Builder gel vs polygel reddit. idk how to do acrylics, polygel, nail art, etc.

Builder gel vs polygel reddit Gel comes in a small pot, polygel comes in tubes like toothpaste, they did their brush in and if it's regular gel it ki d of looks like their putting something that is the consistency of really thick syrup on your nails that is then required to go under the light to harden. Anyway, may I ask kung marunong ka mag-mani and pedi sa sarili mo? If yes, you should buy a nipper, pusher, cuticle remover, nail file, nail brush and nail cutter. I was constantly breaking acrylics & had to get them filled every 2 weeks regardless. I want to get professional manicures that don’t leave me with disastrous damage after removal - between poly gel, liquid builder gel, and gel x, which would you all recommend? I have a local salon that offers all three and I’m not quite sure what to get. Discussion/Question Share Add a Comment Sort by: Top Open comment sort options Best Top New Controversial Old Q&A blue-jay-walker •• Edited We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Builder gel has a much thinner consistency than PolyGel and requires no slip solution to work with it. Builder Gel Extensions: Customization and Strength Builder Gel is a versatile option for nail extensions. What are acrylates? Commonly Found Acrylates in Nail Products What about gel? What’s in that? “Gel-Like” Polishes Types of Gel So if builder in a bottle is soft gel, and gel polish/base coat/top coat is soft gel, can I do extensions with my regular gel base/top coat? What is acrylgel/acrygel? Extensions, Enhancements, Overlays I mostly use polygel, but I love my hard gels too. I also don't really love the look of them because no matter what, they look like press ons to me. The good thing is, it's easier to manipulate than polygel, so working quickly isn't a big deal. 21K subscribers in the DIYGelNails community. What's the best builder gel you've used and recommend? I am hearing a lot about Leafgel, Kokoist, Izemi and Akzentz lately. While both give you beautiful, long-lasting nails, they’re actually quite different in how they’re applied, how they feel, and what they’re best for. Gaoy, Beetles, or Model ones? Which one did you like best and why? Looking to get into gel nails but don't know where to start. Builder gel is harder than rubber base, which makes it stronger, but if your nails are very flexible and soft, you will likely experience a lot more lifting with builder gel because the nail is more flexible than the shell of builder gel on top of it. Watch short videos about polygel vs builder gel from people around the world. For removal I use 100 grit nail file and file off all of the shine. I recommend trying building gel if youre looking for something that won't cure on you as fast (you have to use uv to cure it) but either regular gel or regular acrylic is best. I don’t think you need gel base coat since gel polish is going on top of another gel and on a roughed surface. Dec 19, 2023 · Polygel vs Soft Gel, Hard Gel and Builder Gel - What are the Differences & Which one is easier to apply, looks better and will last longer. I regularly have close to 2 inches of length and half the time it’s just polygel and gel polish (unless i encapsulate, I love the way clear builder encapsulates glitters etc) I’m not sure where this rumor came from that you can’t use polygel for extensions, or long/xl+ extensions. These days I use Gershion clear polygel and I love it. Builder Gel: Our Staple for Nail Professionals We've long Gel comes in a small pot, polygel comes in tubes like toothpaste, they did their brush in and if it's regular gel it ki d of looks like their putting something that is the consistency of really thick syrup on your nails that is then required to go under the light to harden. 5. Yan pa lang yung naiisip kong A Quick Guide/Glossary for Gel, Acrylic, Polygel, etc. I started with dip but for me, it wasn't versatile enough. Calling polygel fans, and people who tried builder gel in a bottle but were annoyed by it! I wonder if you would enjoy trying "builder gels that don't droop"? I’m trying to do my nails with dual forms and builder gel… (continued in caption under photo) I only know how to use the dual forms and am not yet ready to attempt to learn without them. Polygel I did myself & had issues with longevity (also hated the removal process). Apr 4, 2025 · When it comes to nail extensions, two of the most popular options at Artisan Nails by Katie are Gel-X and Poly Gel. Learn their benefits, applications, & find the best fit for your needs in this guide. The gel work you post here in DIYGelNails is more than We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Without it, the Hard Gel will not properly adhere and will lift/pop off. Unravel the pros, and cons to make the best choice for your nails. Feb 7, 2024 · In the ever-evolving world of nail enhancement, we wanted to stack up how an established product, builder gel and a relative newcomer, poly gel compare. Out of all the things I've used (dip powder, builder gel, sad attempt at acrylic), polygel was the easiest and the results were the most consistent. Another thing to try, after you cure and remove the dual form, file the cuticle area down, gently, then apply a thin layer of solid builder gel by hand. We discuss this topic a lot in r/DIYgelnails and some really great (lesser known) products and brands have been recommended. As an ex tech, I liked to work with natural nails using builder gel and polygel. I do full cover tips with polygel or builder gel on top because the thickness provides more durability for me. Extremely hard for me to find as different salons and techs call this service different names. Apr 17, 2024 · Discover the ultimate showdown: Builder Gel vs Polygel. I'm a dip powder hater lol Deciding on gel X vs. I’ve heard how some gel kits from amazon have increased amounts of hema. I haven't really noticed a difference between the two. When starting your journey in the nail industry you’ll be faced with the question, what nail systems should you pursue? Apr 3, 2019 · COMPARISON TEST BETWEEN BUILDER GEL & POLYGEL UNIQUENAILZ 42. Hi, I’ve been doing my own nails very occasionally over the last couple of years. What kind of "gel" are you applying? Is is just gel polish? Or is it actual gel like builder gel or polygel? It has nothing to do with the grit of the file you use, I put polygel on my nails and use a 180 grit buffer and they stay like nobody's business, better than acrylic ever did! If you want to go for natural nail but stronger I would recommend builder in a bottle. The the nail form that comes with polygel/builder kits that look like a press on fake nail- generally what I try to do is put a glob of the builder inside the part of the form that fits into your nail and spread it out evenly with a brush and slip solution. Hard gel/acrylics was for extensions and I didnt do it often. I would second the uv builder gel and then apply a coat of no wipe gel top coat on so it’s porous enough for the metallic chrome to stick to. You must must must use a Gel Base if you want any type of Hard/Soft Gel, Hybrid Gel, PolyGel to last on your nails. 9K subscribers Subscribed Use builder gel or polygel to add strength and stability to thin natural nails, then you can put 1-2 layers of your color on top. The rubber base coat I tried is Kodi JYJ. Try using glue on tips and then applying the polygel using a brush. With proper care, Builder Gel extensions can last up to 3-4 weeks. I get that it for some polygel works better than builder gel and vice-versa. I want to tell you all the reasons why hard gel is my favorite thing to put on my nails. A quick summary of what the product mentions follows: Solid Builder Gel for Nails. It works very well for me. In that case, wipe the tacky inhibition layer off the builder gel with some rubbing alcohol and do the filing. If you are interested in using paper forms, have you considered polygel? I find it easier to give myself a little length with polygel, then shape the nail how I want it and overlay with builder gel. At some point I want to encapsulate charms and recreate this (I’ve seen stuff like it done with builder gel and polygel) too. It allows for a high level of customization in shape and length. I am also willing to accept the possibility that I should stay in my lane and stick to normal nails and polish. Hello!! I recently ordered some builder gel because I like the strength of gelx but I hate the feeling of fake nails. Builder gel is great, but a bit more challenging to get used to. It’s closer in consistency to regular gel polish than PolyGel. If I want to do long extensions, I’ll use polygel because it is easier to shape. Get the detail info to help your decision I've used both. Builder gel cannot be soaked off but rubber gel can. I have medium length natural nails which I keep filing down every few weeks (when I change my mani) so that I can actually do stuff without fear of breakage. Builder gel can be sculpted on your nails more simply because of its greater flexibility, whereas Polygel requires a slip solution to level and shape it. My question is, has anyone here ever tried this particular brand and if so what do you think about it? Also, do you have experience with their builder gel and if you do should I use the builder gel or base coat first? Please help, Thank you in advance! Polygel/hybrid gel is a hard gel/acrylic hybrid that allows for similar application to acrylic without the use of a monomer, and will not set without UV light curing. The benefit of polygel over acrylics is they are more lightweight and flexible, in turn looking more natural and can be less damaging. I love the Madam Glam base coat, so my advice to you would be to use the MG base coat, the Apres HEMA free builder with their gel x tips (or use the builder as an overlay), use whatever gel polish you want but obv don’t let it touch your skin whatsoever! Hi guys, I want to get into polygel but i’m not sure what would be the safest product with the best quality. Also, there is only like a $3 price difference between the two gels. ) and wouldn't be doing extensions since I've gotten them to a length I like with the SNS. If there's something that would fit me better than polygel or builder gel, I'm down to hear about it! I was going to go with polygel but learned about builder gel literally yesterday lmao. For some reason I cannot attach a photo so I am linking the Amazon product directly for this "solid" builder gel. If the ''falsies'' start to move around I still have the polygel on top holding in place. I switched from acrylic to polygel, then to gel x. Then dust away any loose chrome powder and finish with top coat. Polygel just wasn't it for me. Can be used for nail extensions, carving, nail glue, and stick decoration. That is why for Gel X application, you can chemically etch/ rough up the surface of the tip by using a primer vs manually with a file or buffer. Also as a nail biter, my nails are too short to do extensions, even with form stickers so falsies help me with this. I make a tip out of polygel and create the structure with builder gel . Hello. If I want to strengthen or grow out my natural nails then I will do an overlay with builder gel. Even with just the Beetles UV/LED Bail Glue. Rubber gel is slightly runnier and harder to work with for building nails. There are different gel types and nail styles to read up on too: hard gel vs soft gel, builder in a bottle, extensions with builder and paper forms (probably what your salon did), overlays or soft gel tips. 25 year nail tech here with question and answer. The brand and colors are required. The poly gel works ok, except it is hard to really fill the ridges (valleys) with polygel and not build the high points too much, even after drilling. Like how you’re supposed to rough up the nail surface with a buffer or a file, but through the use of chemicals. Polygel is a close second. I do my own nails at home. Some people apply I am trying to work with builder gel in a bottle to extend nail length until my natural nails grow enough. Thank you so much! I am kind of hard on my nails (washing dishes, etc. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Polygel is quite easily to work with, but I wouldn't recommend using dual forms. What are your thoughts on polygel kits? Positives and negatives PLEASE. Apr 21, 2022 · Unfortunately, it can be challenging to find the desired colored gel polish for builder gel compared to polygel. Bioseaweed Gel and West Coast Dips (they also produce builders). Post about your gel x nails! Questions, comments, cute nail posts! This community is for you to share… I use ASP peel off base with all of my gels, polygel and builder base gel (my personal fave is Aimeili builder base in a bottle). Learn their benefits, applications, find the best fit for your needs in this guide. Hard/builder gel is a non-soak off gel that can be used to sculpt nails. I recently bought the nail gel brand GAOY. they have nice colors, but I've never used this brand before is it any good? We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. What am I doing wrong? For application I use apres dehydrator and primer, gel care base coat, orly builder gel, gel care color and top coat. You might have an issue with lifting when using HEMA free products. Mar 28, 2025 · Discover the difference between Builder Gel & Rubber Base Coat. What are your thoughts on them? Which do you prefer and why?Polygel with dual forms vs. In this video I show you how I combine polygel and builder gel to use together to create a set of clear nails . Each offers its unique benefits, attracting its own set of fans. Looking to stay under $60 for this specific service on the hands. Learn the differences between builder gel vs. Once you’re done, rough up the surface of the builder gel with a coarse grit buffer and proceed with gel polish. Mar 16, 2023 · This comprehensive guide will delve into the key differences between Polygel and Builder Gel, helping you make an informed decision for your next nail enhancement project. 8K subscribers in the GelX_Nails community. Aug 28, 2022 · What is builder gel & how does it compare to other types of gel? The builder gel I use is a semi-hard gel. Im a beginner gel user (currently shopping for base and top coats and some nice sets!). With polygel or gel builder. 14 votes, 29 comments. Keep reading for a beauty editor's experience. One type changes shape with gravity and time, moving bulges to a new location with gravity - Akzentz Trinity is a good example of that. I have seen a few videos of people using nail forms or dual forms as a guide. Shaping polygel is usually done manually or with a mold (with some exceptions because here and there you might find a self leveling polygel) I've encountered several different types of self leveling builder gel. It’s far less sticky and tacky. Gel-x is a very sanitary option, contains no harsh chemicals, non-damaging, and is a lot faster of a process than the other two. Thinking about investing in gel: do you prefer it to regular polish and what should I be looking for in a curing lamp? Gelly tips vs polygel I’m looking to get into doing my own nails and right now I’m trying to decide whether to begin with polygel or kiara sky gelly tips. Are there any opinions as to which of the two is the most beginner friendly? Please feel free to share other recommendations or ideas! Soft Gel Vs Hard Gel Vs Polygel - Differences Easy Nail Tech 2. Keep in mind that you can always apply regular polish as a “topcoat” and decorate your nails with nail art. Mar 16, 2023 · Polygel vs Builder Gel: Which is Right for You? Choosing the right nail enhancement product can be a daunting task, especially with the ever-growing variety of options available. So in your opinion, is polygel or builder gel easier to work with for a beginner? I'm considering trying a Gel Bottle Inc Builder in a Bottle. It's absolutely my gripe with it, too. The brand and colors are required of all products used. Learn how builder gel nails work and compare them with other popular manicure types. If products are not listed within 1 hour of posting, your post will be removed. If this is a nail picture, please post a list of the products you used for your manicure/pedicure. It doesn't smell, gives me the hardness of acrylic, and it was easier for me to use than acrylic. Now I could do a full new set within about an hour, not including nail art time. Using forms or something similar. Aug 28, 2024 · Gel-X nails come with a list of pros and cons. Polygel is basically acrylic and builder gel, so I'm not sure if it's as strong. Polygel user here, getting pretty good at it (learned a lot from this sub already), but I need something HEMA free and I read Modelones is but that’s not my experience. I would recommend builder gel or polygel. However, I think if applied properly it will last as long as acrylic. To be honest any extension building comes with a learning curve and with everything you have to be careful about getting product on the skin. acrylics, plus a step-by-step guide on how to DIY polygel nails at home, including the best polygel nail kits you can buy. If it's in your budget, I do recommend a dust collector. Sep 6, 2023 · Thankfully Gel X nails are becoming more popular and if your nail salon doesn’t yet offer them you can easily DIY them at home Related Article – How to Fill Gel X Nails at Home with Video Guide Side Effects of Gel X Nails There are no major side effects from Gel X nails. Can anyone give recommendations on a good builder gel that is good for nail reinforcement (I don't want to try extensions yet… Gel builder is my absolute favorite to work with, unfortunately, my nails don't bond with it well. I’ve done some research and think a polygel or gel x nail kit would be best. I know I like gel x because it allows you to get a nail extension with minimal damage. I use all 3 methods. I’ve used poly gel to do short extensions with both dual forms and paper forms but prefer the paper forms. I already do gel manicures at home but would like to start doing something a little more fancy. This includes base gel, builder gel (hard or soft gel), full coverage tips, or polygel (if used), colored gels, and top gel. My builder gels are Beetles and ASP. AFAIK I can use gel nail tips with either and they're both somewhat beginner friendly, but I wouldn't mind using nail forms and learning with that. The only thing that sticks to my nails without lifting is acrylic or polygel. Both seem to have good reviews on Amazon so I was wondering if anyone has tried both? Should I even be getting budget gel polish? Any advice or opinions would be great! Archived post. Dec 29, 2021 · Pro manicurists explain the pros and cons of polygel nails vs. . Apr 19, 2025 · Polygel and gel nails are popular manicure choices, but which is better? Discover the pros, cons, and differences between these two nail enhancements. You'd be surprised where those dust particles travel to. Polygel Hey guys, I started to use my polygel like acrylics instead of using them with the dual forms because it is easier for me. Your natural nails are left thinner and more prone to breakage if ever left bare after prepping to use products like Gel polish, builder gel, polygel, press-on glue and Acrylic. Difference between builder gel, polygel and acrylic This page contains affiliate links. Jul 1, 2025 · Here's everything you need to know about builder gel before trying it at home or getting it at the salon. com Jun 24, 2025 · Builder gel is another gel-based product used similarly to PolyGel, but with some notable differences. I prefer builder gel. Builder Gel: Understanding the Difference for Stronger and Healthier Nails A common question I get asked is what is the difference between rubber base and builder gel, although both gels have a thick consistency and are used to strengthen natural nails, they are completely different. A place for DIY gel nail enthusiasts to discuss doing gel nails on yourself. We want to explore their characteristics, pros, and cons to understand the ramifications for the nail tech professional. glue on tips with builder gel? I wonder if my lamp is too weak to completely cure the poly gel/builder gel (since it’s thicker than regular gel polish) because I heard that uncured gel can cause allergic reactions but it feels cured to me. idk how to do acrylics, polygel, nail art, etc. So for beginners experts Which is better? It depends on the strength of your natural nails and how bendy they are. I also heard that there are other dangerous chemicals other than Hema. Also keep in mind that there are many brands that produce some allergen-free product lines along with other product lines that contain all the known culprits. I like to do a superrr thin layer on the forms and then build it up so i dont get too thick and lumpy. Do you think builder gel would be a better option for me? Then I think I could paint the gel repeatedly into the valleys/ridges. Even then there’s still some stubborn gel left. The amount of work I had to do for a simple color just wasn't for me anymore. Find expert and helpful tips here! See full list on prepmynails. But let’s back up and cover the basics of the types of the products to better understand what they are and how they work on you based on their strength! Level 1 - Nail Polish: this is the lowest level of strength. I have no experience with fiber gel though. You do not have to post brands of charms/stones or other nail embellishments. Here's how long they last, and whether you can develop a gel-x nails allergy, according to nail experts. -Is it worth it? -Do you find it better than doing at home acrylic? -Do you find it better than just painting your nails? -Is there a particular kit you have enjoyed? -Is there a difference between the more expensive and cheaper kits to get started? A builder gel is a gel nail polish that lengthens and strengthens nails. polygel for nail enhancements. I've watched a ton of videos but can't decide if I'd like to try polygel or builder gel. However, greater flexibility makes it more challenging to maintain control. While you can’t fully minimize the dangerous chemicals, does anybody know a good kit or brand that has limited amounts of bad chemicals A Gel Base Coat is absolutely necessary. It depends on how thick this builder gel is? I have the Gelish structure gel and it is ok for fill-ins for the growth but no where near thick/sturdy enough to replace polygel for extensions. If you do acrylic or soft gel, you might like hard gel better. It’s a layer of color applied to your nails for looks but typically This includes base gel, builder gel (hard or soft gel), full coverage tips, or polygel (if used), colored gels, and top gel. If you want to buy an item please consider using my links at no extra cost to you. Because it settles, you need to work somewhat quickly to avoid it running into the cuticle or sidewalls. I’m about to do my first application and I was wondering if I have to put base coat before builder or is builder goes before base coat, and then base coat before the color. I see their inspo photos, see what nails they have (shape, length) and decide for myself what technique or materials to use to achieve it. I ordered one of the modelones sets if that help! Thanks for any advice!! This includes base gel, builder gel (hard or soft gel), full coverage tips, or polygel (if used), colored gels, and top gel. In Short difference: Polygel Vs Builder Gel Polygel is thicker and stickier than builder gel and is typically more durable and stronger. I struggle with full coverage tips and just can't make them work for me. Rubber Base vs. If products are not listed within 4 hours of posting, your post will be removed. Gel x is by far my favorite! Easy to apply, lasts 3 weeks (though I usually redo them sooner because I love We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Thank you. This way it doesn't come out the sides and top as much and there's minimal to clean up. I don’t use dual forms or builder gel so don’t have experience with that, but it’s a maybe a suggestion to try? I use polygel and sculpt them with paper forms. There are acid and non acid primers but they essentially do the same thing. But it mostly depends on what clients want in term of results. builder gel? Compare and decide by reading our in-depth guide on what suits your style best. Anyone have any experience with them? Archived post. Soft gel extensions lang or yung as in gel lang ang ginagawa ko. The quality is excellent. To me, the consistency was similar to a thick gel polish and not necessarily a builder gel and that's probably because it's considered a base coat (which I just recently learned and was gobsmacked) It's just a different product, not necessarily bad, just different. Rubber gel can be used like a thick gel polish base coat or like builder gel. Customization: Builder Gel allows for more customization in shape and length Has anyone used the morovan brand? I need some color polygel because I'm crappy at polishing my nails. I like really long nails and my natural nails grow stupid fast. I have read through the wiki regarding gel types but was hoping to get some personal recommendations on wether I should try a different type of gel, potted builder/builder in a bottle as now I really I found that using builder gel and the polygel forms made it super easy. But the thing about dual forma is, that the surface is smooth, which i dont get when i do the polygel helf like acrylics. Primer act as a chemical etching step. 75K subscribers Subscribed I love polygel. Discussion/Question Share Add a Comment Sort by: Top Open comment sort options Best Top New Controversial Old Q&A blue-jay-walker •• Edited This includes base gel, builder gel (hard or soft gel), full coverage tips, or polygel (if used), colored gels, and top gel. This method provides a strong overlay that can help protect the natural nail. glue on tips with builder gel? 21K subscribers in the DIYGelNails community. But Luminary does smell bad. Polygel with forms are an easy way to build a nail extension as is using gel tips with gel. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Amazon has so many brands but these three stood out to me. Learn which gel product suits your nails best - whether you need strength, flexibility, or both. I will never understand why dip powder is so popular. Then use gelcare removal solution, cotton pads, foil, and heating mittens. I recently ordered the morovan builder gel review because I wasn’t paying attention and thought it was IBD gel since the bottle looks very similar. I just did the manicure last night for the first time with the builder gel & rubber base, very curious to see if it helps with longevity/protecting against cracked nails. visikd fwnazf gisvixl vvlvgh hmmzg mkiwat eqicj hjfmf qiyazi omjfj tggyftw mwn bnady yncu ekfo