Your Nail Enhancements Guide 💅 From Gel to Acrylic and Beyond
Which nail system is right for you?
Our glossary breaks it down, from Gel-X to structured manicures and overlays; so you can feel confident, informed, and in control of your self-care. Whether you're new to nails or a seasoned guest, we’re here to make everything crystal clear.
💅 Gel Polish
What It Is: A soakable gel applied like traditional polish and cured under UV/LED light. Offers a glossy finish and lasts 2–3 weeks.
Why We Love It: Lightweight and natural-looking—perfect for effortless shine that lasts.
Great For: Guests who want a clean, low-maintenance manicure.
🔗 See how gel compares to dip →
💅 Structured Gel
What It Is: A soakable builder gel layered to strengthen and shape the natural nail. Adds invisible structure without tips.
Why We Love It: It's like an invisible suit of armor—ideal for recovery or long-term wear.
Great For: Guests with soft, bendy, or brittle nails.
🔗 Explore the beauty of structured gel →
💅 Hard Gel
What It Is: A strong, sculptable gel cured under UV/LED light. Not soakable—must be filed off. Perfect for long nails and custom shapes.
Why We Love It: Offers sculpted elegance with lasting power and a natural feel.
Great For: Guests who want sleek, durable enhancements with custom shape options.
🔗 Compare gel nails to acrylic nails →
💅 Acrylic
What It Is: A classic system combining monomer and powder that hardens in air. No lamp required. Removed by filing and soaking.
Why We Love It: Iconic, strong, and customizable—it’s a salon staple for a reason.
Great For: Guests who love bold length, dramatic shape, or long-term wear.
🔗 Discover all the ins and outs of acrylic →
💅 Dipping Powder
What It Is: A UV-free system using resin and pigmented powder for long-lasting strength and color.
Why We Love It: Bold, vibrant, and built to last—no lamp required.
Great For: Guests who want vibrant color with extra durability.
🔗 Dive into the world of dipping powder →
💅 Gel-X
What It Is: A soakable soft gel extension system using pre-shaped tips adhered with gel. Cured under UV/LED.
Why We Love It: Fast, flawless, and gentle on natural nails.
Great For: Guests who want instant length without long-term commitment.
🔗 See if Gel-X is right for you →
💅 Builder Gels & BIAB
What It Is: Builder gels—including BIAB (Builder in a Bottle)—are thick, sculptable gels used to reinforce or shape the natural nail. BIAB is simply a soak-off builder gel packaged in a polish-style bottle. Both add structure and strength with a natural feel.
Why We Love It: Whether applied from a pot or bottle, builder gels offer durable support and sleek finishes without bulk.
Great For: Guests wanting gentle structure, natural overlays, or light sculpting.
🔗 Learn more about hard vs soft gels →
💅 Overlay
What It Is: A strengthening layer of acrylic or gel applied directly to the natural nail—no tips or extensions.
Why We Love It: It levels up your natural nails with a polished, reinforced finish.
Great For: Guests who want durability without added length.
🔗 See how overlays differ from dip →
💅 Fills, Full Sets & Maintenance
What It Is: A fill adds product to the regrowth area, typically every 2–3 weeks. A full set is a complete application of a new system or shape, often after removal.
Why We Love It: Regular maintenance keeps enhancements secure, balanced, and beautiful.
Great For: Guests maintaining acrylic, structured gel, or hard gel systems.
🔗 Book your refill or full set with confidence →
💅 Safe Product Removal
What It Is: Soak-off removal is for soft gels, dip, and Gel-X. Hard gel and acrylic must be carefully filed. We tailor the process to each product and your natural nail health.
Why We Love It: Protects your nails during transitions and prevents unnecessary damage.
Great For: Guests switching styles or resetting their nails.
🔗 How to care for your nails after removal →
💅 Short Nails, Long Wear
What It Is: Structured gel, builder gel, and overlays work beautifully on short nails—adding strength and polish without length.
Why We Love It: Short nails can still be strong, stylish, and long-lasting.
Great For: Guests with hands-on jobs, post-damage recovery, or short nail goals.
🔗 Explore enhancement options for short nails →
💅 Instant vs. Sculpted Extensions
What It Is: Instant extensions (Gel-X) use pre-formed tips. Sculpted enhancements (acrylic or hard gel) are built by hand for full customization.
Why We Love It: Let’s you choose between quick results and tailored artistry.
Great For: Guests exploring speed vs. sculpting.
🔗 See which extension method fits your style →
💅 Choosing the Right System
What It Is: We look at your lifestyle, nail type, and goals to recommend the best-fitting enhancement—so you never have to guess.
Why We Love It: It makes every decision easier and ensures long-term nail success.
Great For: First-timers or guests switching services.
🔗 Let us match you to the right system →
Let one of our specialists guide you. We’ll assess your nail health, lifestyle, and goals—and recommend the perfect fit for you.
