Acrylic
Strong, structured nails with the most flexibility in length and shape. Acrylic is a durable enhancement created by combining liquid monomer and acrylic powder. It can be used as an overlay on the natural nail or over tips to add length.
Best for: Clients who are hard on their hands, want longer nails, enjoy dramatic shapes, or need something strong.
Builder Gel / BIAB
Healthy-looking, structured natural nails with added strength and a softer appearance. Builder gel is a thicker gel used to strengthen and add structure to the natural nail. It can help protect nails while they grow and usually creates a thinner, more natural-looking enhancement than acrylic.
Best for: Clients who want to grow their natural nails, experience frequent bending or breaking of natural nails, or prefer a lightweight enhancement.
Hard Gel
Strong, smooth extensions with a natural, glossy appearance. Hard gel is a strong gel enhancement that can be used for overlays or extensions. Unlike soak-off builder gels, hard gel usually needs to be filed off rather than soaked completely in acetone.
Best for: Clients who want the lightweight feel of gel but need more strength or length than a traditional builder gel manicure.
Gel-X / Soft Gel Extensions
Thin, uniform extensions with a natural appearance and faster application. Gel-X uses a full-cover soft gel tip that is applied over the entire natural nail. Instead of building the extension from scratch, the shape and length are already formed.
Best for: Clients who want instant length, consistent shapes, and a lighter-feeling alternative to traditional acrylic extensions.
Polygel
Polygel is a hybrid enhancement with qualities of both acrylic and gel. Lightweight but structured nails that can be customized to the natural nail. It can be sculpted into extensions or used to reinforce areas that need additional structure.
Best for: Clients who need targeted reconstruction, repairs, or extra support without wanting a traditional acrylic enhancement.
Natural Nail Overlay
An overlay adds strengthening product over the natural nail without adding artificial length. Stronger natural nails without the appearance of extensions. Depending on the client's lifestyle, this may be done with acrylic, builder gel, or hard gel.
Best for: Clients who like their natural length but need more protection from splitting, bending, or breaking.
Which Enhancement Is Right for You?
There isn’t one enhancement that is automatically “better” than the others. The right choice depends on your natural nails, lifestyle, preferred length, maintenance habits, and desired look. Someone who works heavily with their hands may need something different from someone whose main goal is growing their natural nails.
A consultation allows your nail technician to recommend the enhancement that gives you the look you want while providing the right amount of structure and support for your lifestyle.