Gel extension with gelly nail tips is one of the most popular and loved ways to get longer and stronger nails nowadays. Although every length and shape gives us tons of possibilities in the nail department, sometimes the goal is just to add long, durable tips to the end of each nail or even to provide more room for nail art and polish in general. That's when they come in handy.
Gel nail extension is a process that involves hard gel built on a natural nail and cured with UV light. The manicurist uses a nail tip, which is a sticker that goes under the free edge (the tip) of the nail, to extend the length of the nail.
Therefore, today this article will focus on one type of nail tips- gelly nail tips. We will also make a comparison between gelly nail tips and Acrylic nail tips.
Introduction to Gelly Nail Tips
The nail tips are simply elongated artificial nails that are placed on the tips of the natural nails. Since this nail extension is placed right above the tip of the natural nails therefore it is known as a tip.
Generally, the tips are white, whereas the rest of the nail is painted transparent or any other color. Nail tips give a chic and classy look to the usual hand.
And gelly nail tips are one type of nail tips.
Gelly nail tips are clear extensions that are applied over the entire nail bed. These extensions are made from the same materials found in standard gel polishes, including molecules known as photoinitiators. Photoinitiators are a compound responsible for absorbing UV lights to cure and harden gel polishes.
Gelly nail tips are clear soft gel nail tips that have been pre-made and come in a variety of sizes, lengths, and shapes.
They are basically hard fingernails made from gel that is designed to cover the whole nail just like a press-on.
The only difference is that you use builder gel and a UV or an LED nail lamp to fix them to your nails rather than nail glue
Gelly nail tips cover the whole of the nail from the cuticle to the free edge and also extend the overall length of your nails.
Gelly nail tip trends
· Ombre Nails
· Sea Glass Nails
· Shimmer Nails
How Do You Do Gelly Nail Tips?
Gelly nail tips are super easy to do!
Here are the steps to follow for perfect gelly tip nails:
·The first thing you're going to want to do is to size up the gelly tips against your natural nails. Choose the closest fit for the widest part of each nail.
· Next, nail prep. Push back and or remove cuticles.
·File the surface of the nail plate gently then remove any dust using a lint-free wipe soaked in rubbing alcohol.
·Apply a nail dehydrator to remove oils and moisture from the nail
·Use 1 coat of nail primer to help the gel to stick better
·Using an e-file, gently remove the shine from the inside of the Gelly tip at the bottom. Basically, you want to file only the part that will sit against your natural nail. This helps the gelly nails to stick for longer
·Apply a thin layer of builder gel to your natural nail.
·Cure for 30 seconds under a nail lamp.
·Apply a thin layer of builder gel to the inside of the nail tip. Only cover the part that will come into contact with your natural nail.
·Gently apply the tip to your nail starting at the bottom close to the cuticle and lay it down.
·Press gently and hold for a few seconds to remove any air bubbles.
·Hold the gelly tip in place and cure for 10 seconds.
·Cure without holding the tip for another 30 seconds.
·Once the nails are secured - remove the shine from them using a 180 grit hand file (you could also do this before you apply the tips if you prefer).
·Apply 2 coats of gel polish, curing each one for 30-60 seconds.
· Put on a gel top coat and cure for at least 60 seconds.
To be removed, your gelly nail extensions will need to be soaked off in acetone.
How Do You Remove Gelly Nail Tips?
Removing your Gelly Tips is quick, easy, and painless! Simply follow these steps:
1. Trim down the nail as much as possible with a nail cutter.
2. Remove the shiny layer from the Gelly Tips with a nail file or e-file.
3. Soak a cotton ball in acetone and place it directly on the nail.
4. Wrap your fingers in foil and allow 10-15 minutes for the product to dissolve.
5. Remove the excess product from the nail bed, wash your hands and moisturize.
How to Do a Fill on Gelly Nail Tips?
Filling your Gelly tips is super easy and one of the many reasons why we LOVE the Gelly Tips system. You can fill your Gelly Tips by following these steps:
1. Lightly file your Gelly Tips and your new nail growth then apply Prep and Primer to the natural nail growth.
2. Fill the growth with Builder Gel, building up the nail in thin layers and curing after each one. Pay extra attention to the cuticle area and drag the excess product to the end of your tip.
3. Cure, and then voila! Your Gelly Tips manicure is filled!
4. Finish off with a new coat of your favorite lacquer or gel polish!
Gelly Nail Tips VS Regular Nail Tips
Here are a few key differences between gelly tips and normal ones.
The main difference is that regular nail tips are made from (ABS) plastic and gelly tips are made from soft gel.
Gelly tips and regular ones are also applied differently
You use builder gel for soft gel tips instead of glue which is much better for your nails.
A soft gel manicure can also be applied close to the cuticle (even under the proximal nail fold.
Whereas plastic tips should be placed 2mm away from the cuticle.
Plastic tips also tend to be flatter while soft gel tips have curves designed to wrap the nail better.
This curvature can sometimes be a problem though and you may need to "fill it in" with more gel if the curves are too deep.
The final difference is that gelly tips need to be roughed up at the back on the inside to help them stick.
This is an extra job that you don't have to do with plastic press-on type nails
Are Gelly Nail Tips Better than Acrylic?
As nail artist and gel extension specialist Brittney Boyce says, it's important to understand that the difference between gelly nail tips and acrylic nails comes down to the polymerization process, ease of removal, and the nail's density.
Appearance & Durability
One of the primary factors for choosing gelly nail tips over acrylic is the appearance. Gelly nail tips tend to have a more natural and glossy appearance as compared to acrylic. On the other hand, acrylic nails are very sturdy. If applied correctly and with proper care, may last much longer than gelly nail tips.
Differences in Application
Acrylic nails are attached to the nails and their manicure technique involves the application of primer or glue-like substance initially on the nails. Then an artificial acrylic nail is put on top of the existing nail. The curing time is generally slower as compared to gel nails. If properly applied with the correct quantity, primers (with or without methacrylic acid) do not etch or damage the nail bed. However, skin contact needs to be avoided to reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
Most gelly nail tips are cured under UV-light; some are cured with a gel activator and do not require UV-light (no-light gels). Gelly nail tips can be applied with or without a base or primer. (CND GEL uses a non-acid primer to bond the gel to the nail). If primer is applied correctly, it does not damage the nail bed.
Removal Process
Both acrylic and gelly nail tips frequently require professional help for better results. Nail tips can also be soaked rather than filed off, which is a fairly popular technique these days.
Cost
Acrylic nails are generally cheaper than gelly nail tips.
Comfort
Most people do not like acrylic nails because of the uneasiness that follows the cuticle. Gelly nail tips, on the other hand, are just like a gel and take their shape themselves and hence are very easy on the hands.
Flexibility
Acrylic nails are hard and also look thicker than gel nails. Any stress applied to acrylic nails can hurt the original nail. Gelly nail tips are flexible and not hard on the touch.
How Long Do Gelly Nail Tips Last?
The biggest pro of gelly nail tips is how long they last. "Gel manicures could last up to two weeks with proper nail prep and at-home care, such as cuticle oil and hand lotion," says Duguay-Gordon. But if you're careful, they can last up to four weeks.
If you have a bunch of events coming up back to back like prom, internship interviews, and family vacays, gels can be the perfect solution.
Are Gel Extensions with Gelly Nail Tips Safe?
Most nail enhancements raise the question of safety — and this technique is no different. Edwards explains that any enhancement made to the nail comes with risks, especially if a faulty application or improper removal is involved. "Whenever you put anything on your nail you risk harming its firmness," she says. Like any beauty enhancement — from lash extensions to bleaching your hair — finding a seasoned professional with great reviews is key. If you can't, investing in the right equipment and following instructions is critical to not ruining your nails at home. Then there's the importance of moderation: Take gel breaks to let your nails rest and grow and always follow your trusted nail professional's advice.
Conclusion
Nowadays, using gelly nail tips or acrylics to decorate normal nails has become a trend and a style statement.
It has become a fashion trend to style and match the nails with the outfits on some special occasions or every week or monthly basis.
Because nail tips are a really fun option for achieving unique and trendy new nail looks without having such an extreme impact on the nails below. You have different style and shape options to pick from based on your lifestyle and personal preferences.
And from my perspective, Gelly nail tips are the perfect blend between traditional gel and acrylic nails. Before starting your next manicure, consider how gelly tips are different from acrylic nail enhancements. If you prefer the look of natural nails but also desire the customization of acrylic manicures, then gelly nail tips are the best option for you.