While many clients love their acrylic nails, builder gels are an option that clients want more. They help nail techs add length, thickness, or strength to your natural nails. So what is builder gel and does it last longer than your average polish?

What is Builder Gel?

Builder gel is a type of nail polish that you apply to natural nails or to extensions formed with nail tips. There are plenty of reasons why it’s becoming so popular with nail tech and their clients:

  • You can use it to build nails of any shape and length;
  • If you have weak and brittle natural nails, it can strengthen them and help them grow;
  • Builder gel can be used to reconstruct broken or bitten nails;
  • It’s stronger than your average gel polish base coat. Its thicker consistency and self-levelling properties mean you get a smooth finish too.

How Long Should Builder Gel Last?

A well-applied manicure should last 2-3 weeks. However, this does depend on the brand you use and how well you apply it. As always, for good results, you should follow the instructions properly. Once the builder gel grows out, you can infill it as you would with a set of acrylics.

How Do I Use Builder Gel?

On Natural Nails

Apply the builder gel and build it up to the thickness and shape you want. Cure it under a UV/LED lamp between coats.

On Extensions

Apply the nail tip or form, then apply the gel to create the desired length. 

How to Apply Builder Gel

Applying builder gel is super easy, just follow these steps:

  • Make sure the nails are clean, then buff and file them. Push cuticles back and tidy them up if necessary. Give the nail a wipe with a lint-free wipe and acetone to remove any oils;
  • Apply the builder gel. With builder in a bottle gel, paint it straight on. If your gel is in a pot, use a nail brush to apply it. Be sure to cover the free edge of the nail and steer clear of the cuticle. It is self-levelling which means if you allow it to settle, it usually evens out;
  • Cure the first coat under a UV/LED lamp;
  • Apply a second coat if needed and cure it;
  • Wipe the nail with a lint-free wipe;
  • File the nail again to make sure it’s even;
  • If you want to add colour or a top coat, now is the time to do it. Cure the colour or top coat.
  • Add a few drops of cuticle oil and you’re good to go!

Is It Better for My Nails than Acrylics?

Acrylics sometimes get a bad press for being damaging to nails. However, when it comes to really soft nails, acrylics can actually protect them. When acrylic nails are applied properly, looked after, and removed carefully, they aren’t bad for your nails. Having said that, builder gel is flexible and so it’s less likely to cause any breakages. It’s also the better choice if you’re trying to strengthen and grow weak or brittle natural nails.

Is Builder Gel Better Than Gel Polish?

Regular gel polishes have a thinner consistency than builder gel. Gel polishes protect the nail, but they aren’t as tough and durable.

Introducing Inveray Builder

If your clients want healthier, longer, and stronger nails, builder gel might just be the way to achieve it. There are plenty of options in our range depending on the result you want.

Want to enhance your natural nails and make them look chic?

Try our Clear or Natural colours. Lengthen and strengthen clients’ nails and helps to even out imperfections with this miracle in a pot. The gel is flexible, it won’t crack or break, and it’s free from nasties like parabens and formaldehyde.

Want a builder gel that strengthens and adds colour?

Try our different coloured options. Available in silver, gold, white, and pink so you can achieve a flawless manicure in fewer steps. Making appointment time quicker, meaning you can increase how many clients you can see in a day!

Want a super easy application?

Try our Builder in a Bottle which comes in clear or pink. You can apply these just like regular nail polish and cure them between coats.

Builder gel is the perfect choice for anyone who wants healthier and stronger natural nails. Whether you’re a nail biter or they’re just brittle, you can get that dream manicure without sacrificing your nail health. For more interesting articles on all things nail care and the latest products, check out the rest of our blog.