Tips for Nail Techs: Using Gel Polish for Stronger Nails

Discover the difference between gel nail polish, regular polish, and builder gel to determine which one suits your client's desired outcome. Learn a quick and easy application method as well as how to remove our soak-off builder gels. It is important to understand your client’s expectations to determine which polish fits their needs. 

Gel Nail Polish vs. Regular Nail Polish: What’s the Difference?

The main differences between gel nail polish and regular nail polish are drying methods and durability. Gel polish is a type of nail polish that is cured under a UV or LED light. This curing process hardens the gel layer, making it more durable, less prone to chipping, and longer lasting. Gel polish can typically last two to three weeks. Regular nail polish, on the other hand, is a thin nail paint that air dries, lasting one to two weeks depending on the client’s lifestyle. 

What Is Builder Gel?

The GelBottle Inc Builder in a Bottle, or BIAB™, is used to help add thickness and strength to either nail tips to create extensions or directly on the natural nail. It is a hard, durable gel with an all-in-one primer and base, so it could be used as a base coat before adding more gel polish. Builder gel is also more flexible than acrylics and designed to help strengthen the nail and protect it from breakage. TGB builder gel can last up to four weeks. 

Another key difference between BIAB and gel polish is that TGB soak-off builder gels are ideal for creating strong overlays and as a strengthening barrier for natural nails, whereas regular gel polish is commonly used on natural nails or on top of BIAB.

Here is a simple breakdown for the different types of polish:

• Regular nail polish: quick drying, thin layers of nail paint, usually needs a base coat, and lasts about a week or two
• Gel polish: curable polish, much thicker, needs a base coat, lasts a couple of weeks, and can be used for nail extensions
• Builder gel: curable strong polish, acts as a base coat (and color), lasts almost a month, can be used for nail extensions, and helps provide stronger nails

Is Builder Gel Beneficial for Nails? 

The gel polish effects on nails can be beneficial for those with fragile nails. Builder gels can help protect and strengthen the client's natural nails, especially if they are prone to bending and breakage. For those with a HEMA allergy, weak nails, or any sensitivities to nail polish, we recommend our HEMA-Free BIABs. The absence of HEMA helps reduce the chances of skin or nail irritation during the curing process. 

Prioritizing the client’s nails with builder gels allows the client to continue their nail services at the salon rather than becoming an infrequent customer. This is beneficial to the client on their nail care journey and to the salon and nail technicians.

How Many Layers of Builder Gel Do You Apply?

On average, when applying TGB BIAB, our builder gel, it takes two layers. Here is how to apply builder gel in four easy steps:

1. Prep the client's nails 
2. Apply the first layer of the builder gel, and cure with The GelBottle Inc Light the Way Nail Lamp
3. Apply the second layer of BIAB, and cure with the Light the Way Nail Lamp
4. Apply TGB Extreme Shine Top Coat (or another top coat of your choice), and cure with the Light the Way Nail Lamp

How To Soak Off Builder Gel 

Remember, not all builder gels are soak-off, but The GelBottle builder gels are. Our BIABs are a long-lasting, durable, and beautiful alternative to regular polish, shellac, or acrylic. 

Here is a quick step by step for easy builder gel polish removal:

1. Prep the client’s nails
2. Use the 120/180 grit file (or an e-file if you are trained), and file until the top coat shine is completely gone
3. Soak the client’s nails with TGB Lint-Free Wipes in 100% acetone. Either wrap their nails in foil, or apply the TGB nail clips. Soak the gel nails for 10 to 15 minutes
4. Remove the bindings from one finger, and use a cuticle pusher to remove any gel before moving onto the next nail
5. For any remaining TGB Base Coat or gel, use the 100/180 grit buffer to remove it gently
6. Apply TGB Cuticle Essence to rehydrate the cuticles

Soaking builder gel polish to remove an old manicure or pedicure reduces friction and the chances of damage to the nail that may result from excessive filing. 

How To Use Builder Gel Polish for Stronger Nails

Aside from using a safe removal method while offering manicure longevity, builder gel polish can be used for clients looking to grow out their nails. Once the gel polish is cured, it becomes a hard barrier between the client’s nails and any external force or chemical, acting as a shield. 

The GelBottle uses significantly less HEMA or none at all in our gel polish and builder gels. This reduces the chances of a heat spike on the nails, which can sometimes leave the client’s nails irritated and tingly.

Why Choose Builder Gel Polish 

TGB builder gel is recommended for clients who want strong and long-lasting manicured nails with or without extensions and to help support weak or brittle nails, whereas gel polish is a long-lasting option for a shorter period. Regular polish is suggested for clients looking for more of a short-term splash of color. To maximize the strength of the client’s nails, whether their nail goals are short-term or long-term polishes, we recommend following our safe nail polish application and removal methods.