It comes as no surprise that here at Voir, we love our nails. From acrylic to gel, and the au natural look, we are always looking for the next best manicure or nail art to try. So, once we heard about the new Gel-X nails that were causing a storm, we had to learn more.
Gel-X nails have been trending online recently as celebs and beauty enthusiasts style these nails or attempt to create their own Gel-X nails at home with DIY kits. This form of manicure is so popular due to its durability, as it can last up to three weeks and doesn’t take long to be created. So, let’s break it down and see why Gel X nail extensions are starting to dominate the nail industry.
Image Credits: @kookiiesangel, @paularigsby4111, @imerikamarie
What are Gel-X nail extensions?
Gel-X nail extensions are an amazing alternative to the hard gel or acrylic nails that up until now have dominated the nail scene. These nails have the texture of a soft gel polish and the length of a press-on nail, so really, it’s the best of both worlds. Gel-X nails do not sit at the top of your nails as acrylics do, but rather they cover the entirety of the nail which reduces the pressure on the tip of your nails. Gel-X can come in any shape and size you want so don’t worry, there is no restriction on the nail art or designs that you may be looking for. Many people favour acrylic due to the lack of restrictions on the length of your nail that you can have, but with Gel-X this isn’t a problem.
The beauty of these extensions is that they look and feel so natural and are actually a lot healthier for your real nails than other forms of nail extensions. Gel-x is also healthier for you and your manicurist, as it is no surprise that the chemical used is extremely hazardous that can cause skin irritation and respiratory issues among other things.
How long do Gel-X nails last?
If Gel-X nails haven’t already won you over, they sure will once you hear about how long they last, as these little gems can last up to 3-4 weeks! Not only that but if you are worried that your lovely new manicure might get chipped or damaged as you partake in daily tasks then fret no more, as these bad boys when installed correctly will not lift, which reduces the likelihood of them chipping.
Another pro of this style of manicure is that, unlike acrylics, you can remove them and re-paint them as many times as you like, without worrying about having to get them refilled.
Is the removal easy?
One of the major unique selling points of this type of manicure is how easy they are to remove. Due to Gel-X nails being made of gel, you can remove this manicure set the same way you would remove gel nails, simply soak them in acetone. This is one of the major pros of the Gel-X extensions as their minimal invasive properties mean that they are much friendlier to your natural nails and are not as aggressive as acrylics can be.
DIY
One of the best things about this type of manicure is that you can also do it yourself! There is an array of Gel-X extension nail kits online to choose from that allow you to create your own Gel-X nails from home. Amazon is inundated with a variety of kits that you can choose from which are perfect for beginners to try, as they teach you how to apply the nails, while also giving you the freedom to customise them however you like.
The first few attempts may take a while to do as they can be fiddly, but you’ll soon get the hang of it and by doing it yourself it is a more budget-friendly option than going to the salon every month. TikTok, YouTube and Instagram have lots of tutorials that help showcase how to apply these nail sets so don’t feel overwhelmed if you’re not entirely sure what you are doing.
It is fair to say that Gel-X nail extensions are an amazing alternative to the acrylic and hard gel manicures that have historically been more popular in salons. The soft nature of these nails and the lack of invasiveness they have mean that they are a more sustainable option both for the health of your nails and regarding how long they last. Gel-X nails are a game changer in the world of nails, and we expect their popularity to continue to rise as more and more people try out this new nail look.
Words By: Sophia-Fai Roche
Image Credits: @kookiiesangel
