Builder gel is a thicker viscosity soak-off gel that is used to create the ultimate strength and structure of the nail. It can be used on natural nails or as a short extension system so perfect for clients who have naturally long nails but want more strength and longevity. There are many benefits to using builder gel, such as increased strength and durability. In this article, we will answer all of your questions about builder gel, including how to use it, how long it lasts, and how to remove it. We will also discuss the difference between builder gel and other types of nail systems. So whether you are a beginner or an experienced nail technician, this article is for you.
What is Builder Gel?
Builder gel creates extra length, structure, and strength for the nails. It is used on natural nails and comes in various natural shades. Builder gel is made from a mixture of monomers and oligomers that are cured using UV light or LED light.
What are the benefits of using nail builder gel?
Builder gel is perfect for those who want to achieve a strong, and natural-looking nail. Builder gel can last up to four weeks and can be infilled multiple times.
Is builder gel healthy for nails?
When applied correctly and the correct client aftercare is followed builder gel can be a great effective way of giving the client extra strength allowing for their nails to grow without breakage. The appropriate way of removal must also be followed to ensure there is no damage to the nail upon removal.
Builder Gel vs Gel Polish
Builder gel is thicker in viscosity than traditional gel polishes, it also allows you to create a short-tip nail to give the illusion of longer nails. Gel polish is much thinner in viscosity making it perfect for natural nails but does not allow you to build structure or strength.
Builder Gel vs Acrylic
Builder gel is for clients looking at a more natural finish to their nails whereas acrylics is a liquid and powder system that lends itself to a client looking for much longer nails that are harder wearing for the more robust wearer. Both systems can be finished with gel polish in order to create stunning art and give the user more creative freedom.
How to use builder gel on natural nails
If you are using builder gel on natural nails, you will need to prep the nails by removing the cuticles and buffing the shine from the natural nail plate with a 180 buffer. You will then need to apply dehydrator, acid-free primer, and base coat which you cure for 30 seconds You will then builder gel and cure between each layer for 60 seconds until the desired coverage is achieved. Once you are happy with the coverage, cleanse the nail and file it into the desired shape. You can then apply a top coat or gel polish colour of your choice.
How long does builder gel last?
Builder gel can last up to four weeks. However, it is important to note that nails growth varies from client to client so the correct time scale for infills should be around 3/4 weeks.
How many times can you fill builder gel?
You can fill builder gel as many times as you like, however, we advise filing back a lot of the product on the third infill to ensure the nail plate is looking strong and healthy.
How many layers of builder gel do you need?
This varies from client to client however three layers of builder gel is common amongst most trained technicians in order to create a strong well-structured nail.
What are the ingredients in nail builder gel?
Nail builder gel is made from a mixture of monomers and oligomers that are cured using UV light or LED light after the application of dehydrator, acid-free primer, and soak-off base coat.
How do you remove builder gel?
How to remove builder gel at home: If you want to remove builder gel at home, you will need to first buff your nails to break the seal from the top coat and soak your nails in acetone for 10-15 minutes. You will then need to use a nail file or orange stick to gently scrape the gel off your nails.
You can also remove builder gel with acetone by using a cotton ball soaked in acetone and apply it to your nails and wrap in foil. Allow the acetone to sit on your nails for 10-15 minutes, or until the gel has dissolved. You will then need to use a nail file or orange stick to gently scrape the gel off your nails. You can also check out a tutorial here.
Can builder gel be used as a base coat?
Yes, it’s a great base for gel polish however you would still need to use base coat alongside the builder gel. Once you apply a thin layer of builder gel, cure for 60 seconds and apply your chosen colour.
What is the difference between builder base and regular gel polish base coats?
Builder gel is much thicker than regular gel polish base coats, so it tends to be stronger and chip less on clients.
Can builder gel be used as a top coat?
No, we would not advise using builder gel as a top coat as the finish would not be as shiny and could scratch from day to day, also due to the thicker viscosity it could make your nails look too bulky and lose shape.
Can builder gel be used with tips?
Yes, builder gel can be used with tips. However, it is important to note that builder gel can not create a very long nail due to its flexibility and the nails would break too easily if applied to a long tip.
Why does my builder gel keep lifting?
There are several reasons why your builder gel may be lifting. The most common reason is that the gel was not applied correctly or that the nails were not prepped properly before application. Other reasons can include using a lower-quality gel, and not curing the gel correctly. Here at Glitterbels, all of our builder gels are of the highest quality so you can rest assured that you will be treating your clients with the best.
Why your builder gel isn’t curing
There are several reasons why your builder gel may not be curing. The most common reason is that the gel was applied too thick, so an under-cure occurred. Other reasons can include using your lamp on an extension lead which can lessen the lamp's power quality.
Is builder gel the same as polygel?
No, builder gel is not the same as polygel. Polygel is a tri-polymer system that is used to create longer nails similar to acrylic extensions. Polygel is thicker still than builder gel and has a texture like paste.
Wrapping up…
The correct application of builder gel is an art in itself and with a little practice, you can be applying beautiful nails for your clients, every time. If you want some hints and tips or to receive an ABT-accredited qualification from a range of some of the best nail technicians in the country why not check out our Builder Gel 2-Day course here?
