In the world of nail enhancements, there are products that seem similar, but actually work very differently. Builder Gel, Jelly Gel, and Acrygel are three materials that are often confused, especially by beginners or those transitioning to more advanced techniques. Understanding the differences between these products helps you choose the one best suited to your client's needs, your working style, and the final result you want to achieve.
Builder Gel
Builder Gel is the classic builder gel, known and used for years. It comes in various viscosities, from very fluid to very thick, and allows you to create a solid and durable structure. It's popular with those who like to work slowly because it self-levels, making application more uniform.
It's perfect for:
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reconstructions with map
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regular refills
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strengthening of the natural nail
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those who prefer a product that is easily shaped and corrected with ease
It requires a good technical foundation, especially to correctly manage the apex and cure times. It's a material that's forgiving of small errors, but requires precision in nail preparation.
Jelly-Gel
Jelly-Gel is a builder gel with a compact consistency, often described as "gelatinous." Its main characteristic is that it is a thixotropic product. This means that when left untouched, the material remains dense and stable, while when worked with a brush, it becomes softer and easier to shape. This property prevents the product from dripping and stays exactly where you apply it, while also allowing you to distribute it precisely as you apply it.
It's an ideal choice for those working in warm environments, where more fluid gels tend to move, and for those who need a high level of control, especially on difficult or very curved nails. Jelly-Gel's stability allows for precise structures to be created without rushing, maintaining its shape until cured.
It's perfect for:
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work at high temperatures without the risk of dripping
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create clear structures on complicated nails
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those who prefer a firm product that supports slow, controlled movements
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obtain a precise shape with less risk of imperfections during application
The end result is a solid, clean structure. Since it's less self-leveling than traditional gel, it requires a little more attention to achieve a completely smooth surface, but it offers superior control and impeccable stability.
Acrygel
Acrygel is a cross between gel and acrylic. It combines the strength of acrylic with the flexibility of gel. Its consistency is very dense and compact, and it works more like acrylic, using a small amount of liquid to shape it, but it cures in a lamp like a gel.
It's perfect for:
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particularly fragile or problematic nails
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reconstructions that require a lot of resistance
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more structured extensions
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who wants a stable product that does not leak or move
It's often chosen by those seeking maximum strength and durability. It requires a slightly different technique than traditional gel, but once mastered, it offers great precision and control.
Which product to choose
The choice between Builder Gel, Jelly-Gel and Acrygel depends on three fundamental factors: the type of nail the client has, the nail technician's working style and the desired result.
Choose Builder Gel if you want a versatile, self-leveling and easy-to-control product.
Choose Jelly-Gel if you work best with non-rubbing materials and need extra precision.
Choose Acrygel if you want strength, stability and maximum durability, especially for difficult nails or major reconstructions.
Understanding these differences allows you to work more confidently, reduce time, improve the quality of service, and guarantee more lasting results for your clients.