What should you know before getting nail extensions?
Everything worth deciding before your appointment — length, shape, extension type, upkeep and the artist who will do the work.
There is something undeniably appealing about nail extensions. They can add length, change the appearance of your hands, help create a particular silhouette and provide a base for everything from minimalist French tips to intricate nail art.
Beautiful extensions involve more than choosing a shape from an inspiration photo. The right length, extension type, application technique and aftercare all contribute to how your manicure looks, feels and lasts.
If you are considering extensions for the first time, here is what you need to know before booking your appointment.
Choose length with your lifestyle in mind
Long nails may look striking, but they also require some adjustment.
Practical, low-maintenance and easy for everyday tasks.
A perfect balance of style and function for daily life.
Bold, glamorous and eye-catching for a statement look.
If you spend a lot of time typing, cooking, working with your hands or playing sports, an extremely long set may not be the most practical choice.
Consider starting with a short or medium length. You can always go longer at your next nail appointment.
The ideal set should feel comfortable and natural, enhancing your nails without getting in the way of your daily routine.
Before you choose your extensions
The world of nail extensions offers several options, each with its own application, finish and feel. Depending on the salon and your nail artist, you may be offered gel extensions, acrylics, builder gel or soft-gel tips, with each suited to different preferences and nail needs.
Gel extensions
Applied using a gel formula and cured under a UV/LED lamp. They're lightweight, flexible and offer a natural look and feel with a glossy finish.
Acrylics
Created using a liquid monomer and powder polymer mixture. Acrylic extensions are known for their strength and durability, making them ideal for length and sculpting.
Builder gel
A thicker gel used to build and strengthen the natural nail or to create extensions. It offers durability with a natural apex and is perfect for a strong yet flexible finish.
Soft-gel tips
Pre-shaped gel tips that are applied with a gel base. They're lightweight, comfortable and removable with soak-off, making them a great option for a natural feel.
Consider asking your nail artist
- Which extension type would suit my natural nails best?
- What length would be practical for my lifestyle?
- How often will I need maintenance?
- What is the recommended way to remove them?
Take this list into your appointment — a good artist will welcome all four questions.
Your nail shape matters
The shape of your extensions can transform the overall look of your manicure, so it is worth choosing one that complements your hands as well as your personal style.
Almond
Sleek, elegant and flattering
Oval
Soft, classic and effortlessly feminine
Square
Clean, defined and contemporary
Coffin / Ballerina
Bold, modern and fashion-forward
Stiletto
Dramatic, edgy and eye-catching
Your nail artist can consider your natural nail bed, finger length and proportions when helping you decide. Have a conversation about what will suit you best.
Ask your artist
“Would this shape complement my natural nails and hands?”
A simple question that can make all the difference.
Picture your finished manicure
Nail extensions give you more room to experiment, but having extra length does not necessarily mean you need elaborate nail art. Before your appointment, think about the mood and style you want to create.
Minimal
Sheer nude, milky white or delicate micro-French tips.
Elegant
Almond-shaped nails with subtle chrome or pearl accents.
Playful
Jelly shades, tiny florals or colourful French tips.
Statement
Longer coffin or stiletto nails with bold, artistic designs.
Having a clear idea of the look you are aiming for can help your nail artist choose a length, shape and finish that work beautifully together. If jelly shades caught your eye, our guide to Korean jelly nails goes deeper on that finish.
Maintenance is part of the manicure
Beautiful extensions require a little upkeep. As your natural nails grow, the space between the cuticle and the extension becomes more visible and the overall balance of the set can gradually change.
Regular appointments help keep your extensions neat, balanced and looking their best. Your nail artist can recommend the right maintenance schedule based on the type of extensions you have, your natural growth rate and their condition.
If you notice lifting, cracks or damage, do not wait for the problem to worsen — have your nails checked by a professional.
Never pick or pull them off
When an extension begins to lift, it can be tempting to peel or pull it away. Doing so can also take layers of your natural nail with it, leaving the surface weak and uneven.
Instead, have your extensions professionally maintained or removed using the appropriate technique for the product used.
A careful removal process is just as important as a well-executed application.
The right aftercare
A little care between appointments can help your manicure stay looking its best.
- Keep your hands and nails clean.
- Avoid using your nails as tools.
- Follow your nail artist's aftercare recommendations.
- Moisturise your hands regularly — caring for the skin around your nails keeps the whole set looking neat and polished.
And if something feels uncomfortable, painful or unusual, do not ignore it. Speak to your nail professional rather than trying to fix the problem yourself.
Bring inspiration, not just a picture
Saved a set of nails from Meilo Inspiration? Share it during booking.
You could also trust your artist to interpret the trend in their own distinctive way. Sometimes the most beautiful manicure is one you didn't initially plan.
Find your artist
Find the right nail artist with Meilo
Explore salons and nail artists near you, see their work, find a style that speaks to you and choose a professional who can help bring your vision to life.
The quality of your extensions depends on more than the final design. The skill, technique and attention to detail of your nail artist matter too.
Before you book
- What types of nail extensions can I choose from?
- Depending on the salon and your nail artist, you may be offered gel extensions, acrylics, builder gel or soft-gel tips. Each has its own application, finish and feel, and suits different preferences and nail needs.
- What length should I start with?
- Consider starting with a short or medium length — you can always go longer at your next appointment. If you spend a lot of time typing, cooking, working with your hands or playing sports, an extremely long set may not be practical.
- Can I remove extensions at home?
- Peeling or pulling an extension off can take layers of your natural nail with it, leaving the surface weak and uneven. Have them professionally removed using the appropriate technique for the product used.
- How often will I need maintenance?
- Most sets need attention every two to four weeks. As your natural nail grows, the gap at the cuticle becomes visible and the balance of the set shifts. Your artist can recommend a schedule based on the product used and how fast your nails grow.
- Which nail shape should I choose?
- Almond, oval, square, coffin/ballerina and stiletto are the usual options. Your nail artist can consider your natural nail bed, finger length and proportions when helping you decide — ask whether a shape will complement your natural nails and hands.
