Hard Gel is the most durable and long-lasting way to create gel overlays. You can either use hard gel or soft gel to make your gel overlay. You can click here to read more about what are overlay nails and which is the best type to get. This is to protect your natural nails and allow them to grow out without breaking.Ī Gel Overlay manicure will cost less and last longer than a gel extension manicure With gel overlays, the gel is only applied to cover your natural nails. But the main difference is that with gel overlays you don’t extend your nails. Gel Overlay uses the same gel you would use to make gel nail extensions. But a simple gel polish manicure will cost less than a gel overlay manicure.Ħ Ways to Protect Hands from UV Lamps- Safer Gel Manicuresĥ Alternatives to Gel Nails: Safe, Healthy & Durable What is the Difference Between Gel Nail Extension and Gel Overlay

Gel polish is less durable, it is primarily used to add color and design to nails. Or allow you to shape your natural nails or add an apex. So it won’t provide any form of protection or reinforcement for your natural nails as an overlay should. Gel polish is not considered an overlay nail.

What is the difference between gel polish and gel overlay One of the best gel overlays to use is BIAB – click here to learn more.

Create a long-lasting base for other nail products.

Make your natural nails thicker which allows them to be shaped to your liking and even allows you to create a nice apex.

Reinforce and protect weak natural nails to prevent them from breaking which allows them to grow out.

Gel Overlay is where gel that is typically used to make nail extensions is applied over your natural nails to create a very hard, durable, and thick layer.

Gel overlay on real nails