Self-levelling builder gels for nails
in category: Self-Levelling Builder Gels
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Self-levelling builder gel spreads over the nail plate and evens out the surface before you cure it. In this category you will find three Julia Nessa builder gel lines: hard Smooth Gel, medium-hard thixotropic Tixy gels and OMGel – a self-levelling builder gel in a bottle. Each line levels a little differently, so it is easy to match a gel to your technique – for extensions on a nail form, overlays on the natural nail plate and infills.
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What is a self-levelling gel for nails
A self-levelling gel is a builder gel that, once applied to the nail, spreads by itself and forms a smooth, even surface – with no brush marks and no thickening at the free edge. You do not have to refine every millimetre with the brush, and after extensions there is less filing and e-filing left to do. For the nail stylist it means faster work, and for the client a neat nail set with a smooth, mirror-like glass effect and a glassy shine.
Self-levelling builder gel (also called builder gel in the trade) is chosen by nail stylists who often make extensions or strengthen a weak, thin nail plate. The gel fills in the unevenness of the nail plate and, once cured, forms a durable structure that protects the natural nail from breaking.
Smooth Gel – a hard builder gel that levels by itself
Smooth Gel is a range of hard yet self-levelling gels in ten shades – from milky pinks and beige to the Diamond variants with subtle silver glitter. Depending on the colour, coverage is from 50 to 80%, so the gel builds the structure and evens out the colour of the nail plate at the same time. Smooth Gel is suitable for extensions on a nail form and for building up the natural nail plate, and it can be pinched – pinch the C-curve after about 20 seconds in a 48W DUAL LED lamp. Curing: 120 seconds in a 48W DUAL LED lamp. Sizes 15, 30 and 50 ml.
Tixy – a thixotropic gel with light levelling
Tixy gels have thixotropy, which in simple words is "shape memory": they are thick in the jar and become pliable under the movement of the brush. They do not run towards the cuticles as quickly as standard builder gels, and thanks to their lightly levelling properties, the surface smooths out by itself after a moment. These are gels of medium hardness – durable and flexible, with the option to pinch, for extensions and for building up the natural nail plate. Curing: 120 seconds in a 36W UV lamp or 60 seconds in a 48W DUAL LED lamp.
The line also includes Tixy 1-phase clear – a one-phase, transparent gel made for the no-file technique, which can also be used as a base.
OMGel – a self-levelling builder gel in a bottle
OMGel is a self-levelling builder gel of medium hardness, in a bottle with a brush. You apply it straight from the bottle, like a base, without picking the product up from a jar. It suits overlays and strengthening the nail plate, infills and light extensions on a form. Available in five shades, in 8 and 15 ml.
Self-levelling or non-levelling gel – which to choose
The choice depends on how you like to work. A self-levelling gel evens out the surface by itself, so it suits you when you want quick, smooth application. Non-levelling gels, such as Master Gel or Jelly Cover, stay exactly where you place them – they are chosen by nail stylists who prefer to guide the product with the brush and model a high apex. Many nail stylists keep both kinds at the nail desk and choose between them depending on the shape of the nail.
Nail extensions with self-levelling gel step by step
- ♥ prepare the nail plate, apply the base and cure it in the lamp
- ♥ pick up the right amount of gel and place it at the apex – the self-levelling formula will do the rest
- ♥ work on one or two nails at a time, so that the more fluid gel does not run towards the cuticles before curing
- ♥ for extensions, pinch the C-curve when the gel has set but is still pliable
- ♥ cure the gel for the time given on the page of the given line
Self-levelling gels – frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a self-levelling gel and a builder gel? A self-levelling gel is a type of builder gel. It differs in consistency: it spreads over the nail plate and forms a smooth surface by itself, while a non-levelling gel stays where you applied it.
Is a self-levelling gel suitable for nail extensions? Yes. Smooth Gel and Tixy work well for extensions on a nail form and for building up the natural nail plate, and OMGel for lighter extensions on a form and for infills.
Which self-levelling gel should I choose? If you want the gel to spread quickly and evenly – Smooth Gel. If you prefer more control, with a smooth surface a moment later – Tixy. If you like to work with a brush straight from the bottle – OMGel.
Can a self-levelling gel be pinched? Yes, both Smooth Gel and Tixy can be pinched.
For professional use only.