Gel polish, gel overlay or gel extensions: which should you choose?
Three services with "gel" in the name and very different results. What each one is, which nails it suits, how long it lasts and what it costs at Noir Privé.
"I'd like gel nails" can mean three different things. The right choice depends on your natural nails, the length you want and how much maintenance you're happy with. This guide helps you decide before you book.
Gel polish
Colour applied over your natural nail and cured under an LED/UV lamp. It doesn't add length or change the shape — it covers and protects the nail.
- Suits: healthy natural nails at a length you already like.
- Lasts: usually 3–4 weeks.
- Removal: should be done in the studio. Peeling gel off at home takes layers of nail with it.
- Price: manicure with gel polish and removal €38.
We use Luxio and BANDI gel polish. The cuticle is prepared with an e-file — see how a Russian manicure works.
Gel overlay (strengthening)
A thin layer of clear or nude gel under the colour. It makes the nail stiffer without lengthening it.
- Suits: thin nails that bend or break at the tips, when the natural length is enough.
- Why it helps: the nail grows out protected; many clients manage to grow their nails for the first time.
- Price: gel strengthening / minimal shape correction €45–50.
Gel extensions
Gel builds a new length and shape over the natural nail.
- Suits: anyone who wants longer nails than their own, or to even out nails of different lengths.
- Maintenance: the natural nail grows underneath, so extensions need an infill every 3–4 weeks.
- Price: gel extensions €60–75; medium infill €50–60.
Decide in 30 seconds
- Happy with your length and your nails don't break? Gel polish.
- Happy with the length, but nails bend or chip? Gel overlay.
- Want more length or a different shape? Gel extensions.
Not sure? Book the simpler option — we look at your nails at the start of the appointment and adjust.
What about acrylic?
At Noir Privé we work with gel. For most clients gel gives a lighter, more natural result, and removal is simpler.
After your appointment
What you do at home in the first weeks matters as much as the studio work — see how to care for your nails after gel polish. Current prices are on the price list.
Liked the article?
Book a consultation and get personalized recommendations from our masters
Book a Visit