Soft Builder Gels vs Hard Builder Gels

When it comes to gels there are 3 types of builder gels. I'm going to talk about what they are and why they are very different to each other.

I received a comment stating that if it's a "builder gel" then it automatically goes into a Hard Gel category. This topic can get a bit confusing, especially with all the opinions floating around out there. So, let's break it down and make sense of it all together. And I get it; the terminology can be confusing. But let's clear up this misconception.

Back in the day, when gels first started trending, it was a pretty exciting time. I remember when CND launched their Shellac gel polish, and OPI soon followed suit. Suddenly, gels were everywhere, and they were a game-changer for nail techs and clients. Before that, it was all about acrylics, which had their own set of challenges.

When it comes to builder gels, there are three main types: soft builder gels, hard builder gels, and gel polish (also a soft gel). They each have their own unique properties and uses, making them suitable for different purposes. Today I'm going to talk about soft and hard builder gels.

Hard builder gels are known for their strength and longevity. They can be sculpted and shaped to create beautiful long-lasting nail enhancements. One main feature of hard builder gels is that they require filing off for removal. This can be a bit time-consuming and requires some skill to avoid damaging the natural nail. Hard builder gels are more flexible than acrylic so if you need that strength like acrylic with flexibility than I would choose Hard Builder Gels.

Brands I like that offer hard builder gels are Ugly Duckling, Light Elegance and IBD. If you are looking into hard builder gels and you're not quite sure where to start than I recommend IBD. They are very friendly to new techs who are starting with gels. IBD is still one of my favorites and my go to when I offer hard gels to clients. If you are more advanced in gels than you can't go wrong with either Ugly Duckling or Light Elegance.

Next up, we have soft builder gels. Compared to hard builder gels they offer a different set of benefits. Soft builder gels are even more flexible, which makes them a great option for clients who prefer a more natural feel to their nails. They provide excellent strength but with a bit of give, which can be more comfortable for everyday wear.

Soft builder gels are also soak-off gels, meaning they can be removed with acetone. This makes the removal process easier and gentler on the natural nails. Soft builder gels are usually used to reinforce the natural nail, providing a bit of added strength and support.

So, why do people get so hung up on the terminology? Well, it’s easy to see why someone might think all builder gels are hard gels, especially if they've been around since the early days of gel nails. But the industry has evolved, and so have the products.

Having the word Builder just means that you can build the gels for nail enhancement. So hard builder gels and soft builder gels serve different purposes and cater to different needs. If you haven't read about the Builder in a Bottle I highly recommend it because it's all about soft builder gels. It’s important to understand these differences so you can choose the right product for your clients or yourself. Flexibility, strength, ease of removal—these are all factors to consider when deciding between soft and hard builder gels.

I’ve worked with all these types of gels over the years, and each has its place in my toolkit. Gels do have a bit of a learning curve, but the results are worth it.

In the end, the differences in soft builder gels and hard builder gels comes down to being soakable or not and the flexibility of these products. Both have their own set of advantages and can create beautiful, strong, and long-lasting nails. Understanding the differences helps you make informed decisions and achieve the best result.

So next time someone tells you that all builder gels are hard gels, you can smile and share a bit of what you’ve learned. The world of nails is always evolving, and staying informed helps us all create the best nails possible. Happy gelling!