Encyclopedia

What is Gel-X®?

Gel-X® is a full coverage, soft gel extension system that allows you to create beautiful, long-lasting sets easily and quickly. Gel-X® is made of a 100% soak-off soft gel formula. This gives you the best of both worlds, where the extensions are strong and durable, but can also be easily soaked off with acetone the way you would remove regular gel polish.

Previously, only acrylic and hard gel were hard and durable enough to create lengthy extensions, and most soft gels were too soft. During the manufacturing process of our patented soft gel formula, we apply an incredible amount of heat and pressure, making the gel 10x stronger and harder than in its liquid state. This allows for strong, durable tips that still maintain their ability to be soaked off.

OVERVIEW
-A safer, quicker, easier solution to nail extensions than hard gel & acrylic, without sacrificing quality or retention
-Available in 14 sizes, including half sizes
-Available in 5 shapes (Coffin, Square, Round, Stiletto, Almond)
-Available in 6 lengths (Extra Short, Short, Medium, Long, Extra Long, Extra Extra Long)
-Available in Natural or Sculpted
-Available in Pro Boxes (600 pcs) & Mini Boxes (280 pcs)

How does Gel-X® differ from acrylic nails?
Gel-X® extensions are applied with Extend Gel (no glue) on the natural nail and filed down to the desired shape, while acrylic nails require the use of an acrylic monomer/liquid or acrylic powder on a nail form or tip and need filled about every two weeks. This makes Gel-X® a great option for people who are sensitive to fragrances. Since no monomer is required with Gel-X® extensions—only soft gel polish—you don’t have to deal with the strong scent that comes with the acrylic manicure process. Gel-X® extensions are considered safer than acrylic nails since they don't include harsh chemicals like methyl methacrylate and toluene, or the cloud of dust created in the acrylic process.

We’ve taken all the hard work that is done in acrylic and hard gel extensions and done it for you! We’ve carefully measured and designed various shapes, lengths, and sizes so that any Gel-X® Tip you choose is ready to use out of the box. The apex, sidewalls, and structure of each shape were carefully designed to offer the most structurally sound and beautifully shaped extensions. That means less time you’ll spend filing and shaping, allowing you more time to focus on nail art or better color application.

What are the Pros & Cons of Gel-X®Tips?

Pros:

BETTER APPLICATION — Gel-X® offers a safer, quicker, easier solution to nail extensions than hard gel and acrylic, without sacrificing quality or retention.

HALF-SIZES — Gel-X® is the first full coverage soft gel extension system to offer half sizes. This allows for easier, faster, and more accurate sizing, which leads to better application and longer-lasting sets.

NATURAL & SCULPTED — Gel-X® is the only system to cater to two different types of nail beds—natural and sculpted. 70% of people have “natural” nail beds, which are flatter and wider. 30% of people have “sculpted” nail beds, which are more curved and rounded. If a client is in between natural and sculpted, you can manually bend or flex the tip to reshape.

STRUCTURALLY SOUND — Our latest Gel-X® Tips have a thinner base end, creating a more natural finish that requires less filing during prep. Each tip now also has a thicker free edge, creating a stronger, more durable extension.

Cons:

POTENTIAL TO LIFT — Without proper application, there is potential for Gel-X® Tips to lift or pop off. This makes proper prep and application crucial, ensuring the tip fits the nail properly and that there are no air bubbles in the Extend Gel.

POTENTIAL IRRITATION — Due to the low percentage of HEMA in our products, there is potential for irritation or heat spikes—but with proper prep and application, this is unlikely. For clients with thin or sensitive nails, opt for our HEMA-free, all-in-one Extend Gel Sensitive.

Prep the Nail
1. Cut down and file the natural nail to desired length

2. Use the ceramic quarts cuticle pusher pen to gently push back the eponychium for Gel-X® application. With a circular scrubbing motion, lift cuticle tissue from the nail plate.

3. Using the flat tip of the green stone bit, gently push back the eponychium. Using the barrel of the green stone bit, remove any cuticle tissue from the nail plate. The green stone bit can also be used to exfoliate any calluses around the nail.

4. With either a 100/180 buffer or the natural nail buffer bit, buff the surface of the nail. A roughened, buffed surface allows for better adhesion to the Extend Gel.

Size & Prep the Tip
1. Check to see if the client has a natural or sculpted nail bed. Clients with a curved nail bed should use a sculpted Gel-X® Tip. Clients with a flatter, wider nail bed can use a natural or sculpted Gel-X® Tip. If a client is in-between natural and sculpted, you can manually pinch and roll a natural Gel-X® Tip to create a better-fitting curve to the client’s natural nail.

2. Apply the tip at a 45-degree angle to the client’s eponychium and gently press down o check the fit of the Gel-X® Tip. Both sidewalls should be fully covered by the Gel-X® Tip. If not, the Gel-X® Tip is too small. If a client is in-between sizes, pick the half size Gel-X® Tip, if appropriate. If a half size is not available, it’s better to pick the larger size and carefully file down the base of the tip to match the client’s natural nail.

3. Check the base of the Gel-X® Tip. If the curvature of the base does not match the curvature of the client’s eponychium, file the Gel-X® Tip to create a perfect match.

4. Using either Gel-X® Prep or an e-file, prep the underside of the Gel-X® Tip. With Gel-X® Prep, scrub the solution into the underside of the tip until the tip becomes tacky and dull. With an e-file, using the ceramic cone bit, etch grooves into the underside of the tip. With either method, be sure to etch enough of the underside of the tip to cover the entire length of the client’s nail bed.

5. If etching with an e-file, using a hard bristled brush, remove all dust from the underside of the tip and apply Non-Acidic Gel Primer over the etched portion. If using Gel-X® Prep, this step is not necessary. Gel-X® Prep both chemically etches and primes the tip.

Gel-X® Application

1. Apply pH Bonder onto the nail. This dehydrates and cleanses the nail plate of any natural oils or shine that could inhibit the adhesion of the Extend Gel. Avoid getting the solution on the client’s skin.

2. Apply Non-Acidic Gel Primer onto the nail. This primes the nail plate with a tacky layer that allows for better adhesion with the Extend Gel. Avoid getting the solution on the client’s skin.

3. Apply a thin Layer of Extend Gel onto the natural nail, focusing the bulk of the gel on the center of the nail rather than the sidewalls.

4. Cure entire hand in an LED lamp for 30 seconds or a UV lamp for 60 seconds.

5. Apply a bead of Extend Gel onto the underside of the Gel-X® Tip. It’s better to pick up less gel than too much. If you have too little Extend Gel, you can always scrape it off and add more if necessary, but if you have too much Extend Gel, it can get very messy and difficult to clean and start again.

6. Holding the Gel-X® Tip from the free edge, apply the tip at a 45-degree angle, starting near the eponychium. The Gel-X® Tip should be as close to the cuticle without actually touching skin.

If after placing the tip, you notice it’s crooked or that there’s not enough gel, rather than just lifting up the tip, scrape it off the nail. This will also scrape off the Extend Gel with the tip. Then reapply Extend Gel and try again.

7. Applying steady, even pressure to the Gel-X® Tip, let the Extend Gel flow down to the free edge. Be careful not to push down on the Gel-X® Tip too forcefully or the base end of the tip might lift up. If cured like this, this can cause air pockets and quicker lifting for the client.

8. Once the Extend Gel has reached the free edge of the nail, check to ensure the sidewalls are completely covered and that the Gel-X® Tip is positioned straight on the nail. Wipe off any excess Extend Gel that might’ve seeped out on the sides.

9. Using the flash cure light, flash cure the Gel-X® Tip. Maintain steady pressure on the Gel-X® Tip to avoid air bubbles or any shifting.

10. Slowly rotate the thumb pressing down on the Gel-X® Tip to expose more of the nail bed. Rotate the flash cure light to cure the exposed portion of the nail bed. Maintain steady pressure on the Gel-X® Tip throughout.

11. You can gently pinch the sides of the Gel-X® Tip while simultaneously flash curing to ensure the curves of the Gel-X® Tip fit snugly against the curves of the natural nail.

12. If any excess Extend Gel has seeped out and cured onto the Gel-X® Tip, using the ceramic cone bit, gently remove the excess gel from the Gel-X® Tip. If any excess Extend Gel has seeped out and cured on the skin, either gently buff off with a 100/180 file or a sanding band bit.

13. Repeat steps for all five fingers then cure the entire hand for a total of 30 seconds in LED lamp or 60 seconds in UV lamp. After one hand is done, repeat all steps for the second hand.

14. Finish file each nail, ensuring you have achieved the desired shape and length.

15. Once finished, the Gel-X® Tip is now ready for color prep and color application.

*Pro Tips: If the client has a damaged natural nail, fill the Extend Gel in the similar shape as the natural nail. Press the Extend Gel to fit with the natural nail without spillage.

-If the client’s natural nail is crooked, find the Gel-X® Tip that matches the nail shape the best. Match the tip onto the natural nail and measure the excess. File down the excess to fit the tip onto the natural nail. Apply Extend Gel and press on as usual, looking from the client’s top knuckle for alignment.

-If the client’s natural nail bed is indented, find the Gel-X® Tip that matches the nail shape the best. Use the thumb and index finger to squeeze the tip to curve similar as the indentation. Apply Extend Gel and press to cover the curve of indentation.

-If the client has ski slope nails, apply a thin layer of Extend Gel and do not cure. Then, taking a bead of Extend Gel, float it down the natural nail to fill in the concave shape to build a more even nail bed. Once the nail bed shape has been corrected, follow the rest of the Gel-X® application steps.

-Avoid getting air bubbles under the Gel-X® Tip by ensuring there is enough Extend Gel and not applying too much force to make the Extend Gel reach the free edge. If the Gel-X® Tip has not been cured yet and you have air bubbles, scrap off the tip, apply a little more Extend Gel and apply again. If the Gel-X® Tip has been cured, file it down and soak off with acetone, then apply again with a new tip and a little more Extend Gel.

1. Start by filing off any top coat and nail polish you have on the Gel-X® Tip. If you have especially long extensions, you can cut them down first.

2. Take a cotton ball, soak in acetone, apply it on the nail and wrap in foil for 10 to 20 minutes (time length depends on what type of Extend Gel you used.)

3. Unwrap the nails and remove the extensions. The gel should have lifted during the soaking process, so you can gently push the lifted gel off your natural nails.

Aprés Gel Couleur is gel polish elevated. Our Gel Couleur offers a smooth, highly pigmented formula that provides amazing color payoff. Our pure gel formula creates a gel that’s both smooth enough for one color and opaque enough for nail art. But Gel Couleur takes it a step further by also providing the perfect tool along with the perfect color. Included is our completely revolutionary in-bottle Brush-X that is both a convenient tool for pros and a helpful aid for DIYers. Made from PBT fibers, Brush-X has the same dense and compact feel of a Japanese nail art brush. This means with Gel Couleur you will get the easiest, most precise color application you’ve ever experienced.

OVERVIEW
-Highly opaque, medium viscosity gel perfect for one color or nail art
-Brush-X made of PBT fibers creates a denser, Japanese nail art-like brush
-Pure gel formula means NO tacky layer after curing
-Cures in 30 sec LED
-Available in 15 mL bottle with Brush-X
-Available in 200+ colors

Pros:
LONG-LASTING — Our Gel Couleur formula offers a durable, chip-resistant finish that lasts 2-3 weeks.

ONE-COLOR COVERAGE — Our highly-opaque gel provides excellent pigmentation in just 1-2 coats.

EASY APPLICATION — Our in-bottle Brush-X allows for smooth, precise application without air bubbles.

NON-TACKY — With our pure gel formula, there’s no tacky layer after curing. Worry less about fuzzies and smudges as you create a beautifully colorful set.

Cons:

NOT HEMA-FREE — Due to the low percentage of HEMA in our Gel Couleur, there is potential for irritation or heat spikes—but with proper prep and application, this is unlikely.

After prepping the natural nail and applying Base Gelcoat, apply a layer of Gel Couleur, and cure for 30 seconds in LED lamp. Follow with a second coat, curing for 30 seconds in LED lamp. Finish with Non-Wipe Top Gelcoat. When applying on Gel-X® Tips, no base coat is needed.

*Pro Tip: Because of how highly pigmented Gel Couleur is, less is more! Applying thinner layers creates a better finish while still providing full coverage opacity.

-Wait a few seconds before curing for Gel Couleur to self-level.

Light & Shadow Sheer Gel Couleur is a HEMA and cruelty-free, vegan formula that is a sheer, buildable gel color. Our 40 Gel Couleurs in this collection represent the four seasons and one year’s journey expressed in all its light and shadow. Light & Shadow Sheer Gel Couleur also provides the perfect tool along with the perfect color—our revolutionary in-bottle Brush-X, a game-changing tool for even and precise application.

OVERVIEW
-HEMA-free
-Vegan and cruelty-free
-Softly pigmented, medium viscosity gel color perfect for one color or nail art
-Buildable, self-leveling formula
-Cures in 30 sec LED
-Available in 10 mL bottle with Brush-X
-Available in 40 colors

What are the Pros & Cons of Light& Shadow Gel Couleur?

Pros:

SAFE — Our HEMA-free, vegan, and cruelty-free formulaoffers a gentler option for gel color without the worry of irritation or heat spikes.

SELF-LEVELING & BUILDABLE — Choose your opacity with each layer. (1 layer= 20-30% opacity, 2 layers= 50-60% opacity, 3 layers= 80-90% opacity)

EASY APPLICATION — Our in-bottle Brush-X allows for smooth, precise application without air bubbles.

LONG-LASTING — Our Gel Couleur formula offers a durable, chip-resistant finish that lasts 2-3 weeks.

How do you applyLight & Shadow Gel Couleur?

After prepping the natural nail and applying Base Gelcoat, apply a layer of Light & Shadow Sheer Gel Couleur, and cure for 30 seconds in LED lamp. Follow with an optional second coat for a more opaque finish, curing for 30 seconds in LED lamp. Finish with Non-Wipe Top Gelcoat. When applying on Gel-X® Tips, no base coat is needed.

*Pro Tip: Wait a few seconds before curing for Gel Couleur to self-level.

What is pH Bonder?

Our pH Bonder is the first step to creating beautiful Gel-X® extensions. After prepping the natural nail, our pH Bonder properly dehydrates the nail, removing any oils or residue that could impede a clean and proper Gel-X® application.

OVERVIEW
-HEMA-free
-Removes oil and residue from natural nail
-Can be used for Gel-X®, acrylic, and gel services
-Available in 15 mL

What are the Pros & Cons of pH Bonder?

Pros:

MULTI-PURPOSE — Our pH Bonder can also be used for acrylic and gel services.

HEMA-FREE — Our HEMA-free formula leaves little to no chance of a reaction.

How do you use pH Bonder?
After properly prepping the natural nail and Gel-X® Tip, apply a layer of pH Bonder onto the nail. Avoid getting the solution on the client’s skin.

What is Non-Acidic Gel Primer?

Our Non-Acidic Gel Primer is the second step to creating beautiful Gel-X® extensions. After applying the pH Bonder, our Non-Acidic Gel Primer creates a tacky surface on the nail that allows for better adhesion to the Gel-X® tip. Formulated to be acid-free, this primer gently etches and preps the nail without danger of causing soreness or sensitivity that is commonly associated with acid based primers. Our Non-Acidic Gel Primer will ensure a long-lasting and comfortable wear for any set of Gel-X® extensions.

OVERVIEW
-Acid-free
-Contains small amount of HEMA
-Creates tacky surface on the natural nail for Gel-X® adhesion
-Available in 15 mL bottle

What are the Pros & Cons of Non-Acidic Gel Primer?

Pros:

GENTLE — Formulated to be acid free, this primer gently preps the nail without danger of causing soreness or sensitivity that’s commonly associated with acid-based primers.

SAFE — By avoiding harsh acids, our Non-Acidic Gel Primer is less likely to damage the natural nail plate.

LONGER-LASTING SETS — The tacky surface created by our Non-Acidic Gel Primer enhances the adhesion of Gel-X® Tips, creating more durable sets.

Cons:

NOT HEMA-FREE — Due to the small percentage of HEMA in our formula, there is potential for a reaction—but with proper application, this is unlikely.

How do you apply Non-Acidic Gel Primer?

After properly prepping the natural nail and applying pH Bonder, apply Non-Acidic Gel Primer. Avoid getting the solution on the client’s skin.

What is Gel-X® Prep?

Gel-X® Prep ensures maximum adhesion and strength without the trouble of etching the inside of the tip. No more dust, no more extra time! With a good scrub of our non-acid Gel-X® Prep, the inside of the Gel-X® Tip will be properly chemically etched and ready for Extend Gel application. Gel-X® Prep also works to prep the surface of the Gel-X® Tip after application, buffing and texturizing the surface to create the perfect base for color application. With one product, be able to perfectly prep the tip for Extend Gel AND perfectly prep the tip for color.

OVERVIEW
-HEMA & acid-free
-Etches the inside of the Gel-X® Tip for proper application
-Preps the surface of the the Gel-X® Tip for color application
-Available in 15 mL bottle

What are the Pros & Cons of Gel-X® Prep?

Pros:

HEMA &ACID-FREE — Our Gel-X® Prep is considered gentler on the natural nail than acidic preps, minimizing potential damage and irritation.

TIME-SAVING — By eliminating the need for excessive filing or prep steps, Gel-X® Prep streamlines the application process.

MAX ADHESION — Gel-X® Prep provides maximum adhesion and strength for Gel-X® Tips without the need for manual etching.

How do you apply Gel-X® Prep?

After applying pH Bonder, Non-Acidic Gel Primer, and Extend Gel to the natural nail and curing for 30 seconds in LED lamp, etch the underside of the Gel-X® Tip with Gel-X® Prep. You should have enough solution on the tip so that the logo disappears. Avoid getting the solution on the client’s skin.

Made from a formula that has the same durable yet flexible properties as our Gel-X® tips, our Soft Gel Builder gives you the freedom to extend the life of your Gel-X® sets with fills. And with its incredible self-leveling properties, it’s easy to achieve that perfectly smooth surface finish. Soft Gel Builder can also be used as a natural nail overlay to impart strength and durability over natural nail manicures. And as with all of our soft gel products, our Soft Gel Builder can easily be soaked off with acetone.

OVERVIEW
-Made from a formula that has the same durable yet flexible properties as our Gel-X® Tips
-Incredible self-leveling properties
-Can also be used as a natural nail overlay
-Easily soaked off with acetone
-Available in 15 mL bottle with Brush-X

What are the Pros & Cons of Soft Gel Builder?

Pros:

EASY APPLICATION — Our pre-shaped Gel-X® Tips make Soft Gel Builder application significantly faster and simpler compared to traditional builder gel, requiring less filing and shaping.

LIGHTWEIGHT — Soft gel is lighter than acrylic and can achieve a more natural nail appearance when applied correctly.

QUICK REMOVAL — Unlike hard gel, our Soft Gel Builder can be completely soaked off with acetone, making removal less damaging to the natural nail.

Cons:

POTENTIAL CHIPPING — Due to its flexibility, our Soft Gel Builder can be more prone to chipping, especially with heavy activities or if not properly applied.

LESS DURABLE THAN HARD GEL — Compared to hard gel options, our Soft Gel Builder may not last as long and might require more frequent maintenance.

Assess the growth of the Gel-X® Tip to ensure it’s less than two weeks of wear, and that little to no lifting has occurred. (If it’s been more than three weeks, removing and applying a fresh set is recommended.) Remove all the color on your Gel-X® Tips with a sanding band (5 in 1 bit, extra coarse.)

With our e-file sanding band, file the base of the Gel-X® Tip to sit flush with your nail plate. Don’t forget to sand down the bulky area. Clean the cuticle area with a buffer bit. Check the growth direction of the nail by looking at it from the side. (Our Sculpted Gel-X® Tips usually grow downwards.) Use a file to reshape the sides. Buff to smooth the surface and wipe the area with acetone.

Apply pH Bonder and Non-Acidic Gel Primer to the natural nail that has grown out. Apply a thin layer of Soft Gel Builder on the entire surface area, but do not cure yet. Take a bead of Soft Gel Builder and gently apply in a sweeping motion to rebuild the apex and flip over to help with self-leveling. Cure for 30 seconds in LED lamp. Now you’re ready for gel polish!

How do you apply Soft Gel Builder for a natural nail overlay?

File and buff the natural nail and wipe with alcohol. Apply pH Bonder and Non-Acidic Gel Primer. Take a small amount of Soft Gel Builder and apply a thin layer—do not cure yet! Take a little more Soft Gel Builder and carefully float a bead from side to side to build the apex. Allow the gel to self-level before curing for 30 seconds in LED lamp. Wipe tacky layer with alcohol.

Our Non-Wipe Glossy TopGelcoat is an ultra high-shine glossy top coat that doesn’t turn yellow or chip. With a semi-hard formula, our Non-Wipe Glossy Top Gelcoat provides not only high shine but durable strength to every manicure. This unbeatable formula makes this bottle a necessary staple for every Gel-X® station.

OVERVIEW
-Semi-hard formula that doesn’t yellow or chip
-Ultra high-shine formula
-Available in 15 or 30 mL bottle with Brush-X

What are the Pros & Cons of Non-Wipe Glossy TopGelcoat?

Pros:

NON-WIPE — Save time with no need to cleanse or wipe off after application.

HIGH-SHINE — Our ultra high-shine formula leaves the perfect glossy finish.

DURABLE — Our semi-hard formula adds strength and durability to the nail.

EASY APPLICATION — Our in-bottle Brush-X allows for smooth, precise application without air bubbles.

Cons:

NOT UNIVERSAL — Our Non-Wipe Glossy TopGelcoat doesn’t work on tacky layers that some color gels by other brands cure with. If this happens to your color gel, try wiping the tacky layer with alcohol to dry it out and clean the brush that touched the tacky layer.

Apply a thin layer of Non-Wipe Glossy TopGelcoat over your finished nail, ensuring even coverage. Cure for 60 seconds in LED lamp or 120 seconds in UV lamp without needing to wipe off any tacky residue.

*Pro Tip: Remember, until top coat is applied, the surface of gel is tacky (even when cured!)

-Don’t let clients touch the surface of the nail before applying Top Gelcoat X. Our fingers have natural oil that repels top coat.

Top Gelcoat X is a scratch-resistant version of our famous Non-Wipe Glossy Top Gelcoat. With a slightly rubberized formula that creates a barrier that allows the nail to rebound from any scratches, Top Gelcoat X also offer similar level of high shine and durability as our original Non-Wipe Glossy Top Gelcoat. This is a top coat that truly does it all!

OVERVIEW
-Slightly rubberized, scratch-resistant formula
-Similar level of high shine and durability as Non-Wipe Glossy Top Gelcoat
-Available in 15 mL bottle with Brush-X

What are the Pros & Cons of Top Gelcoat X?

Pros:

NON-WIPE — Save time with no need to cleanse or wipe off after application.

DURABLE — Our semi-hard formula adds strength and durability to the nail.

EASY APPLICATION — Our in-bottle Brush-X allows for smooth, precise application without air bubbles.

Cons:

NOT UNIVERSAL — Our Top Gelcoat X doesn’t work on tacky layers that some color gels by other brands cure with. If this happens to your color gel, try wiping the tacky layer with alcohol to dry it out and clean the brush that touched the tacky layer.

Apply a thin layer of Top Gelcoat X over your finished nail, ensuring even coverage. Cure for 60 seconds in LED lamp or 120 seconds in UV lamp without needing to wipe off any tacky residue.

*Pro Tip: Remember, until top coat is applied, the surface of gel is tacky (even when cured!)

-Don’t let clients touch the surface of the nail before applying Top Gelcoat X. Our fingers have natural oil that repels top coat.

Our Extend Gel Novice was created for the beginner Gel-X® enthusiasts. Its thick, putty-like consistency keeps the Gel-X® Tip in place more easily, allowing you more time to adjust placement or correct any mistakes.

New users of Gel-X® often have a tricky time preventing the Extend Gel from overflowing and properly maneuvering the Gel-X® Tip under a light to cure. With Extend Gel Novice, you can let go before curing without worrying the Gel-X® Tip will shift! Extend Gel Novice is HEMA-free and soaks off as easily as our Extend Gel.

OVERVIEW
-pH Bonder & Non-Acidic Gel Primer are needed
-Thicker, solid viscosity for easier Gel-X® Tip application & control

-HEMA-free
-Potential for minimal heat spike
-Lasts 3 weeks without primer, 4 weeks with primer (primer contains HEMA)
-Soaks off in 15-20 min
-Available in 15 mL jar (creates 20-30 sets)

What are the Pros & Cons of Extend Gel Novice?

Pros:
BEGINNER-FRIENDLY — The thick, putty-like consistency of Extend Gel Novice keeps the Gel-X® Tip in place more easily, allowing you more time to adjust placement or correct any mistakes.

DURABLE — With proper nail prep and application, your sets will last 3-4 weeks.

EASY REMOVAL — Thanks to our HEMA-free formula, Extend Gel Novice soaks off very easily.

3D NAIL ART — Our thicker, solid viscosity formula allows Extend Gel Novice to double for 3D nail art. (see instructions below)

Cons:
NOT ALL-IN-ONE — pH Bonder & Non-Acidic Gel Primer are needed for proper application.

NOT NON-WIPE — Since our Extend Gel Novice does not cure non-wipe, you may have dust or debris stick to excess gel on the underside of the tip.

POTENTIAL HEAT SPIKE — Although our formula is HEMA-free, there is still potential for a heat spike—but with proper application, this is unlikely.

LEARNING CURVE — For seasoned pros of Signature Extend Gel, this product can feel a little harder to learn than the original.

After applying pH Bonder and Non-Acidic Gel Primer to the natural nail and etching the underside of the Gel-X® Tip with Gel-X® Prep, scoop Extend Gel Novice with the tip. If you’d like, you can flatten the gel with a spatula. Carefully apply the Gel-X® Tip onto the nail bed at a 45-degree angle from the cuticle side. Without needing to hold it constantly, gently press the gel to the edge of the nail. Make sure the base end is not lifting or getting air pockets. If the nail applied crooked, you can easily adjust it. Remove any excess gel from the skin with a Q-tip or wood stick. Flash cure for 15 seconds and fully cure for 30 seconds in LED lamp. If there is still any excess gel, remove it with our Small Cone Bit.

*Pro Tip: Avoid heat spikes by flash curing at a further distance and waving the light back and forth.

When full-curing on thin or sensitive nails, choose the low-heat option for a gradual buildup of intensity. This is the 45-second cure button on our Alpha 2-in-1 LED Lamp and the 60-second cure button on our Beta LED Lamp.

Take a small amount of Extend Gel Novice on a plastic bag with a spatula to create any shape you’d like. Carefully place it on the nail and shape it to your desired look. Cure for 30 seconds in LED lamp. Apply Top Gelcoat on only the 3D lines and cure for 30 seconds in LED lamp.

*Pro Tip: Our Heavenly Top Gelcoat beautifully refracts light through our Extend Gel Novice for 3D nail art!