Gel Nails 101: Not All Gel Is Created Equal – Here's Why Most Aestheticians Won’t Remove Another Salon’s Work

Gel Nails 101: Not All Gel Is Created Equal – Here's Why Most Aestheticians Won’t Remove Another Salon’s Work If you’ve ever gone to an aesthetician with gel nails and been turned away for a removal, you might wonder, “What’s the big deal?” After all, gel is gel, right? Well, not quite. The world of gel nails is much more complex than it seems, with a wide variety of products that fall under the “gel” label—each with different applications, maintenance, and removal techniques. In this blog, we’ll break down why not all gel nails are the same, why many aestheticians prefer not to touch another salon’s work, and what you should know before booking your next gel nail appointment. It’s common for clients to refer to any enhancement as “gel,” but not all nail products labeled as gel are created equal. Let’s dive into the four most common types of nail enhancements and what sets them apart: Hard gel is a durable, non-porous gel that can only be removed by filing it off. It’s often used for extensions or for building strength and length on natural nails. While hard gel provides a strong and lasting finish, improper removal can damage your natural nails if not done by a professional. Since hard gel doesn’t soak off like other gels, it requires specialized training and a keen understanding of the product’s chemistry. Not all Aestheticians have the equipment on hand to deal with this, hand filing could take multiple hours/ This is the gel you typically find in most gel manicures. Soft gel is lighter and more flexible than hard gel, making it perfect for a natural-looking manicure. The biggest perk? It’s designed to soak off with acetone, which makes removal easier than hard gel. However, the quality of soft gel products varies widely between salons, and cheaper products can lead to peeling, lifting, and poor adhesion. Builder gel is a thicker consistency gel that’s often used to sculpt or extend nails, similar to acrylics. It’s somewhere between hard gel and soft gel in terms of strength and flexibility. While builder gel offers the strength of hard gel, it can also soak off, making it a more versatile option. But beware—builder gels come in various formulas, and not all are compatible with each other, which leads to problems with lifting and improper bonding if mishandled. Acrylic nails, often mistaken for gel by clients, are a completely different beast. Acrylic involves a mix of liquid monomer and powder polymer that hardens when exposed to air. While acrylic nails are known for their strength, they’re far from the flexible, glossy finish you’d expect from gel. Unfortunately, some salons mislabel acrylic nails as “gel” nails, causing confusion and frustration for both clients and aestheticians. It might seem frustrating when an aesthetician refuses to remove your existing gel, especially if you were hoping to switch to a new salon. However, there are a few good reasons for this: When a client arrives with gel applied at another salon, the aesthetician often has no way of knowing exactly what product was used. Was it a reputable hard gel brand or a questionable mix of builder gel and acrylic? Different brands and formulations of gel don’t always play well together, and removing them can lead to nail damage or adverse reactions if handled improperly. Some salons may not apply gel nails with the proper techniques, leaving product that’s difficult to remove safely. Over-filing, using cheap products, or not curing gel properly can lead to nails that are too thick or brittle. A qualified aesthetician will hesitate to remove poorly applied gel because it might damage your natural nails during the process. Each gel type requires a specific removal method—whether it’s soaking, filing, or a combination of both. If the wrong method is used, your natural nails could be damaged. For instance, hard gel should never be soaked off; it needs to be carefully filed. Using acetone to remove hard gel would only weaken your nails unnecessarily. A good aesthetician values the health of your natural nails, which is why they may prefer not to work with another salon’s product. Now that we know why some salons hesitate to remove certain gels, let’s cover the proper removal techniques for each type of product: Hard gel cannot be soaked off, so it must be carefully filed down. A skilled aesthetician will use an e-file to gently thin out the hard gel before removing the remaining product with a hand file. It’s essential to leave a thin layer of gel on the nail to avoid filing into the natural nail bed. Soft gel can be soaked off using acetone. Excluding BioSculpture which isn't an acetone removal, which makes it difficult for Pampered Aesthetics to remove other brands.Our products were selected with your nail health in mind right down to product removal. Your aesthetician will typically buff the top layer of the gel to break the seal before soaking your nails in acetone wraps for 10-15 minutes. Once softened, the gel is gently pushed off without damaging the nail underneath. Builder gel can be either filed or soaked off, depending on its formulation. Your aesthetician will know the proper technique based on the brand and type of builder gel used. Acrylic nails require soaking in acetone for a longer period, typically 30-45 minutes. Unlike soft gel, acrylics harden significantly more and take longer to break down. Once softened, the acrylic is carefully removed with a file or orange stick. When choosing the right type of gel for your nails, it’s important to consult with a licensed aesthetician who can recommend the best product based on your lifestyle, nail health, and desired outcome. Whether you need the strength of hard gel, the flexibility of soft gel, or the structure of builder gel, a knowledgeable aesthetician can guide you through the process and ensure you’re making the best choice for long-lasting, beautiful nails. When it comes to gel nails, not all products are created equal. Understanding the differences between hard gel, soft gel, builder gel, and acrylic can help you make informed decisions and ensure the health of your natural nails. And while it might be inconvenient when your aesthetician refuses to remove another salon’s work, know that they’re doing it to protect your nails. So, next time you’re booking your gel nail appointment, remember: trust the professional, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about the products being used on your nails. Pampered Aesthetics is committed to using only the best products and techniques to ensure your nails remain healthy and beautiful. Whether you need a fresh gel application or a proper removal, we’ve got you covered—your nails deserve nothing less!