Gel vs Acrylic vs French Nail Extensions in Kakkanad

At Toni&Guy Essensuals on Infopark Road, gel, acrylic and French-tip extensions all cost the same: ₹2,500 for a full set. So the choice comes down to how you want your nails to look and feel, and how hard you are on your hands.

Here's how the three compare, and what refills, removal and nail art cost in Kakkanad. All prices are from the salon's current rate card and are before GST.

The quick comparison

Every set starts the same way: cuticle care, shaping and a light buff so the extension bonds properly. Tips or forms are then built in gel or acrylic and filed to the length and shape you chose, whether that's almond, square, coffin or short and natural.

Gel extensions

Gel is built in layers and cured under a lamp. It feels lighter and more flexible on the nail, and the finish is naturally glossy, so gel sets tend to look closest to a real, healthy nail.

Gel usually suits you if:

• It's your first set and you want them to feel light
• You type all day and want nails that flex rather than click
• You prefer short to medium lengths with a natural shape

Acrylic extensions

Acrylic is typically a liquid and powder mixed into a paste that hardens as it dries. It's harder-wearing than gel, which is why many people choose it for longer lengths and sharper shapes like coffin or long almond. It can feel a little heavier for the first day or two, and the product has a noticeable smell while it's being applied.

Acrylic usually suits you if:

• You're hard on your hands, with lots of cooking, lifting or typing
• You want length and drama that holds its shape
• Your previous gel sets have chipped or lifted early

French-tip extensions

French tips are about the finish rather than the material: a soft pink or nude base with a crisp white tip. They read as polished without being loud, which is why they're popular for weddings and office wear. Ask your nail technician whether they'll build yours in gel or acrylic for your nails.

If you want the French look without extensions, a gel polish French finish on your natural nails is ₹1,100.

What about an overlay?

An overlay (₹1,500) adds a strong layer over your natural nails without adding length. It's a good middle ground if your nails are long enough but keep breaking.

How long extensions last, and refills

Extensions usually last three to four weeks before they need a refill, depending on how fast your nails grow and how you use your hands. For the strongest set, book a refill every two to three weeks.

A refill fills the gap that appears at the cuticle as your natural nail grows, and rebalances the shape so the extension doesn't become top-heavy. Refills are ₹1,800 with gel polish included.

If an edge starts to lift before your refill, book in rather than gluing it down at home. Water can get trapped under a lifted nail.

Removal

Always have extensions removed at the salon. Prying or picking them off peels away layers of your natural nail, and that's where most extension damage comes from. Removal is ₹600 for extensions and ₹400 for gel polish.

After removal, a few days of cuticle oil and short, rounded nails help your natural nails recover before the next set.

Nail art prices

A few sample totals:

• Gel set with hand-painted art on two accent nails: ₹2,500 + ₹260 = ₹2,760
• Acrylic set with chrome on all ten: ₹2,500 + ₹1,500 = ₹4,000
• Gel polish on your natural nails, all ten: ₹900

See all the options on the nail extensions page.

Aftercare

• Wear gloves for cleaning and washing up. Water and household chemicals are what lift extensions.
• Don't use your nails as tools for opening cans or peeling labels.
• Rub in a little cuticle oil daily to keep the skin around your nails supple.
• Stick to your refill schedule, and never pull a lifting nail off yourself.

When to see a doctor

Some people react to the acrylates used in gel and acrylic products. If the skin around your nails turns red, itchy, swollen or blistered after a set, have the extensions removed and see a dermatologist. The same goes for pain, pus or green or yellow discolouration under a nail, which can be a sign of infection.

Pairing extensions with other services

Nails look best when hands and feet match. A Deluxe pedicure is ₹850 and includes a cut and file, cuticle cleaning, a scrub and a massage, and women get complimentary nail polish with every pedicure. See the manicure and pedicure page.

Getting married? The Pre-bridal Luxury package includes gel polish, and so does the Premium party package. The details are on the bridal makeup page. The ₹1,999 combo also lets you choose gel polish alongside a foot massage or a luxury pedicure or manicure. Check the offers page for what's currently running.

Quick answers

Is gel or acrylic better for a first set?

Gel is often the easier first set because it feels lighter and more flexible. Acrylic is harder-wearing if you're tough on your hands. Both are ₹2,500 with gel polish.

How long do nail extensions last?

Usually three to four weeks before a refill, depending on how fast your nails grow. Refills are ₹1,800 with gel polish.

Do extensions damage natural nails?

Not when they're applied and removed properly. Damage usually comes from picking them off, so have them removed at the salon (₹600).

How much does nail art cost?

₹130 a finger for hand-painted art, cat-eye or holographic, ₹150 for chrome, and ₹30 per piece of nail jewellery.

Ready for a new set? Book your nail extensions.