Want length that stays put? Nail extensions at Nails by Ellie Creed are built in hard gel: sculpted to the shape you want and finished so they look like your own nails, just longer and stronger. Hard gel is with Ellie or Cait, in short or long, and it's one of the most booked treatments in the salon.
We also do Gel-X, a soft gel extension. It isn't on the online booking menu at the moment, so if Gel-X is what you're after, just ask us.
What is hard gel?
Hard gel is a strong, file-off gel. Unlike BIAB, which soaks off, hard gel is built up in layers and shaped with a file, which is what lets it hold real length without bending. It works two ways: as an overlay on your natural nails for extra strength, or to extend the nail past your fingertip in the shape you choose, almond or square, subtle or dramatic.
In Ellie's words, it's for you if you're 'constantly breaking your nails, struggling to grow them or feeling like your manicure just isn't lasting'.
Hard gel or BIAB?
- ✦Hard gel files off, holds length and suits extensions and nails that need serious strength.
- ✦BIAB soaks off, stays at your natural length and suits nails that need a bit of help growing. See BIAB and natural nails.
- ✦Love long nails but prefer acrylic? Acrylic nails are with Ellie.
Gel-X extensions: ask us
Gel-X is a soft gel extension: a full-cover tip, pre-shaped, applied with gel and cured under the lamp. It's quick, light and gives a really clean, even length. Gel-X isn't bookable online right now, so there's no price for it on this page. Message Ellie on Instagram (@nailsbyelliecreed) or call 01326 450500 to ask about it.
Hard gel extension prices in Helston
Short and long are priced separately because longer sets take more product and more time. Book the length you want to leave with.
Your hard gel appointment
We prep your nails, build the length and shape, then file, refine and finish with your colour and any nail art you've added. A short full set takes about an hour and a half and a long one about an hour and 45 minutes. After that, infills fill the regrowth and rebalance the shape so your extensions stay strong and in proportion.
Wearing another salon's product? First appointment with Ellie and wearing another salon's product? Add a removal to your set. A hard gel removal add-on is £18. Removal on its own is booked with Cait for £18.
Looking after your extensions
- ✦Cuticle oil daily keeps the nail and the skin around it flexible.
- ✦Gloves for cleaning, washing up and anything with chemicals.
- ✦If a nail lifts or breaks, message us. Don't glue it at home.
- ✦Never pull or prise extensions off. Hard gel has to be filed off by a tech.
- ✦Keep your infills regular so the weight of the nail stays balanced.
Nail extensions in Helston: recent sets
Real extension sets from the salon on Coinagehall Street.
Nail Extensions: your questions
What is hard gel?
Hard gel is a strong gel that's built in layers and filed into shape. It's used for extensions that add length and for overlays that add strength to your own nails. Because it's so rigid, it holds length without bending. It doesn't soak off like BIAB: a nail tech files it off.
Hard gel or BIAB: what's the difference?
Both are gels, but BIAB is softer and soaks off, so it suits natural-length nails that need help growing. Hard gel is harder and files off, so it holds proper length and suits extensions. Want long nails? Hard gel. Want your own nails, only stronger? BIAB.
How long does hard gel last?
Hard gel is made to last from one appointment to the next. Clients come back for infills to fill the regrowth, and Ellie books her regulars in two appointments ahead so they never run over. How well yours wear depends on aftercare: cuticle oil, gloves for cleaning, and no using your nails as tools.
Are hard gel nails fake nails?
Not in the stick-on sense. Hard gel extensions are built onto your own nails and shaped by hand, so they look like your nails, only longer. A hard gel overlay with no added length is simply your natural nail with a strong gel layer on top.
How much are hard gel nails in Helston?
A hard gel full set is £60 with Ellie, £55 with Cait for short and £70 with Ellie, £65 with Cait for long. Infills are £55 with Ellie, £50 with Cait for short and £60 with Ellie, £55 with Cait for long. A hard gel removal on its own is £18 with Cait.
What's the difference between short and long?
Length. Longer extensions take more product and more time to build and balance, so they're priced a little higher. Book the length you want to leave with, and if you're in between, tell us at the start of your appointment.
What is Gel-X, and can I book it?
Gel-X is a soft gel extension system: full-cover tips applied with gel and cured under a lamp for an even, lightweight length. It isn't on the online booking menu at the moment, so ask Ellie on Instagram or call 01326 450500 and she'll let you know.
Hard gel nails for clients across West Cornwall
Clients travel to Coinagehall Street from all over West Cornwall. Coming from further afield? nails for Truro, nails for Falmouth, nails for Camborne and nails for St Ives.
