1. Acrylic nail extensions

A classic technique that's been a mainstay of the beauty industry for decades. Acrylic combines polymer powder and monomer liquid, which react and harden together without needing UV light.

• Pros: the strongest and most durable option, holding up well against impact. Ideal for very long extensions or for correcting misshapen, bitten, or torn natural nails, since the shape can be sculpted and adjusted freely.
• Cons: a strong monomer smell during application (unless the salon has good ventilation), slightly thicker than other options, and less flexible.
• Best for: people who use their hands for heavy work, want maximum durability, or have significantly bitten-down nails.

2. Hard gel extensions

Our top recommendation for anyone seeking a premium finish. Hard gel extensions use a thick builder gel sculpted over a paper form to shape the nail, then cured under UV/LED light.

• Pros: looks extremely natural, with a clear, glossy finish and more flexibility than acrylic, making it feel light and comfortable like a real nail. No strong odor during application.
• Cons: takes longer to apply than other methods and requires a highly skilled technician to sculpt a clean, non-lumpy shape.
• Best for: anyone who wants a natural-looking manicure that's lightweight, glossy, and gentle on the natural nail.

3. Polygel (acrygel) extensions

An innovation that combines the strengths of acrylic and hard gel. The product comes in a toothpaste-like tube, has no strong odor, and requires UV/LED curing to set.

• Pros: lighter than acrylic but stronger than hard gel, faster and easier to sculpt, and feels natural without weighing down the nail.
• Cons: if lower-quality materials are used or nail prep is done poorly, it can lift more easily than acrylic.
• Best for: people who want moderate-to-high strength without the strong smell of acrylic monomer, and who value speed.

4. PVC / soft gel tips

Pre-shaped false nails made from PVC plastic or soft gel, applied to the natural nail using a specialized nail adhesive or gel glue.

• Pros: the fastest option, budget-friendly, wide range of ready-made shapes, and easier to remove than sculpted extensions.
• Cons: shorter lifespan than sculpted extensions (about 2–3 weeks), and less natural-looking since the pre-made shape may not perfectly match everyone's natural nail curve.
• Best for: people who like changing nail shapes often, have limited time, or want a one-off extension for a special event.

A: This is called "lifting," and it's usually not about how well you take care of your nails — it comes down to incomplete nail prep. If the cuticle and dead skin around the nail base aren't cleared thoroughly, the gel bonds to skin instead of the actual nail plate, making it lift and peel much faster. 👉 At Take Care, we perform a thorough dry manicure before every extension to fully clear the nail bed, eliminating hair-catching and premature lifting.

A: Our technicians use a technique called "C-curve pinching." While sculpting gel or acrylic, the structure is gently pinched to create the right amount of curvature — this optically narrows wide, flat nail beds and adds visible dimension. The result: natural-looking, lightweight, and durable nails.

A: For active clients or heavy typists, we recommend premium hard gel extensions in a short-to-medium length, in oval or soft square shapes. 👉 Reason: hard gel is more flexible than acrylic, absorbing impact better, so typing doesn't feel stiff and there's less risk of nails breaking or cracking under pressure.

A: (Answering this one with genuine concern.) Please hold off on extensions for now. Redness and stinging mean the natural nail plate has been peeled down close to the sensitive nail bed. Applying chemicals or UV curing over that now can cause serious burning and risk infection. 👉 Instead: come in for a Nail Rescue Treatment (an intensive nail-repair spa service) to nourish keratin and strengthen the nail. Give it 2–3 weeks to recover before getting new extensions — it's safer and you'll end up with better results.

A: Yes, and it's completely safe. For pregnant clients or those with sensitive skin, we recommend premium hard gel or polygel over acrylic, since there's no strong monomer odor to worry about. 👉 Every product across our full nail service menu comes from premium global brands using non-toxic formulas with no harmful chemical residue, so you can enjoy beautiful nails worry-free.

A: Durability is fairly close between the two (both last around 3–4 weeks), but they tend to fail differently:

• Acrylic: very strong and hard-wearing, but its rigidity means less flexibility — a hard knock can cause a sudden snap or a tear into the natural nail.
• Hard gel: strong but flexible like a natural nail, so it absorbs impact by bending rather than snapping, lowering the risk of tearing into the nail bed.

👉 The best material for you depends on how you use your hands day to day — our technicians will always assess this and recommend accordingly before starting.