Omg literally so happy I bumped into this!!! I’m a licensed nail technician and started working at my first salon but never really played around with hard gels which we don’t remove so it can be a bit hard at times to determine which one is it 😩 Thank you!!!
Sometimes once you start filing it, you may be able to tell the difference. Hard gel definitely files like glass, smooth and buttery. Once you get used to it, I bet you’ll be able to tell the difference!
This is the video I’ve searched for (what feels like) my whole life. 😢 Thank you for being so incredibly informative! ❤ I’m looking to start my gel journey (since I’m SICK of regular polish lasting me a max of 48 hours) and THIS is video I desperately needed!
Thank you for this video! I struggled with trying to remove hard gel using acetone, without realizing there was a difference with soft gel! People need to know this stuff! Love your channel! 💖
Not sure if anyone has mentioned this but Young Nails does their synergy hard gel in a tube and it’s AMAZING. Not quite in a bottle like a BIAB but I’ve also never seen tubes of hard gel until these. Now I can’t live without them 😂
Thank you so much for taking the time to film this video; I've always done my own manicures and now am doing research to see can I transition from salon gel appointments to being able to do it myself. This has been so helpful.
Oh my God Katie yes! Would love for you to do more in-depth videos on the process between soft gel and the differences between the process between doing a hard gel I've been looking everywhere for these videos but I can't seem to find any really good information ones. I'm new to gel and just kind of learning things as I go but I would appreciate the information.
I am so glad to hear you don't recommend removing the soft gel (except as you described). I am a diy'er who wears luminary and I love it! But I always worry if I should remove it instead of doing fills. I have hard nails that are dry and have ridges - peeling along the free edge was impossible to stop until I found luminary. Love your videos!
I’m a DIY ‘er at home too-I didn’t know there were options other then soaking off? Cause the soft gels are ruining my nails cause the soak off. What is another way?
That was really good information. I am not a nail tech and I will only use gel for an overlay on my natural nails. I do like watching the Korean channels with their intricate designs and this was great to explain the differences in the gels I see.
Thank you for this video..all along i was using builder gel thinking it was the hard gel. I experienced lifting on numerous occasions. Because it was mainly for overlays🤦🏽♀️
Such a great video! I use both hard and soft gel with a preference for hard gel. I wish I had been able to find a video like this 10 years ago when I gave up trying to find a good nail salon and started doing my own nails.
You are awesome! I have received more information about nails from you than I have anyone else on the internet. I didn't know there was a difference between soft gels versus hard gels! Wow! I guess I'm still learning. Keep teaching people. You are amazing! P.S. I don't know why this would matter, but maybe it does. I am a transgender woman and I am learning from you. Keep going, you are helping women.
So is the soft gel just like the typical “gel polishes”?? Thank you so much , not many structured gel techs explains all this … you broke it down clearly .
Yes gel polish, because it soaks off, would be considered a soft gel. There are also many builder gels that soak off which would be in the soft gel family also. 💖
Ahh, wow! I use the venalisa hard gel (?) but it soaks off as far as I think.I use it on top of my Soft gel tips, and I do file most of it down but everything soaks off well, I’ve never had a part not soak off and I’m sure that I’ve left some hard gel on there at least once. But I do have to build it up a wee bit or it will crack, but that’s okay. Me and my mom are VERY rough on our nails, so the little bit of extra thickness, kind of like acrylic, is good for us lol. Venalisa has a very thick viscosity and it barely levels out at all, so if you only add a little it will crack. My mom needs more thickness than I do.
Sounds like some good stuff! If it does soak off then it is not a true hard gel, but they may just brand it that way. Unless you’re using a bonder underneath that is soak off, and you’re filing down most of the hard gel, then it could be the bonder that would actually be lifting the product off the nail. ☺️
I tried growing out natural nails just with regular nail polish on top and they kept breaking. I even applied nail oil, just as simply nailogical suggested, but it didn’t help. Hard gel is amazing. It almost never breaks. Even if it does, there’s only a small crack to my nail.
Soft gel, hard gel, UV gel, Biogel, polygel, builder gel, Aprés gel-x, shellac, acrylics, plastic tips, soft gel tips, nail forms, extensions ... honestly all these new words I cant keep up anymore. So many thanks 🙌 My nail tech uses gel polish or "Shellac" as its commonly called here in Toronto. Is that the same thing as soft gel?? She does a clear thick coat and then goes in with a gel polish for whatever colour or design we decide on. I go every 3 weeks and my nails have grown realllyyyy long. People cant believe their "my nails" and not tips or wtvr. But my nails are very very strong naturally.
Yes gel polish is a type of soft gel because it soaks off in acetone. UV Gel = all gel, all gel needs to be cured in UV Biogel = brand name Polygel = thick paste like gel (also a brand name) Builder gel = any gel that can be used to sculpt or build structure to the nail Gel-X = brand name of a system where tips are applied with gel Tips & forms = all used to extend the nail length (extensions) Shellac = brand name of gel polish I don’t think a customer should worry too much about the different terms. They should see a nail tech who’s work they like and the nail tech can decide which product would be best for them from what they offer. Sounds like you’ve done that! ☺️ 💖💖💖
Orly fx Builder in a bottle is in a bottle and is just like hard gel, I LOVE it! Easy to apply and lasts over a month, in fact I like it better than potted hard gel!
Such a helpful video!! I’d love some recommendations on brands for all of the options that are for non-nail techs if you have a video on that or can mention a few here when you have a moment. Many thanks Katie, Amanda❤
Thank you so much for sharing ❤ i learn how to ask how i want my nails done when I get my nails done now... I perfect hard gel now that i know the difference... Tfs
This is so helpful! I’ve been getting dip powder nails for months but I’m wondering if I should switch to hard or soft gel? I heard dip powder isn’t sanitary. My nails are kind of weak if I don’t have anything on them so I prefer something that would be strong and would last 3 to 4 weeks. Don’t need to add length. Thanks for any additional tips!
Omg i stg i should’ve watched this before i started doing my nails. This must be why my nails kept popping off after less than two weeks. I have really flexible nails and was using hard gel. 😑
How do we determine how long to cure something if our gel lamp is a UV/LED lamp that gives off both when each product gives 2 different curing times for each UV or LED? For example, most instructions will tell you 30 sec under UV and 90 sec under LED but the lamp is a hybrid that does both? I hope this makes sense.
If the lamp does both then just go off of the LED time which is shorter. It’s saying that if you have a UV only lamp then you would need to cure for longer which is usually like a full 2min. LED cures faster.
Could you explain why you're calling builder gels "soft" gel? I'm in school right now and what I'm being taught is soft gel is those really, really flexible colored gels meant as toppers, and builder gel that you're showing as "soft" is semi-hard gel. How do you differentiate between the colored toppers and builder gel if you call them both soft when their formulas are so different? I'm sure there is something I'm missing lol. Thank you! :D
Soft gel means soak off. Builder gel means any gel you can “build” a nail with. Builder gel can be soft or hard gel. Semi-hard is also soft gel, just usually a little bit stronger, which is why they are calling it semi-hard. (But still soak off, so still a soft gel) Don’t get too hung up on terms like this, all gels either fall under the soak off or non-soak off categories. ☺️ What you’re referring too as “toppers” I think you just mean gel polish colors, which are soak off so also soft gels.
@@NailsByKatieDutra Thank you for explaining how you view this! I really appreciate it :D My school (and therefore my clients) are very focused on the chemistry and function of nail products, so I have to be able to explain the difference with correct terminology very well. We compete on these things too😅 So I definitely appreciate pro views on this like yours; thank you!
What type of gel is better for a client who always gets gel overlays but also always breaks 1 or 2 nails?, Love love your channel it's been so helpful 💞
If they’re breaking nails they may need something a little stronger so I’d try a hard gel ☺️ also make sure the structure is good and having a good apex
Hi!! Thank you for the informative video! How often would you recommend removing the soft gel? Is it just for growing out nails and then using regular nail polish? Does the soft gel make the nails stronger just when you have it on, or even after you remove it?
You can’t change your nail anatomy, so nails will only be stronger when you have the gel on. I don’t recommend removing it unless you no longer want your nails done. Constant removal and reapplication is hard on the nails, so I wouldn’t recommend it unless you plan on wearing gels for a while ☺️ the idea is you have it on your nails and get fills every few weeks
What would you recommend for someone who has short thin nails that wants to grow out their nails without adding a tip or extension. I would like them long. Not Khloe K long. But something that will strengthen my nails and prevent breakage.
Hi Kelly, thank you for your video. It's amazing. I was wondering is soft gel different than gel polish that the salon puts on over powder dop? When I go into a nail salon, their walls are full of polishes in bottles. I used to get acrylic nails then I switched to dip powder because they said it's better for my nail bed. But it has to be removed every visit. Also if soft gel is different than the gel polish they put over my dip powder, can I change the color from time to time? Thank you. Lynnette
Gel polish is a type of soft gel. It is applied like polish and would need to be removed then reapplied each time. Also, I hate to break it to you but dip powder is no better for your nails than acrylic. 🥲 Dip powder is acrylic powder. Unfortunately it’s a common marketing tactic so day dip powder is “healthier”. No product is better for you than another as long as it contains high quality ingredients and it’s applied/removed correctly. That is the most important thing. Also yes if they apply a gel polish color over the top, they would remove it and you would pick a new color each time.
Great video - very helpful! I'm a DIYer doing nails at home and have been using the Beetles full-coverage tips. I've always had really soft, peely nails that nothing really sticks to, and have been wondering if I should try using hard gel like IBD to adhere my gel nails. The options I have right now are the Beetles gel glue that came with the kit, an Ameilie soft builder gel, and IBD hard gel in the pot. Any thoughts about that? Thanks so much for doing these videos!
The burn is an exothermic reaction. It happens because the gel is changing from a liquid to a solid, and this change creates heat. You can take your hand in and out of the lamp (flash cures) every few seconds to slow down the cure process. You can also purchase a lamp with a “low heat mode”. My favorite is the Kokoist LeBlanc lamp, the low heat mode flashes the light for 90 seconds so that it doesn’t get as hot. 🩷 ericasata.com/products/le-blanc-hybrid-led-uv-cordless-light?_pos=1&_sid=f741e6d86&_ss=r&aff=15
Maybe a stupid question but I hear nail techs say "don't leave on the same product for more than a month" but then others say "don't completely remove gel nails unless you want a total break, just do fill ins otherwise". So what is the correct way?
I don’t ever remove nails unless my client no longer wants their nails done. (Just removed a clients nails today after doing them for 2.5 years straight, her nails were healthy and beautiful) If you remove and reapply often, you’re prepping the same area of the nail over and over which is hard on the nails. If someone wants perfectly shaped nails every time, they may need a new set every 3-4 fills because our natural nails curve and curl, so after a few months the nails won’t be perfectly shaped anymore. Also I’ve heard acrylic users say that they usually do a new set every few months because the product can break down over time but maybe an acrylic user can confirm or deny that.
of the two, what would you recommend to someone who is a nail biter (not terribly, still a good nail bed to work with), and wants to add some length (short-medium) using forms?
Hi Natalie Julie, I am a nail biter, too and hard gels have been my salvation. I have bitten off anything when I was younger, especially acrylic nails because I could always find a corner to attack and it would break off. Once that happens, I will not stop until I have destroyed the artificial nail entirely. About 1.5 years ago I discovered hard gel nails for myself and have been diy since then, trying out about 15-20 different brands. I like Emmy and am currently using SN, but it is really a personal choice. The soft gels seem to be easier applied, because they self-level nicely, while the hard gels don't seem to flow as easily seems to me. Either way, I would do it with a nail form underneath (as I don't like tips) and the hard gel works better for me because I perceive the soft gel as too weak and would attack it eventually. However, with the proper application and little filing of harg gel, I have managed to increase the lasting time of my artificial nails up to 4 weeks on average. And the best thing is: I don't bite them. I cannot leave the gel off for a day or two, though, cause I would start to nibble on my natural nails again. But if the hard gel is smoothly applied with no edges to attack, I will leave them alone and they stay on beautifully for many weeks. I hope this helps and that you find your own solution as well. Good Luck!
my nails are very flexible and thin but i'm heavy handed so what would you suggest for me? every time i use biab it only lasts about 1 week before it starts lifting. I'm trying to make sure i wear gloves when cleaning etc which is helping but I wonder if theres a better product I could use?
There are many reasons that gel can lift so it’s possible there is another cause. If it’s lifting near the cuticle then it would be a prep issue. If it’s lifting near the free edge then you may need something harder and you can file the free edge from underneath.
Yes! My favorite is the Light Elegance Super Shiny top coat. You cannot use it on gel polish manicures though, it will crack, like I explained in the video because hard gel is less flexible. Must be over an enhancement product ☺️
I use Luminary 90% of the time.. only thing i find frustrating is when pops the odd time. The client is then stuck w one stubby nail. What do you recommend for that? Put a tip on w hard gel until it catches up in length.. Luminary is not compatible w tips only thing i dont like about it.
Could you do a thin layer of builder gel on natural nail and then build apex and length with hard gel? I just get nervous with hard gel removal where it cant soak off
The course focuses on structured manicures (overlays) but there’s one lesson that covers fixing a nail with a form. It’s not an extension focused class though ☺️
Thank you for the video! I have a client who has allergic reactions to acrylic so I tried both hard gel and soft gel and she has less of a reaction but I’m trying to find something that will work for her. I use all young nails products at the moment and she likes extensions. Is there a product you’d recommend to try? Thank you!
Online Structured Gel Manicure course now available! 🤩 Sign up here: katie-s-school-04c4.thinkific.com/courses/EMS
Omg literally so happy I bumped into this!!! I’m a licensed nail technician and started working at my first salon but never really played around with hard gels which we don’t remove so it can be a bit hard at times to determine which one is it 😩 Thank you!!!
Sometimes once you start filing it, you may be able to tell the difference. Hard gel definitely files like glass, smooth and buttery. Once you get used to it, I bet you’ll be able to tell the difference!
Really fantastic explanation on the idea of "flexible" gel and when you would want to use it! Bravo.
Thank you! Glad I explained it well ☺️
So glad you're getting into teaching. You explain things very well. 💯✅
Thank you so much 🥹❤️
@@NailsByKatieDutra 👋🙂
This is the video I’ve searched for (what feels like) my whole life. 😢 Thank you for being so incredibly informative! ❤ I’m looking to start my gel journey (since I’m SICK of regular polish lasting me a max of 48 hours) and THIS is video I desperately needed!
The hardness and flexibility gel test was good to see. Your videos are always so well done.
Thank you! I appreciate it ☺️❤️
I love how well you explained this. I had no clue hard gel was that strong.
Thank you for this video! I struggled with trying to remove hard gel using acetone, without realizing there was a difference with soft gel! People need to know this stuff! Love your channel! 💖
Thank you! I definitely tried that too when I was a beginner 🙈 we’ve all been there! 💖
Any fellow guitarists here trying to learn about gel nails?
Not sure if anyone has mentioned this but Young Nails does their synergy hard gel in a tube and it’s AMAZING. Not quite in a bottle like a BIAB but I’ve also never seen tubes of hard gel until these. Now I can’t live without them 😂
Thank you! Ive been looking fir this info for so long. Unfortunately, most in the industry forget us newbies need this basic info. You rock!!!
Thank you so much for taking the time to film this video; I've always done my own manicures and now am doing research to see can I transition from salon gel appointments to being able to do it myself. This has been so helpful.
got it..finally!! thank you. as soon as you said, that hard gel is a cousin to acrylic...bam! light bulb moment😁
Oh my God Katie yes! Would love for you to do more in-depth videos on the process between soft gel and the differences between the process between doing a hard gel I've been looking everywhere for these videos but I can't seem to find any really good information ones. I'm new to gel and just kind of learning things as I go but I would appreciate the information.
Definitely make sure to sign up at the link in my bio for future classes! ☺️
@@NailsByKatieDutra yes girl already ahead of you and so excited to learn
You may also find The Nail Hub (100% gel artist) helpful for additional info
I am so glad to hear you don't recommend removing the soft gel (except as you described). I am a diy'er who wears luminary and I love it! But I always worry if I should remove it instead of doing fills. I have hard nails that are dry and have ridges - peeling along the free edge was impossible to stop until I found luminary. Love your videos!
Thank you! Yes its definitely not necessary, it can actually be hard on the natural nails to constantly remove and reapply product.
I’m a DIY ‘er at home too-I didn’t know there were options other then soaking off? Cause the soft gels are ruining my nails cause the soak off. What is another way?
That was really good information. I am not a nail tech and I will only use gel for an overlay on my natural nails. I do like watching the Korean channels with their intricate designs and this was great to explain the differences in the gels I see.
Thank you for this video..all along i was using builder gel thinking it was the hard gel. I experienced lifting on numerous occasions. Because it was mainly for overlays🤦🏽♀️
What a lovely, extensive and informative video. Thank you so much for this!
Such a great video! I use both hard and soft gel with a preference for hard gel. I wish I had been able to find a video like this 10 years ago when I gave up trying to find a good nail salon and started doing my own nails.
BEST instructional, yet!!! 🥰
Thank you!! 😊
You are awesome! I have received more information about nails from you than I have anyone else on the internet. I didn't know there was a difference between soft gels versus hard gels! Wow! I guess I'm still learning. Keep teaching people. You are amazing! P.S. I don't know why this would matter, but maybe it does. I am a transgender woman and I am learning from you. Keep going, you are helping women.
That is awesome! I’m glad I can be helpful ❤️☺️
So is the soft gel just like the typical “gel polishes”?? Thank you so much , not many structured gel techs explains all this … you broke it down clearly .
Yes gel polish, because it soaks off, would be considered a soft gel. There are also many builder gels that soak off which would be in the soft gel family also. 💖
Awesome video Katie 👏😀. Your explanations were clear and concise. Ty for sharing your knowledge with us. 😊
Thank you!! 💖💖🥰
This was exactly what I was curious about. Thank you Katie =)
Excellent video! Thank you for explaining the differences. It makes more sense now. ❤
Thank you for this video, exactly what I was looking for.
Ahh, wow! I use the venalisa hard gel (?) but it soaks off as far as I think.I use it on top of my Soft gel tips, and I do file most of it down but everything soaks off well, I’ve never had a part not soak off and I’m sure that I’ve left some hard gel on there at least once. But I do have to build it up a wee bit or it will crack, but that’s okay. Me and my mom are VERY rough on our nails, so the little bit of extra thickness, kind of like acrylic, is good for us lol. Venalisa has a very thick viscosity and it barely levels out at all, so if you only add a little it will crack. My mom needs more thickness than I do.
Sounds like some good stuff! If it does soak off then it is not a true hard gel, but they may just brand it that way. Unless you’re using a bonder underneath that is soak off, and you’re filing down most of the hard gel, then it could be the bonder that would actually be lifting the product off the nail. ☺️
Very helpful thank you. Just sent this to my son who is taking classes to be a nail technician. Helped me de die to stick with hard gel for myself.
I think you have some of the most beautiful nails I’ve ever seen.
I tried growing out natural nails just with regular nail polish on top and they kept breaking. I even applied nail oil, just as simply nailogical suggested, but it didn’t help.
Hard gel is amazing. It almost never breaks. Even if it does, there’s only a small crack to my nail.
yea some of us just aren't blessed with natural nails that can grow out long and strong 😅 glad you found a great solution!
What a genius idea to test the flexibility like that! Thanks for the great info 👌
Thanks for watching ☺️💖 it definitely helps us get to know the products we use a little bit better!
Soft gel, hard gel, UV gel, Biogel, polygel, builder gel, Aprés gel-x, shellac, acrylics, plastic tips, soft gel tips, nail forms, extensions ... honestly all these new words I cant keep up anymore. So many thanks 🙌
My nail tech uses gel polish or "Shellac" as its commonly called here in Toronto. Is that the same thing as soft gel?? She does a clear thick coat and then goes in with a gel polish for whatever colour or design we decide on. I go every 3 weeks and my nails have grown realllyyyy long. People cant believe their "my nails" and not tips or wtvr. But my nails are very very strong naturally.
Yes gel polish is a type of soft gel because it soaks off in acetone.
UV Gel = all gel, all gel needs to be cured in UV
Biogel = brand name
Polygel = thick paste like gel (also a brand name)
Builder gel = any gel that can be used to sculpt or build structure to the nail
Gel-X = brand name of a system where tips are applied with gel
Tips & forms = all used to extend the nail length (extensions)
Shellac = brand name of gel polish
I don’t think a customer should worry too much about the different terms. They should see a nail tech who’s work they like and the nail tech can decide which product would be best for them from what they offer. Sounds like you’ve done that! ☺️
💖💖💖
Why am i just seeing this now? Thanks for taking the time to respond, you earned this sub girl!
Very informative and excellent communication!
Orly fx Builder in a bottle is in a bottle and is just like hard gel, I LOVE it! Easy to apply and lasts over a month, in fact I like it better than potted hard gel!
I’ve been trying that one out and it’s nice!!
Such a helpful video!! I’d love some recommendations on brands for all of the options that are for non-nail techs if you have a video on that or can mention a few here when you have a moment. Many thanks Katie, Amanda❤
This was such a good video.great job explaining
This was super helpful and easy to understand…thank you!
Exactly the info I was looking for, outstanding video! :-) Thank you so much for sharing this with us! :-)
Great explanation Katie!
i have been looking for a video like this for so long , tysm❤️❤️
Great video! Thank you
Thanks for the excellent review. It was very useful and helpful in making decisions. ❤
Great explanation!! Thanks!! ❤
Thank you, Katie!!
This video is sooooo helpful and very informative!!! Tfs
Fantastic video. Super informative.
best video everrr
Thank you! Amazing info!
Why did my nails die after I had my nails done? They went yellow it was nasty! Great tutorial thank you.
Soft gel (and acrylic) is porous so it can stain. Anything like food, dyes, tanning products, makeup etc can all stain nails.
The test pieces was cool to see.
Thank you! Great explanation!
Very informative, thank you!
This video is SO informative! Thank you!!
Thank you I found this very informative!!
I’m so glad it was helpful!
Very much informative ❤👍
So useful!! Thanks 🫶
Very informative, thankyou!
This was fantastic and detailed. Thank you❤
Glad it was helpful!
So informative!
Thank you so much for sharing ❤ i learn how to ask how i want my nails done when I get my nails done now... I perfect hard gel now that i know the difference... Tfs
Hi Katie🙋♂️for someone like me who has weak nails,they break easily, which one would you suggest?
I’ve been waiting for this! Thank you so much!
Really really useful information… 😊
Glad it was helpful!
I have soft nails but works a lot with my hands and they always crack even using soft gel
Then you may need to try something stronger like a hard gel! Sometimes it can take some experimenting to find just the right product
This is so helpful! I’ve been getting dip powder nails for months but I’m wondering if I should switch to hard or soft gel? I heard dip powder isn’t sanitary. My nails are kind of weak if I don’t have anything on them so I prefer something that would be strong and would last 3 to 4 weeks. Don’t need to add length. Thanks for any additional tips!
I would find someone in your area that specializes in structured manicures and they will be able assess your nails and choose what would work best! 😄
@@NailsByKatieDutra thanks! I will do that
Omg i stg i should’ve watched this before i started doing my nails. This must be why my nails kept popping off after less than two weeks. I have really flexible nails and was using hard gel. 😑
Thanks for all the information and tip.
How can I take your course
Very informative video. Thank you!
You’re welcome! 💖
thankyou
What brand of soft gel is the best?
How do we determine how long to cure something if our gel lamp is a UV/LED lamp that gives off both when each product gives 2 different curing times for each UV or LED? For example, most instructions will tell you 30 sec under UV and 90 sec under LED but the lamp is a hybrid that does both? I hope this makes sense.
If the lamp does both then just go off of the LED time which is shorter. It’s saying that if you have a UV only lamp then you would need to cure for longer which is usually like a full 2min. LED cures faster.
good explanation🥰
Could you explain why you're calling builder gels "soft" gel? I'm in school right now and what I'm being taught is soft gel is those really, really flexible colored gels meant as toppers, and builder gel that you're showing as "soft" is semi-hard gel. How do you differentiate between the colored toppers and builder gel if you call them both soft when their formulas are so different? I'm sure there is something I'm missing lol. Thank you! :D
Soft gel means soak off. Builder gel means any gel you can “build” a nail with. Builder gel can be soft or hard gel. Semi-hard is also soft gel, just usually a little bit stronger, which is why they are calling it semi-hard. (But still soak off, so still a soft gel)
Don’t get too hung up on terms like this, all gels either fall under the soak off or non-soak off categories. ☺️ What you’re referring too as “toppers” I think you just mean gel polish colors, which are soak off so also soft gels.
@@NailsByKatieDutra Thank you for explaining how you view this! I really appreciate it :D My school (and therefore my clients) are very focused on the chemistry and function of nail products, so I have to be able to explain the difference with correct terminology very well. We compete on these things too😅 So I definitely appreciate pro views on this like yours; thank you!
How about putting tips and using hard gel. Will the tip hold up with hard gel?
Yes you can create all different types of extensions with hard gel ☺️
What type of gel is better for a client who always gets gel overlays but also always breaks 1 or 2 nails?, Love love your channel it's been so helpful 💞
If they’re breaking nails they may need something a little stronger so I’d try a hard gel ☺️ also make sure the structure is good and having a good apex
Hi what is the best basecoat and topcoat when it comes to gel?
I needed this video TFS
Thank you for this video!!!
Hi mi so happy to watch your video
Hi!! Thank you for the informative video! How often would you recommend removing the soft gel? Is it just for growing out nails and then using regular nail polish? Does the soft gel make the nails stronger just when you have it on, or even after you remove it?
You can’t change your nail anatomy, so nails will only be stronger when you have the gel on. I don’t recommend removing it unless you no longer want your nails done. Constant removal and reapplication is hard on the nails, so I wouldn’t recommend it unless you plan on wearing gels for a while ☺️ the idea is you have it on your nails and get fills every few weeks
@@NailsByKatieDutra Thank you !!
SIS! Can we talk about YOUR nails! YASSSS
I’ve been rocking the clear 😆
Hi Katie, do you recommend using a base gel when using hard gels?
It depends on what brand you're using! Do whatever the manufacture recommends :)
What would you recommend for someone who has short thin nails that wants to grow out their nails without adding a tip or extension. I would like them long. Not Khloe K long. But something that will strengthen my nails and prevent breakage.
I would start with soft gel and then switch to hard gel as they get longer if you need more strength 😄
So would you use either one to encapsulate something on the nail? Like say on top of gel tips or polygel?
You would stick with the same type of base you used. So if the base is built with soft gel, use soft gel to encapsulate etc 💓
Do you préfère Aktzen or Lexy line for hard gel ? And which Lexy line is more flexible ??
Hi Kelly, thank you for your video. It's amazing. I was wondering is soft gel different than gel polish that the salon puts on over powder dop? When I go into a nail salon, their walls are full of polishes in bottles. I used to get acrylic nails then I switched to dip powder because they said it's better for my nail bed. But it has to be removed every visit. Also if soft gel is different than the gel polish they put over my dip powder, can I change the color from time to time? Thank you. Lynnette
Gel polish is a type of soft gel. It is applied like polish and would need to be removed then reapplied each time.
Also, I hate to break it to you but dip powder is no better for your nails than acrylic. 🥲 Dip powder is acrylic powder. Unfortunately it’s a common marketing tactic so day dip powder is “healthier”. No product is better for you than another as long as it contains high quality ingredients and it’s applied/removed correctly. That is the most important thing.
Also yes if they apply a gel polish color over the top, they would remove it and you would pick a new color each time.
Great video - very helpful! I'm a DIYer doing nails at home and have been using the Beetles full-coverage tips. I've always had really soft, peely nails that nothing really sticks to, and have been wondering if I should try using hard gel like IBD to adhere my gel nails. The options I have right now are the Beetles gel glue that came with the kit, an Ameilie soft builder gel, and IBD hard gel in the pot. Any thoughts about that? Thanks so much for doing these videos!
If you have super soft nails then the hard gel may lift because it’s less flexible. ☺️
There is not a lot of information about the resin99. I know it is soakable, but how easy does it come off?
hi! how do you prevent that burning feeling when you cure hard gels? is it the type of jv light? which uv light do you recommend?
The burn is an exothermic reaction. It happens because the gel is changing from a liquid to a solid, and this change creates heat. You can take your hand in and out of the lamp (flash cures) every few seconds to slow down the cure process. You can also purchase a lamp with a “low heat mode”. My favorite is the Kokoist LeBlanc lamp, the low heat mode flashes the light for 90 seconds so that it doesn’t get as hot. 🩷
ericasata.com/products/le-blanc-hybrid-led-uv-cordless-light?_pos=1&_sid=f741e6d86&_ss=r&aff=15
Maybe a stupid question but I hear nail techs say "don't leave on the same product for more than a month" but then others say "don't completely remove gel nails unless you want a total break, just do fill ins otherwise". So what is the correct way?
I don’t ever remove nails unless my client no longer wants their nails done. (Just removed a clients nails today after doing them for 2.5 years straight, her nails were healthy and beautiful) If you remove and reapply often, you’re prepping the same area of the nail over and over which is hard on the nails. If someone wants perfectly shaped nails every time, they may need a new set every 3-4 fills because our natural nails curve and curl, so after a few months the nails won’t be perfectly shaped anymore. Also I’ve heard acrylic users say that they usually do a new set every few months because the product can break down over time but maybe an acrylic user can confirm or deny that.
of the two, what would you recommend to someone who is a nail biter (not terribly, still a good nail bed to work with), and wants to add some length (short-medium) using forms?
Hi Natalie Julie, I am a nail biter, too and hard gels have been my salvation. I have bitten off anything when I was younger, especially acrylic nails because I could always find a corner to attack and it would break off. Once that happens, I will not stop until I have destroyed the artificial nail entirely.
About 1.5 years ago I discovered hard gel nails for myself and have been diy since then, trying out about 15-20 different brands. I like Emmy and am currently using SN, but it is really a personal choice. The soft gels seem to be easier applied, because they self-level nicely, while the hard gels don't seem to flow as easily seems to me.
Either way, I would do it with a nail form underneath (as I don't like tips) and the hard gel works better for me because I perceive the soft gel as too weak and would attack it eventually.
However, with the proper application and little filing of harg gel, I have managed to increase the lasting time of my artificial nails up to 4 weeks on average. And the best thing is: I don't bite them. I cannot leave the gel off for a day or two, though, cause I would start to nibble on my natural nails again.
But if the hard gel is smoothly applied with no edges to attack, I will leave them alone and they stay on beautifully for many weeks. I hope this helps and that you find your own solution as well. Good Luck!
my nails are very flexible and thin but i'm heavy handed so what would you suggest for me? every time i use biab it only lasts about 1 week before it starts lifting. I'm trying to make sure i wear gloves when cleaning etc which is helping but I wonder if theres a better product I could use?
There are many reasons that gel can lift so it’s possible there is another cause. If it’s lifting near the cuticle then it would be a prep issue. If it’s lifting near the free edge then you may need something harder and you can file the free edge from underneath.
Can you use them both on a nail? Like use soft gel on top of base coat and then use a hard gel to extend the nail?
Mixing the two can cause the hard gel to crack but some systems have both that can be used together
I have a question - if you encapsulate or top with hard gel under several layers of soft gel (base coat and color gel) would you be able to soak off?
You can but you cannot just use a hard gel top coat over soft gel cause it can crack.
@@NailsByKatieDutra thank you!
Wait. Katie, what do you mean a hard gel top coat? They make those? And where do I get it? I've been looking for something to prevent staining.
Yes! My favorite is the Light Elegance Super Shiny top coat. You cannot use it on gel polish manicures though, it will crack, like I explained in the video because hard gel is less flexible. Must be over an enhancement product ☺️
I use Luminary 90% of the time.. only thing i find frustrating is when pops the odd time. The client is then stuck w one stubby nail. What do you recommend for that? Put a tip on w hard gel until it catches up in length.. Luminary is not compatible w tips only thing i dont like about it.
If a client breaks a nail I always use a form to repair it. ☺️ if the nail needs to be med-long length I’ll use hard gel. 💓
Could you do a thin layer of builder gel on natural nail and then build apex and length with hard gel? I just get nervous with hard gel removal where it cant soak off
It depends. If so I would stick within the same brand because it can cause the hard gel to crack. So id only do it if they are made to work together
Can you use with gel x full coverage tips to use as an adhesive? I think I’ve seen some clips, but didn’t hear it mentioned? Thanks
Hi Katie! For your online course do you also teach how to do extensions with gel? Thank you
The course focuses on structured manicures (overlays) but there’s one lesson that covers fixing a nail with a form. It’s not an extension focused class though ☺️
Thank you for the video! I have a client who has allergic reactions to acrylic so I tried both hard gel and soft gel and she has less of a reaction but I’m trying to find something that will work for her. I use all young nails products at the moment and she likes extensions. Is there a product you’d recommend to try? Thank you!
I would try a brand that is HEMA free like Light Elegance or Magpie Beauty ☺️