FAQ about Gel Nail Extension with Answers

I often get messages or email from beginners to nail technicians with years of experience asking questions about nail extension. I have collected the most asked questions and their answers below:

Is nail extension bad for your nails?

The short answer is NO. There are a number of ways that nails can be harmed. The first one is the technique used to apply and remove your nail extension. Anytime natural nails are filed too much or the wrong grit file is used, it is harming your nails. Therefore it is important to follow the correct process to remove your nail extension. Check our our post HERE on how to remove your nail extension safely.

The other reason is using low quality products that have nasty chemicals in them. It is important to ensure the gel products used for your nail extension are free from the top 10 nasties also known as 10 free. Mitty gel nail extension kit is all 10 free. 

What does 10 free means when it comes to builder gel?

10 free in nail industry means products such as gel nail polishes and builder gels that are free from the 10 top nastiest chemicals that are bad for you. These are:

• Parabens: Parabens have been suspected endocrine disruptors, causing damage to your hormonal system. Other studies have confirmed that parabens can mimic the hormone estrogen in the body, which can disrupt normal bodily functions, as well as lead to tumors and cancerous cells.
  
  

• TPHP: Commonly referred to as a plasticizer, as well as a fire retardant, TPHP has been proven to alter hormonal health and functionality in the body. In essence, this chemical can completely change your health, regulatory functions, and even reproductive health due to its chemical composition.
  
  

• Tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide: This chemical may be toxic to blood, lungs, liver, and respiratory systems, as well as the nervous system.
  
  

• Toluene: Studies have suggested that this chemical can cause nervous system impairment and immune, kidney, liver, and reproductive damage.This chemical is used to help polish dry faster. 
  
  

• Xylene: This toxin has been known to cause headaches and migraines, as well as nervous system depression.
  
  

• Camphor:  This chemical can cause headaches, nausea, and dizziness.
  
  

• Dibutyl Phthalate: This chemical can cause a respiratory irritant when inhaled in large volumes and can be linked to the development of cancerous cells, tumors, and a variety of other complications.
  
  

• Ethyl Tosylamide: This chemical is suspected to cause reproductive health complications. It is important to note that this chemical is banned in some countries such as European Commission however be careful when buying online from other countries and websites that are not 10 free as they can still be used and shipped. For example this product is not banned in USA.
  
  

• Formaldehyde: This same chemical is used for embalming fluid on corpses, which should put it into perspective for you how bad it is when used on gel products. This chemical is can cause respiratory and skin irritation, long-term exposure to formaldehyde can be linked to cancerous development. 
  
  

• Formaldehyde Resin: This is the base chemical that releases the formaldehyde we consume.
  
  

Some studies have even found that the amount of chemicals floating in the air at many nail salons exceeds the amount of chemicals found in notoriously chemically-filled places, like auto garages. Other studies have proven that these chemicals can be a threat to pregnancy health and hormonal regulation in women carrying children. This is why it is important that you choose 10 free. 

Can gel nail extension be soaked off?

Yes, Builder gel is 100% soak off in pure acetone. As well as pure acetone, you need a few more items to remove builder gel such as nail file, buffer, cotton pads... We suggest that you invest in a Mitty Remover Kit to get all the things that you need. This kit has everything but the acetone which you can easily purchase. 

What products do I need to remove a gel nail extension?

You will need a number of items such as:

• Pure acetone, this is not the same as nail polish remover or nail polish remover with acetone. You can purchase pure acetone from a number of places such as Bunnings in Australia. 
• A 100/100 nail file like Mitty 100/100 grit nail file. You can also use a nail drill if you are trained. We use the nail file to remove as much of the product as we can.

• Cotton pads, you can also use a cotton ball but I find them much harder to use.
• Something to hold the cotton pad on your nails like Mitty Polish off Soakies 
• A nail buffer to smooth your nails after you have removed your nail extension

• A cuticle pusher to help product come off and push your cuticles back after you have removed your nail extension. 
• A good quality cuticle oil like Mitty 100% certified Australian organic Cuticle Juice. It is super important to use cuticle oil to keep your cuticle healthy.

You can also get a nail removal kit that the items you need to remove your nail extensions.