Gel-x nails are one of the most trending nail extensions on TikTok. There were days when everyone was obsessed with polygels and even today they are the trend of the hour. But polygel is ideal for DIY nail extensions and many are still inclined to salons. That’s where gel-x nails come into the picture.
Gel-X is the new acrylic and it has been all over your Internet for the past few years. It seems quite tricky to use but you’ll be surprised to know how simple it is. One of the most essential products in a gel-x manicure is the base gel. Wait before you confuse it with the usual base coat. It isn’t what you’re thinking. So what is it exactly? Let’s understand.
What is Gel-X Base Gel? How to Use, Apply, and DIY
Gel-X nails are also known as soft gel nails and are way more demure and sophisticated than the usual hard gel nails. Unlike acrylics, they look classier, more natural, and spa-like. Let’s take a deep dive into gel-x to understand what gel-x base gel is and how to use it in your DIY manicures.
What is Gel-X Extend Gel?
Gel-x base gel, also known as extend gel, is a nail gel that also doubles as a nail glue. It is a revolutionary nail gel formula that helps apply gel-x extensions to your natural nails. It has a soft consistency that is both strong and flexible. This formulation lies somewhere between a gel polish and a hard gel. Despite helping build long-lasting gel extensions, it is equally easy to remove. It is a medium-consistency gel used for adding strength and promoting nail growth.
Gel-x base gel is also known as gel-x extend gel, soak-off gel, soft gel, gel-x extension gel, etc. It provides strength and flexibility to the natural nails along with building durable and long-lasting extensions. It is a one-of-a-kind nail product that can be used to adhere soft gel tip extensions just like nail glue. It makes your nails strong and durable but looks natural and feels flexible at the same time. The product is designed for a smooth and mess-free application of gel-x tips.
Simply put, you can understand a soft gel as having some traits of a builder gel and some characteristics of a gel polish. It has a soft consistency like a gel polish but isn’t as runny. The gel is buildable like a hard gel. Besides, it can be soaked in acetone to remove just as you’d do in a gel polish. It reduces excessive abrasive filing like builder gels. But when hardened, it is stronger than gel polish.
To compare, one can say that the gel-x extend gel is softer and more flexible than builder gel but harder and thicker than gel polish. Also, it is stronger than gel polish but doesn’t build a very bulky apex like hard gel. And, when compared to acrylic nails, it is gentler on natural nails along with being more durable. Nails done using gel-x base gel last for up to 3 weeks without being prone to cracks and chips.
If you want natural-looking salon manicures that last long and are low-maintenance, consider including gel-x in your routine. Keep reading to learn how you can DIY them in your manicure.
Pros and Cons of Gel-X Gels
What is the need to wear gel-x nails when you can opt for hard gel nails, acrylics, and gel polishes? Well, soft gels have some characteristics that make them ideal for some situations whereas not the best for some other requirements. Here’s a list of the pros and cons of soft gel:
Pros:
- Adds strength and durability.
- Lasts long.
- Can be soaked off to remove.
- Ideal for short and medium natural nails.
- Gentle on natural nails.
- Thin and flexible to file for a personalized look.
- Low-maintenance.
Cons:
- Not ideal for adding length.
- Can wear off from free edges after a few weeks.
How to Use, Apply, and DIY
If you’re planning to DIY your gel-x nails at home, here is how you can use and apply the gel-x extend gel in your process. Follow these steps for DIY gel-x base gel application:
- Always start with a clean and fresh set of natural nails. Prep your base well by removing excess cuticles and buffing the surface properly.
- Now, measure the fake nail tips as per your natural nail size. It is best to use soft-gel tips as they are designed for gel-x manicures.
- In your mind, mark the point on the tip that will cover your natural nail bed. Apply a thin, even layer of the gel-x base gel up till this point.
- Now, scoop out a small amount of gel from the jar or the bottle and add it to the base of the tip. This is the point where the fake nail touches the periphery of your cuticles.
- Make sure it is the right quantity so that it neither bubbles up nor flows all the way into the cuticles and the sidewalls.
- If you notice that the amount of gel is not enough to cover your entire nail bed, scrape off the tip from the nail before curing. Add some more gel again at the base of the tip and apply it again.
- Once you have the perfect application, spot-cure each tip under a UV/LED nail lamp to secure the extensions. That’s it, now you have the perfect soft gel extensions using gel-x gel in your DIY manicure.
Wrapping Up Extend Gels
You’ve now got all you need to dive into the world of gel-x nails confidently. Whether you’re aiming for a long-lasting, professional finish or exploring how to add this versatile product to your DIY nail kit, gel-x base gel opens up various creative possibilities. From prepping your nails to mastering the application, using this base gel can truly level up your manicure game. So go ahead, bring salon-quality results to your fingertips, and keep experimenting to find what suits your style best. After all, a good gel-x gel could be the secret ingredient to achieving a flawless, professional look right from the comfort of your home.
