If you want longer, stronger nails, the menu can feel like alphabet soup: Gel-X, acrylic, builder gel, hard gel, BIAB, dip. They all add strength or length, but they feel different, wear differently and suit different nails. Here is a plain-English guide from the nail techs at Nail Garden, so you can walk in knowing what to ask for.
The quick answer
- Want length with a light, natural feel? Choose Gel-X extensions.
- Want maximum strength or dramatic shapes? Choose acrylic.
- Want to grow out your own nails without them breaking? Choose builder gel (or BIAB) on your natural nails.
- Want a fast, sturdy color that is not gel polish? Choose dip powder.
Gel-X nail extensions
Gel-X uses a full-coverage soft gel tip that is shaped in advance and bonded to your natural nail with gel, then cured under a lamp. Because the tip is already shaped, the result is thin, even and very natural looking.
Good for: almond, coffin and square shapes in short to long lengths; people who find acrylic too thick.
Keep in mind: Gel-X is a full new set each time rather than a fill. It soaks off, so removal is gentler than filing off acrylic.
At Nail Garden: Signature Gel-X Nail Extensions are $95, and that price includes removal of your old gel.
Acrylic nails
Acrylic is a liquid and powder mixed into a bead, sculpted onto the nail or a tip, and left to harden on its own. It is the strongest and most sculptable option, which is why it is still a favorite for extra-long sets and bold shapes like stiletto.
Good for: long and extra-long lengths, people who are hard on their hands, and detailed nail art.
Keep in mind: acrylic is usually maintained with fills as your nail grows. It has a stronger smell during application than gel products.
At Nail Garden: acrylic full sets start at $70 and fills start at $55. Gel color is not included in acrylic pricing.
Builder gel, hard gel and BIAB
Builder gel is a thicker gel brushed over your natural nail (or over a tip for extensions) to add structure. It is flexible enough to feel comfortable but strong enough to stop your own nails from bending and breaking while they grow. BIAB ("builder in a bottle") is a popular builder gel style. Ours is HEMA-free, a good choice if you have reacted to gel products before.
Good for: growing out natural nails, short and medium lengths, a glossy natural look.
Keep in mind: builder gel is usually refilled every few weeks instead of removed, which helps protect the natural nail.
At Nail Garden: a builder gel or hard gel manicure on natural nails starts at $87 with gel color included (fill $77+). Builder gel extensions with tips start at $95 (fill $85+). BIAB HEMA-free builder gel starts at $85.
Dip powder
Dip powder layers a bonding liquid with colored powder, then seals it with a top coat. There is no lamp needed for the color itself, and the finish is hard and durable.
At Nail Garden: dip on natural nails starts at $70, and dip with tips starts at $80.
Side-by-side comparison
| Gel-X | Acrylic | Builder gel | Dip powder | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feel | Thin, light | Strong, thicker | Flexible, natural | Hard, sturdy |
| Best for | Natural-looking length | Long and bold sets | Growing your own nails | Durable color |
| Upkeep | New set | Fills | Fills | New set |
| Starting price | $95 | $70 | $87 | $70 |
What about Russian manicures?
A Russian manicure is not an extension. It is a very precise cuticle and dry manicure technique that gives gel a clean, close-to-the-cuticle finish that grows out neatly. Many guests pair it with builder gel or rubber base. Read our full guide: What is a Russian manicure?
Removal matters as much as application
Most nail damage comes from picking or peeling enhancements off at home. Let a nail tech remove them. At Nail Garden, removal of acrylic, dip or builder gel is $15 with a new set, and gel polish or rubber base removal is free when you get a new application.
Still not sure?
Tell your nail tech how long you want your nails, how hard you are on your hands, and how often you want to come back. They will recommend the right system in a minute. See the full Nail Garden menu and prices, or book at your nearest salon in Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Burbank, North Hollywood (NoHo West) or El Segundo.
Prices are starting prices and may vary by salon, length, shape and design. Confirm final pricing when booking.