What Builder Gel Should I Use?

[@imissnickplur4964]

you are an EXCELLENT Instructor! you're very articulate & thorough, your instructions are well thought out & highly descriptive, and while you are professional you're also pleasant & interesting to listen to.

[@blueboo22]

Now that's a well written compliment!

[@georgiashaw6117]

I am bad at commenting on each video, but have watched the full series about how to DIY and am doing what you've taught. I found if I mirror what you do and do it exactly without adding my spin, IT WORKS. Wow, who'd a thunk! I'm only 74, soon to be 75, and can still learn a trick or 2.

[@kaelahorne8856]

You go girl!

[@mariahspringb]

Inspiring! Thank you for sharing!

[@vintageesmerelda8822]

I really needed this. I have been qualified for less than a year and I was struggling to sculpt because the brands I used and trained with only came in a medium viscosity. I hated how my sets would come out because I simply couldn't work fast enough to avoid it slipping down the side walls. I have since switched brands. I use a thick viscosity builder gel to create the initial extension and it's shaved my time right down. Not to mention no more messy side walls. So for someone to say it's ok to use a thicker gel rather than just pushing medium on me and expecting great results is truly what I needed.

[@chasehim3761]

Amen.

[@kikilanail]

Using a thick gel to lay down an extension is brilliant! I’ve been using a medium gel and no matter what I do with my form, it floods my hyponychium. Can’t wait to try this. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I wish I could get some type of certification from watching all of your videos 😁.

[@mvelenagarcia]

I use an under nail drill bit to clean that out :) i tend to have that problem too

[@angryswan36]

Yes! Me too! I have learnt way more from Liz's channel than any courses I've been on so far.

[@autumncameron8798]

I can't even start to explain how amazing you are!!!!! As a brand new tech it's very scary to try and do this for a career with the limited information we are given. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, it is so appreciated 💜

[@steffanieloves_horses9539]

Thank you so much for sharing everything on youre channel! It's a great help for people like me that simply can not go to nail schools. And even then youre telling everything in so much detail its awesome! Love the "nerdy" in you 😆😘

[@Mskaytee]

Laverne and Shirley was the bomb!! I love the jacket! 😍 tfs..I’m learning so much from this channel

[@raya74]

I agree shes serious and professional love her videos

[@dariajezierska1036]

that's exactly what I needed for a really long time, because I didn't know what to do with a thick gel, thanks a lot!

[@npknscrb]

Laverne and Shirley was the first thought that popped in my head when I saw the L monogram. So glad you mentioned it! 😄👊

[@speak2079]

Omg the algorithm! I’m currently working on a project to promote my nail business By using a denim jacket and doing what you did! 😮😮. I so appreciate I randomly saw this video!

[@lorigleason7950]

"L" iz, thank you for touching on the viscosities of gel. I can't wait for you to show us the basics of working with them. Your channel is so extremely helpful, I look forward to your uploads! You have a beautiful smile, you should share it with us more often. 😄

[@TheNailHub]

Im got a natural born RBF. Lol. aka Resting Bitch Face. Im just not a smiley face person but I promise ive got a smiley heart

[@kinezumi89]

I actually got my first builder gel recently and my nails wouldn't look nearly as good if not for your awesomely informative videos!! I saw you mention something coming in regards to brands available to DIYers; I hope it's soon! :)

[@Amberck2023]

Your jacket I am dyingggg i LOVE the laverne and Shirley reference!

[@ninaredneckdodge8889]

Same :D Laverne and Shirley was a fun show :)

[@loisreeve4909]

Very frustrating, as a DIYer, to learn about the various gels but unable to access them without being a professional. Nails is something that I do for myself as i enjoy the peace, quiet and creativity. It would be more exciting to be able to use many of the products that are featured on you tube. Thank you for your videos as they are very informative in explaining a lot of the "whys" in nail applications.

[@TheNailHub]

We have lots of products that are available to non-pros as well. We recommend this builder gel www.thenailhub.com/collections/estemio-base-top/products/estemio-zero-heat-gel

[@nakeasimone13]

I never thought about using the thick gel to build the nail and use the thin gel to build!!! I literally cursed the thick gel I used for the first time b/c it wouldn’t self level and it created dips when I would try to smooth it out. I wish I saw this video before hand thanks for sharing.

[@chasehim3761]

Lol. Mine was the opposite. I started off with super runny gel trying to create extensions.

[@sharonelizabethmiller3723]

Not sure anyone reviews the comments as the video is a couple of years old - but it's excellent. As I DIY person, I love the instruction and valuable information. Would really like some insight on a good medium viscosity builder gel that you don't need a license to purchase. Love the Laverne & Shirley inspired jacket!

[@mookzmom]

Just eating all this up! I recently purchased a gel system so that I’ll have the same brand from prep through topcoat. I’m getting there, thanks to you! Thanks Liz, and I love your jacket! Interestingly, I purchased online last night a personalized work jacket (nurse scrub jacket). You must be in my brain. 😂

[@s.engelsman4521]

Noticed the Laverne “L” immediately! Loved that show! 😃

[@hoangvu3121]

Yay!!! Just in time for me to buy a hard gel system and how to use it. Can't wait until next week!!! Loved the erica ata russian manicure bits I just got it from you. Cuticle is much softer and no hangnails. And my clients loved those bits!!! Keep up the good work, Liz!!! Luv ya!!!

[@DannaGoat]

You explained everything perfectly. Very nice video thanks for the information. I am a beginner with no knowledge in nails other than just going to get them done every so often. I just bought a UV nail kit with tons of colors and I bought builder gel with it and I’ve really been enjoying it. I’ve since purchased a little nail drill from amazon so I can do refills instead of having to rip them off because the gel is so thick that the removal process is horrible and so I’ve gotten so good now that I’ve been creating my own set of nails and then refilling them myself using this building gel. I am really loving it a lot.

[@chaqillenikita748]

Your education series has been terrific, Liz! And I’m getting particularly excited now that we’re getting to the nitty gritty, with extensions and all those good things coming up, hehe! Love from Australia. Chaq BTW, that blue builder looks great. It’s such a pretty colour!👌🏽

[@Lisa-jm1yc]

I don’t know when this video was posted, but I hope you see it. I watched the video and understand what the different gel thickness is for. What I don’t know is how you tell the thickness when you are ordering. Is there a. Viscosity number somewhere on the jar? .

[@chasehim3761]

Verry good question. Many times with certain products like IBD, or other generic brands they will not say. You will have to read reviews. But with more professional brand they do with certain products. Not always.

[@jenlambie14]

Hi Liz, the timing of your videos correlating with what I need to know is almost spooky. LOVE the jacket btw❗

[@trudystroup9640]

I LOVE your "Laverne/Liz" L!!! I enjoy your videos because you satisfy not only my "how-to" curiosity but my "why" curiosity as well. You are awesome!

[@kcassil1]

YOU ROCK...Thanks for the great info in all your videos...😘

[@evie8560]

thank you so much for these videos! as a new nail tech who got pretty poor education, these help me so much with my work. keep it up!!

[@amber7591]

I'm a little late to the party but I just found your channel and I really like how much into detail you go. Thanks for sharing your knowledge! I found the video on cuticles especially helpful.

[@lauracleland618]

You are loving the denim jacket! Looks GREAT!

[@cortneynichols8537]

I'm sure this has been asked but could you do a video on hybrid gels? I'm in LOVE with them but would love to see you apply and take us through it.

[@RoeBoats]

this playlist is now my holy grail omg thank you sm

[@GlitterismyCRACK]

As soon as I saw your jacket The first thing I thought of was Laverne & Shirley!!! I too used to watch it with my mom. What polishes are behind you on your right? The remind me of Christian Louboutin.

[@kristineortiz5090]

I’ve been using a medium gel and I love it. I apply, take a liner to go around the sidewalls and once I’m done with that it has self leveled beautifully! But I love the idea of thick for extensions, I’m gunna have to try that!

[@luabella_]

Very clear and informative. It was great that you showed the varying consistencies. I find mainly builder gels are thinner so they can be used as an overlay and as a builder. I really appreciate this video! Thank you!

[@pureconfuzion]

sooo informative im grateful for the time you took to make these videos, thank you!

[@PN-sk3ve]

Thank you for making these videos, I finally understand what all them GEL are for and how to use them. Love all your videos.

[@applejuiceandfaketan]

I LOVE your videos, so in depth and informative, I’ve learnt more from watching you than I ever did at nail school!

[@michoobinjamin1286]

Grateful to you with all my heart for translation into Arabic 💚🙏👍🏼👑

[@92mahern]

I loved watching Lavern & Shirley I always! I am enjoying watching all your videos, am learning so much from them! You are a great instructor, thank you for these very helpful videos! 🥰🥰🥰

[@annelijordaan1841]

Thank you once again for enlightening us.... 🤗. Again you have showed me that I do not know enough 🙈🌷

[@TheBlaqueLilly]

I needed this yesterday but I'm grateful either way

[@nordickitten]

You look like mine sister. Thanks for the thought of her. Bless you ~

[@juicyparsons]

This makes sooooo much sense I can see the mistakes in my distant past 👀😂

[@akosijondy]

thank you for this video again.. i learned again about gel extensions..and will be waiting for that video for demonstration... am seeing hybrid gel extension online..can you do a video about that? like can i mix it to a thinner gel builder just to have a smoother application. thank you thank you...am learning so so much beacuse of you..

[@Sunnbuzz]

Oh what a good idea, I have the Akzentzs pro formance gel and hate it because I cannot get a smooth application, so I went back to Magic gel, but your idea is great (I'm a nail tech) . I never thought of mixing in a lower viscosity, I do mix in gel polish to tint my build gels though !

[@penneysanderson9277]

Again greatly informative. My question is, brands? I have used the really cheap stuff you can get but really want a goid brand I can buy without a license.

[@TheNailHub]

I've got something coming... 😁

[@calamitynatalie8590]

Oh please with worldwide shipping lol! I can get acrylic here in the uk with great choices of colours but I simply cannot find a good gel system with a range of choices!

[@SeabassFishbrains]

I like Exclusive Nail Couture and IBD gels, both available without a licence.

[@carmendr41]

@@TheNailHub I am also interested in good products that could be purchase without a license. Whether is hybrid gel products, acrylic, or just gel products. In addition thank you for explaining every step including what could go wrong. I was able to understand why my nails never stick to acrylic or gels when my licence friend do my nails.

[@karizmacharles4510]

Penney Sanderson A great choice that is a name brand, Nice prices, and wonderful product is the original gel maker is -ibd-!! I got their starter kit from my local Sally’s (Which was wayyyy Over priced) The Kit came with a dvd with *EVERY* single thing you need to know...And it has clear, white, soft pink and pink colors, the base and top coat, tips and a gelish mini lamp... The gel I got was the hard gel, and good thing I watched the dvd first 🤦🏼‍♀️because it was a hard gel, and I didn’t know at that time there was soft and hard gels...I just watched this channel and a few others and was really intrigued that non pro tech’s could use it...So, Hard gel you CANNOT soak off...You have to file it. And that scared me...So I went online, (E-bay) and seen they have soak off gel, too, so I bought some of it...$18.99 for the exact kit I got with the hard gel...It’s sooo creamy and you just simply move the brush like you ice a cake...Or as Liz says, float it on...It doesn’t have a harsh smell like other brands I tried, and it really is the best gel brand. Most gel Techs I know, use-ibd-, or Light Elegance...Which is what Liz uses. Another thing, honey, you DO NOT need a license anymore to buy professional stuff...Amazon sells any and everything the professionals use, and you can order it as well. Sally’s USED to require a license to even enter their store, but now anyone can go in and purchase stuff. Hope this helped❤️♥️❤️♥️❤️♥️❤️

[@seciliafeliz]

Love that jacket! Omg I used to love watching that show too!

[@WannabeBetter]

I love the jacket - and "L"averne and Shirley :-) I am making my way through your gel tutorials and they are AMAZING! You have a gift for teaching.

[@laurab.malarkey7051]

THAT JACKET THOUGH!!! It looks amazing, congrats girl! Saw it on your recent post, so glad to see it in action!

[@sws2552]

Can you go over what the benefits and differences of an overlay of builder gel vs an overlay of hard gel?

[@nelidasotelo3067]

Wow I did not know all that information! Thank you so much!💖💅

[@adgreene]

Yes! I have went from thin to thick gel. OMG! It is totally different, but I am trying to learn the press and push "float" the hard gel vs. painting on the soft gel. Do you happen to have any videos on this (applying hard vs. soft gel)? Thank you! Q: What is everyone's favorite thin/self-leveling gel?

[@mandareborn]

when you were showing the colored builder gels it brought up in my mind a question that i always have and haven't been able to find the answer to. when you do extensions on a client that are either a built in french or a bulit in design and they still want their extensions but DON'T want the design anymore when they come for their fill what do you do?? would you need to soak and/or file the entire thing off? i find so many ppl make articles and videos on first sets but dont dive into what happens for fills, removals, or rebalances. even though those are a majority of our services 😩

[@TheNailHub]

This is a really good question and I will definitely put this on my list of videos to make, but in general I dont do any "permanent" built in designs unless the customer is going to commit to it for a while. I mainly do clear nails and paint everything (including French) on top so it can be easily changed. Permanent tip designs are not realistic for most situations in my opinion and most clients dont understand how much work it takes to do them, then 2 weeks later they dont want it...I say make clear nails so you can see thru to the nail plate and just apply art/color on top.

[@mandareborn]

@@TheNailHub amazing! thanks for the response.❤ i pretty much ONLY sculpt with clear and paint everything over top. so good to have justification that im not crazy haha i feel like the rise of sped-up instagram nail videos where techs build their acrylic sets that way have made so many clients thinks its an easy standard unfortunately 😥

[@mvelenagarcia]

@@mandareborn lol... me too... only sculpt in clear and paint everything!

[@TheNailHub]

To be perfectly honest doing the permanent tip or encapsulated design thing is more of a "showy" thing that we nail techs do ourselves to show off our skills. But really doesn't translate as much to the salon setting with regular clients. Salon nails need to be profitable and realistic. Most clients don't want all the craziness nor are they willing to sit there for 3 hours so I find the clear nail with stuff on top method works best. :) You're def not crazy.

[@alleniversonisabeast]

The jacket is soooo dope! Would you consider making a video on proper shaping methods? Sometimes when working with tips (I only have square but the client wants round), or if I haven’t done such a good job utilizing the nail form lines, my shapes end up wonky. Almond nails are the worst! You’re so good at what you do. Thanks for sharing and making this resource 100 percent free!

[@TheNailHub]

That is coming up once we get through the basics. :)

[@inprogress36]

@@TheNailHub Fantastic because the struggle is real!

[@prviolist]

So glad I found you. Ty suzieeee

[@sushles]

If you wear colors that only compliment your skin tone, you will be wearing pink and whites forever. Wear what makes you happy. I love the fake pink, and I have medium toned brown skin. It makes me happy :o

[@XOXOlove57]

Supper cute jacket! Thanks for another great video 😊

[@jenoflaherty3134]

Thanks for this information, i appreciate all of these very much needed informative videos. Especially on gel viscosity. Xx

[@cm_zunnav6293]

Thank you for this! You are an amazing teacher!

[@shaminaj.dimauro9589]

How long does it usually take an experienced nail artist to complete a full set of gel nails?

[@karenthomas2302]

Thank you for the info on the different gel’s very informative. And love the jacket, lol Lavern and Shirley dang that brings back memories. 🤣

[@hipstamom]

Love your jacket; Laverne & Shirley is the first thing I thought of.

[@lindseykaufman4652]

So much great info! And I love the jacket, I immediately wanted one with an L on it for me.

[@ΓΕΩΡΓΙΑΚΥΠΡΙΑΝΙΔΟΥ-ΤΣΕΛΕΠΟΥ]

Excellent video! Very well explained Bravo!! Big fan of you and your work too!!

[@diamondpainting.by.fairydust]

Is polygel the same as hard gel? I can’t seem to find a straight up answer online?

[@wfy4734]

Where can I find the nail fundamentals videos? Are they also here on KZbin? Thank you

[@Teeny_Bopper_Animations]

“1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Schlemiel! Schlimazel! Hasenpfeffer Incorporated!!!” 😂😂😂😂 love the jacket btw!

[@morgenmachen2400]

I know I'm hella late but I wanted to ask : do manufacturers always indicate the viscosity either on their products or site?

[@butterflykisses-ritagather126]

Thank you so VERY very much for an absolutely fantastic video.... As always a lot to learn and to take in, but you make it easy to understand! Thank you once again! Kindest regards Rita G

[@joannevieira5757]

(gasp) You don't look old enough to know about Laverne and Shirley. I loved that show. 😀

[@lindarosenthal6835]

Great jacket! So perfect for you!

[@inprogress36]

Another great video Liz. I'm always learning something new from you! Good to know about the thicker gels. I do prefer the LE natural fiber for extensions. What would the equivalent be with Aczentz? Trying to get into that line slowly also. Your jacket is awesome. So nice of you to shout out to the ladies @daily_disco. Going to check them out, great work.

[@Rybys1]

Love your videos and the jacket is everything.

[@readingmama4052]

I love your videos, Ive learned so much. I know you already talked about what is a gel and the different types, but I dont think you've talked about polygel or hybrid gel. Can you do a video on those and explain the difference between gel and those products?

[@pasoapasonails6052]

I liked before watch! That much I trust you!😜

[@TheNailHub]

Haha now that's trust!

[@dragorsi]

The jacket looks awesome! Congrats once again! (I hope my builder gel I ordered recently, won’t be too thick 😅)

[@malibooo]

You’re amazing! I’ve switched from acrylic to gel completely! Super informative. All of the gels mentioned are hard gels though, do you know of any soft (soak off) gels that are very thick as I can’t seem to find any! 💅🏽

[@andriannapopowych8720]

I just came across this video and it's very informative. I'm not sure if anyone will see this comment but I need a recommendation. I do my own nails and sometimes add sculpting gel under gel polish to my own natural middle length nail to get growth (no tips) I came across videos of Bio Sculpting gel and it seems like the perfect product bc it has texture of gel polish, it's very thin but is actually a sculpting gel and it comes in so many colors. It's not available in the US and is very expensive. Can someone recommend a similar product with similar finish?

[@manfredfails7485]

If I go to the nail hub can I request you to do my nails?

[@Msrosy145]

What do you suggest to do infill on myself. ? I am learning to do my own nails. I love your teaching. 👍🏽

[@TheNailHub]

You'll want a self leveling gel

[@Msrosy145]

Thank you. I also have trouble putting gel polish on it runs into my cuticles I’m trying to put it sparingly. 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@natashacrawford4146]

How do you know the velocity or thickness of a gel

[@jeaszllc]

Great video. Love the jacket. Quick question is there a difference between sculpting gel and builder gel?

[@TheNailHub]

Not really. Sometimes the names are used to differentiate the viscosity but builder and sculpting is the same thing.

[@luisavieira3798]

I love ur jacket Liz.

[@kristinalbrendley]

Aaaaay! Daily Disco is from St. Louis!!

[@gretchenwitthoft8794]

In this video you are showing colored builders. What brand are the purple or lavender ones. I am having trouble finding them. Thank You Gretchen

[@cali.girllivinnnevada8]

This was sooooooooo helpful!! I’m a total gel girl👌🏼❤️

[@tinalee3374]

For a natural nail thin overlay/hard manicure with no apex etc, would you reach for Akzentz Trinity or LE 1 Step?

[@carolbeckett7276]

Luv the jacket

[@arianacatania145]

I just started getting into nails and was wondering if I could use builder gel for the base gel as well? And if base gel was necessary to use

[@tracksuitsandsweettea]

This was really clear and easy to understand thank you. I was wondering when trying to buy product. How do you tell what consistency it is from the packaging? Is there a weight category?

[@thayracampos]

Very good information! However, If I were to use a thick gel for the nail extension and a thinner gel for the body of the nail, is it ok to use two different brands? or does it have to be the same brand?

[@hasa8491]

Can you share what eyeshadow you're wearing? I love how the colours make your eyes pop!

[@TheNailHub]

It's "Hallucinogenius" from Colourpop.com

[@nailaddictsnailstudio1434]

I love all your videos.

[@crystaljean6065]

I wanted to hear more detailed info like viscosity percentage from the thicker builder gel to the self-leveling gel …which ones were none wipe and wipe off after curing how long to cure …which one cures faster … which is easier to file you touched on it a little bit but it wasn’t enough I was just hearing more of the same thing over and over versus the basic information

[@inesronsse4921]

I love your video's! I've learned more of it than on my actual education.. however i still have one question that here in belgium nobody answers me honestly because they want to promote their own products.. but is it possible to use different products on each other.. base, builder, color, top... ?

[@TheNailHub]

Yes you can but sometimes the formulas do not work well together. Like oil and water. You can avoid this by cleansing and finish filing the builder gel before applying color. But if you are doing a regular gel manicure it’s easiest to use all three gels from the same brand so that you don’t get issues.

[@daianabrindas9073]

Hallo! Ik weet niet als je al gestart bent of niet maar ik heb hetzelfde probleem hier in Belgie.. Heb je al goede producten kunnen vinden?

[@amandacaskey6527]

Hello! I have a question, I used to do this with the brand I use but the company told me not to mix using more than one gel at a time as that can compromise the strength and they can break, 🙄

[@TheAClub1]

What kind of gel should I use on my long natural nails? I definitely need structure and strength to my nails and I also want thickness to create nice apex. Is there some specific gel I should avoid?

[@angelastadalsky847]

Love the jacket!

[@sarapatchkid1835]

So what are your thoughts on soak off builder gel?

[@TheNailHub]

Soak off also comes in lots of viscosities and builder gel can refer to both hard formulas as well as soak off. You can use either but you really have to look at the finished texture of the gel to make sure it can withstand/support length. For example Kokoist Excel Builder is a very rigid and awesome extension gel but it's actually a soak off formula.

[@sarapatchkid1835]

The Nail Hub would you recommend kokoist for beginners?

[@bullslovar33]

Great information! You mentioned that as you get better, a person may prefer thin gel to build the nail extension. For building an extension, do you prefer medium or thin viscosity?

[@TheNailHub]

I like thinner but it depends on who im working on. If it's someone I know moves around or if I'm doing a particular service I use thicker gels

[@beautifuldream4310]

Your video was very helpful in helping me know the different builder gels and how to use them but is there something I can put on my nails first to help protect them and grow?