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TOTALLY POLISHED'S
BEAUTY BLOG
The difference in gel polish, builder gel and hard gel
When booking a nail appointment, you may have noticed different options available: Gel Polish, Builder Gel, and Hard Gel. But what exactly is the difference, and which one is best for your nails and lifestyle? If you're feeling unsure, don't worry—we’ve got you covered! This guide will break it all down in simple, easy-to-understand terms so you can choose the perfect treatment for you.
Gel Polish - The Classic Choice
Gel Polish is the thinnest consistency of the three options and is applied just like traditional nail polish. However, instead of air drying, it is cured under a UV or LED lamp, meaning no waiting around for your nails to dry—they’re set and ready to go by the time you leave the salon!
Best for:
✔️ Clients with strong, healthy natural nails
✔️ One-off occasions like holidays or special events
✔️ Those who want easy removal
Durability & Maintenance:
Gel polish typically lasts 2-3 weeks before it needs removing via a soak-off process. At this point, you can either leave your nails natural or reapply gel polish for a fresh manicure.
Builder Gel - The Nail Strengthener
Builder Gel is the latest must-have in the nail world! Unfortunately, due to a lack of education around this product, many clients have experienced poor applications elsewhere, leading to thick, bulky, and bumpy nails. But rest assured—we are Builder Gel specialists at Totally Polished, and salon owner Ffion teaches correct application techniques to nail techs across the industry!
Builder Gel has a thicker consistency than gel polish and is often available in natural pink shades that can be matched to your nail colour. Alternatively, you can apply a block colour over the top. Unlike gel polish, Builder Gel is self-levelling, meaning we meticulously apply and sculpt it onto the nail in small sections (1-2 nails at a time) to prevent it from flooding the cuticle or sidewalls.
One key aspect of Builder Gel is the apex—this is a slight curve in the centre of the nail that adds strength and durability to help your natural nails grow without breaking. The apex supports the natural weak spot in your nail, making Builder Gel perfect for clients looking to grow their nails long and strong.
Best for:
✔️ Nail biters looking to start a nail growth journey
✔️ Clients with weaker nails that need extra protection
✔️ Those who want a longer-lasting manicure with added strength
Durability & Maintenance:
Maintenance appointments are recommended every 3-4 weeks. Leaving it longer can compromise the health of your natural nail, as the builder gel moves down with nail growth, leaving the regrowth area unsupported.
Hard Gel - The Ultimate Strength
Hard Gel is the latest addition to Totally Polished and is the strongest option of the three. Unlike Gel Polish and Builder Gel, which can be soaked off, Hard Gel must be filed off. This is why, when you come in for an appointment, we call it a rebalance—because we are restructuring and balancing the hard gel across your natural nail rather than fully removing it.
Hard Gel is applied in a similar method to Builder Gel, where we create an apex for strength, but it sets harder. This means it's ideal for those who need extra durability in their manicure.
Best for:
✔️ Clients who find Builder Gel isn’t strong enough
✔️ Those with a very hands-on job or lifestyle
✔️ Anyone looking for extra strength and durability
Durability & Maintenance:
Appointments are recommended every 2-4 weeks, depending on your nail growth and health.
One of the key benefits of Hard Gel is that it allows us to create extensions! If you need an instant nail transformation for a special occasion or want to add length to your natural nails, Hard Gel Extensions are now available at Totally Polished.
However, Hard Gel is best suited for clients who are committed to regular maintenance. If you want something you can remove easily, Gel Polish or Builder Gel would be a better choice.
Hopefully, this blog has helped clear up any confusion about the different nail services we offer at Totally Polished and why each one is unique.
If you’re still unsure about which treatment is best for your nails and lifestyle, just ask! We love educating our clients and are always happy to offer advice. Feel free to send us a DM or speak to your therapist at your next appointment—we’re total nail geeks, and we love sharing our knowledge!