When applied correctly, Gel-X^® can last up to 4-5 weeks. Proper natural nail preparation, the correct tip size, full curing and avoiding air bubbles are essential for maximum retention.

When applied and removed correctly, Gel-X^® is considered very gentle on natural nails. Damage usually happens from improper removal, excessive filing or poor nail preparation.

Yes. With the right products, a proper UV/LED lamp and some practice, Gel-X^® is also suitable for ambitious DIY users. Clean application and proper nail preparation are extremely important.

Common reasons include poor natural nail preparation, oil or dust left on the nail, incorrect tip sizing, air bubbles under the tip or incomplete curing. Applying too much pressure while placing the tip can also create tension and later cause lifting.

You can prevent lifting by thoroughly removing invisible cuticle, lightly buffing the natural nail, choosing the correct tip size, avoiding air bubbles and fully curing the gel. The tip should sit tension-free and should never be too small.

Air bubbles usually occur when the tip is applied too quickly, at the wrong angle, with too little gel or if the tip shifts during flash curing. The tip should be slowly laid down from the cuticle area toward the free edge.

Special “Liquid Cover Gels” were developed specifically for this purpose. They offer excellent coverage and an optimized consistency to create a natural nude or cover look similar to a professionally sculpted gel nail. We recommend either the original Aprés Cover Gels or the JustNails Liquid Cover Gels.

Yes. After applying Gel-X^® tips, you can reinforce them with builder gel or rubber base gel for extra strength. However, we do not recommend using acrylic or polygel, as these systems are often too rigid for flexible Gel-X^® tips. We recommend the specially developed “APRÉS Builder Gelcoat” with item number AP-1BTGC15.

For Gel-X^® nails you need suitable Gel-X^® or soft gel tips, a compatible adhesive gel, primer or bonder, tip prep, a UV/LED lamp, nail file, buffer, manicure tools and optionally color gel or top coat.

The tip should fully cover the natural nail from sidewall to sidewall without applying pressure. If the tip is too small, tension and lifting can occur. If it is too large, it should be adjusted on the sides.

Yes. Gel-X^® tips can be filled as long as the structure is still stable and there are no major liftings. During a refill, only the grown-out area is prepared and balanced with gel.

Depending on the system, Gel-X^® can either be soaked off with acetone or carefully reduced with an e-file. Never rip the tips off, as this can damage the natural nail plate.

That depends on the desired result. Gel-X^® is faster, lighter and feels more natural. Hard gel and acrylic are often more durable under extreme stress, but require more sculpting experience and filing. However, thousands of nail salons already use Gel-X^® on clients and are extremely satisfied with its durability. More and more salons are switching entirely to Gel-X^® for nail extensions.

Gel-X^® is a patented full cover soft gel extension system developed by Aprés. Soft gel tips is the general term for flexible full cover tips. Original Aprés Gel-X^® tips differ from cheaper alternatives through material quality, fit and overall system performance.

The best Gel-X^® tips depend on the shape of the natural nail. Flatter nails often work best with Natural Tips, while more curved nails benefit from Sculpted Tips. A perfect fit, high-quality soft gel material and the correct length are key.

They are made from patented soft gel material that creates a true gel-on-gel bond. Many cheap soft gel tips are made from PMMA or even ABS plastic, making them less flexible, less durable and more prone to lifting.