Calgel vs Acrylic

[Seraphine]

A potential client has asked me if I do Calgel. I do have IBD gel (non-soakable) for gel toes, and use gel polish, but I do the majority of my work in acrylic. I told her I do more work in acrylic and she said to explain it all at her trial appointment in a few weeks.

I love the strength and feel of acrylic, and my skills are better in that medium. I also love the fact it can be soaked off (I hate having to buff off gels!). I haven't learned any soak-off gel systems yet, and have considered a full conversion course if I find a product that impresses me!

Anyway - I guess what my question is what do people like so much about the soakable gels? Is it the shine, durability, low-odour, what?? Why use a soakable gel when you can use soakable acrylic? I have a high confidence in my skills with acrylic and think I can give her what she's looking for, but I'm trying to prepare myself in advance as I think this may come up more and more.

(I realise this sounds like a simpleton question, but I'm really curious about people's opinions!).

 

[annemac]

I am still training at the moment, don't know how much this will help. I am training in both acrylic and gel. For Gel I am using NSI Balance which is a soak off gel, I have found that alot of my friends have asked me for the gels when I start up as they like the shine and it doesn't smell bad. But I like you prefer acrylic it is alot stronger and I to like the feel of it.
I hope this helps, sorry I could not help more.

 

[CurlyQs]

A potential client has asked me if I do Calgel. I do have IBD gel (non-soakable) for gel toes, and use gel polish, but I do the majority of my work in acrylic. I told her I do more work in acrylic and she said to explain it all at her trial appointment in a few weeks.

I love the strength and feel of acrylic, and my skills are better in that medium. I also love the fact it can be soaked off (I hate having to buff off gels!). I haven't learned any soak-off gel systems yet, and have considered a full conversion course if I find a product that impresses me!

Anyway - I guess what my question is what do people like so much about the soakable gels? Is it the shine, durability, low-odour, what?? Why use a soakable gel when you can use soakable acrylic? I have a high confidence in my skills with acrylic and think I can give her what she's looking for, but I'm trying to prepare myself in advance as I think this may come up more and more.

(I realise this sounds like a simpleton question, but I'm really curious about people's opinions!).

To be honest, I far prefer my buff off Akzentz to soak off Bio (very similar to Calgel). It is more durable and maintains it's colour for a French without exception.

The only time I use Bio is if a client insists on it (Bio has a very loyal client base that seem to think it's more gentle and safe) or when using colour.

Soak off gels are great for colour, because you just soak it off and start fresh when they want a change. The colour easily soaks off in 10 minutes. I use a soak off for all pedicures. I like the flexibility if they jam their toes.

 

[Doorie]

I don't think the smell of L&P should be a problem. Gigi explained how to lower it 80% with simple steps.

I work with L&P, gels, microwraps... but like 90% is L&P. Gel is for shows when I have to. I don't think the shine could be a good reason for gel, as if you use a sealer on your L&P it shines the same.

then, I'm wayyy faster with L&P as I never have to wait for the curing time even if I have 2 lamps...

 

[Seraphine]

Thanks for your input everyone!

Doorie - I've used Gigi's tip for reducing monomer smell and agree that it helps a lot! But some people (not usually clients, but their husbands!!) complain about how horrible the smell is. (I work mobile, so sometimes I have to work around the men). The smell doesn't bother me!

I use a UV gloss topcoat on my acrylics for extra shine and that works fab!

CurlyQ - the tip about using soak off gel for colour sounds good. Otherwise, I'm so happy with my acrylics, I just don't feel like converting "just because". Not that I shouldn't have multiple skills, but as a small operator it's hard to keep stock in everything!

I feel better prepared for answering this client's questions, and giving her a service she'll love. Thanks again!

 

[Mrs.Clooney]

Thanks for your input everyone!

Doorie - I've used Gigi's tip for reducing monomer smell and agree that it helps a lot! But some people (not usually clients, but their husbands!!) complain about how horrible the smell is. (I work mobile, so sometimes I have to work around the men). The smell doesn't bother me!

I use a UV gloss topcoat on my acrylics for extra shine and that works fab!

CurlyQ - the tip about using soak off gel for colour sounds good. Otherwise, I'm so happy with my acrylics, I just don't feel like converting "just because". Not that I shouldn't have multiple skills, but as a small operator it's hard to keep stock in everything!

I feel better prepared for answering this client's questions, and giving her a service she'll love. Thanks again!

If you love L&P (acrylic), feel skillful in it's application and have good results with your clients, then why change? If you get enquiries about enhancements, then use your passion for the product to sell it's benefits to your prospective clients.The potential client probably asked about Calgel, because this is all she has had applied or heard about. Perhaps she knows of nothing else. Perhaps she has seen L&P (acrylic) badly applied on a friend and thinks that all acrylic looks bad. Yes, both L&P and Calgel are soak offs. Personally for me, I can't use L&P because the monomer causes my skin to react violently. I also tried to use it once and couldn't master it. As I was originally trained in gel, I stuck with gel and find I get on better with it. I love calgel because of it's soak off ability and the fact that it can be applied as a polish ie. directly to the nail plate.You obviously believe in L&P, and get on well with it, so promote it to your potential customers with your enthusiasm and honesty. If you don't feel the need, then don't change although offering a gel gives added versatility to your service. HTH.