FAQ
Sculpted length, bold shapes, and three to four weeks of wear, hand-built in Epsom, Newmarket, and Takapuna.
What is Builder Gel?
Builder gel is a basecoat that’s thicker than a regular polish base coat. Builder gel is stronger and will be less prone to breaking, meaning that it will be easier to grow your nails. The self-levelling properties of builder gel creates a smooth foundation and protects your natural nails from damage.
Benefits of Builder Gel
The key reason to use builder gel is to protect and grow your natural nails. While builder gel is applied, your natural nails underneath can grow freely. If your nails are thin and damaged from frequent manicures, builder gel will give your nails the time to heal and recover it’s lost thickness.
Choosing a service
Which nail service is right for me?
It depends on your goal. Want your natural nails stronger with colour that lasts? Builder gel is our go-to, and where most clients start. After added length? Gel-X gives the most natural, lightweight finish, while polygel adds extra durability. Not sure which suits you? Tell us when you book and we'll match you on the day.
What's the difference between gel polish, builder gel, polygel and Gel-X?
Gel polish is colour with a high-shine finish, lasting two to three weeks. Builder gel adds a strong, flexible layer over your natural nails, holding three to four weeks. Polygel builds longer, sturdy extensions. Gel-X uses pre-shaped tips for lightweight, natural-looking length. All four cure under a lamp and soak off cleanly.
My natural nails are weak or keep breaking. What do you recommend?
For weak or damaged nails, we typically recommend builder gel. It adds a strong, flexible layer that protects weak or splitting nails while your own grow underneath. Clients who arrive with nails that keep snapping leave with length they can finally keep. It's gentle to apply and soaks off with less chance of damaging the nail. Builder gel can also be infilled, meaning that the set doesn’t have to be completely removed every time you get a manicure. Please ask us which service is best for your nail health if you are unsure.
Which service will cause the least amount of damage to my natural nails?
Please note that all services will cause some damage to your nails. We work with you to minimise the damage as much as possible.
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We recommend builder gel for weak or damaged nails, but please note that builder gel itself does not repair your nails. Builder gel adds a thick protective layer on top of your natural nail which makes it less prone to damage. Please ask us which service is best for your nail health if you are unsure.
I want longer nails or extensions. What are my options?
Two good options. Gel-X is our pick for most: pre-shaped soft-gel tips that feel light, look natural and stay kind to your nails, even thin or short ones. Want extra strength for daily wear? Polygel builds tougher, longer extensions. Both last three to four weeks with an infill. Bring your length and shape ideas to your booking.
Acrylics and SNS
Why don't you offer acrylics or SNS?
We've moved to newer gel systems because they do more for your nails. Builder gel, polygel and Gel-X give you the same strength and length as acrylics or SNS, with a lighter feel, no harsh filing, no strong smell and gentler removal. Better results, kinder to your natural nails. That's why we've chosen to specialise in them.
I usually get acrylics. What should I switch to?
Most acrylic regulars switch to Gel-X. You keep the length and shape you're used to, but lighter and more natural, without the bulky, powdery feel. If you're hard on your hands, polygel gives you extra strength. Both are gentler to apply and remove than acrylic, even on thin nails. Tell us at your booking and we'll guide the switch.
Longevity, infills and removal
How long does each type of gel last?
With good aftercare, gel polish holds around two weeks, while builder gel, polygel and Gel-X last around three weeks, depending on the condition of the nail. Plenty of clients get more: builder gel still looking fresh at week three is normal, and some report polygel going strong at a month. How you treat your hands makes the difference.
How often will I need an infill?
Every three to four weeks for builder gel and polygel, and around every three for Gel-X. An infill refreshes your colour and shape and keeps everything strong, so you stay looking sharp without starting from scratch. We'll suggest a rhythm that suits your nails, and you can book your next infill before you leave.
How is gel removed, and will it damage my natural nails?
Gently. We soak the gel off with acetone. Done properly, removal leaves your natural nails intact, which is exactly why clients with thin or sensitive nails do so well with our gels. Always have removal done by a technician, since picking gel off at home is what causes damage.
Can I keep my nails maintained without removing them every time?
Yes, and that's the advantage of builder gel and polygel. We infill every few weeks with fresh colour and shape, building on what's already there rather than stripping it all back. Your natural nails get a break from constant removal and grow stronger underneath. Just rebook within three to four weeks to keep the cycle going.
