What is builder gel?
Builder gel is a nail enhancement designed to add strength to natural nails. It is thicker than regular gel polish, helping to stop natural nails breaking with a thick protective layer.
Builder gel can be used to create overlays which reinforce the natural nail, or to build subtle extensions for added length.
It typically cures under a UV or LED lamp, resulting in a durable and long-lasting finish.
How long does builder gel last?
Builder gel can last anywhere from two to four weeks, depending on factors such as nail growth rate, lifestyle and how well the nails are cared for.
Proper nail prep, application and aftercare are essential for maximising the longevity of builder gel.
Benefits of builder gel
Builder gel offers several advantages that make it a popular choice among nail artists and clients alike.
Durability
Builder gel is known for its robustness, making it less prone to chipping and breaking compared to regular gel polish. This durability also makes it a great option for clients that struggle to grow their natural nails to a longer length.
Natural nails
With the recent shift in beauty towards a more natural aesthetic, builder gel is the perfect way to get longer, stronger natural nails without the need for acrylic extensions.
Builder gel vs gel polish
Builder gel and gel polish both cure under a lamp, but there are some key differences.
Strength
Builder gel is thicker and more durable, suitable for building extensions and adding strength to natural nails. Regular gel polish, on the other hand, is thinner and used primarily for colour and shine.
Infills
Unlike standard gel, builder gel can be infilled. It’s recommended to perform a soak off after around two infills to refresh the builder and check on the health of the natural nail.
Builder gel vs acrylics
When it comes to enhancements to nails, acrylics and builder gel are two popular options. Here’s why some clients are switching over to builder gel.
Flexibility
Builder gel is more flexible and less likely to crack than acrylics, which are rigid.
Natural option
Builder gel allows clients to grow nails longer and stronger, achieving that acrylic look with natural nails.
Removal
Both can be infilled and then eventually soaked off, but builder gel typically requires less aggressive filing and soaking compared to acrylics.
Low odour
Unlike acrylics, builder gel typically has a lower odour, making the application process more pleasant.
Trying out builder gel
Our Content & Copy Manager, Ellie, has been our builder gel guinea pig. After getting the treatment regularly for the last seven months, here are her thoughts.
“After being a lifelong nail biter, I decided to take the plunge and start my builder gel journey in January this year to help me finally kick the habit and get the nails I’d always dreamed of. I can say that I am 100% a builder gel convert!
Having nice nails with some amazing nail art has managed to be enough of a deterrent to stop me biting, but the thick gel would make it so much harder for me to bite even if I wanted to.
My nails are naturally quite thin and bendy which has always made it hard for me to grow them in the short periods when I haven’t been biting them. I actually can’t believe how long I’ve managed to grow them!"
Ellie
Content & Copy Manager at Nouveau Beauty
The only negative I have experienced was finding the right builder gel that worked for me. There were two brands that just did not work for me and were badly lifting by the two-week mark despite me following all the correct aftercare (I use the OPI Cuticle Oil twice daily, where rubber gloves for cleaning, etc.). I know both of these brands have good formulas and can deliver amazing results, so it was just that they didn’t work for me unfortunately. I think they were too strong and didn’t allow for enough flexibility with my natural nails. My nail artist has recently started using a different builder gel on me and now I have zero complaints.
I am a nail art girlie. My favourites so far have been my Taylor Swift Eras Tour set (a sparkle for every era – the swifties will get it) and my most recent celestial/chrome set. Big shoutout to my AMAZING nail artist @lashesandnailsbyerin.”
By mastering the art of builder gel, you can expand your nail repertoire and keep up with the latest beauty trends and client demand.
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