A nail extension is typically done by applying a gel or acrylic substance to lengthen and reshape the natural nail, providing a longer and often more durable alternative to natural nails. This process generally involves preparation, application, shaping, and finishing.
Here's a breakdown of the steps involved, focusing on hard gel extensions:
1. Preparation is Key:
- Clean and Prep the Natural Nail: The technician begins by sanitizing your hands and prepping your natural nails. This involves pushing back the cuticles, gently buffing the nail surface to remove shine (creating a better surface for adhesion), and dehydrating the nail plate to remove oils and moisture. This step is crucial for preventing lifting and ensuring the extension lasts.
- Apply a Nail Primer: A primer is applied to the natural nail plate. This improves adhesion of the gel to the natural nail.
2. Applying the Gel Extension:
- Choose Your Method: Hard gel can be applied in a few ways:
- Using Forms: A nail form (usually paper or plastic) is attached to the natural nail edge, extending beyond it. This form acts as a guide for sculpting the gel.
- Using Tips: A pre-shaped plastic nail tip is glued onto the natural nail. This offers a faster application for length. The tip is then blended with the natural nail.
- Apply the Gel: Using a brush, the hard gel is carefully applied to the nail, either directly onto the form or over the applied tip. The technician builds the extension to the desired length and shape. Multiple layers of gel may be applied.
- Cure the Gel: After each layer of gel is applied, the hand is placed under a UV or LED lamp. The light hardens (cures) the gel, making it strong and durable. Curing times vary depending on the specific gel and lamp being used.
3. Shaping and Refining:
- Remove the Form (if used): If forms were used, they are carefully removed after the gel has cured sufficiently.
- Shape and Refine: The technician uses a nail file and/or an electric file (e-file) to refine the shape of the extension. This step ensures that the nails are smooth, even, and have the desired shape (e.g., square, oval, almond).
- Buff the Surface: The surface of the extension is buffed to create a smooth, even surface for the final coat.
4. Finishing Touches:
- Apply Gel Top Coat: A final layer of gel top coat is applied to seal the extension and add shine.
- Cure the Top Coat: The top coat is cured under the UV or LED lamp.
- Cleanse and Hydrate: After curing, the nails are cleansed to remove any sticky residue (inhibition layer). Cuticle oil is then applied to hydrate the cuticles.
Key Considerations:
- Skill and Experience: Applying nail extensions, especially hard gel, requires skill and experience. It is best to have them done by a qualified nail technician.
- Maintenance: Nail extensions require regular maintenance (fills) to fill in the gap that grows out as the natural nail grows.
- Removal: Improper removal can damage the natural nail. It is best to have them professionally removed.
