Once you’ve found the right nail salon in OKC (that’s us!), the next challenge is choosing the right service for your needs and preferences. With so many options, from traditional polish to shellac, dip powder, and various types of gel– it might feel overwhelming to decide what’s best for your nails. </span>

Two of the most popular, and often confused, services are gel polish and builder gel. Polished Nails specializes in both, and we’ve put together a clear breakdown from our expert technicians to help you decide which treatment will deliver the results you’ve been looking for at your favorite nail salon in OKC.</span>

 

Understanding Gel Polish

Gel polish is a fantastic step up from traditional nail lacquer. It’s a hybrid formula that’s painted on like regular polish but is cured under a UV or LED lamp, making it instantly dry and incredibly chip-resistant.

It’s a long-wear, flexible polish that provides vibrant color and high shine. It is ideal for clients who have relatively strong and healthy natural nails, but who want a manicure that will last 2-3 weeks without chipping or dulling.

<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Gel polish offers a thin, protective layer to the nail, but not much structural strength. It will still allow for the natural nail to flex.

To remove it, typically nails are soaked in acetone– a process that’s gentle, relatively quick, and safe when done correctly at a professional nail salon in OKC (we don’t recommend using acetone at home!).

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The Power of Builder Gel

Builder gel, also referred to as hard gel or a gel overlay, is a thicker-viscosity gel product that’s designed to add structure, protection, and strength to the natural nail.

=”font-weight: 400;”&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;It’s a thick, self-leveling gel that is used to “build” a strong layer over the natural nail or create a short extension. It can be clear or come in various neutral shades, and it’s best for clients who have weak, thin, or brittle nails that need some extra support to grow out. It’s also ideal for those who want a bit of extra length or who tend to be hard on their hands because it creates a robust protective shield to the nail.

“font-weight: 400;”>It prevents breakage and splitting by adding a durable layer over the natural nail. To remove it, builder gel is typically removed by filing down the product. Because it’s stronger and therefore more difficult to remove, we always recommend having a professional nail salon perform the removal to protect your natural nail plate.

 

<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Can a Professional Nail Salon in OKC Combine Gel and Builder Gel?

Yes! The most common and beneficial application is using builder gel as a strong, protective base layer. Then, it’s finished with a layer of traditional gel polish for color. This gives you the best of both worlds; the structural integrity of the builder gel plus the vast color selection of gel polish. </span></p>

<p>e=”font-weight: 400;”>This combination is a favorite among our clients! It allows their natural nails to grow long and strong underneath the protective coating.

 

Why Trust Polished Nails for Your Next Manicure in OKC?

Whether you choose the high-shine, long-lasting finish of gel polish, or the incredible strength and durability of builder gel (or both!), our technicians are highly trained in both application and proper removal.

>We pride ourselves on being the go-to nail salon in OKC for clients who prioritize quality and nail health. We’ll consult with you to determine which service (or combination of services) is the perfect match for your lifestyle and your nail goals.

=”font-weight: 400;”>If you’re ready for the perfect, long-lasting manicure that’s actually good for your nails, book your appointment with us today! And in the meantime, check out our shop for the latest colors and products. We hope to see you soon!