Builder Gel vs Gel X: The Difference Between Gel X and Builder Gel

The options for nail enhancements are now more versatile than ever, but if you’re wondering is gel x the same as builder gel, the answer is no.

Knowing the difference between gel x and builder gel can save you time, money and effort. These two products are often grouped together because they are both part of the gel extension family, but how they are used and how they wear are actually very different

In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between builder gel vs gel x, so you can choose the right system for your service or yourself.

Quick Comparison of Builder Gel vs Gel X

Before we get into the details, here’s a quick comparison chart for gel x vs builder gel.

What is Builder Gel?

Builder gel is a brush-on gel enhancement that is used to add strength, structure, and length to the natural nail. Here at PLA, our builder gel is a hard gel, which means it’s non-soakable and must be filed off during removal. (Our gel builder in a bottle is a soft gel, which can be soaked off.) Builder gel cures under a UV or LED lamp.

What is builder gel ideal for?

• Creating durable overlays

• Building extensions with nail forms or tips

• Adding reinforcement to natural nails

Builder gel offers a strong, long lasting result compared to soft-gel formulas and allows for more advanced structure building, making it a favorite for professionals who want to control apex, thickness and shape.

What is Gel X? (Pro-X by PLA)

Gel X soft gel extension system that uses full-coverage, pre-shaped tips. Here at PLA, our system is known as Pro-X. These tips are applied with a gel adhesive, flash cured in place, and then fully cured under a lamp.

Instead of sculpting length with a brush, the entire extension is applied in one piece, making the process fast, clean and efficient.

What is Pro-X ideal for?

• Speedy services

• Consistent shape and length across every finger with less sculpting required

• Clean removals with no fill lines

Pro-X or gel x soft gel extensions offer durability and a consistent shape across all fingers. This is a favorite for professionals who want the nail application process to be quicker, with less shaping.

Is Gel X the Same as Builder Gel?

Short answer, no.

While both are gel systems, the answer to is gel x the same as builder gel is a little more complicated than that. They serve similar goals like nail strengthening or extension, but take completely different approaches to achieve that.

The main difference when comparing builder gel vs gel x is application. Builder gel is sculpted, while gel x uses full-cover soft gel tips. Builder gel is built, while gel x is applied.

Gel X vs Builder Gel: What’s the Difference Between Gel X and Builder Gel?

Now that you know the basics of builder gel vs gel x, let’s get into the details.

There are a few categories that gel x vs builder gel are commonly compared across, and we’ll go over the differences, or similarities.

Structure and Materials

When comparing builder gel vs gel x, structure and materials is one way they differ completely.

• Builder gel is built to create structure, and can be built on the natural nail, sculpted or created on a nail tip.

• Pro-X (or gel x) tips are pre-formed from soft gel and cover the entire nail, and are bonded with a gel adhesive.

While both are flexible options that are lighter than acrylic, how they’re built makes a difference in speed and technique.

Customization and Shape Control

When choosing what’s best for your client between builder gel vs gel x, one category that may be the decision maker is customization and shape control.

• With builder gel, you create the shape and structure from scratch, which offers endless customization, but requires more skill as a nail tech.

• With soft gel extensions like Pro-X, you choose from pre-formed tip shapes and lengths. It can be faster and more consistent, but it’s less customizable.

If your client prefers a uniform look and isn’t worried about nail customization, gel-x is a great option. If your client prefers a special shape with apex, builder gel is probably a better choice.

Application Speed and Workflow

As a nail artist, application speed and workflow might be the deciding factor when choosing between gel x vs builder gel. This is one category where there is a drastic difference.

• Builder gel can take longer due to sculpting, leveling, layer curing and shaping once the builder gel is applied.

• Pro-X or gel x is faster to apply. Once the tip is sized and applied, no shaping, leveling or filing is needed.

If you’re a tech who prioritizes efficiency and quick turnarounds, or would rather spend the appointment working on nail art, gel x is often a better fit.

Learning Curve

When comparing builder gel vs gel x, there is definitely a difference in learning curve as well.

• Builder gel has a steeper learning curve, especially for sculpting, flooding and avoiding bubbles. Some formulas also have a heat spike when applied too thickly, but lucky PLA Builder Gel is a low heat spike formula.

• Pro-X or gel x can be easier to learn, especially for newer nail techs, as the pre-shaped tips are applied with a gel glue.

Strength, Durability, and Thickness

While both offer strength, there is a bit of a difference between gel x and builder gel.

• Builder gel can be built up thicker for extra durability and the apex can be built out for longer lengths and shapes.

• Pro-X or gel x is strong enough for medium to long nails, but it is thinner and has more of a natural feel.

Neither system is fragile by any means, but builder gel can give you more control over areas that need reinforcement.

Fills vs Soak-Off Maintenance

One of the biggest differences between gel x vs builder gel has to do with maintenance.

• Builder gel is designed for fills and rebalancing. With regular maintenance and fills, clients can wear the same set for months.

• Pro X or gel x is typically soaked off and reapplied with each appointment.

Builder gel is best for clients who want long-term wear and appointments are quicker with regular maintenance. Gel x is ideal for those who prefer clean removal and fresh sets.

How Long Does Each Last?

When it comes to longevity, is gel x the same as builder gel? With proper prep and application technique, both can last up to 4 weeks, depending on daily wear.

Cost Per Service

Both services can require investment, but let’s break it down:

• Builder gel systems overall cost less per service, but take more time and skill.

• Pro X or gel x can cost more per set, but they are faster to apply, which can result in more clients per day.

In this case, does time equal money for you? Since the cost of builder gel is less per service, your overhead per appointment would cost less, but each appointment would take longer, so you would want to include the time it takes in your pricing model as well.

Nail Health and Removal Frequency

Another factor you may want to consider when comparing the two is nail health and removal frequency.

• Builder gel allows for longer wear since you can do a fill without full removal, which can be gentler if done correctly.

• Pro X or gel x involves soaking off more frequently, so careful removal is key to maintain nail health.

For either case, technique matters more than the product when it comes to nail health.

Art Compatibility

When it comes to art compatibility, you can achieve nail art on both builder gel nails and gel x nails. If you are looking for encapsulated designs, though, builder gel is a perfect option.

Bringing Our Builder Gel vs Gel X Comparison to a Close

Both builder gel and gel x have a place in a modern nail tech’s arsenal. Now that you know the difference between gel x and builder gel, choosing between the two depends on your preference. Whether you want sculpted structure, or a time saving set, choosing the right system comes down to client goals, service timing, and your personal technique.

If you’re looking to try gel x, our Pro-X system offers full-coverage soft gel tips in 5 shapes and 4 lengths, perfect for clean, efficient, natural-looking sets. If you prefer to sculpt, our builder gel formulas are 10-free, HEMA-free and TPO-free, and give you smooth leveling, a low heat spike, and long-lasting wear.

Whether your focus is on gel extensions, nail lacquer vs gel polish, acrylic, or nail tools PLA has a wide range of  professional nail supplies for a successful nail career!

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between Gel X and builder gel?

Gel or Pro-X by PLA uses pre-formed soft gel tips for full coverage. Builder gel is applied to the nail and brushed on, then sculpted. Both systems have different workflows. Gel x is a soft gel extension system that can be soaked off and builder gel can either be soft or hard gel, depending on where you buy it.

How do Gel X nails compare to acrylic nails?

Both gel x and acrylic are commonly used to extend natural nails. In comparison, gel x is thinner, more lightweight, and soaks off while acrylic is stronger but requires filing to remove. Because gel x is a full nail extension that is attached to the nail, it can feel more natural, while acrylic requires sculpting and shaping.

What’s the difference between builder gel and hard gel?

Hard gel is a term used to describe a gel product that cannot be soaked off, and has to be filed down to be removed. Depending on formulation builder gel can be either hard or soft. At PLA, our builder gel is a hard gel formula, but our builder in a bottle is a soft gel.

Which type of gel lasts longest?

Between builder gel and gel x, builder gel can technically last longer because they can be filled, while gel x is typically replaced every service.

Can you use builder gel for a Gel X application?

No. Gel x uses a special gel adhesive to bond the tips. Because builder gel is not made for that, it won’t adhere properly to the nail. You can, however, apply builder gel on top of gel x.