Best Nail Extensions near me in Preston, Raleigh

Gel extensions are nail extensions created when the hard or semi-hard gel is sculpted, cured, and then shaped to lengthen the appearance of your nail.

Gel nails are considered to be healthier than acrylic extensions, but acrylics are better if you want super-long nails. Gel polish comes in a pot and looks like honey; acrylic comes as a powder. Gel nail extensions cure under a UV lamp and give a more natural, glossier finish than acrylics. Acrylics start to cure as soon as they’re exposed to air. Some technicians ‘build’ up gel nail extensions by applying extension forms (stickers) and gel to your natural nails; others secure a pre-shaped nail tip to your existing nail using gel. Acrylic extensions can also be built up on top of forms, or on a pre-shaped plastic nail tip that’s then fixed to your nail.

Gel nail extensions last for 2-3 weeks and should then be removed. Acrylic nail extensions can last for 6-8 weeks, but will need fills after 2-3 weeks to hide regrowth.

Nail extensions are thought to weaken your natural nails over time, although more research is needed to evidence the true effects.

It’s down to personal preference. Acrylic nail extensions are considered the best option if you want to go for extreme nail length. Gels are more natural looking and are considered a healthier alternative to acrylic extensions because the chemicals involved aren’t as harsh.

If applied and removed correctly, gel nail extensions are considered the least harmful type of nail extension.