A question about builder gel

[IamIfeel]

I don’t get my nails done often but when I do, normally go for a gel finish, however they absolutely wreck my nails. I know people say that’s because they’re applied or removed poorly but I disagree, it’s the same regardless of who does them. Anyway, off topic.

I need nails done for an event early December, then again for a trip away mid December that needs to last through Christmas and new year. I saw builder gel come up as an option which thought might be good as my nails are still recovering from the gel I had in September. If I had them done in early December, would I need to have them fully removed and redone for the next time a couple of weeks later? Or can they do infills?

I get infills on my builder gel nails!

Infills can be done on builder gel nails. I go to get mine done every 3 weeks but wouldn't leave it any more than 4.

Builder gel is no different really. It’s no better for your nails than normal gel polish and like anything you put on your nails, it’s only ever as good as what’s underneath it.

Sorry didn’t word it very well. I don’t expect them to be any better for my nails but normally id have gel for a couple of weeks then have it removed and my nails would be shot to bits, so I’d lose any of the nice length. My hope with builder gel is I can have 2 lots done to last me a month and I’d still have some length with the second set IYSWIM. After Xmas I’ll get them removed and let gel recover for the next 3 months.

Infills are possible but the kind of nail techs who are capable of caring for your nail health properly are likely to be almost full around Xmas at this point so I would get booking asap. Message the tech on insta and explain your previous experience and goal.
There’s no reason that a proper application and removal of gel should damage your nails to the point of losing length unless your nails are quite thin naturally?

The last few times I’ve had my nails done I have damage from the drill where they have damaged the surface of the nail removing old polish, or prepping for new.
This is different salons / technicians so it’s not a question of going elsewhere. I did!
They just seem to grind away too much of the top surface of the nail.

I stopped getting them done and have been applying vitamin E oil to them daily and finally the damage has grown out. (Took 6 months)
I’ve used press-on nails in meantime if I wanted my nails to look done.

I did look it up and apparently the drill shouldn’t damage the nail surface “if used correctly”. Unfortunately I think it’s being used too heavily.

I have already booked a first appointment but the wasn’t sure what to do about the second appointment I need, hence this question, as I don’t want to leave it last minute.

Im with @Shortpoet in that or doesn’t make a difference who does my nails or what technique they use, they end up so thin and bendy then just snap off constantly whenever I have gel. In general my nails are pretty strong and healthy.

The technician and their skills does make a massive difference. Really good ones don't use drills for a start, @Shortpoet.

But you have to find someone genuinely a cut above. If you just go to a variety of salons who use the similar techniques you'll get the same outcome.

I don't live near the brilliant nail tech I had, no one else I've tried near me comes close so I don't get them don't anymore.

I’ve been getting builder/BIAB done monthly since March, had never got my nails done before. My nails are perfect underneath. Could now just get a polish but the BIAB stops them from breaking. I go to a good (but not any more expensive) nail salon. Only intended to get them done the once for a wedding but as they haven’t caused damage will keep it up

Not true, a good nail tech can and does use a drill the main thing is that when the product is very thin they should change out to a hand file.

Builder gel can be left on your nails and they can infill and also if it is in good condition with no lifting they can leave a base layer on gel on your nails. Lots of nail techs on youtube showing this.

I’d only expect a tech to use a drill if they’re removing old thick acrylics otherwise there’s no need to use a drill on gel nails ever!

Instead of gel, maybe look for a salon that specialises in a Japanese manicure that uses powder and paste. It gives the lasting mega shine of a gel without needing UV lamps and is much nicer for your nails.

I've used builder gel on my nails and you absolutely can in fill it, it also really helped me with nail growth post partly when my nails basically went to shit (see also hair, feet, skin etc etc). Anyway I found the builder gel still trashed my nails in the long run. But while it was on it lasted great.

If you want your nails to recover, id recommend a biotin supplement, i take one and its done absolute wonders for my nails.

I have been getting builder gel for about 18 months now- I have it infilled about 3 times after the initial set and then have it all removed and replaced. My nails have never been longer or stronger.