If you love nails and have not heard of builder gel, you’ll definitely want to keep reading. Builder gel is a type of gel enhancement that is widely favored for its various benefits. When used for a manicure, builder gel adds durability to the natural nails while still remaining flexible as it bends with the nails’ natural movements. For those who want to upkeep their natural nails, builder gel is a great option to support natural nail integrity, enhance the overall nail look, and add strength. At Sweetie Nail Supply, we offer a selection of premium Korean builder gel with unique features from reputable brands. These builder gels offer the benefits of traditional builder gels in addition to the innovation of the Korean cosmetic industry and aesthetic design. Different nail brands may have their own builder gels systems, often referred to by various names such as ‘structure gel,’ ‘extend gel,’ ‘strengthening gel,’ ‘builder in a bottle (BIAB).’ These terms generally describe gels that enhance shape, length, or durability. Generally, any thick gel designed to reinforce the natural nail and provide added strength or extension falls under the category of builder gel. While the names may vary, the core function remains the same, with each formulation offering unique features. So what is builder gel? Unlike traditional gel polish, builder gel is thicker in viscosity and can be used to build up the nail structure for durability and a desirable appearance. This curved gel structure not only makes the nail look more voluminous, but the apex or highest point of the curve, also strengthens and protects the nail at the stress point, helping to minimize breakage. Builder gel is also a great enhancement to support natural nail health because it does not require acetone soak-off removal for each new set as long as there isn’t any lifting or issues. Instead, when it’s time for a fresh set, the builder gel enhancement is filed down, and new product is added to fill in the new growth area or added to rebalance the nail, restructuring the apex at the correct area of the nail. These benefits make builder gel a beneficial enhancement for nails. However, there are different types of builder gels that are more suitable for specific nail conditions and serve different purposes. Builder gel types include hard gel or soft gel. Soft builder gel is suitable to use on natural nails for structured overlays and can be removed with acetone. However, it is not hard enough to support long nails or nail tips for nail extensions. Doi Aube Gel by Nailbayo is a soft gel that is suitable for overlaying natural nails, adding a voluminous appearance to flat nails. The formula is easy to apply and control. As a soft gel, Doi Aube Gel is also easy to remove using acetone. These features make Doi Aube Gel a great choice for nail artists of all skill levels to enhance natural nails. For long nails and nail extensions, hard gel should be used as it provides a more durable support. However, unlike soft builder gel, hard builder gel is acetone resistant and must be filed off. AirEx Extension Gel by Viewgel is a hard gel that can be used to sculpt extensions and protect natural nails that have longer length. These gels come in a jar, making it convenient to adjust the amount of gel on the brush. DIAMI’s Oh!Ver Builder Gel is another hard gel formula that comes in bottle form with six beautiful neutral color options. These gels can provide structure to support long natural nails and can be used for sculpture nail extensions. Oh!Ver Builder Gel not only enhances the strength of natural nails but also offers a range of neutral tones that simplify the application process. There are some builder gel formulas that exist between soft and hard, which can be referred to as “semi-hard.” Semi-hard gel offers moderate durability and can be penetrated with acetone, but not easily soaked off. The most effective method of removal for semi-hard gel would be filing off the gel. When choosing a builder gel, it’s important to consider whether clear or color builder gel best suits you or your clients’ needs. Clear builder gel offers more versatility in usage, whereas color builder gels combine the steps of applying structure and color in a single step for ease and efficiency. Ivy Fiber Base Gel from JIN.B comes in clear and five nude shades for flexible options. This 3-in-1 formula combines base, strength, and color, simplifying the application process. Infused with strong glass fibers, Ivy Fiber Base Gel not only enhances durability but also effectively mends cracked nails, providing reinforcement to the cracked area, similar to traditional silk or fiberglass wrap nail repairs. Ivy Fiber Base Gel can also be used to sculpt short to active length nail extensions. If you are looking for a Korean builder gel with multi-functional features, Ivy Fiber Base Gel is a great choice to address a variety of nail needs. For different durability options and versatile uses, JIN.B Coolear Builder Gels are clear and come in four types of hardness. One of the key features of these gels is that they do not heat up on the nails when being cured in a nail lamp, which is an unpleasant effect that can sometimes happen with builder gels. Check out our blog article on JIN.B Coolear Builder Gel to learn more about the differences between each type and uses. Builder gel is a game-changer for nail enthusiasts and professionals, offering durability while enhancing appearance and maintaining nail integrity. With a wide selection of options, there is a builder gel suited for every nail type and need. Explore our selection of builder gels to find the best builder gel for you and experience the benefits of premium Korean builder gel firsthand.