Have you ever wondered why hard gels are file-off only? Honestly, I find filing off hard gel easier and quicker than soaking off builder gel but the thought of that makes some techs nervous. I’m here to tell you that you don’t need to be! Ask yourself this, how often are you actually removing a client’s enhancements? More often than not you are most likely infilling every 3 weeks, for this reason, you should not let the fact that hard gel is filed off put you off using a fantastic product that has many benefits.
Hard gel cannot be soaked off due to its chemical composition and the way it cures.
Here are the main factors:
- Chemical Structure: Hard gel is a type of acrylate polymer that, once cured, forms a tightly cross-linked network. This cross-linking creates a very durable and resistant structure that acetone (the common solvent used for soaking off nail products) cannot easily penetrate or break down.
- Curing Process: Hard gel is cured using UV or LED light, which causes the gel molecules to bond together in a solid, impermeable structure. This hardened structure is highly resistant to solvents, including acetone.
- Physical Properties: The hard gel’s physical properties, such as its toughness and rigidity, are designed to provide strong, long-lasting nails. These properties also make it resistant to the chemical action of acetone.
Because of these factors, hard gel needs to be removed by filing. This can be done with a nail file or an e-file and it must be done carefully to avoid damaging the natural nail underneath. Our personal preference is to leave a very thin layer of hard gel (barely detectible) and allow it to grow out.
Trust us... once you have tried hard gel you will never go back!
Try our Dura Gel hard gel here