What is Builder Gel? A Complete Guide to Builder Gel for Nails

Builder gel is a popular nail care product used to create strong and durable nails. Whether you are a professional nail therapist or a beginner, builder gel has become an indispensable tool for achieving beautiful and long-lasting nails. But what exactly is builder gel, and why is it so popular? In this blog post, we explain everything you need to know about this amazing nail product.

What is Builder Gel?

Builder gel, also known as building gel or jelly, is a type of gel used to build up nails and create a strong, durable surface. It differs from other types of nail gels in its thicker consistency, which allows the nail to be shaped and built up in a more structural way. Builder gel is most often used for nail extensions, repairing cracked or damaged nails, and to give nails extra strength.

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Why Choose Builder Gel?

There are several reasons why builder gel is a popular choice for professional nail therapists:

1. Strength and durability : Builder gel is known to provide a stronger and more durable finish than regular nail polish or gel polish. This makes it an excellent choice for people who want long-lasting results. Nail polish and gel polish cannot lengthen nails, which is where Builder gel comes into play.

2. Flexibility : Despite its strength, builder gel is flexible and therefore does not break easily. It adapts well to the shape and movements of the nail, which means that the nails are not at risk of cracking or breaking.

3. Easy to shape : Builder gel is moldable, making it easy to work with when it comes to clients and nails with different conditions. You can combine builder gel with tips, dual forms or paper forms, among other things.

4. Possibility of extension : One of the biggest advantages of builder gel is that it allows you to extend your nails. By applying builder gel, you can create longer nails with a natural shape and strength.

How to Use Man Builder Gel?

Using builder gel requires a few steps to ensure the result is long-lasting and beautiful. Here is a basic step-by-step guide on how to use builder gel:

1. Prepare your nails : Start by cleaning and preparing your nails by removing any old nail polish and filing them into the desired shape. Push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher, making sure there is no dead skin or cuticles left on the nail bed, otherwise the builder gel will peel off at the edges.

2. Apply base gel : To get a good grip on the nail and to ensure durability, apply a layer of base gel or base coat and cure it in a UV lamp or LED lamp.

3. Apply Builder Gel : Take a small amount of builder gel and apply it to the nail. Spread the gel evenly and shape the nail by building it up layer by layer. Cure each layer in the lamp according to the product's recommendations. The builder gel must not come into contact with the skin.

4. Shape and file : Once the builder gel has hardened, you can shape and file your nails to get the perfect nail shape. This can be done with either a nail file or an electric file.

5. Apply top gel : To get a shiny and durable finish, finish with a layer of top gel and cure it.

Types of Builder Gel

There are different types of builder gel that suit different needs and techniques:

• Hard Builder Gel : This type of gel is very strong and is most often used to create extensions or build up nails that are brittle and break easily. This type of builder gel cannot be removed with the soak off method and needs to be filed down with an electric nail file.

• Soft Builder Gel : Perfect for people who want durable nails but also need some flexibility. It is good for natural nails and gives a more flexible feel. This is the most common type of builder gel and is suitable for most clients.

• Builder Gel with Color : This type of gel contains extra color pigment and can be used for a little extra thickness and to create colored nails without the need for a separate polish. This builder gel is often very thin in consistency, which makes it more suitable for brushing onto the nail to smooth out unevenness. It is therefore not a builder gel that you use to build length.

Benefits of Builder Gel

• Long-lasting results : When builder gel is applied correctly, nails can last up to 3-4 weeks before needing to be filled in.

• Less risk of damage : Unlike acrylic nails, builder gel is gentler and poses less risk of damage if you bump the nail and it breaks. Acrylic becomes very hard while builder gel is flexible, therefore there is less risk of builder gel breaking in the middle (if you have the correct apex, that is).
  

• Minimal scent: Builder gel has basically no scent compared to acrylic which smells very strong.

Frequently Asked Questions about Builder Gel

1. Is builder gel harmful to nails?
No, if used correctly and removed properly, builder gel is not harmful to your nails. Make sure to follow the removal recommendations and do not peel the gel off the nail bed as this can cause your natural nail to become thin and brittle. Also, make sure that no builder gel comes into contact with your skin.

2. Can you use builder gel at home?
Yes, many people use builder gel at home with the right tools and equipment. However, it takes some practice and knowledge to get perfect results, so it's a good idea to start with a beginner's guide.

3. How long does builder gel last on the nails?
If applied correctly and carefully, builder gel can last up to 3-4 weeks before you need to do a new set or refill.

Conclusion

Builder gel is a fantastic option for anyone who wants strong, durable and beautiful nails. Whether you want to extend your nails or create a durable nail design, builder gel offers a flexible and long-lasting solution. By understanding how to use and choosing the right builder gel, you can achieve nails that both look great and last a long time.