Gel polish or nail extensions: which suits you?
In short: gel polish is right when your own nails are in good condition and you want long-lasting colour. Nail extensions are right when you want more length, strength or shape. At Salonki №1 a new set of gel polish costs €69 and takes about 90 min, while new extensions cost €109 (short or medium) or €119 (long) and take about 135–150 min. Both stay neat for about 3–4 weeks, after which they need maintenance.
What is the difference?
Gel polish is a thin coloured or clear layer of gel, cured under a lamp on your own nail. It does not change the length or shape of the nail, but unlike regular nail polish the surface stays glossy and intact for weeks.
With nail extensions, a new shape is built on the nail from gel: added length, curve and strength. The finish can be a single colour, French or decorated, just as with gel polish.
| Gel polish | Nail extensions | |
|---|---|---|
| Price, new set | €69 | €109 / €119 (long) |
| Price, maintenance | €75 (includes removal of old gel) | €89 / €99 (long) |
| Visit length | about 90 min | about 135–150 min |
| Stays neat | about 3–4 weeks | about 3–4 weeks, then maintenance |
| Removal | €45 | €55 |
All prices and add-ons: gel nails in Helsinki and nail extensions in Helsinki.
Choose gel polish if
- your nails are a comfortable length and fairly strong
- you want colour that won't chip within a few days
- you want a quicker visit and a lower price
- you use your hands a lot and short nails are the most practical
Choose nail extensions if
- your nails are thin or split and don't grow to the length you want
- you want longer nails or a particular shape, such as almond or square
- you want an even length on every nail, even if one has broken
- you need a reliable, long-lasting result for a celebration or a photo shoot
Maintenance decides how long your nails look good
Both grow out with your natural nail. After about 3–4 weeks a gap appears at the base of the nail, and that is when maintenance is due. During maintenance the old material is thinned or removed, the nails are reshaped and the finish is redone. Don't try to peel off old gel yourself, as a layer of your own nail comes away with it.
If you want a break from extensions, we can remove them (€55) and combine this with a manicure or new gel polish. An IBX treatment to strengthen the nails (€25 as an add-on) works under both gel polish and extensions.
Not sure? Ask a nail technician
If you can't decide, message us on WhatsApp and send a photo of your nails. A nail technician will tell you whether gel polish is enough or whether nail extensions would suit you better. You can also have a pedicure in the same visit: up to three specialists work on you at once.