Although acrylic nails have been popular for nail extensions for decades, Gel-X, a newer, innovative method, is now gaining a lot of popularity among the most well-known nail technicians. On a surface level, both acrylic and Aprés Gel-X look similar, but there are a lot of differences that make the extension systems totally different.
If you’re thinking about doing Gel-X for your clients, you may have wondered what it actually is and whether you need a special license before you can do it. Simply put, Gel-X is a type of extension, and you can get a certificate to do it, but there are a few important details and considerations you should be aware of.
Aprés Gel-X Is A Full-Coverage Soft Nail Extension System
Unlike acrylic or hard gel, which are more rigid and can take years to master sculpting at a high level, Aprés Gel-X are soft gel nail extensions that come in a pre-formed tip. Invented in 2017 by Aprés Nail, the extension system is relatively new but is gaining popularity from even the most experienced nail technicians for its flexibility and ease of use.
There are two main types of Gel-X tips: Sculpted and Natural. Sculpted tips are better for curved or rounded nail beds, while Natural Gel-X tips are better for flatter, wider nail beds. Gel-X comes in pre-formed shapes, including stiletto, round, almond, square, and coffin, with half-sizes to make it easier to fit different nail bed shapes and sizes.
Gel-X also has other benefits over acrylic or hard gel, including being free of ABS plastic and it doesn’t require acid-based primers. It is also a lot lighter than acrylics, so many clients now prefer them over the more traditional style.
Do You Need A Special License For Gel-X?
Although a specialized Aprés Gel-X certificate will teach you how to apply the nail extension system properly, it is still required in every state to get your nail technician license through your state’s governing body before you can legally do nails on anyone. Therefore, passing your state exam and taking both practical and knowledge-based classes at a certified nail technician school is required before doing Gel-X on clients. In other words, getting your Gel-X certificate without your nail technician license does not give you the legal right to do nails professionally.
There’s also a huge difference between getting a full-fledged nail tech license and getting your Gel-X certificate. In a state like Illinois, to get a nail technician license, students must complete at least 350 hours of instruction at a licensed nail school that includes both hands-on training and practical education, as well as needing to pass their state exam. A Gel-X certificate, on the other hand, typically takes around 5 hours of instruction and training to receive and can be completed in a single day.
So, technically, if you wanted to learn Gel-X and do it on your own nails, you could get a certificate to learn how to do it. That said — getting the certificate does not give you the required license to perform Gel-X on others. If you already have your nail technician license and are thinking about pursuing an Aprés Gel-X certificate, it will provide your clients with different options and could increase how much money you make. APlus Nail School is the first school in Chicago to be certified to teach Aprés Gel-X. See our events page for official Gel-X classes provided by APlus.
