Gel-X nails are a type of nail extension that uses pre-shaped tips and a gel system to create long, durable, natural looking nails similar to acrylics.
Introduced in 2017 by the brand Aprés Nail, they are a gel alternative to nail extensions and are healthier than acrylics for the natural nail while also giving a similar look according to Adriana Pinon, a local nail technician who specializes in acrylics.
Acrylic nails are the most common type of nail extension and have been around since the 1950s.
Their long history, long wear and professional salon look have gained acrylics a loyal following.
“Gel-X nails are now becoming a popular alternative because they have the same durability and look as acrylics but are healthier for the natural nail bed,” said Nicole Brown, self-taught Gel-X nail artist in Tucson.
“The Aprés Gel-X system completely changes the game,” she said.
Over time, the process of applying and removing acrylics can weaken wearers’ natural nails, causing them to become weak and brittle.
If acrylics are not applied or removed properly, it can cause damage, said Pinon.
The chemicals in acrylic products, such as resin or formaldehyde, can also irritate the surrounding skin and cause dryness or damage. The constant pressure exerted on the natural nail can also cause significant nail bed damage over time.
There is also more maintenance involved with acrylic nails. They start as a powder and are turned solid with monomer. This causes them to break down easier over time. Acrylic nails need to be filled every two weeks or so, which means there is constant drilling, chemicals and pressure being put onto the nails, Pinon said.
Comparatively, Gel-X nails only require basic nail prep, primer, gel and a LED lamp to cure the nail on. They do not have to be filled as often because they are more stable than acrylics.
“They’re less damaging since frewer harsh chemicals are used on the natural nail,” Pinon said.
With Gel-X nails, a solid nail extension and semi-solid gel to adhere to the natural nail and are hardened with an LED light.
“The composition of the actual product itself determines whether it breaks down quicker or not,” Brown said.
Isabella Jackson, a client of Browns, said that she used to get acrylics but switched to Gel-X recently because of the damage she experienced with acrylics.
“My natural nail health improved so much with Gel-X compared to acrylics. With acrylics, my natural nails would peel and break and become extremely brittle,” she said.
Still, Gel-X isn’t without it’s own risks.
The LED lights used to cure polish during gel manicures have raised some concern because they emit ultraviolet radiation, similar to tanning beds, that can increase the risk of skin cancer, according to Harvard Health Publishing.
While some of the light boxes used in gel manicures are referred to as UV lamps and others as LED lamps, both types emit predominantly UVA radiation. Users can help protect their skin by wearing sunscreen on their hands or using a pair of fingerless gloves
Acrylic will probably never die out, Pinon said, not only because of their convenience, affordability and style but also because of their historic and cultural roots.
“It’s what we started with and it’s still going strong,” Pinon said.
Still, nail techs are starting to take on new skills to learn the Gel-X system and clients are making the change to the healthier alternative.
Arizona Sonoran News is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism.
