There are two different types of gel: Soak-off (soft) and Hard.
What differences are in between?
Soak-off:
As it says, it is soft and flexible and can be soaked off for removal.
It suits to natural nails overlay. It is very light weight feeling. It can enhance nails but only a few millimeters.
Hard:
It cannot be soaked off. It has to be filed down to remove. Only skilled nail technician can correctly file and remove it. Non-skilled technicians easily get natural nails damaged and thinner.
Hard gel is much harder, stronger and shiner than soak off gel.
Both of them last longer than usual nail polishes although it depends on the individual's life styles.
If you do a lot of household things which means you use your fingertips a lot in a day, it may not last longer yet it usually lasts for 2-4 weeks. Some people can keep them longer than that! However the nails generally grow 2-2.5 mm for a week or so especially in the tropic climate ; nails grow faster in summer than winter.
What benefit for gel nails is that you can touch up. We call it "infill" or "rebalance". The first applications are not need to be removed. Just file a bit and re-apply new gel. You can change the whole design or colour if you want ; depending on the design or colour you have had with the first application though. Rebalance or infill could be done twice every 2-3 week: The third time infill cannot be done because the nails get thicker. It does not look nice anymore. The costs of infill are less than the first application and it gives less damage to your natural nails. The removal: for nail polish, gel and acrylics always causes the damage of the natural nails. Infill or rebalance are always recommended.
If you have weak nails, gel gives strength. If you do not like applying colour, that's OK. Just go for clear or sheer colour. It just gives so natural look. If you have broken nails and give you pain, I am able to repair it with gel until the new healthy nails grow. It would not bother you anymore.
Gel is not only for designed nails but also for maintaining your nails healthy look.
