There’s nothing worse than sitting down for a fresh manicure, excited to try something new, only to realize you’re not quite sure what your nail tech means when they say hard gel, soft gel, or liquid gel. If you’ve ever nodded along, hoping for the best, you’re not alone.

Understanding the different types of manicures, especially gel ones, can help you achieve the look, feel, and durability you want and avoid surprises halfway through your fill. It doesn't matter if you’re a licensed nail expert or just obsessed with keeping your nails in check; it pays to know what sets each type of gel polish apart.

What Is Gel Nail Polish, Exactly?

Gel polish is applied in layers that are cured under a UV or LED light, making it way more durable than traditional nail polish. Instead of air-drying, each layer, base, color, and top coat is set with light.

But not all gel products are created equal. When people say "gel nails," they could be talking about any of these:

• Soft gel polish refers to BIAB or even liquid gel (as described below), which can be soaked off, and has more flex.

• Hard gel (used for sculpting and nail extensions) - typically in a jar and applied with a brush, cannot be soaked off.

The terminology overlaps a lot, which is why it gets confusing. The real distinction starts with how the gel is applied, how it’s removed, and what the gel is used for.

What Is Soft Gel?

A soft gel is what most people think of when they hear the term "gel manicure." It’s flexible,  is a soak-off gel, and gives that glossy, chip-resistant finish people love.

If you're into frequent color changes or have naturally healthy nail beds, this is the perfect choice. Soft gel adds strength without bulk, and because it soaks off, it’s gentler on the natural nail, if you remove the gel properly.

Pro tip: If your nails are prone to peeling, pair soft gel with a strengthening base coat to get the best of both worlds. Many manicures are ideal for enhancing natural strength.

Also, soft gel systems often work well for nail art, especially when layering over builder bases or experimenting with a variety of shades.

What Is Hard Gel?

Now, if you’re looking to build serious nail length or fix broken nails that need a bit of architecture, hard gel is your girl. This hard product can be sculpted like an acrylic nail, but it cures under an LED light and feels lighter on the nail.

Here’s the catch: Hard gel is used for strength and structure, but it doesn’t come off easily. You’ll need a nail file to remove it. That’s why it’s often a favorite among pros who create long sets or custom shapes that require durability.

So, what is hard gel best for? Think of nail enhancement techniques like stiletto nails, apex building, overlays, or for clients who are rough on their hands and want their gel nails to last longer.

Soft Gel vs. Hard Gel: Which Should You Use?

This depends entirely on what your nails or your client’s need.

The key difference between gel types is flexibility and removal. Soft gel and hard gel have different removal processes and uses. One is perfect for overlays, the other for sculpting and strength.

What Is Liquid Gel?

The term liquid gel nails can mean different things depending on who you're talking to, but usually it refers to a soak-off semi-hard gel that comes in a bottle, sometimes called BIAB or "Builder in a Bottle."

It applies like polish but builds like gel, so you get structure without using a pot and brush. If you’re working on overlays or short nail extensions and want something quicker than traditional hard gel, liquid gel is a solid pick.

This gel product is super popular right now for natural nail lovers who still want strength and structure, without the thick gel look. And yes, you can top it with any polish color, gel top coats, or even get fancy with nail art.

Helping Clients Choose the Right Gel

Let’s say you have a client who works with their hands all day, such as in hair, skincare, or as a barista. They want their manicure to last, but don’t want anything too thick or fake-looking.

You might go with a soak-off liquid builder gel to give them a protective overlay that won’t lift easily. Or, if they want length for a special occasion but can’t commit to a long-term solution, a short hard gel set finished with a soft gel color on top works well.

The point? Once you understand the world of gel, you can mix and match like a pro and make sure you’re setting your client (or yourself) up for success with the right professional gel.

What’s the Removal Process Like?

If you’ve ever tried soaking off hard gel, thinking it would melt, you know the struggle.

• Soft gel: Soaks off in 10–15 minutes with acetone and foil.

• Hard gel: Requires a nail file, either electric or manual, before finishing with a buffer.

If you're doing this at home, go slow. Improper removal can damage the natural nail, so protect that cuticle area and be patient. Pro tip: Never pick at your gel mani, your future self will thank you.

Why Nail Techs Choose Different Gels

Even the most experienced techs mix and match depending on their client’s cuticle health, nail type, and style preference.

• Some prefer hard gel for strength and shaping.

• Many-layer soft gel over BIAB or builder gel for a custom mani.

• For added dimension, dip powder manicures involve layering a powder polymer over a bonding agent, though different from gel, it’s another popular option for nail art lovers.

One thing’s clear: There are different forms of gel and many popular types of nail products to experiment with.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right type of gel polish isn’t about trends, it’s about fit. Before your next manicure, ask yourself:

• Do I want strength or nail length?

• Am I okay with filing off a product, or do I want to soak it off?

• How often do I want to change my polish color?

Knowing the difference between hard gel and soft gel can save you time and frustration. Whether you’re building bold sets or just keeping it natural, there’s a system that fits.

And if you’re still unsure? Ask your nail expert; they live for this.

Ready to Experiment?

Whether you're a licensed pro or a serious at-home enthusiast, LuxaPolish has the tools to upgrade your manicure game. From soft gel colors and top coats to builders and tools, we offer only the highest-quality gel products for every artist.