Extensions That Won't Damage Nails

As someone who has tried nearly every nail system in the books, my beauty antennae pop up at news of the latest trend, product, or innovation. So when I first heard about CND Plexigel, I knew I had to get my hands on it—literally.

But what sets CND's Plexigel apart from, say, acrylics? And does it really give you longer nails sans damage like it promises? What is CND Plexigel, anyway? To answer these questions—and more—I turned to manicurist Julie Kandalec, who gave me the DL on the nail industry's buzzy newcomer.

Keep scrolling for your complete guide to CND Plexigel.

What Is CND Plexigel?

"CND's Plexigel is a semi-hard gel, which means it is significantly more durable than soft gel," Kandalec explains. "Designed to be a multi-problem solver for flat, brittle, or torn nails, Plexigel is a flexible, yet tough, coating that glides on to plump, lengthen, or repair a multitude of nail issues. It also protects the natural nail underneath the enhancement."

What to Expect

After manicuring the nails, prep with 99% isopropyl alcohol. The Plexigel Bonder cures under the CND lamp for 10 seconds, then each layer or bead of Plexigel thereafter is 60 seconds.

Plexigel typically lasts around three weeks, and a little after that mark, the overlay on my pinky nail popped off as I was getting dressed. Much to my surprise, my natural nail still looked perfectly healthy and the free edge didn't break off or feel weak.

As for cost, this varies greatly based on skill, region, demand, or several other factors. Expect it to be at least two times as much as your standard polish manicure.

Salon vs. At Home

There are a few nail extension systems that are sold for at-home use. However, seeing a trained professional is always a good idea for nail enhancement services like CND's Plexigel. Doing gel, dip, and acrylic at home can easily cause overexposure, which may lead to allergic reactions. It can happen when too much monomer or gel gets on the skin and you don't know how to properly clean it.

The Removal Process

Gels that are hard and semi-hard need to be removed by a professional. First, the enhancement is gently filed down to about 15 to 20 percent of its thickness, avoiding filing the natural nail. The rest is soaked off by saturating a small piece of cotton in Offly Fast Moisturizing Remover and wrapped in foil. After about 15 minutes, the remainder will flake away, leaving behind a healthy nail.

Never peel off your nail enhancement. Doing so will also remove layers of your natural nail plate. Not only will this make it even harder for the next coating to adhere to the nail, but it will cause nail damage, as well.

CND Plexigel vs. Soft Gel vs. Acrylics

Acrylic is a cousin of gel, consisting of a liquid (monomer) plus a powder (polymer). When combined in the proper ratio—approximately 1:1 or 1:1.5—they harden on their own. Gel is an oligomer—in short, a different kind of molecule that requires the aid of UV light to cure. Polymers also have a higher molecular weight than oligomers, which explains why they feel heavier on the nail than gel.

Because of its strength and durability, CND Plexigel is able to be sculpted out to add length as well, whereas soft gel can only add a minimal amount of length, if any at all. CND Plexigel is one clean and simple step, an all-in-one convenient bottle that also shortens application time.

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