How wonderful it is to be blessed with beautiful long nails that grow out strong and healthy! You can simply paint and art them and they look stunning! But what if you are not blessed with such beautiful nails naturally? Do you need to be unhappy if your nails are brittle or grow out flat? Do you need to worry if your natural nails are prone to peeling or breaking? Oh, not at all! We are in 2024 and girl, you need not be afraid of anything! And nails are the one thing you can get in shape without even working out!
We are here with a solution to all your nail woes! If you have a problem maintaining or growing out your nails, remember you are not alone. Many of us have such weak and vulnerable nails. But there are solutions to fix them. You can opt for a structured manicure to get that ‘my nails but better’ look.
Now let’s get into the details of what is a structured manicure: the types, cost, application, and removal.
What is a Structured Manicure? The Types, Cost, Application, and Removal
If your nails are brittle, weak, have irregular surfaces like ridges or vertical lines, or are prone to cracking or peeling, you probably know that growing them out long is a task. Or if your lifestyle and habits cause them harm, you find it hard to grow them strong in the long run.
For example, if you are a habitual nail biter, use your nails like tools and are clumsy with them, use low-quality nail polishes and removers, or don’t take care of them the way you should, then it is very much possible that they will get damaged from the root.
For whatsoever reason, you cannot fix weak and brittle nails overnight. And by the time you work on getting stronger and healthier nails on the inside, there are ways you can get pretty-looking nails on the outside. You can get salon nail enhancements or use press-on nails to add that length and art using fake nail tips.
Besides, you can also opt for structured gel manicures to enhance the appearance and strength of your nails without that extra length. How? Read to understand in detail.
What Is a Structured Manicure?
Structured manicure, also known as Structured Gel Manicure, is a type of manicure that uses a special gel to add strength and durability to your natural nails improving the overall appearance.
The structured manicure technique uses a clear gel to create a layer under the gel polish making a thicker ‘apex’ at the center of the nail resulting in stronger and elegantly arched nails.
If you are someone who wants strong, healthy-looking, and professionally done manicures but doesn’t like to add length or use fake nail extensions, the structured manicure can be your best bet.
The clear builder gel also called the structured gel, is a thick clear gel that cures and sets under the UV/LED light. It is also often termed as BIAB – builder in a bottle. The thick consistency of the BIAB reinforces the strength and structure of the natural nail underneath lending them a plumper appearance and resulting in a long-wearing manicure.
You can achieve a long-lasting and super durable manicure on your natural nails using this structured manicure technique because the BIAB has a thicker and stickier viscosity than the other gel products. So you can use the product to shape and sculpt your nails as needed and form a bulge-like apex at the center of the otherwise flat nails.
Adding a structured manicure underneath your gel polish, you can layer up your nails if they are naturally thin and bendy. The result of your mani will hence look more aesthetically pleasing and your nails will be able to hold the product better and will grow out without chipping or peeling.
You might have noticed some people have a natural arch on their nails that gives them a stunning look even when they apply just traditional nail polish. However, if you don’t have any such ‘bulge’ or arch in the middle and your nails are completely flat or even concave, a structured manicure can be your savior. The BIAB can also mend broken free edges and conceal ridges and discoloration giving you the final look of a chip-free and smooth gel polish application.
Structured manicures, also known as gel overlays at times, are ideal for nail-biters and also for those who want to add some strength and structure to their natural nails without opting for fake nail tips. Even if you don’t want to extend the length, you can still choose to add a layer of protection to your otherwise brittle nails prone to chipping and breakage with gel overlays. And, they also help in eventually strengthening your natural nails in the long run.
Types of a Structured Manicure
1) Hard Gel Manicure
Hard gel manicures can be achieved by curing a BIAB gel under an LED lamp. For removals, the hard gel needs to be filed off using an e-file or a manual nail file.
2) Soft Gel Manicure
Soft gel manicures use a gel that gets cured under an LED lamp and can be soaked off in acetone for removal.
3) Hybrid or Semi-Hard Gel Manicure
This category falls between soft gel and hard gel manicures. The hybrid gel is strong and durable and uses a special ‘acrygel’ structure. Also referred to as Polygel, the semi-hard product is designed using a hybrid of gel and acrylic formulae and can be cured under UV or LED lamps. For removal, the product needs to be filled 90% before soaking it off in acetone for complete removal.
4) Acrylic Manicure
While there is no ‘gel’ used in this type of manicure, the powder + liquid technique can also create a strong and durable base layer for your nails without having to necessarily increase the length. The polymer and monomer can be used to shape and buff into a structured manicure rather than nail extensions.
Application: The Process of Getting a DIY Structured Manicure
You can always get a structured gel manicure done by a professional manicurist at a nail salon. They have all the essential products and tools needed. But if you plan to DIY your manicure and incorporate the strength and durability of a builder gel manicure, it is still possible to do it using some tools and products from the comfort of your home.
Let’s understand the application process in a few steps:
1) Nail Prep
The first step, as usual, is to prep the natural nail base. Now, if you were getting your mani at a salon, they’d do a Russian manicure for nail prep. But since you’re DIYing it, just follow a few easy steps to prepare your nails for what’s coming next. Clean the nail surface to remove any oils or old nail polish, cut and file your nails for the desired shape, push and clean your cuticles, and buff the nail surface to remove any ridges or residue.
2) Base
Depending on your builder gel, use the correct base coat on your natural nails for the product to stick better. Apply a thin and even layer of the base coat to fill up any ridges or uneven surfaces.
3) Apply Structure Gel
Preferably use a soft gel BIAB for your DIY structured manicures. Similar to the base coat application, apply a thin and even layer of the builder gel on the natural nail. Make sure you create an apex at the center to give that arch-like shape. Some pros even turn the hand upside down to form a drop-like structure at the center, but do this only if you’re sure. Immediately cure the product under an LED lamp. Once it is completely dry, wipe off the top layer with acetone to remove the tacky layer. Now, file off the product to form the correct shape with flushed gel on the edges and a bulge in the middle. Once you’re happy with the shape, dust off the residue before moving forward.
4) Apply Gel Polish
Once you are done adding ‘structure’ to all your nails, it’s time to add color. Apply two to three coats of gel polish in your choice of color curing between coats. Make sure you cover the nails from edge to edge and apply thin, smooth layers to avoid clumping the product. If you want to experiment with any nail art, this is the time to add it.
5) Seal
After curing all the layers, finish off with a top coat to seal everything and add shine to your structure manicure. Moisturize your cuticles with a cuticle oil for that professional look. Also, nourish your hands with a hand cream and sunscreen for better results.
Removal
The reason we say you should use a soft builder gel for your DIY manicures is the removal process. You can remove it by soaking your nails in acetone and gently scraping and filing off the remains.
For hard gels and polygels, it is best to get the application and removals done by a pro. These products cannot be dissolved in acetone and need to be filed off for removal which can potentially damage the natural nails. So get it done from a reputed salon and make sure the manicurist doesn’t run the e-file on your natural nail surface.
How Long Does a Structured Manicure Last?
The real benefit of a structured gel manicure is its longevity. The ideal duration for which a structured manicure would last is 3-4 weeks or even more. The durability depends on how long it takes for your natural nails to grow and the speed at which they do.
It is recommended that you carry your structured manicures for at least 3 weeks before getting them removed. And you will be able to do it easily because the product doesn’t lift or peel easily. Though it depends on your lifestyle and the way you handle your nails, the thick consistency and sticky nature of builder gels allow them to last longer.
If your manicure is done using products other than a soft gel, make sure you get the removals done professionally from a salon. Avoid DIYing your manicures or you may harm your natural nails especially if they are brittle or weak.
How Much Does a Structured Manicure Cost?
Structured manicures are more expensive than the traditional nail polishes and other gel services available at nail salons. The cost varies depending on location, the manicurist’s experience, and the nail art if any.
The average cost of a structured gel manicure in NYC is around $100 but you can expect it to be at least 40-50% more in comparison to your regular gel manicures. The removal charges are additional but you can consider this type of manicure as it helps increase the strength and health of your natural nails.
Although structured manicures may seem expensive at first, considering the longevity and benefits, they are worth every penny. And it won’t seem as expensive in the long run if you keep getting them as a routine.
Are There Any Downsides to a Structured Manicure?
Structured gel manicures are a boon for those with weak and brittle nails. Even those who can grow their natural nails out long, structured manicures can enhance the durability along with the aesthetic appeal. However, there are a few downsides:
- They are expensive.
- Application and removal are time-consuming.
- DIYing requires skill and patience.
- Cannot be performed without UV or LED lights.
- You need to get them professionally removed every time.
Wrapping Up
A structured manicure offers a versatile and long-lasting manicure option for those seeking durability and style. From the classic elegance of acrylics to the natural look of gels, there’s a type of structured manicure to suit every preference. Whether you’re looking to add length, and strength, or simply enhance the natural beauty of your nails, the investment in a structured manicure is often worth it for the lasting beauty it provides. While the cost may vary depending on the salon and the intricacy of the design, the confidence and satisfaction gained from a well-executed structured manicure are truly priceless.
So, next time you’re at the salon or planning to DIY your manicure, consider trying out one of these structured manicure options for nails that not only look great but also stand the test of time. Embrace the beauty in every detail, and let your manicure be a reflection of your unique style and personality. Here’s to perfectly polished nails and endless possibilities!
