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We were once limited to traditional nail polish with icky ingredients, precarious press-ons, and bulky acrylic tips.
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What exactly are gel extensions?
The process is similar to a regular gel manicure except for the first few steps.
This is exactly how gel extensions work, though that’s pretty much where the similarities end.
Boyce says that gel extensions, when done correctly, tend to look more realistic than acrylics.
“They are also more expensive compared to acrylics.”
What is the utility process for gel extensions?
Aaron preps natural nails for gel extensions by first cleaning the nails, trimming the cuticles, and filing.
She may also use a primer or dehydrator to ensure adherence and prevent lifting.
After each coat, you cure the nail with a light for a minute.
How long do gel extensions last, and how are they removed?
“At that point, you should get a fill,” Boyce says.
“You are able to fill this product just as you would an acrylic full set.”
However, if you’d rather go back to natural nails, you may want to try soaking.
“Wrap each nail with cotton soaked in acetone and foil,” Aaron says.
If soaking isn’t getting you anywhere or you want to speed up the process, consider filing.
Otherwise, they might file too hard thinking it’s acrylic."
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