Back in the day, when we wanted lengthy claws, acrylics felt like our only option. We'd sit in our neighbourhood nail salon for over an hour getting our fingers sculpted with the jelly-like powder, and we never skipped a fill-in once new growth came in. Now, we've got more options. Quick fixes (like press-on nails), newer innovations (like SNS dip powder), and gel extensions. Since most salons are currently closed due to COVID-19, many determined nail enthusiasts have taken DIY tips into their own hands.

The latter isn't a new technique, per se, but despite the popularity of gel polish, it's still pretty obscure. So what the hell are gel extensions, and what's the difference between gels, gel extensions, and acrylics? We're breaking it all down for you.

What Are Gel Extensions?
Nail extensions at home in Dubai and acrylic nails aren't identical, but they are similar. "Acrylic is a two-step process that involves liquid and powder which air dries. Gel extensions use hard gel or structure gel and are cured with a UV or LED light. "Both techniques have a similar look and feel."

The more durable of the two, hard gel is also the most common type of gel used for best nail extensions Dubai but takes a little more work to remove. "Structure gel can be easily soaked off and is good for people with natural nails who want to improving durability without the extreme hardness and heaviness of hard gel.”It creates a solid capping on the natural nail but isn't as tough as the hard gel." On the other hand, the hard gel is the toughest form of gel polish and creates a sturdier, longer-lasting exterior.

How Is It Applied?
Like acrylics, gel nail extensions at home Dubai require an overlay to lengthen your nail. "Using a form under the nail helps to create the length and shape you are trying to achieve.”Most of the time, a form is applied underneath the natural nail. Once that adheres, hard or structure gel is applied all over the nail from the tip to the cuticle and then cured under a lamp. The rest of your process will flow like a regular gel mani: your colour is applied with standard soft gel polish and cured layer by layer. If you're getting nail art, your artist will decorate your tips, and then your nails are sealed with a gel topcoat.

If you're looking to get a fresh set of extensions by a pro or on your own, prepare to spend at least one hour in the chair. "It's a process that shouldn't be rushed, so depending on the length and shape of the nail you are going for, you should dedicate 1-2 hours. If you're getting nail art, that takes up some time, too.

How Are They Removed?
When applied correctly, gel nail extensions Dubai should last between 2-4 weeks (or more depending on how much you hate the grown-outlook). But to preserve the health and strength of your natural nail, the removal process is crucial. "You absolutely should not try to remove your gel extensions at home. Just because gel polish is being used doesn't mean your extensions can be soaked off like a regular UV-light manicure. "Hard gel is extremely durable and won't come off with foils and acetone. You need to completely break through the top seal to remove them, which requires a professional nail drill. "Almost 90% of the gel needs to be drilled off, and then you remove the remaining product by soaking your nails in acetone and dusting it off with a nail file."