Hard Gel vs Soft Gel | What is the difference? 🤔

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Online Structured Gel Manicure course now available! 🤩 Sign up here: katie-s-school-04c4.thinkific.com/courses/EMS

[@rrhopewell]

I love how well you explained this. I had no clue hard gel was that strong.

[@KayyGlamnails]

Omg literally so happy I bumped into this!!! I’m a licensed nail technician and started working at my first salon but never really played around with hard gels which we don’t remove so it can be a bit hard at times to determine which one is it 😩 Thank you!!!

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Sometimes once you start filing it, you may be able to tell the difference. Hard gel definitely files like glass, smooth and buttery. Once you get used to it, I bet you’ll be able to tell the difference!

[@nicolelast230]

Really fantastic explanation on the idea of "flexible" gel and when you would want to use it! Bravo.

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Thank you! Glad I explained it well ☺️

[@elleboogie]

This is the video I’ve searched for (what feels like) my whole life. 😢 Thank you for being so incredibly informative! ❤ I’m looking to start my gel journey (since I’m SICK of regular polish lasting me a max of 48 hours) and THIS is video I desperately needed!

[@absolutetruthgirl]

So glad you're getting into teaching. You explain things very well. 💯✅

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Thank you so much 🥹❤️

[@absolutetruthgirl]

@@NailsByKatieDutra 👋🙂

[@aurraliite]

The hardness and flexibility gel test was good to see. Your videos are always so well done.

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Thank you! I appreciate it ☺️❤️

[@sassmediaaccount217]

Thank you for this video! I struggled with trying to remove hard gel using acetone, without realizing there was a difference with soft gel! People need to know this stuff! Love your channel! 💖

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Thank you! I definitely tried that too when I was a beginner 🙈 we’ve all been there! 💖

[@riafitzgerald2988]

Thank you! Ive been looking fir this info for so long. Unfortunately, most in the industry forget us newbies need this basic info. You rock!!!

[@haidawolf6691]

got it..finally!! thank you. as soon as you said, that hard gel is a cousin to acrylic...bam! light bulb moment😁

[@kerrytsandoval]

I think you have some of the most beautiful nails I’ve ever seen.

[@newgunguy4176]

Any fellow guitarists here trying to learn about gel nails?

[@TanteSklaidos]

Thank you so much for taking the time to film this video; I've always done my own manicures and now am doing research to see can I transition from salon gel appointments to being able to do it myself. This has been so helpful.

[@InHisGrace777]

First of all, I LOVE your nails. I need and want my nails to look like that! 2nd, thanks for sharing what you used for them.

[@bohobellenails]

Not sure if anyone has mentioned this but Young Nails does their synergy hard gel in a tube and it’s AMAZING. Not quite in a bottle like a BIAB but I’ve also never seen tubes of hard gel until these. Now I can’t live without them 😂

[@destinyrivera7634]

Oh my God Katie yes! Would love for you to do more in-depth videos on the process between soft gel and the differences between the process between doing a hard gel I've been looking everywhere for these videos but I can't seem to find any really good information ones. I'm new to gel and just kind of learning things as I go but I would appreciate the information.

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Definitely make sure to sign up at the link in my bio for future classes! ☺️

[@destinyrivera7634]

@@NailsByKatieDutra yes girl already ahead of you and so excited to learn

[@Snail_Nailz]

You may also find The Nail Hub (100% gel artist) helpful for additional info

[@OhDontMindMee]

Luminary also comes in little pots in case anyone was wondering or did not know

[@kimdemby]

That was really good information. I am not a nail tech and I will only use gel for an overlay on my natural nails. I do like watching the Korean channels with their intricate designs and this was great to explain the differences in the gels I see.

[@kimchicombo]

So is the soft gel just like the typical “gel polishes”?? Thank you so much , not many structured gel techs explains all this … you broke it down clearly .

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Yes gel polish, because it soaks off, would be considered a soft gel. There are also many builder gels that soak off which would be in the soft gel family also. 💖

[@jajeanjeanne]

BEST instructional, yet!!! 🥰 Thank you!! 😊

[@the.mermaid.scientist]

This was exactly what I was curious about. Thank you Katie =)

[@AnitaYzeDogs]

What a lovely, extensive and informative video. Thank you so much for this!

[@athertonca]

Such a great video! I use both hard and soft gel with a preference for hard gel. I wish I had been able to find a video like this 10 years ago when I gave up trying to find a good nail salon and started doing my own nails.

[@Hadria7777]

Thank you for this video, exactly what I was looking for.

[@vashtistanford5322]

Thank you for this video..all along i was using builder gel thinking it was the hard gel. I experienced lifting on numerous occasions. Because it was mainly for overlays🤦🏽‍♀️

[@lindat1879]

Awesome video Katie 👏😀. Your explanations were clear and concise. Ty for sharing your knowledge with us. 😊

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Thank you!! 💖💖🥰

[@mitchellpugh1145]

You are awesome! I have received more information about nails from you than I have anyone else on the internet. I didn't know there was a difference between soft gels versus hard gels! Wow! I guess I'm still learning. Keep teaching people. You are amazing! P.S. I don't know why this would matter, but maybe it does. I am a transgender woman and I am learning from you. Keep going, you are helping women.

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

That is awesome! I’m glad I can be helpful ❤️☺️

[@elizabethsmithakaelizabeth3332]

I am so glad to hear you don't recommend removing the soft gel (except as you described). I am a diy'er who wears luminary and I love it! But I always worry if I should remove it instead of doing fills. I have hard nails that are dry and have ridges - peeling along the free edge was impossible to stop until I found luminary. Love your videos!

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Thank you! Yes its definitely not necessary, it can actually be hard on the natural nails to constantly remove and reapply product.

[@jackiejohnson1149]

I’m a DIY ‘er at home too-I didn’t know there were options other then soaking off? Cause the soft gels are ruining my nails cause the soak off. What is another way?

[@marielanders4806]

Excellent video! Thank you for explaining the differences. It makes more sense now. ❤

[@tinavela720]

Very informative and excellent communication!

[@sandrahertel6282]

Very helpful thank you. Just sent this to my son who is taking classes to be a nail technician. Helped me de die to stick with hard gel for myself.

[@molsondutch93]

What a genius idea to test the flexibility like that! Thanks for the great info 👌

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Thanks for watching ☺️💖 it definitely helps us get to know the products we use a little bit better!

[@Yapah.S.Da.K.O.S]

Thank you!!

[@MenchieExtrakt]

I tried growing out natural nails just with regular nail polish on top and they kept breaking. I even applied nail oil, just as simply nailogical suggested, but it didn’t help. Hard gel is amazing. It almost never breaks. Even if it does, there’s only a small crack to my nail.

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

yea some of us just aren't blessed with natural nails that can grow out long and strong 😅 glad you found a great solution!

[@chelseapryor1993]

This was such a good video.great job explaining

[@MissP7197]

Such a helpful video!! I’d love some recommendations on brands for all of the options that are for non-nail techs if you have a video on that or can mention a few here when you have a moment. Many thanks Katie, Amanda❤

[@briannaamyotte4192]

Great explanation!! Thanks!! ❤

[@annaconway7009]

Orly fx Builder in a bottle is in a bottle and is just like hard gel, I LOVE it! Easy to apply and lasts over a month, in fact I like it better than potted hard gel!

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

I’ve been trying that one out and it’s nice!!

[@neanea228]

Ahh, wow! I use the venalisa hard gel (?) but it soaks off as far as I think.I use it on top of my Soft gel tips, and I do file most of it down but everything soaks off well, I’ve never had a part not soak off and I’m sure that I’ve left some hard gel on there at least once. But I do have to build it up a wee bit or it will crack, but that’s okay. Me and my mom are VERY rough on our nails, so the little bit of extra thickness, kind of like acrylic, is good for us lol. Venalisa has a very thick viscosity and it barely levels out at all, so if you only add a little it will crack. My mom needs more thickness than I do.

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Sounds like some good stuff! If it does soak off then it is not a true hard gel, but they may just brand it that way. Unless you’re using a bonder underneath that is soak off, and you’re filing down most of the hard gel, then it could be the bonder that would actually be lifting the product off the nail. ☺️

[@KM-nf2ol]

Exactly the info I was looking for, outstanding video! :-) Thank you so much for sharing this with us! :-)

[@unknownmama4820]

best video everrr

[@amber0290]

This was super helpful and easy to understand…thank you!

[@gailpalmer1352]

Great explanation Katie!

[@doeeyes2]

Soft gel, hard gel, UV gel, Biogel, polygel, builder gel, Aprés gel-x, shellac, acrylics, plastic tips, soft gel tips, nail forms, extensions ... honestly all these new words I cant keep up anymore. So many thanks 🙌 My nail tech uses gel polish or "Shellac" as its commonly called here in Toronto. Is that the same thing as soft gel?? She does a clear thick coat and then goes in with a gel polish for whatever colour or design we decide on. I go every 3 weeks and my nails have grown realllyyyy long. People cant believe their "my nails" and not tips or wtvr. But my nails are very very strong naturally.

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Yes gel polish is a type of soft gel because it soaks off in acetone. UV Gel = all gel, all gel needs to be cured in UV Biogel = brand name Polygel = thick paste like gel (also a brand name) Builder gel = any gel that can be used to sculpt or build structure to the nail Gel-X = brand name of a system where tips are applied with gel Tips & forms = all used to extend the nail length (extensions) Shellac = brand name of gel polish I don’t think a customer should worry too much about the different terms. They should see a nail tech who’s work they like and the nail tech can decide which product would be best for them from what they offer. Sounds like you’ve done that! ☺️ 💖💖💖

[@doeeyes2]

Why am i just seeing this now? Thanks for taking the time to respond, you earned this sub girl!

[@leeevers8976]

Thank you, Katie!!

[@arshi7920]

i have been looking for a video like this for so long , tysm❤️❤️

[@lolacola2012]

Thank you! Amazing info!

[@MimaRizk]

Thanks for the excellent review. It was very useful and helpful in making decisions. ❤

[@alysonduneman2232]

thankyou

[@krissynddd8642]

This video is sooooo helpful and very informative!!! Tfs

[@anahammond111]

Fantastic video. Super informative.

[@DelmisRivas-f7m]

Great video! Thank you

[@allisonbundy3533]

Thank you! Great explanation!

[@u.s.navyengineroommechanic9394]

The test pieces was cool to see.

[@susanwilliams3598]

Thank you I found this very informative!!

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

I’m so glad it was helpful!

[@emhoward5]

This video is SO informative! Thank you!!

[@jellinails]

So useful!! Thanks 🫶

[@zephy5308]

Very much informative ❤👍

[@jackiejohnson1149]

So informative!

[@rawreen]

Very informative, thank you!

[@OMGannasawesome]

I’ve been waiting for this! Thank you so much!

[@kittycatcuti]

Very informative, thankyou!

[@1madhatter363]

This was fantastic and detailed. Thank you❤

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Glad it was helpful!

[@samanthabaetens4971]

Why did my nails die after I had my nails done? They went yellow it was nasty! Great tutorial thank you.

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Soft gel (and acrylic) is porous so it can stain. Anything like food, dyes, tanning products, makeup etc can all stain nails.

[@deblowery1936]

Thank you so much for sharing ❤ i learn how to ask how i want my nails done when I get my nails done now... I perfect hard gel now that i know the difference... Tfs

[@RahMa-t6n]

I have soft nails but works a lot with my hands and they always crack even using soft gel

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Then you may need to try something stronger like a hard gel! Sometimes it can take some experimenting to find just the right product

[@mc20244]

This is so helpful! I’ve been getting dip powder nails for months but I’m wondering if I should switch to hard or soft gel? I heard dip powder isn’t sanitary. My nails are kind of weak if I don’t have anything on them so I prefer something that would be strong and would last 3 to 4 weeks. Don’t need to add length. Thanks for any additional tips!

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

I would find someone in your area that specializes in structured manicures and they will be able assess your nails and choose what would work best! 😄

[@mc20244]

@@NailsByKatieDutra thanks! I will do that

[@tanyabrown1398]

Really really useful information… 😊

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Glad it was helpful!

[@carolbeckett7276]

Thanks for all the information and tip.

[@carolbeckett7276]

How can I take your course

[@K-reative-Nails]

I use your video on my website, fantastic explenation. Hope you don't mind

[@lindaking4149]

How do we determine how long to cure something if our gel lamp is a UV/LED lamp that gives off both when each product gives 2 different curing times for each UV or LED? For example, most instructions will tell you 30 sec under UV and 90 sec under LED but the lamp is a hybrid that does both? I hope this makes sense.

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

If the lamp does both then just go off of the LED time which is shorter. It’s saying that if you have a UV only lamp then you would need to cure for longer which is usually like a full 2min. LED cures faster.

[@WomanTakenBytheWind]

Omg i stg i should’ve watched this before i started doing my nails. This must be why my nails kept popping off after less than two weeks. I have really flexible nails and was using hard gel. 😑

[@debbiemiller589]

Very informative video. Thank you!

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

You’re welcome! 💖

[@DigitalBeautyVault]

Hi Katie! For your online course do you also teach how to do extensions with gel? Thank you

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

The course focuses on structured manicures (overlays) but there’s one lesson that covers fixing a nail with a form. It’s not an extension focused class though ☺️

[@nenitaandag1190]

Hi mi so happy to watch your video

[@nonhlanhlapatricia2182]

Hi Katie🙋‍♂️for someone like me who has weak nails,they break easily, which one would you suggest?

[@kimberlypryor9440]

Thank you for this video!!!

[@dyahtribuana781]

good explanation🥰

[@modelerica1]

Great thank you

[@Dolldoll100]

Hi what is the best basecoat and topcoat when it comes to gel?

[@vincentberg444]

What brand of soft gel is the best?

[@tinarashada967]

I needed this video TFS

[@dianarochel]

There is not a lot of information about the resin99. I know it is soakable, but how easy does it come off?

[@elizabethbriones3046]

Wow😮 thank you

[@yadingus4422]

Could you explain why you're calling builder gels "soft" gel? I'm in school right now and what I'm being taught is soft gel is those really, really flexible colored gels meant as toppers, and builder gel that you're showing as "soft" is semi-hard gel. How do you differentiate between the colored toppers and builder gel if you call them both soft when their formulas are so different? I'm sure there is something I'm missing lol. Thank you! :D

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Soft gel means soak off. Builder gel means any gel you can “build” a nail with. Builder gel can be soft or hard gel. Semi-hard is also soft gel, just usually a little bit stronger, which is why they are calling it semi-hard. (But still soak off, so still a soft gel) Don’t get too hung up on terms like this, all gels either fall under the soak off or non-soak off categories. ☺️ What you’re referring too as “toppers” I think you just mean gel polish colors, which are soak off so also soft gels.

[@yadingus4422]

@@NailsByKatieDutra Thank you for explaining how you view this! I really appreciate it :D My school (and therefore my clients) are very focused on the chemistry and function of nail products, so I have to be able to explain the difference with correct terminology very well. We compete on these things too😅 So I definitely appreciate pro views on this like yours; thank you!

[@denisejohnson3047]

Amazing Information Yes I want To Join The Class

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Make sure you’re on the email list! Next class will be available hopefully by next month 💓 view.flodesk.com/pages/627f12cd1735c65e3809ed0f

[@katalinaalexandragutierrez6726]

What type of gel is better for a client who always gets gel overlays but also always breaks 1 or 2 nails?, Love love your channel it's been so helpful 💞

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

If they’re breaking nails they may need something a little stronger so I’d try a hard gel ☺️ also make sure the structure is good and having a good apex

[@marinovacastillejo2984]

Hellow can i ask?is it possible hard gel overlay with builder gel biab?thanks

[@SissB-rp7hx]

How about putting tips and using hard gel. Will the tip hold up with hard gel?

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Yes you can create all different types of extensions with hard gel ☺️

[@Tazamisha]

SIS! Can we talk about YOUR nails! YASSSS

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

I’ve been rocking the clear 😆

[@tipzbylexx]

Could you do a thin layer of builder gel on natural nail and then build apex and length with hard gel? I just get nervous with hard gel removal where it cant soak off

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

It depends. If so I would stick within the same brand because it can cause the hard gel to crack. So id only do it if they are made to work together

[@carmene8924]

hi! how do you prevent that burning feeling when you cure hard gels? is it the type of jv light? which uv light do you recommend?

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

The burn is an exothermic reaction. It happens because the gel is changing from a liquid to a solid, and this change creates heat. You can take your hand in and out of the lamp (flash cures) every few seconds to slow down the cure process. You can also purchase a lamp with a “low heat mode”. My favorite is the Kokoist LeBlanc lamp, the low heat mode flashes the light for 90 seconds so that it doesn’t get as hot. 🩷 ericasata.com/products/le-blanc-hybrid-led-uv-cordless-light?_pos=1&_sid=f741e6d86&_ss=r&aff=15

[@Shinobi_18]

Helpful info

[@KatherineWadley-e9f]

Can you use with gel x full coverage tips to use as an adhesive? I think I’ve seen some clips, but didn’t hear it mentioned? Thanks

[@sandyfigueroa6290]

Me gustaria tomar las clases con ella me encanta el hard gel pero no tengo mi diploma de high school y mi ingles es muy basico🥹😭

[@nymphaea888]

Hi Katie, do you recommend using a base gel when using hard gels?

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

It depends on what brand you're using! Do whatever the manufacture recommends :)

[@XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO25]

which one do you suggest if i need to practice boxing weekly?

[@PRINCESSKELEA777]

Can you use a soft gel for a fill with hard gels in a pinch?

[@rhondathissen1729]

Great video - very helpful! I'm a DIYer doing nails at home and have been using the Beetles full-coverage tips. I've always had really soft, peely nails that nothing really sticks to, and have been wondering if I should try using hard gel like IBD to adhere my gel nails. The options I have right now are the Beetles gel glue that came with the kit, an Ameilie soft builder gel, and IBD hard gel in the pot. Any thoughts about that? Thanks so much for doing these videos!

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

If you have super soft nails then the hard gel may lift because it’s less flexible. ☺️

[@americanflika1311]

What about all the nail kits that come in a tube??

[@margaretbarry4689]

That's a polygel