By the team at The Nail Story, Bawadiya Kalan, Bhopal · Updated
If you have saved fifty nail pictures and still can’t tell acrylic from gel, you’re in good company. This is the question we hear most at the table. Here is the short version, then the long one.
The short answer: choose acrylic if you want strength and long, sharp shapes. Choose gel if you want a glossy, flexible, natural-looking set. Choose soft gel (Gel-X) if you want something light and quick with a full-cover tip. Choose temporary extensions if you only need them for one occasion.
| Extension | Price at The Nail Story | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylic extensions | ₹2,800 | Strength, longer and sharper shapes |
| Gel extensions | ₹2,500 | A glossy, flexible, natural look |
| Soft gel / Gel-X | ₹2,200 | Light, quick, full-cover tips |
| Temporary extensions | ₹1,500 | One event or a short spell |
| Gel overlay (natural nails) | ₹1,500 | Strength without length |
What is acrylic?
Acrylic is a mix of a powder and a liquid. Your artist picks up a small bead with the brush, places it on the nail or a form, and sculpts it before it hardens in the air. Once set, it is filed to the shape you came in for.
Acrylic is hard-wearing. If you work with your hands a lot, want a long coffin or stiletto shape, or have tried other extensions that lifted, acrylic is usually the safest bet. The trade-off is that it can feel a touch thicker than gel.
What is gel?
Gel is brushed on in layers and cured under a UV or LED lamp after each one. The result is flexible, very glossy and thinner than acrylic, which is why gel sets often look the most like your own nails, only better.
Gel suits most people who want a natural to medium length and a clean, shiny finish. It also takes chrome, cat-eye and ombré beautifully, which is handy if you like to change your art each month.
What is soft gel or Gel-X?
Soft gel tips such as Gel-X are pre-shaped tips that cover the whole nail. They are fixed on with gel and cured, then shaped and finished. Because the shape is already built into the tip, a soft gel set is light on the nail and quick to apply.
It is a good choice for a first set of extensions, or if you want an even, uniform shape across all ten nails.
What are temporary extensions?
Temporary extensions are designed for a short spell. If you need nails for a single wedding function, a shoot or a holiday and don’t want the upkeep of a full set, they are the simplest option.
And a gel overlay?
A gel overlay isn’t an extension at all. It is gel on your natural nails, adding strength and shine without length. If your own nails are a good length but bend or split, an overlay protects them while they grow.
How to choose, in three questions
- How long do you want them? For long and dramatic, lean acrylic. For natural to medium, gel or soft gel.
- How hard are you on your hands? If you type, cook, lift or garden a lot, acrylic usually copes best.
- How long do you need them for? For one event, temporary. For the season, any of the others with a refill every few weeks.
Still unsure? That’s fine. Bring a picture of the look you want, and your artist will confirm which base suits your natural nails and the shape you have in mind.
What about refills and removal?
Extensions grow out with your natural nail, so they are usually refilled every three to four weeks. Gel refilling at the studio is ₹1,700. When you are ready to take them off, book an extension removal (₹600) rather than peeling them. Peeling can lift layers of your natural nail along with the extension.
And if a nail chips after your appointment, message us and book a fix. We repair it free of charge.
Ready to choose?
See every price and real set on our nail extensions page, add a finish from the nail art menu, or try a shape and finish on the 3D nail in our try-on studio. When you know what you want, book a slot.
