what is hard gel

Hard gel is a type of nail enhancement product that is used to strengthen, shape, and extend natural nails. It is a self-leveling gel that is cured or hardened in an LED or UV lamp. Hard gel is similar to acrylic in its chemical makeup, as it is made of monomers and polymers. Unlike other types of gel, hard gel cannot be soaked off with acetone and needs to be filed off. Hard gel is very popular because it can create any desired look, from natural-looking nails to more intricate designs like 3D artwork. It is also extremely resilient and hard-wearing, making it great for long-lasting effects. Hard gel is used to extend the nail 99% of the time, and less frequently, its used for a non-extension technique referred to as a "hard gel overlay".