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.

[@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 ☺️

[@aurraliite]

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

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Thank you! I appreciate it ☺️❤️

[@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!

[@CoLLectiNgCAtS-q2q]

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!!!

[@absolutetruthgirl]

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

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Thank you so much 🥹❤️

[@absolutetruthgirl]

@@NailsByKatieDutra 👋🙂

[@Greta.Tantė]

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.

[@peteshop]

Thanks for such a clear explanation.

[@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!

[@jajeanjeanne]

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

[@peteshop]

Love that there wasn’t a long intro and the recap at the end.

[@carolineedwards4709]

Great information eye opening about products.💅

[@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! 💖

[@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.

[@sarag1158]

That was the best explanation ever

[@haidawolf6691]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@Hadria7777]

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

[@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. 💖

[@AnitaYzeDogs]

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

[@the.mermaid.scientist]

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

[@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 😂

[@Pinksparkles100]

Thank you for explaining the flexibility ❤

[@jasminelane79]

Thank you for the explanation ❤

[@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.

[@tinavela720]

Very informative and excellent communication!

[@lindat1879]

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

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Thank you!! 💖💖🥰

[@newgunguy4176]

Any fellow guitarists here trying to learn about gel nails?

[@aizelvallente310]

THANKYOU SO MUCH FOR THE IDEA ITS VERY HELFUL

[@TheBabyPatch]

👏👏👏 very informative ❤

[@lolacola2012]

Thank you! Amazing info!

[@unknownmama4820]

best video everrr

[@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🤦🏽‍♀️

[@briannaamyotte4192]

Great explanation!! Thanks!! ❤

[@kerrytsandoval]

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

[@KM-nf2ol]

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

[@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.

[@Malumi-n7h]

I need to learn more

[@DelmisRivas-f7m]

Great video! Thank you

[@marielanders4806]

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

[@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 ❤️☺️

[@allisonbundy3533]

Thank you! Great explanation!

[@kittycatcuti]

Very informative, thankyou!

[@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!

[@gailpalmer1352]

Great explanation Katie!

[@chelseapryor1993]

This was such a good video.great job explaining

[@Dolldoll100]

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

[@jackiejohnson1149]

So informative!

[@nenitaandag1190]

Hi mi so happy to watch your video

[@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 ☺️

[@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!

[@amber0290]

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

[@anahammond111]

Fantastic video. Super informative.

[@leeevers8976]

Thank you, Katie!!

[@Omeda.S.Yapah.S.TheKOS]

Thank you!!

[@carolbeckett7276]

Thanks for all the information and tip.

[@carolbeckett7276]

How can I take your course

[@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?

[@1madhatter2112]

This was fantastic and detailed. Thank you❤

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Glad it was helpful!

[@krissynddd8642]

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

[@jellinails]

So useful!! Thanks 🫶

[@MimaRizk]

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

[@alysonduneman2232]

thankyou

[@SandieBrown-v6x]

What is the brand name of the soft gel you recommend?

[@susanwilliams3598]

Thank you I found this very informative!!

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

I’m so glad it was helpful!

[@arshi7920]

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

[@zephy5308]

Very much informative ❤👍

[@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❤

[@nonhlanhlapatricia2182]

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

[@tanyabrown1398]

Really really useful information… 😊

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Glad it was helpful!

[@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!

[@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

[@elizabethbriones3046]

Wow😮 thank you

[@elsyerazo3835]

What top coat hard gel do you recommend? Thank you 😊

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Light Elegance Super Shiny 😄

[@modelerica1]

Great thank you

[@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

[@dyahtribuana781]

good explanation🥰

[@kimberlypryor9440]

Thank you for this video!!!

[@debbiemiller589]

Very informative video. Thank you!

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

You’re welcome! 💖

[@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!!

[@Shinobi_18]

Helpful info

[@OhDontMindMee]

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

[@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. ☺️

[@PBthesquirrel]

*I have a question!* I like my nails w short extensions, but I am moving and will be picking up a lot of boxes and big/heavy things. Should I use hard gel to keep them stronger or soft gel so they can bend?

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

For extensions I would go with hard gel, some systems have a flexible base coat you can apply first if the natural nail is a little weaker or flexible. 😄

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

There’s also some brands like Kokoist (all soak off) which has their Excel Builder, it’s strong and good for extensions but still soak off. Every brand is a little bit different with their own unique formulas! So always read the info on a product first ☺️

[@PBthesquirrel]

@NailsByKatieDutra thanks for the help! I love doing hard gel bc it's like acrylic without the stink and the stress for time. I've never used soft gel or builder in a bottle before. I just know that sometimes my nails rip off early if I'm doing a lot of heavy lifting. I thought maybe soft gel would keep that from happening. I ended up doing hard gel, just way shorter than I'm used to, and it seems to work out great:)

[@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?

[@americanflika1311]

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

[@margaretbarry4689]

That's a polygel

[@tinarashada967]

I needed this video TFS

[@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 ☺️

[@LisaMM830]

Great video. I have short/medium thin nails would the hard gel be best for me as an overlay? .

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

No, short thin nails would do better with soft gel

[@sweetierumbimissdiva]

Hello please can you help me I have naturally nails that break due to an autoimmune condition I have grown my nails very long with BIAB but they end up breaking and lifting . Should I try hard gel ? You mentioned hard gel may not work if the nail underneath is bendy and fragile what can I do please thank you

[@stoptheinsanity]

What would you recommend for HEMA free gels?

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Light Elegance ❤️

[@stoptheinsanity]

@@NailsByKatieDutra thank you!

[@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

[@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

[@rosedolch8637]

So would you use either one to encapsulate something on the nail? Like say on top of gel tips or polygel?

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

You would stick with the same type of base you used. So if the base is built with soft gel, use soft gel to encapsulate etc 💓

[@lBubbleable]

Hi!! Thank you for the informative video! How often would you recommend removing the soft gel? Is it just for growing out nails and then using regular nail polish? Does the soft gel make the nails stronger just when you have it on, or even after you remove it?

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

You can’t change your nail anatomy, so nails will only be stronger when you have the gel on. I don’t recommend removing it unless you no longer want your nails done. Constant removal and reapplication is hard on the nails, so I wouldn’t recommend it unless you plan on wearing gels for a while ☺️ the idea is you have it on your nails and get fills every few weeks

[@lBubbleable]

@@NailsByKatieDutra Thank you !!

[@NetteYork-vt3lk]

Hi Kelly, thank you for your video. It's amazing. I was wondering is soft gel different than gel polish that the salon puts on over powder dop? When I go into a nail salon, their walls are full of polishes in bottles. I used to get acrylic nails then I switched to dip powder because they said it's better for my nail bed. But it has to be removed every visit. Also if soft gel is different than the gel polish they put over my dip powder, can I change the color from time to time? Thank you. Lynnette

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Gel polish is a type of soft gel. It is applied like polish and would need to be removed then reapplied each time. Also, I hate to break it to you but dip powder is no better for your nails than acrylic. 🥲 Dip powder is acrylic powder. Unfortunately it’s a common marketing tactic so day dip powder is “healthier”. No product is better for you than another as long as it contains high quality ingredients and it’s applied/removed correctly. That is the most important thing. Also yes if they apply a gel polish color over the top, they would remove it and you would pick a new color each time.

[@dcordero1984]

Could you apply p+qd soak off base coat under the LE builder or extreme to make it soak off?

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

I’m not sure, I would reach out to LE and see what their recommendation would be 😄

[@PRINCESSKELEA777]

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