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Gel nails or gel polish: which one should you choose?

It is the question we hear most often at the salon. Both are applied with a brush and cured under a UV lamp, but they do different jobs: gel polish colours your natural nail, while gel nails build or lengthen the nail. Here is how to choose.

Gel polish: colour that lasts 3 weeks

Gel polish (semi-permanent polish in France) is a thick polish applied in thin coats on your natural nail, with no added material. Application takes 30 to 45 minutes and the result stays glossy and chip-free for around three weeks. It is then removed at the salon (gentle filing or a suitable remover) before a new set.

Who is it for? Anyone with healthy natural nails who wants a clean, long-lasting colour on hands or feet without changing the length or shape of the nail.

Gel nails: to lengthen, strengthen or repair

Hard gel is a material sculpted onto the nail, either on its own (an overlay) or over a form or tip to add length. The shape is then filed (almond, square, coffin…) and colour is applied, often gel polish. A full set takes 1 h 15 to 1 h 30 and is filled every 3 to 4 weeks as the nail grows.

Who is it for? Anyone with short, brittle or bitten nails, anyone who wants a specific length or shape, and for 3D nail art. At Kim Nails, extensions are done in gel or acrylic: we explain the difference in Acrylic, gel or tips.

At a glance

• Purpose: gel polish = colour; gel nails = length, shape, strength.
• Appointment time: 30 to 45 min versus 1 h 15 to 1 h 30.
• Wear: about 3 weeks for gel polish; gel nails are filled every 3 to 4 weeks.
• Prices: gel polish on hands from €23 depending on the salon; a full set of gel or acrylic extensions from €45.
• Removal: from €10 for gel polish, €15 for gel or acrylic.
• Natural nail: both are removed at the salon without damage, as long as you never peel them off yourself.

What about BIAB, or builder gel?

In between the two sits builder gel (BIAB, “builder in a bottle”): a thin layer of gel on the natural nail, with no extra length, to protect it and help it grow. It is the right choice when your nails split or break before reaching the length you want. Ask your nail technician when booking.

Still unsure? Come in with bare nails: at the salon we look at their condition and advise you in two minutes. Full prices are on our Services page; see also gel polish in Paris 16th and gel nails in Paris 17th.