Answers · 15
Soft gel vs polygel: which should you choose?
Soft gel vs polygel extensions in Chennai: how each is made, what they cost at our Kilpauk studio and how to choose for your own nails.
For most people, the choice between soft gel and polygel comes down to how you want your length made, not price or wear time. At Based Aesthetics in Kilpauk both start from ₹2,200 for both hands with colour included, and both last about 3 weeks, so choose the one that suits your own nails and the shape you want.
The short difference
Both are extensions. The difference is how the length gets there.
- Soft gel: a ready-shaped tip that covers your whole nail and is bonded on with gel. The shape comes from the tip itself.
- Polygel: a thicker gel, shaped on your nail into the length you want.
If you have seen soft gel called Gel X, it is usually the same thing. We explain the name in what are Gel X nail extensions.
What is the same at our studio
Much of what you read online compares cost and wear. In our studio those are the same for both:
- Both start from ₹2,200 for both hands, colour included.
- A set lasts about 3 weeks either way.
- A refill from ₹1,500 keeps the set going, and removal is ₹700.
- Any design on extensions is a flat ₹2,999.
How to think about the choice
A few plain questions help:
- Do you already know the shape you want? A ready-shaped soft gel tip gives you that shape directly. Polygel is shaped on your nail, so the length is built to what you ask for.
- What are your own nails like right now? If they are thin, peeling or still growing out after a previous set, tell us before you choose. That matters more than the name of the system.
- Do you want length at all? If you only want colour that stays put, gel polish on your own nails is ₹1,000. BIAB, from ₹2,200, is another option to ask about.
Let someone look at your nails first
We cannot say which suits you without seeing your nails. Use the free nail scan online, or book the free 30–40 minute nail assessment in the studio, where we can go through soft gel, polygel and gel together.
If a nail is sore, discoloured or looks infected, please see a doctor before you book anything. Our line is simple: a doctor comes first, a salon second.
The set goes on the same way
Whichever you choose, cuticles are pushed, never cut. Files and buffers are single-use and go home with you. Every reusable metal tool is sterilised in a Class-B autoclave at 134°C, sealed in a pouch with an indicator strip and opened in front of you.
How a set is applied, worn and taken off matters more than its name. See do nail extensions damage your natural nails.
Taking it off
If an edge lifts, leave it alone and send a photo on WhatsApp to +91 98848 96963. Please do not peel or pull a set off at home. Book a refill or a removal instead.
Visiting the studio
We are at 11/5 Sundar Lal Nahata Avenue, Kilpauk, open daily from 11 to 8, with parking on site. Women and men are welcome. Every service and its time is on the full price list.
PriceGel, soft gel and polygel extensions from ₹2,200 (both hands, colour included) · Refill from ₹1,500 · Removal ₹700
Questions people also ask
Is polygel cheaper than soft gel?
Not at our studio: gel, soft gel and polygel extensions all start from ₹2,200 for both hands, with colour included. A refill is from ₹1,500 and removal is ₹700.
Does soft gel or polygel last longer?
At our studio a set lasts about 3 weeks whichever you choose. At that point, book a refill to keep it going or a removal in the studio.
How do I know which one suits my nails?
Use the free nail scan at basedaesthetics.co/scanner or book the free 30–40 minute nail assessment in the studio. If a nail is sore, discoloured or looks infected, see a doctor first, because a doctor comes first and a salon second.
Written by Based Aesthetics, Kilpauk. If something on your nails worries you, a doctor comes first, a salon second.