Every girl has dreamed of long nails at least once in her life. And if in the past this could only remain a dream, now in just a few tens of minutes you can “grow” beautiful nails of any shape and length. And, of course, extensions and materials for them help with this. But how to choose the highest quality products that guarantee results that will please you or your client for many weeks? It’s very simple, because we have already compiled a selection of the best products!
Since many brands present several products (or their lines) in their assortment at the same time, in this rating we will focus on all products from each brand in general. But more on that a little later, and we’ll start with the types of materials.
Extension methods and types of materials
Acrylic extensions
In the process of this extension method, acrylic powder is used, when working with which there is no need for a lamp for polymerization. The coating begins to harden in air after interacting with a special monomer. The material lends itself perfectly to distribution over the nail plate and modeling of an artificial nail. The required shape is achieved by filing.
Gel extensions
During this type of extension, a special gel is used, which requires a lamp to harden. The material is completely safe because it has a structure identical to natural nails.
Types of gels:
- Single-phase, simultaneously combining the properties of base, main and top coatings.
- Included in a two-phase system, represented, respectively, by two means: one plays the role of a base, and the other - a sculptural and finishing layer.
- Part of a three-phase system, within which 3 separate products are alternately used: base, sculptural and finishing.
- Polygel (acrygel, combigel) is an innovative material that combines the advantages of two (acrylic and gel) modeling methods. The drug is gaining popularity among hairdressers and is already ready to supplant its “colleagues in extensions.” The product is very flexible, has no specific odor and perfectly strengthens the nail plate.
It is necessary to take into account that for the procedure of nail extension and modeling it is important to choose products from the same manufacturer so that the materials are best combined with each other in composition. This, of course, has a direct impact on the result.
How to use single-phase gel for extensions using a form
The process of performing a manicure using a single-phase product:
- Perform a hygienic unedged manicure, treat the nail plate with a buff to make it slightly rough.
- Place the extension form under the edge of the nail so that it fits snugly and serves as a continuation of it.
- Use a degreaser, dehydrator and primer to improve the adhesive properties of the first layer of resin coating.
- Apply the first layer of polymer to the nail without affecting the shape. Dry this layer under the light of a special lamp for gel polish manicure.
- Apply a small amount of product to the form and use a brush to create an artificial edge of the nail of the desired shape and length. You also need to cover the nail with the product, and then dry the layer under a lamp.
- Remove the stickiness and file the nail to finally even out the edges and file off excess material. Treat the artificial nail with a degreasing agent.
- Apply the third finishing coat, dry it, remove stickiness.
Criteria for evaluating the best materials
When choosing a brand that produces the most wonderful extension materials, we paid attention to a combination of such important factors as:
- increased strength of created nails;
- durability, resistance to external damage;
- viscous and plastic consistency, as well as an average degree of viscosity;
- no pungent odor;
- no burning sensation during polymerization;
- Availability of a full range of products for extensions, including related ones;
- price: the lower, the better for the user (if you don’t think about quality).
Check out the point system that formed the basis of our rating of the best materials for nail extensions and modeling.
By quality:
- 1 point
for strength (compliance with the declared); - 1 point
for wearability; - 1 point
for optimal consistency; - 1 point
for neutral odor; - 1 point
for no burning sensation during polymerization; - 1 point
for having a full range of extension products in stock; - -1 point
for complaints from allergy sufferers.
By cost:
- 5 points
for costs up to 300 rubles; - 4 points
for a cost from 300 to 600 rubles; - 3 points
for a price from 600 to 900 rubles; - 2 points
for a price from 900 to 1,200 rubles; - 1 point
for a price over 1,200 rubles.
By popularity:
- 4 points
for more than 9,000 queries in Yandex per month; - 3 points
for 6,000-9,000 queries in Yandex per month; - 2 points
for 3,000-6,000 queries in Yandex per month; - 1 point
for less than 3,000 queries in Yandex per month.
We remind you that we are not considering individual materials (such and such a gel or such and such powder), but the brand as a whole: how good are the different (!) products of the same brand, which manufacturer produces the best products for nail extensions of any type.
When collecting information about products, we used: sites with reviews of real customers, personal sales statistics of KrasotkaPro, open data from the Yandex search engine.
Rating of the 3 best quality products for professionals, according to reviews from experts
All of the above remedies are certainly good, having their own advantages and disadvantages, of which there are much fewer. At the same time, they are more suitable for novice craftsmen and amateurs who are just mastering this exciting business. And if you already have some experience in nail art, then you can improve your skills by choosing truly professional materials.
Shellac CND gel polish
Price – 1000 rub. for 7.3 ml
Yes, the price tag for this gel is considerable, especially considering that we are talking about a volume of 7.3 ml. However, this is a completely different quality and level, which provides not only an aesthetic appearance, but also preserves the health of the nails, being removed very delicately without serious mechanical influences.
So, just apply the original product and wait a few minutes, after which the coating will turn into an easily removable powder. Other advantages include a comfortable brush and density for application and a hypoallergenic composition.
spectacular appearance of the material after application;
rich color range;
no risk of allergic reaction;
nails are not injured after removing the gel.
very high price;
fakes are often found on sale;
To avoid fragility on thinned plates, it is necessary to use a special Duraforce topcoat.
In'Garden X-Gel
Price – 260 rub. for 6 ml
Not all professional cosmetics are expensive, and gels from this manufacturer are clear proof of this. In addition, the consistency of the material and its high pigmentation allows you to use a 6-mm bottle for a long time, especially considering that the gel stays well on the nails for up to 4 weeks.
In addition, this material stands out due to its safety, and after its use you can safely count on the fact that the plate will not become thinner or delaminate. And all this at a more than reasonable price.
good consistency and composition;
long wear;
affordable price.
thick layers harden poorly even with prolonged drying;
The coating is very difficult to remove when using solvents (milling cutter only).
Final rating table of materials for nail extensions
| Material | Quality points | Points for value | Points for popularity | Total points |
| TNL | 4 | 5 | 4 | 13 |
| ruNail | 3 | 5 | 3 | 11 |
| IRISK | 4 | 4 | 2 | 10 |
| Patrisa Nail | 5 | 3 | 1 | 9 |
| IBD | 5 | 1 | 1 | 7 |
What does the table show us? What makes products of a certain brand in demand are 2 main (and unchangeable) factors: popularity among buyers and the classic price-quality ratio. Take another look at our TOP 5, draw conclusions and choose the best materials for nail extensions, but according to criteria that are important exclusively for you. And let’s add that if you have already found the ideal products for yourself, then we recommend that you rely only on your own opinion.
Professional product Giorgio Capacini
This is a unique professional nail cosmetics that is suitable both for work in the salon and for use at home.
Their gel polishes combine long-lasting coverage with ease of application. To get excellent results, you only need this product and a special ultraviolet lamp.
The palette of gel polishes from Giorgio Capacini is striking in its diversity; here you will find everything from pale pink to bright green. In total it has 60 tones. The color is applied tightly to the nails and has a glossy finish.
A bottle of varnish will be more than enough for 25-30 applications; its cost is about 500 rubles.
Calculate how much money you can save on visiting a beauty salon.
This product will be your best assistant in achieving a beautiful manicure.
What is better for nail extensions - acrylic or gel?
In answering this question, you need to know that both acrylic and gel are derivatives of a polymer (plastic) - a chemical substance. Only the process for obtaining them is slightly different. For example, under certain temperatures and pressure a jelly-like mass is produced from a polymer - this is a gel with a moderate odor. And from the same polymer, but at a different temperature and pressure, a liquid (liquid or monomer) and fine powder (powder) are obtained, which, when mixed and reacted with oxygen, form acrylic.
It is clear that both of these materials cannot be absolutely safe, because... at the source of their creation are chemicals, but, nevertheless, their level of danger is acceptable for use in the nail industry, which is confirmed by quality certification and Sanitary Regulations.
Do you want to do nail extensions with acrylic or gel? Which is better to choose? You need to build on the professionalism of the master, the shape and condition of the nails. Some masters cannot work with gel, so they will praise and encourage you to use acrylic, and vice versa. It is better to get your nails done by trusted and experienced specialists with an objective point of view, high-quality tools and materials and complied with safety precautions.
Professionals do nail extensions with acrylic or gel. They determine which is better on the spot, looking at the nail. It happens that one coating does not apply at all, then another is successfully used.
Often the gel does not fit well on a nail plate with a pronounced arch; soft, thin, emaciated, trapezoidal, wet nails (hyperhidrosis). In such cases, detachment of the material at the edges is possible. It is perfect for problem-free nails with the correct shape. There are no strict recommendations, but, as with everything, there are exceptions. Gel coating is resistant to sudden temperature changes. If the weather conditions are unfavorable, it is more profitable to get acrylic nails.
Who is suitable for acrylic nail extensions? Reviews say that for those with small nail beds, the nail is very rounded or looks bitten. The material can be used to create a variety of designs, including three-dimensional ones (3D design), in this regard it is superior to gel technology. Acrylic coating is used to model a complex, shapeless nail plate. It is almost impossible to do this with gel.
The extension time and service life of gel and acrylic are the same. Coatings are adjusted approximately once every 3-4 weeks or in case of peeling, breakage, scratches, or displacement.
Introduction to Mark Runeil products
The Runeil brand produces special products for manicure and pedicure. Their catalog contains various varnishes, gels, manicure tools, special equipment, and materials for nail design.
Among these products there are also various gel polishes. You have the opportunity to purchase both gel polish, which must be applied to the base and secured with a finish, and single-phase gel polish.
The collection of single-phase products is presented in 20 shades. The products of this brand have beautiful names, for example, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” or “My Fair Lady.”
A bottle of 15 ml of gel polish will cost you about 300 rubles. The products of this brand are highly pigmented and have excellent durability.
Blue Sky gel polish three in one
This product contains base, color and finish in one bottle. Its undeniable advantages are ease of application, practicality of use and long wearing time.
It contains no harmful acids or toxic components, so it is absolutely safe for health. Does not emit unpleasant odors when used.
It has a wide palette; among its color range you will find those colors with which you can go to the office or go sunbathing in the south.
You can also combine them when applying and, for example, do a manicure that is fashionable today - amber, in which one color softly fades into another.
The cost of such a product is about 250 rubles; you can buy it in specialized professional cosmetics stores.
