What Are Soft Gel Nails? Here's What to Know About the Acrylic Tip Alternative
If you're a fan of classic acrylic tips, you may be wondering how soft gel extensions compare. While there are definitely similarities, the two couldn't be more different when it comes to the material and the way they are applied. Read on to learn all about the ins and outs of soft gel nail extensions. Who knows? You might just want to follow Bachik's lead and make the switch yourself.
What are soft gel nail extensions?
Soft gel nails are similar to old school press-on nails—the shape of the nail comes pre-made and is meant to cover your own nail completely. Unlike acrylic nails, soft gels are free of plastic, resins, and polymers. And, unlike press-on nails, they don't require glue.
What's the difference between acrylic tips and soft gel extensions?
There are several differences. One of the main ones? Acrylic nails are made of plastic. They are created with a mixture of monomer liquid and polymeric powder. Many people use acrylics because their own nails don't grow well or break off easily. Applying acrylics can take at least half an hour, and removing them can be a lengthy process: They need to be filed and wrapped with cotton soaked in acetone and then covered in aluminum.
Soft gel nails, on the other hand, are lighter and more flexible as they are made from a flexible gel, similar to the gel used in gel polish. They are applied after the manicurist does a dry manicure, since a traditional 'wet' manicure can prevent the gel extensions from adhering. When applied correctly, soft gel extensions are long lasting and less damaging to natural nails. They are applied with a type of gel polish that acts as a glue.
Since soft gel nail extensions come pre-shaped, the manicurist has more time to experiment with designs and finishes. Soft gel nails can be glazed with colored gel polish or regular polish and are ideal for adding all kinds of decorations. To remove them, the tip is cut to the base and then the nail is soaked in acetone for 10 to 15 minutes. You can do it at home, but most professionals recommend removing soft gels with the help of a manicurist at the salon.
How to apply soft gel nails
According to the brand Aprés, a favorite of Bachik, soft gel nails can last up to four weeks without chipping or lifting—if they are applied properly. Though the brand is available in salons, it also offers kits with products and tools that allow you to apply soft gel extensions at home. Here's how the brand recommends applying their version:
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Mellanni 4-Piece Flax Linen Sheet Set This affordable option was one of the roughest we tested right out of its packaging, but it softened after several washes. While some budget sheets start soft and reveal a lack of durability after extended use, this offering from Mellanni was the opposite. I was quite opposed to their feel out of the box, as they were sandpaper rough and not comfortable. But one cycle through the laundry completely transformed them, and subsequent washes revealed a breezy, pill-free linen construction. If not opting for this particular set — which ranked last in size and color options — at least let it be a reminder that any new linen sheets should be washed to show off their true quality. Baloo Stonewashed Linen Sheets Baloo's Stonewashed Linen Sheets are a worthy option if you want a weighty linen sheet. You won't get much of a choice when it comes to colors, though. Baloo's Stonewashed Linen Sheets are competitively priced, coming in under my top pick from Parachute. They don't boast a specific GSM, but they feel significantly heavier than most of the competition. That weight was comforting during sleep, and if you like a hefty top sheet under your comforter, this is a fine choice. A lack of options, though, ultimately held Baloo from claiming a top spot. Though this was the only brand that offered a split King size, the set comes in only four similar colors: White, Dove Grey, Oatmeal and Charcoal. Each piece is available for separate purchase. Ettitude Linen+ Sheet Set Ettitude's bamboo-hemp material imitates the luxury of linen well while feeling softer than everything else I tested. Sustainability is a major positive, but it comes at an even bigger price. Ettitude achieves the look of linen without flax, using a 70% bamboo, 30% hemp combination. The result is a lightweight and smooth feel I loved on warmer nights. These sheets lack the roughness some linen can possess, feeling closer to an elevated cotton blend than the 100% flax materials I tested; instead, they felt premium and delicate. A stitched pattern on the pillowcases was also a nice touch. The brand takes sustainability seriously too, providing transparent details about how they water and harvest the natural materials that go into the sheets. However, limited options and a steep price held Ettitude back in my rankings. Queen, king and California king are the only available sizes, and the color is capped at three neutral choices: Stone, Honey and Ink. Simple & Opulence 100% Washed Linen Sheet Set The sheets in the Simple & Opulence 100% Washed Linen Sheet Set held their own in comfort and design, with a soft feel out of the box. These linen sheets from Simple & Opulence were our previous pick for the best budget linen sheets, and although the Casaluna set took that spot in this round of testing, these are still a quality buy. There's a lovely satin-stitched piping along the edge of the top sheet, and the set has the weight of much more expensive sheets but comes at nearly half the cost. Are linen sheets worth it? Are linen sheets worth it? We think the luxurious feel and versatility of linen sheets makes them worth it. While they are almost always going to be more expensive than cotton sheets, the added benefits of the long fibers in linen — which provide a more tangible texture, better cooling capabilities and lasting durability — will win out in the long run. The best linen sheets I've tested will give you immense value, especially at discounted prices during sales. What are the disadvantages of linen sheets? What are the disadvantages of linen sheets? The cost and rougher feel of linen sheets aren't for everyone. While we believe the benefits of linen make the price worth it, you can still get great sleep on affordable cotton sheets. And though plenty of the linen sheets we tested were mighty comfortable, there's no denying that linen can be scratchier than cotton because of the structure and stiffness of its long fibers. How long do linen sheets typically last? How long do linen sheets typically last? Linen sheets should last for several years, especially if you follow the advised care instructions. My top pick from Parachute estimates a lifespan of three to five years (or more) for its linen sheets if they're used every day. More delicate materials like sateen are graded to have a shorter shelf life. Are linen sheets softer than cotton sheets? Are linen sheets softer than cotton sheets? No, not normally. But that doesn't mean linen is going to be sandpaper rough. The coarseness of linen sheets varies from brand to brand and often gives your bedding a deluxe feel that cotton can't achieve. And what linen sacrifices in terms of softness benefits the sheets' breathability and durability. CNN Underscored thoroughly tests the products in our testing guides and provides full transparency about how we test them. We have a skilled team of writers and editors who have many years of testing experience and ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this guide, associate writer Joe Bloss pitted 10 set of linen sheets against one another to see which provided the most value. Bloss is constantly testing and reviewing household products, including down comforters, slot toasters and pet vacuums.
