Manicure Types: All About Nail Extensions

Ten years ago there were only a couple of different types of nail extensions. Now there are many different types to choose from, allowing you to find extensions that best suit your needs. In this post, we’ll break down the different types of nail enhancements.  A quick disclaimer:  Nimble has been developed and thoroughly tested to paint on natural nails.  Nail enhancements are not supported yet, meaning that although you may try, Nimble’s AI may or may not be able to scan your nails correctly and paint to optimal results.

Hard Gel: Gel extensions are a gel like substance applied to the nails to lengthen. They have to be removed by soaking the nails in acetone, which can be drying and damaging to the fingers and nails if not done properly. Gel extensions require maintenance every 2 - 3 weeks. 

Acrylic: Acrylic nails are a mix of liquid monomer powder polymer, which turn into a paste when applied to your nails. Unlike gel, acrylic nails air dry and do not need an UV light to cure, but they have to be soaked in acetone and then scraped off for removal. The removal of Acrylics can be quite harsh on the nail.

Polygel: Polygel nails are a combination of gel and acrylic nails (also called Acrygel). It has a putty-like texture and can be molded to shape your nail and as an extension. Polygel is more flexible than gel and acrylic nails, making them a little more durable. They also need to be cured under a UV light to dry and can last 2 - 4 weeks. Polygel is also removed by soaking the nails in acetone. 

Soft Gel: Soft Gel extensions are made from a gel-like substance. The extensions are pre-made and are attached to the nail with a gel bonder being applied to the nail and then the extension is placed on top and cured under a UV light. Once the extensions are applied, they can be cut and filed down to the desired shape. Like polygel, Soft Gel extensions are more flexible and have a more natural appearance. Soft Gel extensions are also removed by soaking the nail in acetone, but should come off more easily than acrylics. 

Builder Gel: Builder gel is a thicker version of gel that is painted onto the nail to strengthen nails or to create extensions. It is also cured under a UV light and soaked off with acetone. Builder gel is long lasting, with up to 4 weeks of wear. 

Press Ons: Press On nails are the best for at-home application. They come pre-shaped and are attached either with a sticker or nail glue. While they can come without polish so you can paint yourself, often Press On nails already have polish or nail art on them. They are often more inexpensive than the other types of nail enhancements and can be removed with a cuticle pusher, allowing for quick changes at home. 

While we covered nail enhancement types in this article, be sure to check out our blog post on the different types of nail polish available.