Hard Gel vs Builder Gel: What's the Difference?

At HONA, we follow a prescriptive manicure approach, this approach recognises that no single product suits every client. Each person’s nails have unique needs, and it’s crucial to use the right products for those needs. Selecting the most suitable gel ensures your clients get the best experience and long-lasting results. In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between our Builder Gels, PureBuild & PureFoundation, and our TrueSculpt Hard Gel, helping you choose the perfect product for each client. 

What is TrueSculpt?

TrueSculpt is our versatile hard gel range designed for a variety of needs. Available in three exceptional formulas, each caters to different types of clients and nail requirements:

• CORE: Our extremely versatile hard gel, CORE is perfect for both natural overlays and short to medium-length extensions. With a medium/thick viscosity, it provides a very hard finish while allowing a subtle flex, making it an ideal choice for your heavy-handed clients.
• EXPRESS: For those looking for speed without compromising quality, EXPRESS offers the thinnest viscosity in our hard gel range. It cures to a stunning shiny finish, making it a fantastic option for express manicures. Its ease of use ensures that you can achieve perfect results quickly.
• FIBRE: Infused with 10% fibreglass, FIBRE creates unparalleled strength when cured, thanks to its crosslinking properties. This gel is extremely hard-wearing, making it the perfect choice for long extensions and repairing cracks in natural nails.

Whether you’re performing natural overlays, short extensions, or creating durable long extensions, TrueSculpt is the ideal choice.

What are PureBuild and PureFoundation?

PureBuild and PureFoundation are our builder gels, designed to enhance natural nail strength and add thickness. Both gels offer versatility and can be used to provide strength to natural nails. While they are both excellent options for structural support, PureFoundation has a slightly thinner consistency and is a fantastic option for those looking for a more flexible gel.

• PureBuild: PureBuild is our builder gel, which is designed to help support the growth of your natural nails, add thickness to thin nails and enhance overall nail strength. PureBuild can be used to build an apex on the nail adding structure and support. Made with a built-in primer, we always recommend a base - either Complete Base for general adhesion or Rubber Base for extra strength and flexibility.

• PureFoundation:Pure Foundation is a hybrid gel that combines the strength of Rubber Base with the elegance of PureBuild. This hypoallergenic universal gel quickly became a game-changer for the HONA community, known for its versatility and ease of use!

Removal Process

When it comes to removal, there are key differences between Hard Gel and Builder Gel.

• Hard Gel (TrueSculpt): Hard gels require filing off and are more challenging to remove compared to Builder Gels. The strong, durable finish makes them ideal for long extensions and clients who need a highly durable service. However, removal requires filing down the product rather than soaking it off.
• Builder Gel (PureBuild and PureFoundation): These gels are soak-off gels, which means they are easier to remove by soaking the nails in acetone. For clients who want easier maintenance and quicker removal, Builder Gel is a great option.

Which Clients are Suited to Hard Gel and Builder Gel?

Understanding which gel is best for your clients is key to delivering personalised, long-lasting results. In this section, we’ll break down which clients are best suited to our Hard Gel and Builder Gel options, helping you make the right choice for every service.

• Hard Gel (TrueSculpt): Ideal for clients who need long-lasting strength, particularly those with heavy-handedness or who want to create long extensions. Hard gel is also better suited for clients who are looking for more durable results that can withstand daily wear and tear.

• Builder Gel (PureBuild and PureFoundation): Perfect for clients looking for natural nail support and those who prefer the flexibility and soak-off removal process. These gels are ideal for clients who want added strength to their natural nails. 

Prescriptive Manicure Guide

In this guide, we’ve outlined the essential characteristics of both Hard Gel and Builder Gel, helping you make informed decisions based on each client’s unique needs. Whether you’re aiming for durability or flexibility, this guide ensures you choose the right gel for long-lasting, flawless results.

TrueSculpt Hard Gel 

True Sculpt CORE is medium to thick viscosity Hard Gel: 

• Versatile: Perfect for natural overlays and short to medium length extensions on heavy-handed clients.  
• Medium/Thick viscosity: Thicker viscosity allows the product to cure to a hard finish while allowing subtle flex.   
• No Base coat required: Simply apply onto the nail or opt for a layer of PureBond.

   

True Sculpt EXPRESS is are all in one hard gel with a built in topcoat and base coat: 

• Thinner Viscosity: Perfect for a quicker service and natural overlays.  
• All in one: Cures to a shiny finish with a built-in topcoat perfect for an express manicure option. 
• Adds strength: Designed to add structural support to weak/ brittle nails 

True Sculpt FIBRE is our thickest hard gel options infused with 10% fibreglass creating unparalleled strength when cured: 

• Hard Wearing: the ideal product for creating long extensions and repairing cracks in the natural nail 
• Adds strength: Perfect for heavy handed clients who require extra strentgh and want a structure created.   

PureBuild/PureFoundation Builder Gel 

PureFoundation is our universal builder gel that combines the strength of PureBuild with the versatility and flexibility of RubberBase: 

• Enhanced Adhesion: The Key ingredient in PureFoundation bonds with the keratin in the nail to produce long lasting results.  
• Versatile: Can be used as a builder gel option or the adhesive for our Swift Tips System.   
• No Base Coat Required: With no base coat required PureFoundation is the perfect product for an express manicure service 
• Weak Nails: Amazing for clients who require flexibility and have weak/brittle nails 

PureBuild is our builder gel, which is designed to help support the growth of your natural nails, add thickness to thin nails and enhance overall nail strength: 

• Versatility: Ideal to promote natural nail growth, add thickness to thin nails and enhance overall strength 
• Built-in-primer: We recommend using Rubber Base Or Complete Base for a long lasting manicure  
• Easy Application/Removal: Convenient removal and application process 

Summary 

At HONA, we’re all about giving nail techs the knowledge to make smart choices with the products they use. Whether it's the strong, durable TrueSculpt for long extensions, or the flexibility and easy removal of PureBuild and PureFoundation for natural nail support, each product serves a unique purpose in delivering lasting, high-quality results. By following the prescriptive manicure approach, you can offer a personalised service that meets your clients' specific needs, ensuring their nails stay strong, flexible, and looking great.

Understanding the difference between Hard Gels and Builder Gels, and knowing when to use each, helps you provide top-notch service every time. With the right products and techniques, you'll build trust with your clients and deliver flawless results.