How to Use Gelous Builder Gel for a Strong Gel Manicure

Wanting a stronger, longer-lasting gel manicure? Enter Builder Gel. The powerful polish loved by thousands that boosts the longevity of your manicure and promotes nail growth all in one go. Read on to learn the ins and outs of how to use Gelous Builder Gel, as we guide you through each step and share our top tips for a flawless application.

What is Builder Gel?

Builder Gel is the ultimate solution for bringing strength to your gorgeous gel manicures. Unlike regular Gel Nail Polishes, Builder Gel boasts a thicker consistency and harder finish, offering your nails the best protection against breaking or bending. This robust polish not only extends the life of your manicures but also nurtures the natural strength and growth of your nails — it’s an absolute win-win. If your gel manicures aren’t going the distance due to your nail tips bending, snapping, or breaking, then Builder Gel is a must-have in your kit!

How do you use Gelous Builder Gel?

How to apply Builder Gel

Builder Gel seamlessly finds its place in your nail routine after applying Base Coat, creating a strong, resilient layer before continuing with your Colour Coat and Top Coat. With its thick consistency, it’s a good idea to first swipe your brush against the bottle’s rim, then progress.

You can keep it simple by applying 1–2 thin coats, curing each as you would regular Gel Nail Polish, or take advantage of its thicker consistency to build strength and shape. Pay particular attention when applying Builder Gel near your cuticle to leave a small gap, this will protect your nail bed from any flooding. For a structured nail, start with a slip layer, then place a small bead near your cuticle and gently guide it side to side, letting most of the gel settle in the centre to form a natural apex. Briefly tipping your nail upside down will help it self-level. Flash-cure each nail to hold the shape in place, then fully cure using the 99 second low heat mode under the Gel Nail Lamp once your hand is complete. 

After curing, if you find your Builder Gel is looking a little bulky or uneven on the nail tip, no stress — simply moisten a Lint Free Wipe with Nail Polish Remover, wipe the nail and file it down for a picture-perfect finish. If nail art follows on your agenda, you should wipe down the nail in the same way. This crucial step eliminates the sticky inhibition layer, providing you with a flawlessly smooth canvas to paint on.

How to remove Builder Gel

When you're ready to wave goodbye to your gel mani, it’s important to bear in mind you don’t need to completely remove Builder Gel unless you notice it’s lifting. Builder Gel is thicker and more resolute than other Gel Nail Polishes, so it often won’t entirely come off during a classic removal. Once you’ve successfully removed all your coloured Gel Nail Polish, you can use the fine side of the Gelous Nail File to gently smooth out any remaining Builder Gel. If you'd rather remove your Builder Gel fully, you will likely need to soak your nails for an extra 10 minutes or so after removing your coloured polish. This additional soaking time will help to loosen up the Builder Gel for easier removal.

How to infill Builder Gel

When you’re ready for reapplication, get started with your usual nail preparation, then apply Base Coat and cure. It’s then time to infill your Builder Gel. Begin close to the cuticle area, gently pushing the Builder towards the cuticle while leaving a little gap to avoid any overflow. Proceed by pulling strokes up to the tip of your nail, cap the free edge to 'seal it off', and leave uncured — this creates a ‘slip layer' which acts as a guide for the following layer. Next, paint a small bead of Builder Gel onto your nail and gently guide it toward the cuticle area. With a left-to-right motion, work the Builder Gel up the nail, thinning towards the tip, and cap the free edge. It’s wise to then use a Thin Nail Art Brush to pull some bulk towards the tip, this will tidy the application and get rid of any lumps or bumps. Finish by flipping your hand upside down to help create a natural apex on the nail, cure for 60 seconds, and carry on with your mani as usual.

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Does Gelous Builder Gel help nails grow?

Builder Gel is an extraordinary tool for nurturing nail growth. Its rigidity and strength prevent your nails from breaking and bending, fostering not only the growth of your natural nails but also extending the life of your manicure. Plus, as there’s no need to completely remove Builder Gel, this protective layer remains, keeping your nails strong and less vulnerable to breakage between gel manicures. Pair it with Gelous Rubber Base Coat for ultimate strength!

Is Gelous Builder Gel good? 

Definitely, Builder Gel is a game-changing addition to your at-home manicure routine. It totally transforms your mani with a whole new level of strength, thickness and longevity, but don’t just take our word for it, read the rave reviews for our Builder Gel and let the results speak for themselves!

“I have very thin and weak nails, and have never had a manicure last for longer than 1-2 weeks due to chipping and nail breakage (including from a nail salon). This is my first time using this product and it’s almost been a MONTH since I applied it, and all nails are still going strong. I can confidently say my nails have never been able to grow this long without breaking. People with weak nails NEED THIS.”
- Emma

“This has made my manicure last 4 weeks with no chips and has strengthened my nails so much. No more flaking, chipping or cracking and it is a lovely natural colour.”
- Bianca

“I just finished my first bottle of builder gel and now I can’t do my nails without it! I find my nails no longer chip or peel at all and I haven’t had a broken nail since I started using it. The pink is also a really nice colour as a base if I want to do small details on the nail or just do the tips.”
- Vanessa

“I’ve been using the builder gel for about 2 months and my nails have never been longer. It’s an amazing product and has really exceeded my expectations.”
- Alyia

"Wow! This Builder is fantastic! As an ex nail tech it is one I can highly recommend. I have been using it on myself and clients and can’t fault it. One client is a cleaner - her hands are in and out gloves, water and cleaning products. They have always chipped after a couple of days and with Builder Gel they have done the test of toughness and lasted a couple weeks without chipping. My nails personally have not been this long in years! I am very rough on my hands and they are just standing the test of workouts, cleaning and my busy life."
- Dana