I Started Using the Aprés Gel X Extension Kit at Home, and ...

As someone unable to stop chewing my nails, I’ve often turned to artificial nails as a solution. The challenge? I tend to tire of my manicures fairly quickly—typically within a week or two. While options like acrylics and hard gel extensions offer durability, they can be frustrating to maintain and often come with a hefty price tag. On the flip side, although press-on nails are a more budget-friendly alternative, they tend to pop off my busy hands in just a few days. Luckily, I discovered soft gel extensions, which are the perfect compromise for my fake nail needs—enter the Aprés Gel X Nail Extension Kit.

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To better understand why soft gel extensions have become my favorite, let me explain what they are. In simple terms, soft gel extensions are ultra-thin, transparent fake nails (similar in appearance to regular press-ons) that attach to your natural nails using a thick gel polish, cured under a UV or LED lamp. What sets them apart from other extension methods is their removability; they can be soaked off using acetone like a standard gel manicure.

While Aprés is not the sole brand offering soft gel extensions, it is revered by celebrity nail artists, salon technicians, and numerous TikTok nail influencers. For those seeking an easy, at-home solution, Aprés has become the leading choice thanks to its comprehensive all-in-one kit that contains everything you need for a flawless manicure.

Meet the experts:

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• Natalie Minerva, a nail artist based in Los Angeles, California
• Sigourney Nuñez, also a nail artist in Los Angeles, California
• Eunice Park, a nail artist and the research and development manager at Aprés

What’s Included in the Aprés Gel X Extensions Kit, and How Much Does It Cost?

The Aprés Gel X Nail Extension Kit is a comprehensive package that contains a pH bonder, nail primer, Extend Gel (the essential gel used to bond extensions), a gel topcoat, a nail file, a compact LED curing light, and an assortment of extension sizes in your chosen shape and length. If you ever run low on supplies, each item is available for individual purchase. The only thing not included in the kit is a nail color; feel free to use regular or gel polishes of your choice once the extensions are applied.

Aprés

Aprés Gel X Nail Extension Kit

You can select from Short, Medium, or Long extensions; the brand is also set to introduce Extra Short and Extra Long options shortly. Available nail shapes include coffin, square, round, and stiletto. Additionally, Aprés offers Natural and Sculpted versions of each shape and length to accommodate your natural nail beds—those with flatter nails should opt for Natural extensions, while individuals with C-curved cuticles will benefit from Sculpted extensions.

Every kit includes 500 extensions in 10 different sizes, numbered from 00 to 9 (where higher numbers correspond to smaller nails), just like traditional press-ons. However, if you have wider nail beds, you might encounter difficulty finding a large enough size for your thumbs. Fortunately, Eunice Park indicates that a size expansion, along with additional lengths, is in the pipeline. “We will be releasing triple zero next year and expect to expand our [other] sizes in January,” she explains.

Having worn false nails for eight years, I recently tried these extensions, and I’m thrilled with the results! Though the application took a little time my first attempt, they’ve held up beautifully for almost two weeks. It's important to note that these extensions should not be used as a direct extension of your natural nails; instead, they are designed to cover them. They are impressively sturdy, and I’ve already placed an order for more!

For additional information, please visit Extension Gel (de,ru,fr).