Hello, my name is Beth and I’m addicted to nail extensions. I’ve been getting acrylics and hard gel extensions non-stop for about two years so – as you can imagine – when I heard about Apres Gel-X extensions, the acrylic-alternative favoured by celebrities (dah-ling), I was itching to find out more. Luckily for you, I’m taking the liberty of passing it on – you’re welcome. Looking to get in done? Colourriot Nails in London is your place.
By Beth Ludolf
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1 What are Apres Gel-X extensions?
Apres Gel-X nails are like the lovechild of a gel mani, acrylic extensions and press-on nails. They’re applied over your entire nail bed (not just the tips, like acrylics or hard gel extensions). The extensions are clear – which means they can be used to create trends like seaglass nails – and come in different shapes and lengths.
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2 What are they made from?
Apres Gel-X nail extensions are made from the same gel that’s in polish. This means they’re a lot thinner, more malleable and – best of all – more natural-looking than traditional extensions.
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3 How are they applied?
First, your nail is prepped with a primer. The extension is then applied with a layer of clear gel polish, which is cured under an LED lamp to bond it to the natural nail. Once applied, they can be painted just like a normal mani. The whole process takes around an hour and a half.
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4 How long do they last?
Apres Gel-X extensions “grow out” over the course of about 3-4 weeks. While acrylic extensions have a similar lifespan, the regrowth is much less noticeable with Apres Gel because they’re thinner and don’t lift at the edges.
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5 How are they removed?
Proper removal is important to make sure your natural nail doesn’t get damaged. Apres Gel-X nails are made from gel, so are removed just like a gel manicure – the top layer is broken with an electric file before being soaked off with acetone.
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6 Are they safe?
While all nail enhancements have a risk of damaging the natural nail – especially if they’re not properly removed – Apres Gel-X nails don’t involve the harsh chemicals that acrylics do and are healthier for your nails.
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