Whether nail extensions or gel polish is right for you depends on what you want from your nails. Gel polish gives your natural nails long-lasting colour and shine; nail extensions add length and shape. Below we look at the difference between the two, how long they last, how often they need upkeep and who each one suits.
What is gel polish?
Gel polish is a nail polish that goes on over your natural nail layer by layer, with each layer set under a special lamp. The length and shape of your nail stay the same; what you gain is long-lasting colour and shine.
A session usually takes around 40 minutes to 1 hour. Gel polish usually lasts 2-3 weeks. We go into how to keep it looking good for longer in our post on how long gel polish lasts.
What are nail extensions?
Nail extensions add length and shape using a material applied over the natural nail. If your nails are short, brittle or grow unevenly, they are one way to get the length and shape you want. We explain step by step how we apply them on our manicure and nail extensions page.
A first set takes around 1.5-2 hours, depending on the length, shape and design you want. As your nails grow, a gap forms between the natural nail and the extension. This is filled at infill appointments, usually every 2-3 weeks. An infill usually takes 45-75 minutes.
What is the main difference between gel polish and nail extensions?
Gel polish and nail extensions are both for hands that look cared for, but they meet different needs.
- Purpose: Gel polish gives colour and shine; nail extensions add length and shape.
- Nail length: With gel polish you keep your own nail length; with extensions you choose the length.
- Appointment time: A gel polish appointment is shorter; a first set of extensions takes longer.
- Upkeep: Gel polish is usually redone or removed every 2-3 weeks; for extensions, an infill is recommended every 2-3 weeks.
- Design: Colour and design can be added to both; with extensions, shape and length become part of the design.
These timings are a general guide. We plan and carry out every service to a personalised protocol, so timings and frequency may differ for you.
Which one is right for you?
This is a decision best made together, but the two lists below may give you a general idea.
Gel polish may be for you if
- You are happy with the length of your own nails
- You want a clean, glossy colour that lasts
- You prefer a shorter appointment
- You use your hands a lot and are more comfortable with short nails
Nail extensions may be for you if
- Your nails are short, break easily or grow unevenly
- You want a particular length and shape
- You are thinking of long nails with a design for a special occasion
- You can make time for regular infill appointments
If you are planning for a special occasion, our wedding and special occasion beauty timeline explains when to have your nails done.
If you cannot decide, we will look at your nails and your daily routine at your first consultation and choose together what suits you.
Which is more damaging to your nails, gel polish or extensions?
There is no simple “one is good, the other is bad” answer to this. With gel polish and nail extensions alike, what matters most for the condition of your natural nails is how they are applied and how they are removed.
When either is applied well and removed properly at the salon, your nails are less likely to become worn. What is hardest on your nails is scraping or peeling gel polish or extensions off at home. That is why we recommend having them removed at the salon. If your nails are thin or brittle, tell us before your appointment and we will plan the session around that.
How do you keep your nails looking good for longer?
Whichever you choose, a few small habits help your nails look good for longer.
- Wear gloves when washing up or cleaning.
- Do not use your nails to open or scrape things.
- Moisturise your cuticles and the skin around your nails regularly.
- If a nail lifts or breaks, do not try to glue it at home; message us.
You will find practical tips for looking after your extensions in our post on nail extension aftercare.
Who should check with us first?
Nail services are cosmetic care carried out on the surface of the nail. Even so, please message us before your appointment if:
- There is redness, swelling, or a change in colour or texture on or around the nail
- You have an open wound, cut or irritation on your hands
- You have reacted to polish, gel or acrylic products before
- You have a known blood sugar or circulation condition
In these cases we may postpone the session and suggest you speak to your doctor first. Your nails are in the hands of our expert team of qualified practitioners, who explain each step and look after your comfort.
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch from gel polish to nail extensions?
Yes, you can. We gently remove the old gel polish at the salon and then apply the extensions. If you mention when you book that you are wearing gel polish, it helps us plan the right amount of time.
Can I change the colour of my nail extensions?
Yes, you can change the colour at your infill appointments. Colour and design are added to nail extensions as part of the session.
Can you have extensions on short nails?
Yes. Adding length to short nails is exactly what extensions are chosen for. We decide the length and shape together at your first consultation.
Which takes less time at the salon?
A gel polish appointment is shorter, usually around 40 minutes to 1 hour. A first set of nail extensions takes around 1.5-2 hours, depending on the length, shape and design you want.
Let us help you choose
You can read more about the manicures, gel polish and nail extensions we offer at our beauty salon in Nişantaşı, Istanbul, on our Nail Services page. To talk about which would suit you, just message us. Our address and directions are on our contact page.
