Elastic vs. Fiber
We hear the names of Elastic and Fiber materials a lot in connection with gel polish, but what exactly are they, how are they similar and what are the differences between them?
The characteristics of the two materials are the same in that they are used as a base layer of gel polisg. Both are suitable for making a thin or strengthened gel polish base with them, moreover, both are also suitable for create longer nails with a paper form with cover or colored versions also. The difference can be felt in their consistency and in their structure after curing.
DENSITY
Elastic is a softer, more fluid material, it spreads easily after application and creates an even surface and a slight apex in seconds. Fiber has a slightly ticker consistency due to glass fibers in it, because of this it flows less, forms a nice surface but still keeps its shape.
STRUCTURE
After curing, Elastic creates a strong, yet flexible structure, thus easily following the movement and bending of the natural nail plate. This flexibility gives the guest a very natural feeling, but at the same time it also limits the length of the nail it is suitable for: it can hold a shorter free edge of 3-5 mm, even when sculpting on a form.
Due to the glass fibers, Fiber creates a stronger, harder-to-feel internal structure, which at the same time absorbs shocks and results flexible and durable nails. It provides the guest with a harder, more stable feeling, even in the case of a longer, 5-8 mm free edge, in the case of sculpting also.
WHEN, WHICH ONE SHOULD WE CHOOSE?
The most important thing is that we cannot say that any material is better than the other, because due to their different properties, one can be ideal in one case and another in another case. If our guest likes natural-feeling nails, if she basically has strong, flexible nails, but the varnish just peels off quickly, sometimes her own nails break and she can't grow them, then Elastic gel can be ideal for her, since we can get somewhat stronger, flexible nails with it on which the gel polish color remains for 3-4 weeks.
However, if it is a weak, flexible, breaking or splitting nail plate, then it might be worth choosing Fiber gel, because it creates extremely strong adhesion due to the glass fibers, it can also be integrated between the layers of the nail plate, and with the help of the stronger internal structure , it can provide support even for flexible, weak nails.
Finally if an even stronger hold is needed, both materials can be boldly combined with Hardener powder, which can be sprinkled on or mixed into the base layer to provide even stronger hold and adhesion to the nail.
Author:
Évi Darabos
