks without chipping. Besides, removing the extensions is not as challenging as hard gels. Anyone can remove them safely at home by following the correct procedure.
Advantages of Soft Gels Compared to Hard Gels
- The application and removal process is more straightforward than hard gel extension.
- The nail extensions are soft and look natural.
- These nail extensions allow you to paint using many attractive colors.
Disadvantages of Soft Gel Nails Compared to Hard Gels
- Hard gel extensions are more durable and last longer.
- Soft gels can get damaged at the edges after two to three weeks.
- They do not add length to the nails.
How Do Soft Gel and Hard Gel Measure up to Gel Polish?
Gel polish has a thinner layer than soft and hard gel extensions. You apply gel polish to your natural nails. They are not artificial extensions. You can use gel polish on your nails and your soft gel and hard gel extensions.
Gel polish requires curing under a UV lamp like your soft and hard gels. The manicure lasts comfortably for three weeks. While it can take an hour to complete the manicure, it costs around $50.
Removing gel polish at home is not a problem.
Which Is the Best Option?
It depends on the user’s choice. If you have long and beautiful nails, you would love to have gel polish rather than the extensions. But, if your nails are short, it is always advisable to go for soft nail gel. They look better on your nails than hard gels.
So, you have understood the difference between gel polish and hard and soft gel extensions. So, choosing the right option should not be an issue now.